6 Best Value Gravel Bikes in 2023

[@DanAlexandruAlb]

The Orbea Terra has to be one of the best looking aluminium gravel bikes I've seen lately. Great looking, especially the copper one

[@carlchambers617]

Love the fact that you consistently review bikes that do not always cost a fortune. I love to ride but am not willing to drop $5000-10,000 on a bike. I love that you show me what is available at a more reasonable price range.

[@cristianstefanescu5226]

First world problems... I use a 350 euro(decathlon triban rc100) bike and I have fun! I don't care about times as I'm not a PRO cyclist as 99% of bike users!

[@Stevenafoe]

@@cristianstefanescu5226 rc100 is a road bike, and is 600 dollars. There are also few people reviewing because of dangerous faults of the bike (pedals breaking etc). Yes, it’s cheap, but it’s also cheaply made. (Mind you, i am not saying expensive bikes are perfect and safe….).

[@cristianstefanescu5226]

@@Stevenafoe is not the same bike in us / eu, clearlly there are some cheap parts at this price point, but it works ok, and gets the job done! I have done 2-3000km with the bike mostly on the road and it's still ok (it has gravel geometry + tires here). Pedals are plastic, noname metal cartridge brakes, 7 speeds, 700 X 32 wheels, aluminium frame + steel fork. There is a version rc120 with 8 speeds, disk brakes, better shifters and and some carbon parts at 5-600 euro.

[@misterlove6225]

​@@cristianstefanescu5226I bought the RC120 after using a piece of crap MTB for 3 years. I ride for fun, don't care about time, speed, cadence etc. Even so, I'm constantly overtaking "PROs" on their 8 grand carbon bikes and 1 grand worth of spandex. It's a free world but thanks to these idiots, the idea of simple and cheap will soon disappear. A Yamaha R6 is around 10.000e. There's no way in hell a skinny bicycle can cost 15.000 yet here we are...

[@zapataboy9377]

​@@misterlove6225I've been using my ST100 from Decathlon for a couple of years (3 years) and in the last month's in using it extensivly (I'll hit 600 - 700 km just this month) and it's falling apart. The build quality is not great, decent at best

[@531c]

Great reviews there David, however the Fairlight Faran is a cracking bike for £2100 . Ive a Fairlight Strael and would highly recommend Fairlight as the frameset and build quality is superb. I believe you have their Secan model

[@maschmidt8923]

Hi David would you review Decathlon's Riverside gravel bikes? They're incredible value for the spec, be good to know what they're worth in reality!

[@thomasb.4219]

Felt Broam 30. Solid aluminium horse with complete GRX and a nice MTB-style geometry (long seatpost gives lot of comfort and flex). 👍

[@AP14141]

Loved this video.. informative well paced and the technical stuff clear and concise. Love the Giant and the Vitus. Thank you

[@davidarthur]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@n22pdf]

Love my Topstone look forward to when the snow disappears and can get back out on it 🤩👍🏅🚴

[@dirtymoney8378]

You missed one, mate. Scott offers their Addict Gravel 30 with a Praxis crank set for a $1000 US less than their Addict Gravel 30 with the GRX crank set. This brings the bike down into the range you're reviewing. And quite frankly, I don"t see the GRX crank set as a $1000 upgrade. All the advantages of a Scott high line carbon bike at a near aluminum price. And yes, I have one on order.

[@gerlachsieders4578]

I would add the steel Nicasio gravel bike by Marin, good value for a 1000-ish pound bike. However, I have my eyes on the updated Faran....

[@johnflynn4923]

Checked out Nicasio based on your suggestion - looks like a lot of bang for your buck!

[@bedathprop]

I’m really torn. I can’t really deny that these are great bikes, and that they represent decent value- but I can’t help but feel that I would like to see you guys look at something really budget- the Polygon Bend R2, the Voodoo Nakisi, the Jamis Renegade A1, even an aluminium Vitus Substance would all be great examples. Thanks for the video though. Great as always.

[@escostar9990]

Stretch a bit more on the Canyon for the GRX DI2 electronic shifting and this will make a whole lot of difference!

[@MrNewlife1968]

I'll take external cables... Steel or stainless steel frame and threaded bb.

[@kiethpederson7558]

Wheres the prices

[@James-on6iv]

The Boardman ADV 9.0, currently priced at £1600 with a sub 1kg carbon frame, and GRX groupset is probably the best value gravel bike currently available. Surely worthy of making the list?

