Updated June 3, 2021
If you are not an experienced biking aficionado, getting on top of the range of categories of bicycles, each with special features and capabilities, is not easy. What kind of bike best suits the riding I want to do?
Gravel or adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular for versatility with the frame of a road bike combined with wider, tougher wheels and tires. You can use one for commuting or weekend expeditions over long distances or transition easily to off-road surfaces like dirt, gravel, or mild singletrack. It is an ever-evolving category offering a variety of features to suit your particular style.
Gravel bikes tend not to be cheap, though, so finding a quality model under $2,000 takes research. To help in the process, some quality bikes from $500 to $2,000 have been selected as an introduction. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Gravel Bike Under $2,000
- Raleigh Tamland 1 Gravel Bike
- Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike
- Tommaso Sterrata Shimano R2000 Claris Gravel Bike
- Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike
- Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike
- Noble GX3 Aluminum Gravel Bike
- Cinelli Zydeco Full Color Gravel Bike
Best Gravel Bike Under $2,000 Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Raleigh Tamland 1 Gravel Bike | 22 | Steel/Carbon | 4.6 | $$$$$ |
  | Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike | 22 | Aluminum | 4.7 | $$$$$ |
  | Tommaso Sterrata Shimano R2000 Claris Gravel Bike | 24 | Aluminum/Carbon | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike | 16 | Chromoly Steel | 4.1 | $ |
  | Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike | 14 | Aluminum/Steel | 4.2 | $ |
  | Noble GX3 Aluminum Gravel Bike | 11 | Aluminum/Carbon | 4.8 | $$$$$ |
  | Cinelli Zydeco Full Color Gravel Bike | 11 | Aluminum/Carbon | 4.5 | $$$ |
| Photo | Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
The Raleigh Tamland 1 Gravel Bike is a durable, comfortable multi-use model suitable for commuting, gravel adventures, and longer-distance excursions.
It has a lightweight carbon monocoque fork combined with an extra durable Reynolds 631 Chromoly steel frame that comes in at a relatively lightweight 23.2 pounds considering the weight of the steel.
The Shimano 105 22-speed drivetrain offers plenty of gearing options and is rated a high-quality system for this price point.
Ditto for the quality of the TRP mechanical disc brakes which provide precision stopping power.
The high-volume Donnelly 700 x 40c tires enhance stability and comfort on rugged unpaved surfaces and rack and fender mounts are in place so you can quickly get ready for additional supplies for camping.
Pricing is right at the upper limit for this review and Raleigh has a warranty for the frame with a 30-day return policy.
- Frame Sizes: 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm,60cm (suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’3”)
- Weight: 23.2 pounds (without pedals)
- Frame/Fork Material: Reynolds 631 Chromoly steel frame/carbon monocoque fork with tapered steerer tube
- Tires: 700 x 40c Donnelly X’PLOR MSO tires
- Rims: HED Tomcat disc, tubeless compatible
- Gears: 2 x 11 Shimano 105 drivetrain and dual shifters
- Brakes: TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: rack and fender mounts, third bottle cage mount on the down tube, tool kit
- Colors: dark gray
- Warranty: 30-day returns, frame warranty
- Price: $$$$$
Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike
The Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike has a durable and lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and carbon monocoque fork with a relaxed head tube angle and endurance geometry for a comfortable seating position on longer rides.
Grippy wide WTB Riddler tires provide a stable and comfortable ride on rougher surfaces and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes give you high-precision stopping power.
The 22-speed drivetrain is the Shimano Ultegra version which offers plenty of gearing options.
Similar in many ways to the Raleigh Tamland 1, it is good for a range of off-road and on-road riding but with a slightly lower weight.
The Haanjo 4 also is near the top of the price range here and has a frame warranty and 30-day return policy.
