Gravel bikes on test: 10 aluminium and carbon gravel bikes for around €2000

The Gravelbike has long since arrived in the centre of the MTB and road bike world. The trend has become a mass phenomenon. Off-road bikes are quietly and secretly outstripping their road counterparts. For some manufacturers, they even lead the sales statistics. Initially viewed critically by many, the gravel bike is a success story. And: there is no longer just one type of gravel bike, but many different varieties. The industry's calculation is to "pick up" every cyclist with various concepts. Will this also work in the €2,000 price category?

Our sister magazine TOUR put ten candidates between €1,899 and €2,200 to the test. There are also answers to the question of the right tyre width and what you should look out for in the gearbox.

We have tested these gravel bikes for you:

1. Canyon Grizl CF SL 6
2. Corratec Allroad Travel 1
3. Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro
4. Focus Atlas 6.7
5. Fuji Jari 1.3
6. Giant Revolt 0
7. Poison Taxin Alu Gravel
8. Radon Regard 10.0
9. Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400
10. Stevens Prestige

(Click to go to the individual rating)

You will find these contents in the test:

The test report

Details: What we noticed

Strengths and weaknesses: an overview of the grades

How TOUR tests

The test report

In the attractive price segment, there is widespread agreement on the concept and frame material. You sit upright in the saddle on almost all of our gravel bike models; with plenty of space for panniers, they can also be transformed into loyal companions for multi-day tours. In addition to the standard mounts on the down tube and seat tube, there are also threaded eyelets on the fork and seat stays for attaching pannier racks. The Corratec stands out in particular here, with a frame set that is covered in mounting points and even offers space for accessories on both sides of the head tube. Mounts for mudguards, which are part of the repertoire of all models, round off the travel-ready profile, arming the bikes for everyday city life or turning them into training vehicles in winter. This gives them an edge over most road bikes and offers a wide range of uses.

Aluminium gravel bikes dominate the test group

Despite their versatility, almost all models struggle with the same problem: weight. Robust aluminium frames dominate the price range; the forks of Corratec, Poison and Stevens are also made of aluminium, which means that the framesets of this trio weigh around three kilos each - and are therefore on a par with significantly cheaper models. Giant and Radon show that an aluminium frame does not always have to be heavy.

Exception carbon: Every gram counts!

With Canyon and Cube, two manufacturers have managed to put a bike with a lightweight carbon frame on the tyres. Compared to the heaviest aluminium frame from Focus, these only weigh half as much. The Cube is the only bike that remains just under nine kilos, which means that it competes with gravel bikes from higher price ranges and can be ridden quickly over gravel paths. For the wheels, all manufacturers rely on aluminium rims which, in addition to the price advantage, are also less susceptible to stone chips and scratches.

The differences are sometimes enormous. The lightest wheelset on the Rose and the heaviest on the Corratec are separated by almost a kilo. Seven wheelsets are more than four kilos heavy. The weight is more bearable on a gravel bike than on a road racer. This is especially true for travelling companions like the test candidates, with which no speed records have to be set. However, when the total weight is almost twelve kilos, as with the Corratec, the riding pleasure is limited even on flat off-road rides - with luggage, progress is ultimately slow.

More articles on the subject of gravel:

>> Test gravel bikes 2023: Bikes for gravel racing <<

>> Test gravel bikes 2023: Gravel bikes for adventure and bikepacking in the test <<

>> Test gravel bikes 2023: Bikes for everyday life and commuting <<

>> Buying advice for tyres: What you need to know about gravel tyres <<

Tyres play a central role

More important, however, is the question of how the wheels react to bumps and vibrations in the terrain. The The tyres play a central role in this. Generally speaking, the wider the tyres, the better they absorb vibrations and the more comfortable you sit in the saddle. This is especially true when stiff aluminium frames, such as those of the test candidates, have hardly any suspension effect. 40-millimetre tyres are the most common, as tyres of this width offer a successful mix of damping and rolling resistance. Many manufacturers now approve their bikes for tyres wider than 50 millimetres. To prevent these from rubbing on the frame, special solutions such as lowered chainstays (Canyon, Fuji), adjustable wheelbase (Giant), the option of smaller 27.5 mm wheels (Focus, Rose) or wide hubs (Focus) are usually required.

