10 Best Gravel Bikes Under 1500: Review with Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve tried gravel riding before, you must know it’s such a struggle! That’s why you need a gravel bike that is specifically designed for gravel roads to survive through all the rocks and bumps.

Gravel riding has become incredibly popular over the past few years. The industry has launched so many models that it can be quite challenging to choose one that suits your needs and budget. After a long research and testing session on these bicycles, we eventually finalized the best gravel bikes under $1500.

We’ve also included a buying guide to inform you about every feature of a gravel bike you must consider before your purchase. Here’s your chance to have an amazing gravel riding experience without breaking the bank!

Best Gravel Bikes Under 1500 Reviews

1 Specialized Diverge E5

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you’re out there looking for an affordable, entry-level gravel bike, the Specialized Diverge E5 is designed for you.

To be frank, the Diverge E5 is one of the most versatile grovel bikes from Specialized I’ve tested so far.

To us, the bike felt like the road version of a modern-day trail bike. It allowed us to take it everywhere, with excellent performance on roads and light off-road trails.

From its lightweight frame design to the top-notch components, everything in this bike is designed to provide you the maximum comfort and control while riding.

The frame itself is robust enough for any kind of trail riding, and the integrated mounts give you plenty of options for personalizing your ride. From carrying water bottles to bags and panniers, the Diverge E5 can take whatever you throw at it!

The drivetrain also performed excellently in all kinds of terrain. The Shimano Claris groupset is precise enough to provide smooth shifting under any condition.

Our Experience With the Specialized Diverge E5

The frame

With a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame, the Specialized Diverge E5 is perfect for general off-road biking. The compact frame geometry incorporates the drop handlebars nicely, providing a comfortable upright seating position.

We rode the bike over asphalt and light to moderate gravel. The Bike held up with absolutely no issues. We had fun cutting corners and skidding over dirt, but the bike was stiff enough to provide a smooth, fast ride.

With the help of a lowered bottom bracket, a slightly slacked-out head tube (72.5°), and shorter chainstays, the overall wheelbase is also made short, which delivered a compact and aggressive, yet comfortable riding position.

Drivetrain

Thanks to the powerful Claris road drivetrain, our Diverge E5s were ready to tackle anything we threw at them.

The bike came equipped with a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, including an 11-34t cassette and 50/34 chainrings, which provided plenty of low-end gearing for climbing hills and tackling steep terrain. The shifting was smooth and precise across all 10 gears.

The drop handlebar and the brakes also performed well. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes provided consistent and predictable stopping power in all conditions, allowing us to safely descend steep hills without worry.

The drivetrain was also low-maintenance, which made the bike perfect for regular off-road commuting, or long off-read trips.

Wheels

The bike performs well both on and off-road. My personal preference is tubeless tires, so I went tubeless. Thanks to the high tire clearance this bike offers, you’ll be able to fit up to 700c / 29? tires.

With narrower tires, the bike provided superior agility and maneuverability on city roads. The wider tires ensured better grip and traction on off-road trails.

However, it would not be wise to expect full MTB features from this mid-level gravel bike. On our trail ride, the lower bottom bracket created issues clearing medium-sized rocks and logs a bit hard. The rattling sound coming from the down tube was a little annoying.

Components

Thanks to its higher-quality components, the Diverge E5 required less maintenance and tuning to provide a smooth performance. The Claris groupset requires a small amount of tuning for perfect shifting, but other than that, the bike is a beast!

To our surprise, the l brakes were powerful enough in all road conditions, considering they are mechanical.

The internal cable management, however, could’ve been improved with some inner foam installation. The continuous rattling of the cable hitting the frame seems annoying to one of our riders.

Although the bike has plenty of mounting points, it’s not very good at keeping balance with heavy weights. The bike will be harder for you to control if you carry too much.

