The Best Value Gravel Bikes Under $2500?!?

[@johnnyjensen8805]

If my salary at work had risen as much as the prices of bicycles over the years, I would be a wealthy man and might consider buying one.

[@romainr.6071]

There is no need for a carbon frame, unless you wanna race. Aluminium are more durable and much cheaper also, and you can find a very good gravel for 1,5k (they are a bit overpriced yes) or a roady for 1.2k

[@YounanPhoto]

Or buy used and pay half?🤷‍♂️

[@Scott-ll2rl]

Cervelo Aspero is my next gravel bike. Definitely out of this price range, but I've never found another bike that is so fast, so responsive and so comfortable.

[@sc0or]

A good geometry indeed

[@DeNo1Designer]

It you don't mind making the bike, giant revolt pro carbon frame set is on sale. Mix it with a used grx 810 groupset and some all season rims and tubeless setup. Sub 8kg build there for around £2500. It's a superb ride, so smooth on road or gravel.

[@eericc00]

You can get a Lauf Seigla Rigid Core Wireless with SRAM Apex XPLR Wireless in the US for just $2640. For just $2990, you can splurge for the Seigla Core Wireless with the sick Grit suspension fork too.

[@drill_fiend1097]

Came here to say this. Much better deal and feature packed compared to ones shown here.

[@matthewstyle03]

Have a nuroad pro myself, fantastic bike for the cash. Would love more coverage of cube bikes on this channel!

[@theAverageUpload3r]

Do you reckon it'd be good for bikepacking?

[@kmperHR-official]

I was faced with a similar choice in this budget and I chose Bianchi Impulso Comp. A nicely priced bike for Bianchi, the frame weighs 960g in size 55 so it's not bad and has the potential to be expanded. And I think the frame looks amazing. The only disadvantage is that the maximum tire size is 42mm.

[@andrew.lp.mcneill]

Crux DSW with APEX is $3,500 CAD and Specialized is proud that it comes at 9.3kg. My 2018 CAADX is 8.2kg, because for less money than a Crux I could throw full Ultegra, carbon wheels, and a power meter on it at the time of purchase. The state of the bike industry and pricing is out of control, companies like Specialized absolutely deserve the reckoning (and more) that they are starting to see on sales.

[@200KCycling]

The Crux DSW is competing with the Crux comp carbon, and if you take that bike into account the DSW is priced correctly. Maybe Specialized are slightly arrogant with pricing but the problem is for a majority of us is that their bikes do find homes, there are people willing to pay crazy money for the s-works and pro models, and for that reason they will continue to market their bikes at the upper price points.

[@shimona500]

Specialized bikes have had same price with inflation for the past 20 years. These comments are like people going to Porsche dealership and whining that they are too expensive.. Just buy a canyon or a giant or a cube.

[@rosomak8244]

@@shimona500 They are not a porsche. They are still just a bike.

[@c.cycles67]

The boardman adv 9.4 shouldve been on the list. On sale for £2150 on tredz. Sram etap groupset, carbon frame etc. Absolute steal

[@mtbert9307]

But aren’t the wheels made out of guano?

[@Allride_]

I'll wait for Eurobike and Red XPLR before picking my new gravel race bike, thank you very much

[@ivanb___2217]

Trek Checkpoint?

[@matthewlewis2072]

Nobody ever goes left field. I gave a Cotic Escapade. Fabulous.

[@enzovoortsribeiro]

What about the Orbea Terra H30/40/41? They are really nice aswell!

[@gregleong2032]

Hi David, is Polygon available at your LBS? Would it's Bend or Tambora a worthy mention? Tq.

[@niklaskristensson2231]

Proud owner of a danish Pronghorn cx. Crisp carbon frame and mechanical sram force 1×12. Takes me everywhere.

[@paulgordon7526]

I got the Cannondale Topstone (Model you have advertised) on special offer for £1650 brand new 🙂

[@Outback10]

At this cheap price point 😅 Most manufacturers I could name a few are just pricing themselves out of good business to gain huge profits. The working class cyclist is getting less for their hard earned cash every year. I use a well known wholesaler because of this reason. What do I get for my money... A full high grade carbon frame, Full SRAM force 1, Fulcrum tubeless wheels, selleitalia saddle, selcof finishing kit and bottle mounts everywhere. Not forgetting 3 cool colours. You also have the option to upgrade your bike, Be it wheel set, Forks or gearing. I ride a on one freeranger and it out performs bikes double the money.

[@kiksgreebo147]

Canyon?