The ten test candidates roll ex works on high-quality tyres between 38 (Giant) and 50 millimetres (Corratec). All tyres can also be ridden without an inner tube, which means that less tyre pressure is required and damping and puncture protection benefit. Shimano sets the tone for the gears with the mechanical GRX, which features a stabiliser in the rear derailleur to prevent the chain from jumping off. While the trend on more expensive gravel bikes is towards drivetrains with one chainring and up to 13 sprockets (Campagnolo Ekar) on the rear wheel, the crank with two chainrings and usually a ten-speed cassette dominates in this price category. Because many parts can be combined within the gravel-specific Japanese product family, this results in a wide range of gear ratio options.

Many components are compatible

Components from other suppliers are also often compatible; Fuji and Giant, for example, use favourable cranks from FSA and Praxis. Shimano currently offers two mechanical series with ten or eleven sprockets as well as an electronic series with eleven sprockets, optionally with one or two chainrings. The groupsets differ in weight and workmanship, but with the exception of the Di2 version, there is no significant difference in function. The only difference is that the 400 brake fitted to all models is slightly more susceptible to wear, as the plastic pistons can wear out more quickly than the more expensive metal or ceramic versions.

Conclusion on the gravel bikes:

Gravel bikes with aluminium frames and simple components dominate the price range up to € 2,000, making the bikes quite heavy. At the same time, the models prove to be true quick-change artists; they can be transformed into a bikepacking or commuter bike in just a few simple steps and for relatively little money.

Details: What we noticed

The test grades of the gravel bikes:

How to read the test chart

In order to visualise the characteristics of the test bikes with their various functional and dynamic characteristics, we have added a five-axis diagram to the individual descriptions. This allows all the strengths and weaknesses of the models to be recognised at a glance. The characteristics on the individual axes are made up of measured values, subjective impressions of the test riders and the influence and interaction of the installed components.

The larger the blue area, the better the wheel in question. You can find an explanation of the TOUR measurement method here here->

How TOUR tests

TOUR tests all bikes and most components in its own laboratory, which dates back to 1993. The measured values of many thousands of bikes of all categories form the backbone of the tests, which we are constantly developing further together with the Zedler Institute for Bicycle Technology and Safety.

Testing technology Zedler - Institute for Bicycle Technology and Safety GmbH

Canyon Grizl CF SL 6

Since its market launch two years ago, the Grizl gravel bike has become one of the mail order company's best-selling platforms. As is so often the case with Canyon, the CF SL 6 also offers the right balance between price and performance. As one of two models in the test field, this versatile bike is based on a carbon frame that can compete with significantly more expensive companions in terms of weight. The fact that the Grizl comes relatively close to the ten-kilo limit is mainly due to the heavy aluminium wheelset. However, the relatively sporty riding position and direct steering behaviour elegantly conceal this. In terms of suspension comfort, the Canyon is one of the best on the market thanks to its low carbon seat post and voluminous tyres - there is room for up to 50 mm tyres with 700C wheels. Mounting points on the frame and fork equip the Grizl for bikepacking excursions. The CF SL 6 is Canyon's most affordable carbon gravel bike.

PLUS

• Lightweight frame set
• High spring comfort
• Large tyre clearance
• many sizes

MINUS

• Heavy wheelset

Technical data and notes Canyon Grizl CF SL 6

Manufacturer information

• Price 1999 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 2XS, XS, S, M (tested size), L, XL, 2XL

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 9.7 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1111 / 531 / 55 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 515 / 565 / 139 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 595 / 395 mm / 1.51
• Wheelbase / caster: 1035 / 64 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: DT Swiss C 1850 Spline / Schwalbe G-One Bite 45 mm (f. / h.: 1830 / 2380 g)

TEST RATING: 2.0

Corratec Allroad Travel 1

"Try cosiness" is the motto of the Corratec Allroad Travel 1, which weighed almost twelve kilos on the TOUR scales. Chasing speed on the gravel motorway and quick changes of direction are not its forte, but that's not what the Corratec gravel bike is designed for. Rather, it is a flawless bike packer, luggage can be attached to almost every frame tube, mudguards and pannier rack can be easily retrofitted. Although this makes the bike heavier, other virtues count when travelling by bike: Thanks to the long wheelbase, the bike is stable on the track, although the 50-millimetre saddle shoes could hardly be narrower given the low saddle comfort. In addition, the cranked handlebars put the rider in a riding position suitable for long distances. The Bavarian manufacturer also offers a more affordable bikepacking model as well as sportier versions with aluminium or carbon frames.