Bonus Features

• There are plenty of mounting options for carrying necessary stuff around
• The bike works well on both on and off-road
• The drop bar allowed multiple positions, offering a comfortable grip

What We Didn’t Like

• Doesn’t come with Specialized’s signature Future Shock micro-suspension system
• Internal cable management could’ve been better
• The tires struggled a bit in wet weather conditions

Who is it Great for

The Specialized Diverge E5 is the perfect choice for you if you:

• Want reliable performance both on and off-road
• Are looking for an entry-level gravel bike
• Need more control and comfort on your rides
• Searching for low-maintenance gravel bikes
• Want high customizability from your bike

Specifications

Pros

• Sturdy and lightweight frame design
• Superior control over your ride in on- and off-road
• Upright seating position
• High-quality components
• Power 2 x 8 drivetrain
• Affordable price
• Multiple mounting options
• High tire clearance
• A perfect combination of agility and nimbleness
• Multiple color finishes

Cons

• The low bottom bracket makes it harder to ride on rough terrain
• The cable rattling may feel annoying to some riders
• The bike doesn’t perform well with heavy weights or over wet surfaces

2 Cannondale Topstone 3

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Topstone 3 is the latest addition to Cannondale’s gravel bike lineup. If you’re looking for an affordable and high-performing gravel bike, the Topstone 3 can be a perfect choice for you.

Thanks to the carbon forks and alloy frame, the bike was incredibly lightweight and durable. The wider tire clearance allowed us to customize our ride and our riders loved it.

This versatile bike came with a lightweight frame, stable geometry, robust tires, high-quality forks, and quality components from Shimano.

The bike performed great over asphalt. Our bike had a tough time on a medium trail but passed light singletracks effortlessly. If you’re out there looking for a great gravel bike that fits your budget, the Cannondale Topstone 3 can be one of the best gravel bikes for you.

Our Experience With the Cannondale Topstone 3

The frame

It’s hard not to be biased toward the elegant frame design Cannondale has provided with this bike. The Aluminum alloy frame is durable, lightweight, and came with a slick outlook.

With the help of full-carbon forks and high-performing Shimano shifters, our rides with the Cannondale Topstone 3 were buttery smooth.

The bike is built around the same aluminum frame and tapered full-carbon fork, featuring internal cable routing, thru-axles, and flat-mount discs.

The comfortable frame geometry of the Cannondale Topstone 3 provided a wide range of gear options and superior control needed for off-road riding, and we’re happy with it.

Drivetrain

The Cannondale Topstone 3 is equipped with the reliable Shimano Sora 9-speed drivetrain. If you’re a fan of brake modulation, but need enough stopping power to take down light to medium trails, the bike will become an extension of your body in no time.

Thanks to the balancing body position, and powerful drivetrain, our bikes provided the perfect combination of agility and flexibility over a range of different terrains. We felt the bike was a bit slower over asphalt roads.

However, we felt the bike was a bit slower over asphalt roads. But that’s manageable as the bike is primarily designed to grind gravel.

Wheels

Our rides with the Cannondale Topstone 3 were extremely comfortable due to the wide tires on this bike. The comfort level was further enhanced by the wider wheelbase and long chainstays, providing us with a stable ride even when we hit rough trails.

The bike comes with a pair of 700c x 37 mm wide tires. The rims were lightweight and strong, providing us with efficient speed and control when cruising flat and downhill trails.

The wheel size sits between the traditional 700c road wheel size and a mountain bike wheel size. This allows you to easily switch from gravel or dirt roads to asphalt roads.

Components

The Cannondale Topstone 3 was equipped with a few components from Shimano, including the Sora shifters, 9-speed drivetrain, and brakes.

The bike also came with reliable wheels, a comfortable saddle, and an adjustable stem to make sure you get a proper fit when riding. This ensures that riders of different body heights can get the most out of their ride.

Some other mention-worthy components include the flat handlebar, which allows you to stay in control while taking on tough terrain.

The rims were also strong and light, ensuring that riders get enough speed without compromising on safety.

Bonus Features

What We Didn’t Like

• Padal should’ve been included into the packaging
• The internal cable routing could’ve been better
• The bike should’ve used hydraulic disc brakes instead of mechanical ones

Who is it Great for?

The Cannondale Topstone 3 is a perfect choice for you if you:

• Looking for an affordable, high-performance gravel bike
• Spend most of your time off-road
• Want a customizable gravel bike under $1500
• Searching for the perfect entry-level gravel bike

Specifications

Pros

• Responsive and balanced handling
• Easy acceleration and superior maneuverability over rough terrains
• Plenty of mounting options
• Tubeless-ready tires offer better traction
• A balanced riding position for both aggressive and nimble riding
• Beginner-friendly and affordable
• Great value for price
• The frame is dropper post ready

Cons

• Hard to climb uphill
• A little slow over concrete street

3 Tommaso Illimitate Gravel Adventure Bike (Gravel Bike Under 1500 USD)

Tommaso is one of the most reliable brands for bicycles. The Illuminate is one of the most popular and expensive gravel bike models that are rich in amazing features. No matter if you’re a beginner or expert cyclist, this model will surely impress you with its high performance and speed.