- Frame Sizes: 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm (suitable for riders from 5’1” to 6’4”)
- Weight: 21.5 pounds (56cm)
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame/carbon monocoque fork with tapered steerer tube
- Tires: 700 x 37c WTB Riddler tires
- Rims: HED Tomcat disc, tubeless compatible
- Gears: 2 x 11 Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: tool kit, WTB Silverado Race seat, pedals included
- Colors: blue
- Warranty: 30-day returns, frame warranty
- Price: $$$$$
Tommaso Sterrata Shimano R2000 Claris Gravel Bike
The Tommaso Sterrata Shimano R2000 Claris Gravel Bike, with rave reviews from buyers, has a nice integrated package of features and components great for commuting, road riding, and all-terrain excursions.
The wide all-terrain tires, vibration-dampening carbon fiber fork, and frame geometry provide a comfortable, stable ride in a range of conditions.
It has a durable 6061 aluminum frame to go with the carbon fork for a lightweight combination.
The Shimano R2000 Claris drivetrain offers an abundance of gears and braking is efficient with Avid mechanical disc brakes.
Pricing is quite reasonable and the warranty generous at 2 years for components and lifetime on the frame.
Tommaso recommends getting a professional to do the assembly.
- Frame Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (suitable for riders from 5’2” to 6’5”)
- Weight: unavailable
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame/HCT carbon fork with a tapered aluminum steerer tube
- Tires: 700 x 40c CST Tirent all-terrain tires
- Rims: Tommaso TC-30D
- Gears: 3 x 8 Shimano R2000 Claris drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: composite flat pedals included, WTB Bolt saddle, drilled for luggage rack and fenders
- Colors: dark gray
- Warranty: 2 years for components, lifetime for the frame
- Price: $$
The Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike is a solid entry-level model at a bargain price.
The Chromoly steel frame and fork are high quality and durable but a bit heavy which is not such an important negative for the off-road rides on a gravel bike.
Equipped with sturdy double-wall aluminum rims, the tires are not especially wide so the most rugged of trails may be a bit rough.
On the positive side, it has a nice 16-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain with easy-to-use STI shifters and sure-stopping mechanical disc brakes front and rear.
Unfortunately, the assembly instructions are not well written, so it is suggested to get some assistance to put it together.
- Frame Sizes: S, M, L (suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’4”)
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: Chromoly steel frame and fork
- Tires: 700 x 30c
- Rims: aluminum double-wall
- Gears: 2 x 8 Shimano Claris drivetrain and STI shifters
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: steel cage pedals, road saddle, kickstand
- Colors: metallic smoke gray
- Warranty: ask for details on the warranty
- Price: $
Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike
The Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is an affordably priced entry-level model by the iconic Chicago manufacturer, Schwinn.
It gives you a comfortable and effective performance on trails and paved roads alike with wide 700 x 38c multi-terrain tires mounted on durable double-walled alloy rims and an aluminum adventure frame with a sturdy steel fork.
The 14-speed Shimano drivetrain is pretty good quality at this price point with shifters that double as brake levers for the crisply efficient dual mechanical disc brakes.
It comes in one frame size only but the quick-release adjustable seat post allows it to suitably fit riders from 5’4” to 6’2”.
The Sporterra is backed by Schwinn’s reputation and a limited lifetime warranty.
- Frame Size: 19-inch (48.26cm) (suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’2”)
- Weight: not available
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum frame/steel fork
- Tires: 700 x 38c multi-terrain
- Rims: aluminum double-wall
- Gears: 2 x 7 Shimano drivetrain with shifter/brake lever combo
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: quick-release vinyl seat post, resin platform pedals with reflector
- Colors: matte black
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $
Noble GX3 Aluminum Gravel Bike
The Noble GX3 Aluminum Gravel Bike combines superior components with design for a high-performance model rated at the top end of this price range.
Forward geometry with a longer top tube and a shorter stem moves the rider’s weight forward for better handling and control both on and off-road.