PLUS

• Smooth running
• countless mounting eyelets
• Large tyre clearance

MINUS

• Heavy

Technical data and notes Corratec Allroad Travel 1

Manufacturer information

• Price 1899 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 46, 49, 52, 55 (tested size), 58, 61 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 11.7 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 2070 / 912 / 71 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 550 / 570 / 159 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 609 / 390 mm / 1.56
• Wheelbase / caster: 1075 / 73 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 400 (2x10; 46 / 30, 10-36 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: ZZYZX 700C Disc / Schwalbe G-One Bite 50 mm (f. / h.: 2055 / 2682 g)

TEST RATING: 2.4

Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro

The C:62 Pro is the most affordable Nuroad with a carbon frame and is an expert for fast gravel laps thanks to its low weight. The nine kilos for the complete bike are not only a clear unique selling point in this price range, even more expensive race models are sometimes heavier. In addition to the lightweight frame set, the gravel bike benefits from the low weight of the wheels, which are fitted with fast tyres. The smooth-running bike is correspondingly fast off-road, and even on tarmac it moves quickly in a comparatively stretched riding position. The carbon seat post and the tyres fitted ex works already provide good damping, but for more suspension comfort, a maximum of 45 mm tyres fit through the frame and fork. The single-speed drivetrain with gear reduction is easy to operate and offers sufficient reserves on steep sections, but the jumps between gears are somewhat large.

PLUS

• Light
• Good spring comfort
• Fast tyres

MINUS

• Limited gear range
• only five sizes

Technical data and notes Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro

Manufacturer information

• Price 2199 Euro >> available here
• Frame sizes²: 50, 53, 56 (tested size), 58, 61 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 9.0 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1,180 / 488 / 74 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 500 / 560 / 154 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 595 / 381 mm / 1.56
• Wheelbase / caster: 1040 / 69 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600 / 812 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)⁴: Newmen Evolution X.R. 25 /Schwalbe G-One Allround 40 mm (f. / h.: 1671 / 2206 g)

TEST RATING: 1.9

Focus Atlas 6.7

While Focus is now offering the Atlas as a carbon version for the first time, the aluminium models remain unchanged. The basic 6.7 model defines itself as a robust companion. Mounting points on the frame and fork make the Focus gravel bike suitable for touring, although a top tube bag is only included with the more expensive models. With eyelets for pannier racks and mudguards, it can be converted into a commuter bike. The solid straight-line stability and upright riding position emphasise its design as a touring bike. The standard tyres conceal the low damping on the slippery saddle and handlebars. More comfort could be achieved with smaller 27.5 wheels, then there is room for 53 millimetre wheels. This is also made possible by the special MTB dimensions on the rear triangle, but not all wheels will fit due to the larger installation width (148 millimetres).

PLUS

• Smooth running
• Tidy appearance
• Many mounting eyelets

MINUS

• Heavy
• only five sizes
• Not compatible with all wheels

Technical data and notes Focus Atlas 6.7

Manufacturer information

• Price 1899 Euro >> available here
• Frame sizes²: XS, S, M (tested size), L, XL

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 11.3 kilos
• Weight1¹ frame / fork / headset: 2,203 / 502 / 75 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 525 / 565 / 144 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 604 / 386 mm / 1.56
• Wheelbase / caster: 1050 / 78 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600 / 400 (2x10; 46 / 30, 11-36 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: WTB ST i23; Novatec / WTB Riddler 45 mm (f. / h.: 2044 / 2600 g)

TEST RATING: 2.4

Fuji Jari 1.3

Fuji describes the Jari as a "chameleon", which the US company offers in three equipment variants. Although the aluminium gravel bike model does not change colour, it is still adaptable. With numerous mounting points for luggage and mudguards, the Jari 1.3 is a loyal companion for tours with lots of luggage. An extremely upright riding position and smooth ride round off the long-distance concept. There is a rubber cover on the underside of the top tube for carrying passages, but the heavy Fuji also presses on the shoulder with the detail familiar from cyclocross bikes. Due to the high overall weight, the ride is rather leisurely over hill and dale. On stony surfaces, you have to slow down anyway, as the suspension with the factory-fitted tyres is a little meagre and the saddle is relatively uncomfortable. For more suspension comfort, however, tyres up to 50 millimetres wide can be fitted thanks to the lowered chainstay.