[@halaljerkbeef]

problem with that is you have to deal with Halfords, which means you'll be taking it back 6 times within the first year because they didn't fit the crank arms/brakes/headset/whatever myriad of things they half-ass when building, then they'll just outright lie to you about your statutory rights for return/repair, feed you some shyte about "we only cover moving parts for 14 days." If you by chance get them to honour your rights, they'll half-ass the repairs or replacements over and over until you sack it off and get your bike looked at by a proper mechanic. The company isn't worth the hassle even if the bike is good value on paper.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Jamis Renegade is a steel sleeper in this range.

[@johnnyloco11]

The grizl is great but it's never in stock.

[@Thetoad738]

Another great video David, Im thinking of the Giant myself.

[@madcapper6]

Hard to beat the Lauf Seigla Weekend Warrior in this price range. Nice carbon frame along with Sram Rival groupset and quality gravel handlebars going for around $2200 US (around £1700). Go just a smidge over £2K and that'll get you the Grit suspension fork as well.

[@gregsullivan7408]

A few to add here in '24, which have tasty mullet drivetrains: Merida Silex 700 (Shimano 10-51), Marin Gestalt XR (SRAM 10-52), Marin Headlands 2 (SRAM 10-52). While I'm here - anyone know what the largest chainring that will fit on the two Marins? (max supported is 42, but I want to know what the largest that will physically fit is). I read that the Silex will fit 46 - that's nice. (not sure what the max supported is - probably 42)

[@MrRay645]

I can vouch for the Carbon Vitus Substance, its a re-branded Carbonda 696 that been out for years and has a least 8 other "brands" slapping their labels on it. an awesome bike! I must have close to 8000 miles on mine. The Vitus is hardly anymore expensive than building mine up from the unbranded direct from manufacture frame/fork was once you factor in a couple extra tools and what not. Mine is Force group and Hunt wheels. Id be careful with what Vitus recommends for sizing at least for tall riders. What they list as an XL (6'4-6'7) is the manufactures 58c... Im only 6'3" and a stack of 608mm would have me in time trial position, hardly what I would want with beefy tires, dirt, and especially loaded with bags (it comes with tons of mounting points) might be ok with 32c/38c tires, if your looking for a gravel race bike, have very very good flexibility, and are used to smallish fitting compact road race bikes. **crazy, the video mentions carbon vs aluminum for off road making aluminum sound like a positive... well my last two downhill bikes have been carbon and survived to be sold on the used market..... crazy how older roadies still this many years latter still view carbon like its the 1990's :O it can be crazy light, insanely durable or somewhere in the middle.... it aint all the same and certainly not like your road bike :) Lastly Cannondale is hardly a US brand... all made overseas like 99.9999% of all bikes....for like 20 years now (ex employee :) )

[@Trancefreakeh]

I've decided to go for the Canyon Girzl 7 AL suspension, but until then the Cube Nuroad looked very good. Good kit for not that much money ,you can start from around a €1000 with the top end being around €2000. Extra bonus: for the rider that only has one bike and needs to commute by bike as well: they offer a Fully Equiped line with hubdynamo, lights, stand, low profile rack and fenders! Probably looks a bit weird when racing, but for the adventurous rider, it offers good versatility.

[@benjaminwolf9801]

What about the Trek Checkpoint ALR-5? Sure it is Aluminum but its spot on.

[@davidarthur]

I did look at the Checkpoint range but the ALR5 is £2500

[@arnebollensen1017]

S works crux is a smoooooth ride. And very light as WELL.

[@RMILLSMMA]

Prices at the time would be handy.

[@zedddddful]

Got a Boardman ADV 8.9 for £993 with the 20% deal and 8% British cycling discount on top you can't beat that value 👌

[@DilbertMuc]

You got here all the affordable bikes that I have on my checklist for my (hopefully) forthcoming New-Bike-Day. Is it possible for you to make a qualified recommendation whether a good aluminium frame with flex carbon seatpost is competitive to an expensive and delicate (think travelling by train or Flixbus ) carbon frame? 🤔 Better have a good, robust alu frame and invest the money in higher grade components? 🤔

[@LOZUPONEJ]

2367 approximate U.S. dollars

[@edwinteranshowsaround]

What about Rondo ruut?

[@kiethpederson7558]

I don’t think any of these are under 2k

[@natwankenobi9511]

the topstone 4 is

[@SolarPowerChannelwithChris]

Really don't like 2 X gears. 1 X 12 is where it's at. Road bikes I think in a few years will be using 1 X 12.. the gear ratio argument is being closed up. We don't have anything but 1 X on MTB's. Road bikes and gravel are just slow to catch up.

