Gravel exotics: Suspension gravel bikes - the most important info & 6 models at a glance
Timo Dillenberger
· 19.05.2024
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If you leave one mountain biker after another standing in the forest on your gravel bike, it's not least because everything unnecessary for such moderate trails has been left out of the gravel. It is a riding machine in which the rider's arms and legs do the damping work, at least for the bigger impacts. At most, the voluminous tyres take care of the rest.
However, depending on the terrain, time in the saddle or the rider's comfort requirements, this is not always enough. Occasionally, you will find models that have "real" suspension elements. These primarily include suspension forks, but also dampers between the fork and frame as well as elastomer pads that are integrated into the rear triangle. Strictly speaking, even the deliberately flexing seatpost on the Rose Backroad is a suspension element, just like the "floating" frame knot on the rear triangle of the carbon version of the Trek Checkpoint.
Suspension gravel bikes: concept instead of conversion
If you would like to equip your gravel bike with additional comfort, you need to be strong now. Retrofitting is not easy. A suspension seat post would be the simplest solution if the original post is round. This tuning works particularly well on models with a flat seat tube angle of less than 73.5 degrees, but the additional weight in this centre of gravity position is definitely noticeable in a negative way. Retrofitting a suspension fork, on the other hand, changes the entire geometry of the bike.
A gravel bike with suspension fork tested last year proved to be hyper-nervous and very badly balanced, the frame was probably not designed for this. In addition to the tyre clearance, the shock absorbers increase the front part of the frame. In order to remain rideable, the geometry must be adapted to a suspension fork from the outset.
For more damping on the handlebars, there is, for example, the Kinekt suspension stem, which absorbs medium impacts, but unfortunately also jagged steering commands and hard pedalling. For a little more comfort on the hands, Ergon, among others, offers gel pads which, when wrapped under the handlebar tape, soften impacts somewhat.
Manufacturers such as Giant, Canyon, Trek, Specialized, BMC and YT have redesigned their suspension gravel bikes from scratch because of this retrofit problem. The ideas they have come up with to increase comfort range from innovative to ingenious. However, we already know the lockable flat damper between the fork crown and headset from the 90s, where it was used on road racing bikes in races over brutally rough cobbled roads in France. It works just as well, if not better, on a gravel bike.
Suspension gravel bikes: just a compromise?
The suspension is basically a compromise. Standard components that are intentionally designed to be a little more flexible, such as flexible or split seat posts, extra-thin rear stays or softer handlebars, have little negative effect on the bike's handling, but only soften bumps a little. Giant, Koga and Canyon scored good points in our test. This also applies to frames with good comfort values.
If real damping elements with air bellows or coil springs are installed, this means greater suspension travel and more compensation for bumps, but the weight increases, additional components can break and the handling changes. There does not (yet) seem to be a gravel bike with a full-suspension frame. According to Giant, full-suspension bikes are no longer available in the lightweight segment because the moving mechanism has not shown the desired reliability across all brands.
Are such prominent suspension elements necessary on a gravel bike? Yes and no. Depending on the intended use, comfort or the dynamics of the bike are more important. You probably won't find suspension forks on the majority of models, but most of them will never see rough terrain. On tours with uncertain terrain, however, they are an alternative, just like on commuter bikes. Inconspicuous "add-ons" such as those on BMC or Cinelli could become more widespread, they neither change the sporty line of the bike nor are they very noticeable in terms of handling. Remember: being shaken around is just as tiring as pedalling.
Innovation Award
Conceptually, the Specialized Diverge STR stands out. The shock under the head tube works like the one mentioned from the 90s. The one acting on the saddle is completely new. The shock lies horizontally and is installed in the top tube. Its head is connected to the extra-long seat post, which is flexibly mounted in the area of the bottom bracket. The shock can move up to two centimetres in and against the direction of travel.
The saddle therefore bounces downwards and backwards on a circular path, whereby its distance to the pedals always remains the same and no pedalling energy is lost. The idea behind this arrangement is that even obstacles that you ride over do not suddenly hit the rear wheel from below. In the same way, both wheels "bounce" horizontally against a bump, kerb or root. The bidirectional damping softens the impact in both directions. As is currently being researched at the Cologne Sports University, this not only slows down the rider's fatigue, but also allows obstacles to be ridden over more dynamically.
Info, tests & tips: Overview Gravel Special 2024
>> Gravel exotics: With springs & shock absorbers - 6 gravel bikes with suspension in the overview (just opened)
Top representatives: 6 gravel bikes with suspension
BMC Urs LT two
The Urs is the adventure bike of the Swiss. It is further divided into the lighter Performance version and the LT version, which is more suitable for long distances. Depending on the price category, one or all three parts of the in-house Micro Travel technology are integrated. The centrepiece is the elastomer buffer, which is located between the seat stays and the main frame and keeps vibrations away from the saddle as far as possible. Between the frame and fork is a stiff coil spring with hydraulic damper and 20 mm travel, which, together with the slightly springy stem, ensures handlebar comfort.
- Price: 6499 Euro
- Weight: 9.1 kilos
- Stack/Reach: 1,371
- Drive: SRAM GX Eagle AXS 1x12
- Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD
- Variants: 7 completely different bikes from 3499 to 10,999 euros, SRAM Apex AXS parts
Trek Checkpoint SL 5
While we still criticised the ride comfort of the Checkpoint ALR in the test, its sister models made of carbon instead of aluminium already feature the relatively new IsoSpeed module in the frame. It works very similarly to the shock in the Diverge STR, the seat tube is decoupled at the frame knot, so it can flex over the entire length from the bottom bracket to the saddle, a mechanism inside limits this to a few millimetres. As you sit slightly more upright on the SL and SLR models, the increased saddle comfort is also more important here.