The foundation is a durable and lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and Toray carbon fork with hydraulic disc brakes for premium stopping power and wide good gripping Donnelly tires for stability on a variety of surfaces.
The 11-speed SRAM drivetrain and shifter is a quality performer and internal cable routing adds to streamlining and a clean look.
The GX3 comes in a striking Hinto blue color in sizes to accommodate a wide range of riders with satisfaction backed by a 5-year warranty.
- Frame Size: 48cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm (suitable for riders from 5’0” to 6’3”)
- Weight: 21.8 pounds (56cm)
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 butted aluminum frame/Toray carbon fork
- Tires: 700 x 40c Donnelly X’Plor MSO tires
- Rims: 6060 aluminum alloy Stans Grail S1
- Gears: 1 x 11 SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain and shifter
- Brakes: SRAM hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: internal cable routing, fender compatibility
- Colors: Hinto blue
- Warranty: 5 year
- Price: $$$$$
Cinelli Zydeco Full Color Gravel Bike
The Zydeco Full Color Gravel Bike is from the Italian company, Cinelli, in a design that has evolved from their cyclocross models.
The geometry was revised to increase the wheelbase for more stability on rugged off-road terrain.
It has a nice package of components with a sturdy triple-butted aluminum frame paired with a Columbus carbon fork, 11-speed SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain, and reliable Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
In addition, the tires are wide for increased stability, and it is ready for a cargo rack and fenders should you want to add them.
It comes in a creative arrangement of colors at a fairly modest price and a 2-year warranty from Cinelli.
- Frame Sizes: XS (49cm), S (51cm), M (54cm), L (56cm), XL (59cm)
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: triple-butted aluminum frame/Columbus Futura carbon fork
- Tires: 700 x 40c Columbus tires
- Rims: Shining wheels
- Gears: 1 x 11 SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain and shifter
- Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: front triangle internal cable routing, hydraulic disc brake, fender and rear rack compatible
- Colors: Full Color
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer
- Price: $$$
Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Buying Guide
Gravel Bike Geometry
Gravel covers a spectrum but some generalities regarding geometry usually apply. Handling and stability are more important off-road and a slack headtube angle, lower bottom bracket, and longer wheelbase, when compared to road bikes, are all helpful on steep hill climbs and rougher terrain. The rider is positioned more upright often with higher and wider handlebars for more comfort on long rides and better control when the riding gets rough.
Tires
Gravel bikes come with a range of tire widths to best adapt to the type of terrain where the bike will be ridden. Wider tires are more suitable for less stable and rougher surfaces and narrower versions for smoother and paved surfaces. Likewise, the tread comes in a variety of patterns from smooth slicks to knobby options and many levels in between.
Gears
Gravel bikes are designed for on-road and off-road use and have a drivetrain that includes a range of gears to allow efficient pedaling up and down hills, on the flats, and over a variety of surfaces.
Typically gravel bikes employ a single or double chainring in the front and a cassette in the rear with 8 to 11 gears. So you see drivetrains described as 1 x 11 or 2 x 8, for example. (An exception is the Tommaso bike reviewed above that uses a 3 x 8 drivetrain.) Which you choose is largely a matter of personal preference with some riders preferring more gears for mountainous terrain and others preferring more for flatter surfaces.
Note that single chainring systems are lighter in weight and simpler in operation.
Brakes
Gravel bike manufacturers have set aside linear-pull rim brakes and rely almost exclusively on disc brakes due to much more reliable and consistent stopping power in all conditions, wet or dry. Two versions are available, mechanical and hydraulic.
Mechanical disc brakes are less expensive and use a cable for activation. As the name implies, hydraulic disc brakes use liquid and have the benefits of placing less stress on the hands and providing better sensitivity and control. There are differences in maintenance requirements, though. Some distance riders prefer mechanical disk brakes because they are easier to repair in distant locations away from your shop.
Tips & Concepts for Gravel Bike Setup
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
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