This bike weighs 24.9 pounds – lighter than the Tommaso Sterrata and the Sentiero. Like the other Tommaso bikes on this list, the Illimitate also comes with a durable aluminum frame. Besides, the high-modulus carbon fork enhances your comfort and reduces road vibrations.

It’s the first Tommaso model that comes with a full Shimano Tiagra groupset. With our years of experience, we have always been impressed with the Shimano Tiagra componentry. With its drivetrain, shifting becomes smooth and easy. You can ride in pretty much every condition with this awesome bike.

Whether you’re riding on flat paved roads or climbing off-roads, you’ll have excellent control and stopping power with the mechanical disc brakes. Moreover, it offers you more speed than the Cinelli Zydeco which comes in a similar price range.

We were quite impressed with its wide 700 x 40c tires that provided optimum traction. The wheels were also sturdy enough to survive plenty of abuse on gravels during our test ride.

Furthermore, the handlebar design is quite comfortable and relieves pressure on your wrists. Like all other Tommaso bikes, it also features a WTB Volt saddle that provides you great comfort.

Overall, we were absolutely happy with its performance. However, we would suggest you to get a professional assembly for this bike since it is quite difficult to assemble it.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable
• Ergonomic design
• Excellent stopping power
• Powerful speed
• Versatile
• High-performance
• Comfortable

Cons

• Requires professional assembly

Our Verdict

The combination of an aluminum frame and carbon fork is a show-stopper for the Tommaso Illimitate. You won’t have to worry about the durability and comfort level of this best gravel bike under 1500 dollars. It is capable of delivering you a powerful performance in every weather condition and on all terrains. Though this bike’s price is on the higher end, it can be the ideal choice for you if you’re willing to spend more money on a high-end gravel bike.

4 Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Adventure Bike (Gravel Bike Under 1000 USD)

The Sterrata is another popular model from Tommaso that comes just under $1000. It’s one of the top-rated gravel bikes on Amazon. With such positive responses from users, it’s needless to say it’s a great adventure bike for cycling enthusiasts.

It weighs a bit more than the Illimitate but you can handle it nicely. The 6061 aluminum frame combined with a high-modulus carbon fork makes this bike extremely durable and efficient. The frame has premium-shaped tubes that provide enough room for your legs and knees to make your rides more comfortable and fun.

Moreover, there are drills on the frame to mount racks and fenders. So, you can even turn this gravel bike into a commuter.

The Sterrata comes with a Shimano Claris groupset just like the Sentiero. The Shimano Claris components offer you great speed, performance, and durability. This model offers you more speed options than Illimitate. With 24 various speed options to choose from, you can ride on a wide range of terrains.

We found the derailleurs and shifters work in great harmony with its drivetrain to ensure consistent and smooth shifting. What’s more, this bike has great stopping power even in extreme conditions. You get the ultimate control with the disc brakes combined with its rugged wheels.

However, we found it a challenging task to adjust the disc brake calipers. But the good news is, this model is a ready-to-ride bike. You just need to install additional parts such as pedals, handlebars, and the seat. We suggest you install these parts from any mechanic of a bike shop.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable and strong
• Smooth shifting
• Higher speed
• Great stopping power
• Versatile
• Lifetime warranty
• Moderately priced

Cons

• Adjusting disc-brake calipers is a bit difficult

Our Verdict

If you’re a serious rider looking for a smooth ride with minimum vibration on rugged road tours, you’ll be satisfied with the Tommaso Sterrata. This bike is worth your every penny. All the components as well as the various gearing options offer you a superior performance.

5 Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike (Gravel Bike Under 500 USD)

The Mongoose Men’s Elroy is one of the most affordable options out there. Though it comes at a low price, it doesn’t compromise with the quality at all. In fact, it’s one of the most reviewed adventure bicycles on Amazon.

This bike features an excellent sleek design and geometry that allows you a comfortable riding position. It has a sturdy construction. The alloy frame combined with steel suspension fork add to its durability and dampen vibration.

The best feature of this bike is its 40mm wide tires. You can’t find such wide tires on any gravel bike at this price range. Consequently, it offers you traction and grip on the road just like the expensive models.