[@raven5967]

1 X gear for road bike is not enough

[@AVFTSCycling]

Boardman ADV 8.9 is the best value gravel bike

[@zedddddful]

I'm getting mine tomorrow plan to ditch the FSA crank for a GRX 600 one though FSA cranks flex just a bit too much for my liking.

[@user-om2fg7yh6s]

I’ve got an Orbea Terra H30 1x - Had it for nearly a year now and although I’ve lots of fun on it I feel the sizing is comes up small. I’ve got a L/56 but it just looks tiny - especially compared to my previous bike that was the same size. Great bike but me personally Ive never really felt comfortable on it - might be down the size issue I just mentioned or maybe I just need a bike fit.

[@SantoRedentor]

I have an Orbea Terra from 2019. The first sizes came huge so they probably overcompensated when redesigning? I've always used M size for road, and I still feel that the S Size Orbea Terra that I have is too big for me. That after swapping the stem for a 40mm shorter one.

[@user-om2fg7yh6s]

@@SantoRedentor Yeah the model I had (2022) they redesigned it so maybe thats why.

[@mrlaw711]

The Canyon's always seem to have cheaper components or twist on wheels - for the money they charge. Phone support is terrible, too.

[@paulgordon7526]

Shame you hate Planet X David! I brought the Planet X Free Ranger 1x11 Sram Rival full Carbon bike for £1,299 new last year and its brilliant Take it on group rides with my Mates who ride road bikes and don't have any issues keeping up (Being I'm 60 years old I do 16-18 mph) I also have a set of 650b fulcrum wheels with tyres ETC I got from Planet x for £148 good value for money.

[@davidarthur]

Who says I hate them?

[@paulgordon7526]

@@davidarthur When you were looking at planet X on the second hand bikes article you did say no not planet X on one of your broadcasts .

[@davidarthur]

Taking a lot from one throwaway comment

[@paulgordon7526]

@David Arthur - Just ride bikes ok, not meant in any major way, I guess. It would be nice to see your thoughts on where the smaller British brand are with regards to their development and value for money.

[@rjpietraszewski7133]

What would you say is the best value Gravel bike (70Road/30Gravel) in the $1500-2200 price category? Based on your reviews I would think the Grail (Grizl too gravel focused) but it seems to use cheaper cranks now due to supply? I like the Jamis S3 but it seems a bit heavy and a bit more than the grail? Open to most brands just want the best weight and components for the price!

[@mickhurley7305]

Good review. Could you recommend a bike for a very tall big build rider. Id prefer alu. Something thats rated for 120kg plus rider plus kit for bikepacking.

[@knife1406]

for me its the surly straggler

[@rvst3682]

How much is that bike cost?😊

[@knife1406]

around 1500@@rvst3682

[@relaksj]

Surely the boardman ADV 8.9 or 9.4 need consideration? Amazing specs for the money. With the recent 30% trade-in offer plus bluelight discount and C2W, ive paid £500 for a £1200 bike. Even at 1200 its super value

[@ridgebackdk]

thing that has turned me off buying most bikes is pressfit bb... just have bad experience with them , i ride in crap weather and muddy trracks so i understand its maybe a bit more wear than most people , .. its a pain to change out over the simple threaded bb...

[@patrickacox]

The Canyon Grizzel is not affordable at $3,500USD

[@_________4292]

Missing Rose Backroad

[@invalice123]

Could you review alloy gravel bikes from BMC? Is it over priced or a great bike?

[@RobbyRob1761]

Hate Giant.... but obviously I think you're one of their biggest fans... it tells.

[@andrewcraig4119]

Diamondback haanjo and salsa warbird. I had a haanjo, great bike from underrated brand.

[@akammer1000]

Great assortment of bikes to highlight thank you. Side note, which watch are you wearing?

[@MoronMediaProductions]

Pricing? Is it me I don't hear you getting to the crux of how much each bike costs?

[@davidarthur]

The simple reason for not adding prices is that they are likely to change all the time so will date the video very quickly, and because of currency differences with viewers around the world - the idea is to help narrow down your choice to a particular bike you then go shopping for the model in the budget you have in your region. Hope that helps

[@jimotten6206]

How about telling us what the gearing is front chain rings, and rear cassettes

[@Funkenflug]

Very informative, thank you. I would have liked to see a Bombtrack Hook EXT in the selection as well. 🙂

[@stevesnailfish]

A lot of 2x set ups....Interesting...