- Price: 3999 Euro
- Weight: 9.6 kilos
- Stack/Reach: 1,455
- Drive: Shimano GRX 810 2x11
- Brakes: Shimano RX400
- Variants: A total of 12 carbon models in 6 sizes, up to 5 colours, Shimano GRX or SRAM AXS, prices: 3699 to 10,499 euros (with power meter)
YT Sceptre Core 4
The exotic among exotics clearly carries mountain bike genes. The reach in the STR value comes more from the top tube than from the short MTB stem. The Rudy Ultimate suspension fork is the same as in the Giant below, only it is steeper at 69 degrees, which should provide more security in rough terrain. However, its 40 mm travel feels very vertical and the air bags should be set a little softer. The rear end of the carbon frame is designed for lateral stiffness with a slight vertical flex. The extended wheel arch is more of a design element than a mudguard.
- Price: 3999 Euro
- Weight: n.a.
- Stack/Reach: 1,475
- Drive: SRAM Force XPLR eTap 1x12
- Brakes: SRAM Force eTAP AXS
- Variants: 2 models with SRAM Force or Rival groupset, each in one colour and 5 sizes.
Specialised Diverge STR Expert
Future-Shock 2.0 is the name Specialized has given to the combination of the shock in the top tube and the suspension, which allows the stem to slide over 20 mm along the steerer tube. Videos show that the parts do not tilt against each other and compress smoothly. If it is not necessary, you can lock out the shock completely, and this also applies to the rear shock. Cushioning the rider and not the frame is the credo of the design, which of course has its price. A highly ergonomic handlebar, optional 26-inch tyres or the storage compartment in the down tube make up for this.
- Price: 7000 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 9,86
- Stack/Reach: 1,548
- Drive: SRAM GX Eagle AXS 1x12
- Brakes: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS
- Variants: 4 configurations in 2 colours and 6 sizes, Shimano GRX or SRAM eTap components for 5500 to 14,000 euros.
Cinelli Nemo Gravel
The steel frames from Cinelli are made in Italy from high-quality triple-butted Columbus tubes and are genuine craftsmanship. Very special chainstays and, according to the manufacturer, the stiffest fork blades provide space for tyres up to 47 mm wide. The offset of the rear stays and top tube should also provide some comfort at the rear. The geometry is designed for long distances, the frame is not extremely short, but according to the data sheet you sit more upright. The shock under the head tube with 20 mm travel is designed more for adventurous trails than tough downhills.
- Price: 5200 Euro
- Weight: n.a.
- Stack/Reach: 1,519
- Drive: Shimano GRX 820 2x12
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX-820
- Variants: 6 sizes from 48 to 61 cm, 69 colours, SRAM Rival, Shimano GRX, Campa Ekar or as a frameset, prices 5100 to 5700 euros
Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro
The brand new Revolt with suspension fork looks very similar to its sister model in our test. The standard comfortable D-Fuse rear end with its thin, more flexible stays is complemented by the comfort of the 40 mm travel Rockshox Rudy Ultimate fork. It is not the same frame as the Revolt, the STR value indicates a slightly more stretched geometry despite the long fork blades, so you sit more sportily. Top: Even the cheapest version comes with a suspension and dropper seatpost as standard.
- Price: 5999 Euro
- Weight: 10.2 kg
- Stack/Reach: 1,48
- Drive: SRAM GX Eagle 1x12
- Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap
- Variants: 5 models in 5 frame sizes each from 2999 to 7499 euros, SRAM Apex or eTap
Suspension gravel bikes in detail
Gravel-Fully?
The shock in the top tube of the Specialized has a total of 30 mm travel and acts on the inner seat tube. This is fixed just above the bottom bracket and moves lengthways in the outer frame tube. Thanks to the low pivot point, the adjustable shock stiffness and the horizontal alignment, there should be neither bobbing when pedalling nor bouncing on bumps.
Reissued?
Ever seen one? Cannondale already tried a damper between the fork crown and head tube like the Cinelli Nemo on road bikes in the 90s. On gravel bikes they are much more likely to succeed. The hydraulic damper on the specially developed, extra-stiff HiRide Sterra fork dips up to 20 mm and is maintenance-free. More travel would bring too much movement into the system.
A break in style?
Classic suspension forks with hydraulic or pneumatic dampers have so far only been seen on three or four models. On the one hand, such "obvious aids" are still frowned upon by bike enthusiasts, and on the other, frames with the appropriate geometry and particularly light forks with only 20 to 40 mm travel, such as the Rockshox Rudy Ultimate air suspension fork on the YT Scepter, are required.
Rigidly mobile?
The BMC Urs uses one of the lightest damping concepts. The use of elastic materials in the frame has existed in the past, but the complete decoupling of the rear triangle and seat tube, and only there, is new. The chainstays are not pivoted, but thanks to the elastomer they can flex much more freely than with rigid triangular shapes. Guide rods through the shock prevent lateral guide loss.
Locked out?
So-called "lock out" functions make even more sense for sporty bikes than for off-road bikes. The suspension function is locked out with a flick of the wrist to prevent unnecessary tilting movements on flat trails. On the Specialized Diverge, for example, the hydraulic damper under the stem called "Future Shock 2.0" becomes a higher stem cap with a slight twist.