PLUS

• Lots of mounting eyelets
• Large tyre clearance
• many sizes

MINUS

• Relatively high total weight
• simple FSA crank

Technical data and notes Fuji Jari 1.3

Manufacturer information

• Price 1899 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 46, 48, 52, 54, 55.5 (tested size), 57.5, 60 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 10.6 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1,925 / 540 / 71 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 560 / 565 / 171 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 614 / 374 mm / 1.64
• Wheelbase/caster: 1035 / 70 millimetres

Equipment

• Drivetrain / drivetrain: FSA Omega BB386 Evo / Shimano GRX 400 (2x10; 48/32, 11-32 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: WTB ST i23/WTB Raddler 40 mm (f. / h.: 1734 / 2355 g)

TEST RATING: 2.3

Giant Revolt 0

The most expensive Giant Revolt with an aluminium frame is a remarkable gravel bike. This is mainly due to the concept of the Taiwanese manufacturer, who has sent a record-breakingly light frameset into the race and made the compromise of relatively low stiffness values. Paired with the carbon seat post and the factory-fitted tubeless tyres, the Giant, which according to the manufacturer allows a maximum payload of 150 kilos, is therefore on a par with a gravel bike with a carbon fibre frame. Another unique feature is the flip-chip dropout, which allows the wheelbase to be adjusted by ten millimetres. In the short position, the Revolt is extremely agile, in the long position it is smoother - and allows tyres up to a maximum width of 53 millimetres. The tuning tip is obvious when you look at the wheels: at just under 4,500 grams, they are very heavy.

PLUS

• Lightweight frame set
• High spring comfort
• Large tyre clearance

MINUS

• Heavy wheels
• Simple practice crank
• only five sizes

Technical data and notes Giant Revolt 0

Manufacturer information

• Price 1899 Euro >> available here
• Frame sizes²: S, M, ML (tested size), L, XL

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 10.4 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1,573 / 493 / 72 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 495 / 570 / 164 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 618 / 382 mm / 1.62
• Wheelbase / caster: 1,035 / 56 millimetres

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Praxis / Shimano GRX 810 (2x11; 48/32, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: Giant S-X2 Disc / Giant Crosscut AT2 38 mm (f. / h.: 1,895 /2 .521 g)

TEST RATING: 2.4

Poison Taxin Alu Gravel

With its baby blue paintwork and pink handlebar tape, the Taxin Alu Gravel stands out from the competition. But the Poison doesn't just stand out visually, the bike also has its own technical peculiarities - and is closer to a cyclocross bike than a gravel bike. The damping in particular is below average by today's technical standards. Because the maximum tyre clearance of 40 millimetres is already ex works, there is hardly anything that can be done about the suspension comfort. In addition, the extremely rigid frame set, on which mudguards and pannier rack can be mounted, and the robust wheels with e-bike rims are very heavy. The mail-order company's big advantage is its modular system, which allows the bike to be configured as desired - for a wider range of gears, for example, with a double crankset or with expensive Classified technology that combines hub and derailleur gears.

PLUS

• Smooth running
• Many options in the configurator
• Eyelets for mudguards & Co.

MINUS

• Heavy
• little spring comfort
• narrow tyres
• Limited gear spectrum

Technical data and notes Poison Taxin Alu Gravel

Manufacturer information

• Price 2200 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 48, 51, 54 (tested size), 56, 58, 61 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 10.9 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 2,043 / 925 / 67 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 540 / 565 / 160 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 598 / 372 mm / 1.61
• Wheelbase / caster: 1055 / 67 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600 / 800 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: DT Swiss 545 D, Novatec /Panaracer Gravelking SK 40 mm (f. / h.: 1849 / 2481 g)

TEST RATING: 2.7

Radon Regard 10.0

The Radon Regard 10.0 is an absolute bestseller for the Bonn-based mail order company. Although the price has risen by 200 euros since its market launch last year, the aluminium model is still notoriously sold out. For understandable reasons: The all-rounder is based on one of the lightest framesets on the market, is equipped to a high standard with Shimano's GRX 810 and can be converted into a vehicle for commuters or adventurers thanks to mounts for mudguards, pannier racks and bags. The stable Regard gravel bike feels most at home on light gravel tracks; the suspension comfort with the standard tyres is a little too low for rough terrain. However, tyres up to 45 millimetres wide can fit through the frame and fork. The single drive works perfectly, but has a limited gear range. However, Radon will soon be offering a model with a double crankset for €1,299.