[@michaelb9664]

That’s because these are brands that offer the lower end kit at this price point. You’re paying for the name on the frame rather than getting an actually good value well equipped bike. This list should be taken with a pinch of salt IMO.

[@brianpurcell9058]

All nice bikes with a nice price tag to be honest ! If you can stretch to it for another £800 you can get a carbon cinelli with campag on it !! 😉

[@blahblah24304]

I've got a strael and not overly fond of it, I actually kinda regret buying it

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

What are your thought on the Kona Sutra ? I'm looking for a more relaxed gravel bike that I can commute on

[@sunandmoonyogawithruth5416]

I purchased a Genesis Fugio and it’s brilliant. 🇬🇧

[@tgroberts]

On-one Rujo, £1600. Bombproof steel frame, probably get it cheaper too

[@michaelb9664]

Planet X range of bikes are better value than these.

[@dajunchaohua]

what's the difference betwen H40 vs M30

[@Paulklampeeps]

Do gravel bikes fallen in popularity this year? Thanks!

[@lukasachleitner1126]

I would also recommend the Scott Speedster Gravel Series. The Speedster Gravel 20 with GRX800/600 Mix, alloy frame, internal cable routing and 45mm tires costs about 2k.

[@dangoertz8030]

I enjoy your channel and all the new bikes you reveal to the cycling community. I've watched the growing trend towards gravel bikes and the big manufacturers getting on board with the trend. I've also noticed these same big manufacturers dropping their lines of cross bikes. Am I to assume the lines have been blurred between cross and gravel and that this latest focus towards gravel eliminate the cross specific frame? As road specific bikes get more tire clearance will we see the cross specific frame disappear?

[@sandrider1406]

You aren’t demonstrating value for these bikes, why didn’t you recommend the aluminium Giant Revolt. This is by far a more value based bike with components that will last the pace. Your report once again isn’t relevant

[@richardm9688]

Fairlight Secan?

[@daryl4841]

These look like all great bikes. I think this price point has difficulty though from what I see on my personal observations. Most people I know fall into 2 groups; they either have a LOT of money and want to pay more than this for something really nice, OR they're totally broke and can't come close to affording these or anything more than something from a garage sale.

[@dimass.a1507]

Yeah 90% of non-pro cyclist would say gears doesn't matter, even those gear-crazy people who always seek & bought the best & expensive gears. As long as it's reliable and fit well, bikes can be as cheap as 200$, or even lower if you buy used.

[@Handletaken4]

Internal cable routing is a very bad idea

[@veloway]

David, huge huge thank you for reviewing value choices, so many of just can’t consider anything else and I for one appreciate you doing this.

[@5hrsbefore1998]

the terra is $3000 to $9000 USD lol

[@SoManyMiles]

I love your videos and your way to test and describe bikes. I have tried to buy a Revolt Advanced last weekend. Sadly, it was already sold once I arrived at the store. Going all-in for the Grizl now. 🐿️

[@johnshopping333]

I’m looking for a very comfortable gravel bike for mostly hard packed and paved trails. Would prefer a more comfortable seating position but not afraid to spend money for great option. I’ve been looking at giant revolt advanced 0 and cannondale topstone carbon 1 lefty. What should I be considering? I’m over 230lbs and 5’11”

[@Daniel_Megaptera]

I had the Canyon Grizl 7 and it is a great and very stable bike. I loved it! And the carbon version is affordable with great configurations (GRX 810, Campa Ekar or SRAM eTap). But it has been stolen and now I'm waiting for the Topstone Carbon 3. I've tested it few days ago and I was very impressed. Super comfortable, the KinPin is great and you have many options to add bags on it. Just the cable routing is not solved very well. I'm 187cm high and I chose size L because I prefer a more comfortable position as well. Maybe it is a bit helpful for you 😊

[@johnshopping333]

@@Daniel_Megaptera Thanks for the reply. So many choices out there. Salsa Cutthroat was just listed as another option

[@jimmyhintz8850]

Bruh these are expensive as hell

[@gillygwilly]

what topstone version is that?

[@dereksmallsuk]

Ha ha ha 2K !! or less…lol

[@adammckinney6850]

Do you think that I should buy a slightly used rival etap groupset with sram red brakes and shifters for $1,000 U.S. or buy the new shimano ultegra di2 groupset? @DavidArthur

[@davidarthur]

Do you prefer Shimano or sram?