[@BryanIrhehlblackmetal]

really loves the light alloy like breed felt 30

[@SoManyMiles]

The longer I think about Specialized’s Crux DSW the more I come to the conclusion that it checks more boxes than expected. UDH, lightweight but solid alloy frame and mechanical 12 speed with its SRAM APEX groupset while offering the same and versatile geo of its carbon origin. Sadly, it‘s not available atm but once I might buy one and equip it with DT Swiss‘s GR1600 wheelset to get an overall great performing and sturdy bike. As you said, weight is not everything. As always, your recommendations are spot on. Appreciate it very much that you cover so many brands and categories of road and gravel bikes. Thank you so much, David!

[@bonoboboi]

Can someone please explain to me how on a gravel bike and its intended use, there is any advantage in terms of suspension for carbon over aluminum bikes? Surely the majority of the suspension is all down to the low pressure wide tires? Additionally from seat posts that don’t care if they are stuck in a piece of metal or carbon? Anyone any experience of comparing aluminum to carbon bikes where all other things are actually considered equal? Or even better, an explanation based on actual physics why it should matter? Cheers.

[@gravelDave]

Depends on the frame with carbon, some have a bit of bounce built into them, the Revolt is a good example of that. The DSW alloy frames are superb but expensive, some alloy frames can be harsh though on gravel. Tyres are the key, 38c and above converted to tubeless at 35psi and you will have a nice ride.

[@SvenfromKiel]

Thanks! Last week I tested the Grizl with Rival Etap and next day I tested a Crux with a Rival and I ordered directly the Crux because it is the more sporty bike for me. The Crux Expert 2023 ist actual £2350 here in germany which was the best deal for me.

[@kiksgreebo147]

Where can you test canyons? Thought they don't have any shops

[@SvenfromKiel]

@@kiksgreebo147 In Germany there are 2 shops (Rad Race) in Hamburg and Berlin where you can borrow all C-bikes for a testride...I did it on a friday afternoon..but I know from a friend, there are also shops like this in Spain, France and Switzerland...

[@andyrichardson4710]

Currently using my trek domane al2 as a gravel rig. Upgraded with gravel bars and tubeless wtb byway tyres. Works really well and love this style of off road riding as I come from a MTB background. I am looking to buy a proper gravel rig at some point but not sure which way to go. Quite like the Marin headlands range and also their gestalt XR range which has slacker MTB inspired geo. Good review here and you may of just made my job harder of choosing a another bike! Another one I like is the grizl from canyon. I think a 1by drivetrain is high on my list as that's what works for me regarding my mtb's.

[@fentuz]

Kinesis tripster, tripster plus (beach racer build 😮) and GX race. The masson are interesting too

[@jasonwright6823]

Definitely buy the more expensive frameset with cheaper parts than visa versa, unless one is planning on stacking the bike before the parts need replacing ;-).

[@mctrials23]

Comparing the s-works crux to the new alu one is a little silly. S-works has always been insanely priced. The next tier down from the s-works crux is only 825g vs 1400g for the alu model and you can pick up that model with the same spec albeit a slightly older groupset for the same price as the new alu crux. Its pretty poor value really.

[@andrewpaterson6505]

Has just come available in New Zealand and looks oretty tempting....

[@LordDarthNihilus]

You totally forgot Rose. Or are they not being sold to the UK?

[@kiksgreebo147]

Cool brand indeed

[@eddienoel1149]

Orro Terra C, British designed and built, great value and lovely to ride, similarly Ribble CGR range, but of the ones you selected Canon wins for me

[@IvanB2311]

David, is it a big difference in ride quality feelings between aluminum and carbon Topstone?

[@briannyob7799]

I was interested in the Canyon Grizil right up until I saw the silly seat clamp.

[@morganil93]

As far as seat clamps/wedges go, that one didn't seem that bad to be honest.

[@briannyob7799]

@sneakiz93 I've read various comments about the seat post slipping and creaking. When it breaks, you'll have to order a new one from Canyon. I bought a Trek Checkpoint ALR5 mechanical because it is extremely simple. As far as I can tell, there is nothing proprietary on the bike.

[@morganil93]

@@briannyob7799 Yeah I am not a fan of wedges either, forced to live with it on my Giant. Next bike will for sure be one without any proprietary bullcrap, but it is exceedingly difficult to find those I find.

[@SvenfromKiel]

+ me the same because the strange stem diameter size and it was too heavy for me on test ride.

[@tornagawn]

Yeah….i have a Giant Revolt with a silly seatpost… On the upside it’s Alloy with a good groupset & I’ve bought a Carbon seatpost. And I’m building a Carbon tube rear rack

[@SgtMajor82]

What would be your single choice that would best handle gravel, touring and bikepacking out of these please?