PLUS

• Lightweight frame set
• Very smooth running

MINUS

• Limited gear range
• heavy wheelset
• only five sizes

Technical data and notes Radon Regard 10.0

Manufacturer information

• Price 1999 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 50, 53, 56 (tested size), 58, 61 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 9.9 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1,779 / 456 / 98 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 535 / 555 / 166 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 590 / 384 mm / 1.54
• Wheelbase / caster: 1040 / 67 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 810 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 810 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: Mavic Allroad Disc / Continental Terra Speed 40 mm (f. / h.: 1742 / 2378 g)

TEST RATING: 2.1

Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400

The Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 is the entry-level model in the Bocholt-based mail-order company's extensive gravel range - and at first glance it is almost indistinguishable from the more expensive versions with carbon frames. The workmanship with the semi-integrated cockpit is top-notch, the equipment is functional. The wheelset in particular stands out with its low weight in this price range and is one kilo lighter than the heaviest model in this test. The emphatically upright riding position, smooth ride and mounting points for mudguards and pannier rack make the Backroad a loyal companion. In rough terrain, the Rose reaches its limits - both in terms of suspension comfort and grip. However, the frame and fork leave room for tyres up to 45 millimetres wide, with 27.5-inch wheels the limit is 50 millimetres. Rose offers six other versions with aluminium frames.

PLUS

• Lightweight wheelset
• Good spring comfort
• many sizes

MINUS

• High maintenance costs

Technical data and notes Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400

Manufacturer information

• Price 1999 Euro >> available here
• Frame sizes²: 46, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57 (tested size), 59 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 10.0 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 1,860 / 464 / 91 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 510 / 565 / 176 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 608 / 378 mm / 1.61
• Wheelbase / caster:. 1040 / 68 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600 / 400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: Rose R25, Newmen / Schwalbe G-One R 40 mm (f. / h.: 1606 / 2146 g)

TEST RATING: 2.2

Stevens Prestige

The Prestige is the "little brother" of the Stevens Camino, which the Hamburg-based company presented last year, and unlike the fast carbon model, it is based on an aluminium frame. Because Stevens has also dispensed with carbon fibre for the fork, the frameset is very heavy at almost four kilos. Although the relatively light wheels reduce the overall weight somewhat, the Prestige accelerates sluggishly and doesn't come close to the weight of the carbon fibre model. the agility of the Camino Pro (TOUR 5/2022) approach. But that's not what it's supposed to be, rather the neatly finished bike is designed for bikepacking. This is demonstrated by the upright riding position, balanced handling and mounts for luggage and mudguards. The weak point is the below-average damping, which even slightly wider 45-millimetre tyres cannot conceal. In addition to the Prestige, Stevens has two other aluminium gravel bikes in its range.

PLUS

• Wide range of gears
• Lightweight wheels
• Many mounting eyes

MINUS

• Heavy frame set
• little spring comfort

Technical data and notes Stevens Prestige

Manufacturer information

• Price 1999 Euro
• Frame sizes²: 48, 51, 54, 56 (tested size), 58, 61 cm

Measured values

• Weight of complete bike: 10.6 kilos
• Weight¹ frame / fork / headset: 2,055 / 898 / 84 g
• Seat / top / head tube: 540 / 590 / 172 mm
• Stack / Reach / STR³: 631 / 393 mm / 1.61
• Wheelbase / caster: 1060 / 67 mm

Equipment

• Drivetrain / gears: Shimano GRX 600 / 810 (2x11; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 mm)
• Wheels / tyres (weights)⁴: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 /Schwalbe G-One Bite 40 mm (f. / h.: 1718 / 2244 g)

TEST RATING: 2.4

Weighted weights.

²Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

³STR (Stack / Reach) projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube: 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.

⁴Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.