What we loved the most about this bike was its large front rack that would allow you to carry all your essential things. This rack includes a built-in bottle opener too. Additionally, you get an integrated large frame bag and room for three bottle mounts to stay hydrated during your ride.

The 2×7 Shimano drivetrain and Shimano Tourney derailleurs help keep your ride steady. It offers you only 14 gear range, but it still is more than what a high-end model like the Cinelli Zydeco offers.

This model, however, is heavier compared to any aluminum or carbon gravel bikes. But we didn’t feel it was too heavy to handle. The assembly of this bike was also easier and quicker for us than most other models in this category.

Specifications

Pros

• Versatile
• Large front rack
• Integrated frame bag
• Stable geometry
• Internally routed cables
• Easy assembly
• Affordable price

Cons

• Heavy
• Less gear range

Our Verdict

If you need a stylish looking versatile gravel bike and don’t have much cash to spare, the Mongoose Men’s Elroy is the most perfect option for sale. You can take this bike with you on any camping trip, ride to work, or for casual cycling.

This sporty and stunning bike is perfect for any of your adventurous rides. We recommend you keep it at the top of your options if you’re looking for a bike within $500.

6 Raleigh Bikes Cadent 3 Hybrid Bike

This is another Raleigh product on our list, but it’s a hybrid bike. This bike is one of the best choices available in the market for fitness and urban commuting.

The Cadent 3 has a butted aluminum frame combined with a carbon fork that helps keep the bike’s weight low. It efficiently absorbs the road vibrations. It, unlike other models, doesn’t have any water bottle holder. But there are pre-drilled holes where you can mount two bottle cages.

The 700x35c tires with double-wall rims provide a smooth and good grip on city roads and muddy paths. Additionally, the low-angled stem of the riser or flat bar allows you a good position to stand up, cycling uphill, and reach faster speeds.

It comes with the standard Shimano Claris groupset just like the Tommaso Sterrata. However, it offers you less speed gears. Still, the 16-speed gears are good enough for cycling on city streets or bike trails. Besides, the Shimano RAPIDFIRE PLUS shifters on this bike work excellent.

The hydraulic disc brakes ensure a great stopping power regardless of the weather condition. So you’re sure to have full control over this bike.

Moreover, assembling this model is quite easy. It took only an hour and a half for us to fully assemble this bike.

One downside about the bike we found was its saddle quality. It could have been better. Though it’s about personal preference, you can change the saddle if you don’t find it comfortable.

Specifications

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• High-quality components
• Efficiently absorbs vibrations
• Comfortable
• Smooth gearing
• Sturdy frame

Cons

• Poor quality saddle
• No water bottle holder

Our Verdict

The Raleigh Cadent Series is a combination of a lightweight road bike and a sturdy mountain bike. It’s a great choice for urban riders for a fast and comfortable ride around the city. It definitely offers you a full return of your invested money. So, if you want a super urban ride and get a great workout, this bike is for you.

7 Tommaso Sentiero Shimano Claris Gravel Bike

The Sentiero is a top in the Tommaso product line for multi-terrain rides. This model is a bit heavier than the other Tommaso models on our list. But at the cost of some weight, the 6061 aluminum frame and SST steel fork make it extremely durable. Besides, this bike is sleek and looks gorgeous with a matte black finish.

It’s fully equipped with a Shimano Claris groupset. You can expect to get the highest pedaling efficiency. The drivetrain offers you 24-speed options. With such Sentiero is a top in the Tommaso product line for multi-terrain rides. This model is a bit heavier than the other Tommaso models on our list. But at the cost of some weight, the 6061 aluminum frame and SST steel fork make it extremely durable. Besides, this bike is sleek and looks gorgeous with a matte black finish.

It’s fully equipped with a Shimano Claris groupset. You can expect to get the highest pedaling efficiency. The drivetrain offers you 24-speed options. With such a wide range of speed options, you can handle pretty much every terrain- from flat surfaces to rocky heights.

Moreover, the Avid BB5 disc brakes work exceptionally well to stop immediately in any conditions. You will get stability and great versatility with its 700x 40c wide tires.

Furthermore, you can turn this bike into a commuter bike simply by mounting racks and fenders on its pre-drilled holes of the frame. However, this model lacks a kickstand.