[@tornagawn]

The $64,000 question is of course, do you really need Carbon or Di2? If you’re bike-packing, is it cheaper to buy a lighter tent etc?

[@Jon_Drew]

What do you think about the Scott Speedster Gravel? the "20" variant comes with Simano grx 800 group set. Barely any good reviews or comparisons on this bike.

[@montylikesbeer]

The Sonder Camino is the best value out there, not to include on the review is surprising. A Camino AL AXS for £1,800.00 is a bargain and an incredible bike

[@alxfamas]

Cannondale is only good for the frame. If you look at the reviews (from real people), everyone writes that it has problems with the wheels and the bottom bracket. That is, you buy a bike for such money that you almost immediately buy a set of good wheels for it. Wtf?

[@Nick-y1v7e]

What about the lauf segila? Wireless electronic shifting and carbon frame for $2600 US.

[@mtbert9307]

I’ve had a 2019 diverge and a 2014 revolt before that, I’m getting rid of the diverge now, never really loved it, very much preferred the revolt. Tempted to get the new revolt cause i loved it so much but the value seems better from canyon. What do you reckon I should go for?

[@calummacarthur1149]

It’s just over but the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 should be on anyones list was £2600 may 2026

[@dasdWARf]

Went with the silex 200 as it was the cheapest way to get the frame and throw parts at it later. comfiest thing ever.

[@alexeydanilchenko434]

$2500 = £2000 (even less at today's exchange rate) and none of those bikes are under £2000 in UK (except Giant Revolt but even that is with currently available discount)

[@garagesale5948]

The next generation Giant Revolt

[@malcolmstonebridge7933]

With a non Shimano chainset.

[@Jay-qq7so]

I have the revolt and it’s awesome.

[@markprendergast3611]

What do you think about the boardman 8.9 adv ?

[@adamLE05401]

Check CTM Koyuk 2.0 and Koyuk 3.0. Slovak brand, excellent value for money. Bit heavier but who cares

[@DK-gz6vw]

Why Scott addict gravel didn't make a list?

[@andrewpaterson6505]

Hi David, any thoughts on the new Specialized Crux DSW....

[@davidarthur]

Love the look of the frame and same features as the carbon one, but value isn't amazing compared to other brands, and haven't ridden it yet

[@bazejponoc2058]

Arthur!! You are useing Crux in 56 cm frame size, how tall are you ?? Thanks for answer 🙂

[@davidarthur]

David here! 181cm ;)

[@bigbunny4000]

Does the frame of giant revolt still crack easily?

[@Techwonderland]

I’ve ridden a Revolt 3 hard for over a year without issue. I think there was definitely a bad batch. Late 21 into 22.

[@DaGreatHandle]

2.5k and you get trash wheels/hubs most of the time and will probably need to change the stem and seatpost. Whack.

[@gravelDave]

So true i bet most people that spend 2.5k on one if these bikes ends up spending another 2k within the next 12 months...

[@OkkokokkokokVideos]

@@gravelDavethen what ones do you recommend?

[@gravelDave]

@@OkkokokkokokVideos makes more sense for a big initial outlay....if you can afford it of course

[@OkkokokkokokVideos]

@@gravelDave my budget is like 3k. But want to ride more recreationally. Im 6”5 so i want to be comfortable geometry wise as well

[@rosomak8244]

What a sorrow time if someone proclaims that about 9kg is a pretty good weight for a road bike...

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Woooop wooop, first comment!

[@farhanajiwaskita6212]

no orbea terra?:(

[@paulh1860]

I bought one anyway 👌

[@mauroesse8353]

I only recommend buying the cube if you are a professional mechanic: very poor quality of finish and build

[@thakoharris]

Megamo!

[@anarkali_217]

u missed ribble bikes

[@gravelDave]

Do Ribble make a gravel bike?

[@anarkali_217]

@@gravelDave yes titanium, carbon n aluminium. With loads of mounts points

[@kippen64]

Sadly all these bikes cost much more in Australia. Sigh 😔

[@gravelDave]

Sshhh..Dont't mention the Revolt seatpost

[@Techwonderland]

Or the lack of clearance from the pivot arm of the Tiagra FD. I’m happy with the longer flipchip. But the longer position is pretty much mandatory.

[@BikeLife154]

The Revolt is terrible value with that picknmix group set.

[@DazzzTube]

I had a topstone 4 and it’s the worst bike I’ve ever had

[@muhammadibnaziz2668]

No

[@TheLennartstock]

Propain TERREL CF

[@franciscorey5723]

Sigues enseñando la misma basura que es el gravel......parece que estáis con la preñaera de la bici está absurda