[@adammckinney6850]

I've never rode with sram compents before. I love watching all your videos. You're my go-to guy if I want honest opinions on all the products you test. Thanks for always putting out great content! I have a 2019 wilier cento 10ndr with dura ace mechanical shifting. The cables are completely integrated, and the shifting has never felt great. I feel like the ultegra di2 12 speed would be the proper groupset to go with and the offer that I found for sale locally on Craigslist is a great deal that's hard to pass up. @David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

[@davidarthur]

If you’re used to Shimano you’ll love the new ultegra, the hoods are the best in the world right now

[@RogerRobinson79]

Wow only a few years ago this would have been best Gravel Bike for £1000, or £1500 the last few years. I could do with a new Gravel bike as my 2017 model is starting to get quite long in the tooth. I dont have £2000 to spare, hoping prices will come down again in the next few years.

[@5891jonathan]

Buy a used bike.

[@gregmorrison7320]

How have gravel bikes improved since 2017?

[@RogerRobinson79]

@@gregmorrison7320 no but standards change rapidly. I have post mounts for brakes on my frame which make it hard to upgrade to any modern groupset. However I have seen a new lt woo grt gravel groupset on AliExpress which seems to do post mount so looking into that too.

[@michaelb9664]

How is a 2017 bike long in the tooth? Just replace what is worn out.

[@RogerRobinson79]

​@@michaelb9664 everything needs to be replaced except possibly the brakes, but the main issue is I have post mount brake mounts. So all of the drivetrain (which normally means new brakes now adays). Headset + Bottom bracket. Chainset is ok but needs new rings (Which are often more expensive than the Chainset). The paint work on the Carbon Frame is also in a bad state in general but also there is alot pealing off on the top tube where it fell and bizarrely hit the top of the tube. I dont think the carbon is damaged there but im not 100% about it either There is also some kind of semi-internal cabling that always seems to clog up (after a few year.) I replaced the gear cables myself and it was better for a bit, but the it clogged up again. I took it to a shop and they managed to get it working again but soon the same issue arose.

[@gvnrchmnd]

Delicate carbon frame?

[@ЂуређБеул]

no steel gravel :(

[@robertkeefer1552]

I am very happy with my Giant Revolt Advanced 2. I have modded it with Token Konax Pro carbon wheels, Bontranger saddle and carbon drop bars. It's a sweet ride.

[@Jacob99174]

PF BB been ok?

[@robertkeefer1552]

@@Jacob99174 No problems so far.

[@jempanuncialman9361]

What gravel bike brand can fit 50c?

[@davidarthur]

Canyon Grizl, Fairlight Secan, ENVE Mog to name a couple

[@ales_krejci]

Where is some steel?

[@zdreamin]

love my OBED

[@keefbrown]

Best value at £2000? You and I have different values of .. value….

[@5891jonathan]

Look at those welds on the Orbea!

[@andrewhayes7055]

Yes shocking

[@DanAlexandruAlb]

Same stuff you see on Canyon that's made for USA. That's a good weld, albeit aesthetically might not be the most pleasant.

[@K3CHU]

I want ask your opinion about hide or not hide wires. Why bikes like 3t exploro or others not hide their wires? I love some kind of bikes, but not hide wires, in my opinion make bikes not so upgrade. Tell me about it please

[@fisharefriends598]

I wish they’d do flat bar gravel bikes.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Build your own. I used an old Giant Seek0, bunged on SLR stuff, an 11 speed Alfine, Magura brakes and DT Swiss wheels and it is light, reliable and easy to maintain.

[@michaelb9664]

Just get a decent hybrid with gravel tyres.

[@leesaunders7232]

Vitus do a flat bar version mod their Substance model. 👌

[@ZombieRofl]

I just don't get why KZbinrs don't get that the average person doesn't spend more than 1500 bucks on a gravel bike.

[@davidarthur]

Do you speak for the "average person" then? I get you don't like bikes that cost more than that but it doesn't mean everybody feels the same way as you, it's a big big world out there

[@ZombieRofl]

@@davidarthur True, but if you look around you'll see alot of content targeting the average/entry bikers and getting lots of praise in the comments. That says something.

[@davidarthur]

@@ZombieRofl I have done many videos on more affordable bikes from reviews to buyers guides, just recently did this video on £1000 bikes but it was no where near as popular as your comment would suggest kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqi3nqCNbdSggNU

[@AntCoolSkid]

I wish you'd put links or prices for the bikes.