Like all other Tommaso models, the Sentiero comes with a comfortable WTB Volt saddle. Even the compact handlebars are pretty comfortable for long rides.

We found the assembly process pretty complex. You should seek professional help to assemble this bike without damaging any parts.

Specifications

Pros

• All-terrain capability
• Smooth shifting
• Great finish and stylish look
• Excellent stopping power
• Durable
• Wide tires

Cons

• Requires professional assembly
• No kickstand

Our Verdict

The Tommaso Sentiero offers you optimal control and superior stopping power and can handle the extra weight. It’s a high-quality gravel bike that is fairly priced. We couldn’t find any significant drawback of this bike that may hamper its performance. If you want an extremely versatile gravel bike, this Tommaso model can be the perfect fit for you.

8 Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike, 700c Large

The Giordano Trieste is another cheap steel gravel bike on our list that is cheaper than the Raleigh Cadent 3 or the Willard 3. It still offers some unique features for the price.

It has a Chromoly steel frame and fork combination that absorbs the road vibrations pretty well. This combination also makes the bike extremely strong. The sturdy construction makes it ideal for bumpy roads or any adventures.

This model weighs 29 pounds, which is comparatively heavier than the models in the same category. But it doesn’t feel heavy when you ride on it.

What impressed us most about this bike was its Shimano Claris components. The 16-speed STI shifters, drivetrain, kickstand, double-walled alloy rim, disc brakes, and reflectors altogether make this bike suitable for riding on all types of terrains.

Whether you’re a young or old cyclist, you’ll find a good fit since this bike comes in a range of sizes like other Giordano models like Giordano Libero 2.0 or Giordano Rapido. Besides, the drop bar handles are quite comfortable. What’s more, the mechanical disc brakes offer you superior stopping power in tough road conditions.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable frame
• Great brake power
• Easy to control
• Versatile
• Powerful alloy rims
• Affordable price

Cons

• Comparatively heavier
• Flimsy gear hanger

Our Verdict

If you’re a bike enthusiast looking for a quality gravel bike with an affordable price tag, the Giordano Trieste is your ideal choice. This bike feels more like a high-end road bike. It’s good looking and functions smoothly. With the Giordano Trieste, you’re bound to enjoy your every ride.

9 Cinelli Zydeco Gravel Bicycle Full Color Medium

This is the most expensive gravel bike on our list. From the price you can guess that this bike has a lot of high-end features to offer. It’s made up with all the high-quality components.

Cinelli Zydeco comes with a Columbus Zonal alloy frame, which has a cyclocross geometry. It has a high bottom bracket, sharp steering, and a shorter reach- so it makes the perfect shape for a racing competition.

We just loved this bike’s look. It looks stunning with the rainbow color. Moreover, it weighs only 23 pounds, so it won’t be too difficult for you to handle. You can easily float over any terrain.

It is equipped with SRAM Apex 1 groupset that you can get only with the expensive models. With the 46/36 chainset and 12-28 cassette, you can pedal through most climbs.

The 700c wheels survived a lot of abuse during our test ride. We must say it’s pretty strong. The brakes also work fine. Moreover, the well-shaped handlebars are pretty comfortable.

This feature-rich model, however, offers only 11 different speeds. Most other models in this price range offer more speeds. But with this speed variation, you can still comfortably run on any trails or pavement.

We experienced the front fork clogging up in muddy condition. You should be careful about that.

Specifications

Pros

• Stylish design
• Fully routed internal cable
• Wide tires
• Extremely versatile
• Lightweight
• Comfortable to use
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Front fork clogs up in muddy condition

Our Verdict

If price is not that much of a concern for you, we’ll recommend you the Cinelli Zydeco for a super fun ride. You can use it as a commuter bike, a racing bike, or an urban bike. The finish, colors, and graphics make it a gorgeous gravel bike to show off.

10 Generic 700c Men’s Kent RoadTech Road Bike

This is the cheapest model on our list. It comes at an incredibly low price, just under $300, but still offers some unique features that make it a great value for money product.

The Men’s Kent bike comes with a steel frame. So, it’s durable and has a sturdy construction but a bit heavy because of the frame. After assembly, the total dimensions of the bike are 69″x18″x38″. Though huge, expert riders would feel comfortable handling this vehicle.

It is equipped with Shimano shifters that allow you smooth and safe shifting when you take off your hands from the handlebars. Moreover, it offers you 21 different speed options. So you can ride on different terrains simply by adjusting the speed. You can’t find so many speed options with a bike at this price point!

This model comes with an excellent brake system consisting of Shimano brake levers and alloy calipers. We were pretty impressed with the stopping power even when riding at high speed. Besides, the 700x25c tires provide a lot of traction.

The pedals of this bike are highly responsive that won’t break even after a sudden load impact. We thought the best part was its Vitesse racing seat that’s among the most comfortable ones.

Specifications

Pros

• Robust construction
• Standard quality pedals
• Comfortable saddle
• Low price
• High-performance tires
• Smooth-shifting

Cons

• Low-grade gears
• Huge in size

Our Verdict

If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise with quality, look no further and get your hands on the Generic Men’s Kent RoadTech bike. All the features it offers are really surprising for the price. It’s durable and versatile enough to be used for casual cycling, plain commuting, or even racing.

Why Ride a Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are specifically designed for riding on gravel. They are extremely durable. They are pretty much capable of running on any terrains since they have wider tires. They are extremely popular these days among bike riders. A gravel bike offers you a lot of amazing features.

This bike gives you so many cycling options. You can use it as a road bike to ride on flat surfaces. You can use it as a race cyclocross too. Whether you use it for winning a racing competition like Dirty Kanza or Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder or for a tour, you’re sure to get a lot of comfort as well as fun by riding on the best gravel bikes under $1500.

You can also put on fenders to use them as bicycles for regular commutes. And of course, you can use a gravel bike for any adventurous ride. It’s always a good idea to use only gravel bikes for gravel, because they provide the maximum support to the rider.

Best Gravel Bikes Under 1500 [Buying Guide]

1. Frame Material

Gravel bikes can come in different materials including steel, carbon, aluminum, and titanium. GT grade carbon is the lightest and most durable frame material. Aluminum is lighter than steel, but steel is more durable than aluminum. Alloy (a mix of several metals and other elements) is also commonly used today and there’s even 3D printed alloy.

2. Geometry

A gravel bike’s wheelbase is quite long due to its long chainstays and head-tube angles. The rider can have an upright and more relaxed position because of the tall head tubes. You’ll also find the bottom brackets lower. Because of such geometry, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable when riding on a gravel grinder bike.

3. Weight

It’s extremely important that you consider the weight of your bike. A light bike will be easily portable and make your ride more enjoyable. As mentioned earlier, the frame material has the biggest role to play in determining a bike’s weight.

4. Brakes

Brakes are an extremely important part for a bicycle. You can get a gravel bike with different brake options, including cantilever, mechanical disc, and hydraulic disc brakes.

5. Gearing

Gearing is another important factor. Depending on the terrain, gravel bikes generally feature wide-range cassettes and compact gearing. The 48/32t or 50/34t cranksets are most common.

6. Bike speed

Some bikes come with a single speed option while some bikes’ speed can be adjusted. It depends on personal needs and preferences. But bear in mind that more speed options can sometimes lead to a system failure.

7. Suspension

A gravel bike has a built-in active or passive suspensions system. It can be in the form of a bowed top-tube, slender chainstays, or skinny seatpost. Some e-bikes even use full suspension forks like Lefty Oliver or Lauf-Grit fork.

8. Type of Shifters

Shifters allow you to adjust gears according to the terrain. The most common type shifters include road shifters, indexed shifters, MTB shifters, and friction shifters.

9. Tires

Given the terrain, gravel bikes come with different types of tires. Most tire sections are wide and usually range between 30 mm to 48 mm. If you intend to use the bike on the road, you should get very smooth tires to limit rolling resistance. But for rough terrains, get tires that have crampons since they will provide more traction. I personally love the 29er tires though.

10. Tubeless or Inner Tube

Many riders prefer tubeless tires for their gravel bikes because they are usually more resistant and require lower pressure.

11. Transmission

You may use a compact with 11/32 or 11/34 cassette, which make the bike versatile both vertically and horizontally.

12. Gravel hanger

Most gravel bikes are used with hangers unlike the regular bikes. You can either choose a flat hanger or a customized gravel hanger. It all depends on your experience, choice, and practice.

13. Drivetrain

The drivetrain is actually the engine of your bike. If you ignore this part, it will cost a lot when the drivetrain will have issues. Make sure the drivetrain of your gravel bike is a good one.

14. Budget

• Bikes under $500

These are entry level bikes mainly for beginners.

• Bikes under $1000

These bikes are great for the money. They make an excellent balance between the essential features and the price.

• Bikes under $2000

These are the most advanced bikes with high-end features.

Care & Maintenance Tips

A gravel bike needs a lot more care and maintenance than a regular bike. We have some useful tips for you to make sure your bike lasts longer and performs better.

• Make an inspection on your bike components before every ride. You can make adjustments to lose components with any bike multitool.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Check the sidewalls for tire pressure. Also, make sure to have your pump and patch kit before riding.
• Squeeze the brake levers to check whether the brakes function smoothly. If your brake pads have wear indicators, don’t go beyond that indicated line.
• Always keep the chain lubricated and the gears clean. You can easily do that with a clean rag, brush, and bike chain lubes. Don’t over-lubricate though. Carefully wipe away excess lube.
• Remember to keep all the nuts and bolts tight. Loose parts can cause wear and tear, leading to a poor performance. Don’t over-tighten because the components can get damaged.
• Get your bike serviced from a bike mechanic at least twice a year.

Gravel Bike Riding Tips

• Keep your elbows bent and have a relaxed grip over the handlebars. Just stay relaxed because if there is any tension in your body, you won’t be able to handle the bike.
• Keep your knees soft when descending. Also, keep them apart so that the bike can soak up the road bumps.
• When you corner on the road, lean your body with the bike. When on off-road terrains, keep your body upright.
• Always focus on your line and look ahead to the trail.
• When you’re skimming over a rough section, unweight your bike.
• If your gavel bike uses tubeless tires, run on lower pressure.
• Wear mountain bike shoes with two-bolt (SPD) cleats.
• Always ride at a healthy speed and have good control over your cycle. Don’t go too fast or too slow.

A Word from GearbikesReview

We tried to discuss all the points and give a detailed and comprehensive guide so that you can choose the perfect model among the best gravel bikes under 1500 dollar.

We think the most important things you should consider before buying a gravel bike are your needs, riding style, and of course, your budget. Among all the bikes we tested, the Tommaso Illimitate and Sterrata are the best you can get as far as versatility and comfort are concerned. We would recommend you the Mongoose Men’s Elroy any day if you’re on a tight budget.

If you’re particularly looking for a bike for racing, our award goes to the Tommaso Sentiero.

We hope we could contribute in your search to find your dream gravel bike. As gravel biking is becoming more and more popular every day and many other new models are coming on the way, we’ll keep testing and reviewing new products and updating you with the best products on the market.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a mountain bike and a gravel bike?

Ans: The main difference is speed. A gravel bike is way faster than a mountain bike. It’s also more versatile. Gravel bikes can handle various terrains without compromising your comfort.

2. What’s the difference between gravel bikes and road bikes?

Ans: A gravel bike is a combined form of a road bike and cyclocross. There are still some differences between a gravel bike and road bike. A gravel bike is usually more durable. It has wider tires to comfortably handle rough surfaces. It also mostly uses hydraulic disc brakes unlike a road bike.

3. Is there any difference between Cyclocross and gravel bikes?

Ans: Although there are many similarities between a gravel bike and cyclocross, there are a few significant differences too. A gravel bike’s frame is heavier compared to a cyclocross. The former has eyelets for mudguards, which the latter lacks. Moreover, the riding position on a gravel bike is upright.

4. Can you ride on gravel with a road bike?

Ans: The tires of a road bike is designed for flat roads. But you still can ride on gravel with a road bike. However, the handling and ride quality won’t be as it is with a gravel bike.

5. What should I bring on a gravel ride?

Ans: The basic things that you should bring on a gravel ride include:

• A spare sealant and tire plug
• A patch kit
• A mini pump
• Two tubes
• Tire levers
• A tire boot
• Chain lube
• A chain tool
• Derailleur cable

6. Are gravel bikes good for touring?

Ans: A gravel or adventure bike is great for covering long distances. It’s excellent for touring as well just like a touring bike. You can ride on different trails. So, no matter the surface you’ll ride on during the tour, you’ll have a fun ride.

7. Are gravel bikes a fad?

Ans: They are more than just a fad. Gravel bikes are extremely popular because they’re really fun to ride. You can use a gravel bike as a road bike, a cyclocross, a monster cross, or a tour bike. It also provides you supreme comfort.