Steel gravel bikes with a steel bike frame gravel design are very popular in 2025! They mix comfort and performance well for off-road fun. Steel bike frames can absorb shocks and vibrations, providing you with a smoother ride than aluminum bikes. They are also very strong, which means they can handle tough multi-day bikepacking adventures. Here are five great choices for this year:
Kona Sutra LTD
Marin Nicasio
All-City Gorilla Monsoon
State Bicycle Co. 6061 All-Road
Key Takeaways
Steel gravel bikes give a smooth ride. They absorb shocks and vibrations. This makes them great for off-road adventures.
The Kona Sutra LTD is strong and comfortable. It is perfect for long rides and bikepacking.
The Surly Preamble has a classic design. It has many mounting points. This improves its versatility for different riding needs.
Bike 1: Kona Sutra LTD
Specifications
The Kona Sutra LTD is a great steel gravel bike. It has a strong design and great features. Here’s a quick look at why it’s a top pick for off-road fun:
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Frame | Kona Cromoly Butted |
Fork | Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc Touring Fork |
Crankset | Shimano Deore, 34t |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano Deore 73mm |
Chain | Shimano Deore |
Cassette | Shimano Deore 10–51t, 12-speed |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX, 12-speed |
Shifters | Shimano GRX w/ dropper lever |
Brake Calipers | Shimano GRX |
Front Rotor | Shimano 180mm |
Rear Rotor | Shimano 180mm |
Handlebar | Kona Road |
Seatpost | TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal, 31.6mm |
Front Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race EXO TR 29 x 2.25″ |
Rear Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race EXO TR 29 x 2.25″ |
Unique Features
The Kona Sutra LTD has some cool features for gravel riding:
The Kona Chromoly tubeset is thicker than many gravel bikes. This makes it stronger for dirt touring and bikepacking.
Its shape gives a long reach and short stem. This makes it feel like a mountain bike, different from regular gravel bikes.
There is plenty of room in the main triangle. This space is great for a big half-frame bag and two water bottles, perfect for long rides.
Many riders love the Sutra LTD for its comfort and performance. The bike rides well on rough trails because of its strong touring tubeset. It may not be the lightest bike, but it works well on different surfaces, like gravel and singletrack. Just remember, the rear fender might have trouble on bumpy paths, which could affect its off-road use.
With the Kona Sutra LTD, you have a dependable partner for your gravel rides. It mixes strength and comfort in one stylish bike.
Bike 2: [Name of the Second Bike]
Specifications
The Surly Preamble is a great pick for gravel fans. It has a tough design and smart features that make riding better. Here’s a quick look at its specs:
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Frame | Surly 4130 Chromoly Steel |
Fork | Surly Steel Fork |
Crankset | Shimano Deore 36/26t |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano Deore 73mm |
Chain | Shimano Deore |
Cassette | Shimano Deore 11–42t, 11-speed |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX, 11-speed |
Shifters | Shimano GRX |
Brake Calipers | Tektro HD-M275 |
Front Rotor | Tektro 180mm |
Rear Rotor | Tektro 160mm |
Handlebar | Surly Open Bar |
Seatpost | Surly 27.2mm |
Front Tire | WTB Venture TCS 700 x 40mm |
Rear Tire | WTB Venture TCS 700 x 40mm |
Unique Features
What makes the Surly Preamble special? Here are some cool features:
Classic Styling: The bike has a timeless look that many riders love.
Long Wheelbase for Control: This design helps with stability on bumpy paths.
Massive Tire Clearance: You can use wider tires for better comfort and grip on gravel.
Multiple Mounting Points: There are many spots for racks and fenders, great for bikepacking.
Steel Frame Comfort: The chromoly steel frame absorbs bumps better than aluminum, giving you a smoother ride.
New improvements in steel making have made it as good as aluminum in weight and performance. Steel is more forgiving, comfy, and strong. Plus, if you need repairs, steel frames are easier to fix than aluminum. You can weld threaded parts for bags and accessories, making this bike a smart choice for your next adventure.
With the Surly Preamble, you get a bike that’s made for strength and performance on gravel roads. It’s ready for any off-road challenge you face!
Bike 3: [Name of the Third Bike]
Specifications
The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is a great choice for gravel lovers. It has a strong design and smart features for your next trip. Here’s a quick look at its specs:
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Frame | |
Head Tube | Tapered for tapered fork |
Bottom Bracket Shell | Threaded |
Thru-Axle | 12mm |
Brake Mounts | Flat mount chain stay disc brake mounts |
Cable Routing | Internal dropper post ready |
Water Bottle Mounts | 3 |
Rack and Fender Eyelets | Yes |
Fork | Jamis Adventure ECO monocoque carbon composite |
Fork Thru-Axle | 12mm Jamis MTS (Modular Thru-axle System) |
Fork Brake Mounts | Flat mount disc brakes with internal cable routing |
Unique Features
What makes the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 a great pick for gravel riding? Here are some cool features:
High-Quality Steel Frame: The chromoly frame helps reduce bumps. You’ll have a smoother ride on rough paths.
Versatile Tire Clearance: This bike fits 700x50c or 650b x 2.0 tires. You can pick what works best for your ride.
Fireroad Geometry: The smart design gives comfort and stability on fireroads and gravel trails. You’ll feel good on any surface.
Interchangeable Wheel Size: You can change between 700c and 650b wheels as you like. This makes your ride even better.
Niner RDO Carbon Fork: This fork is lighter and makes your ride smoother, so your off-road trips are more fun.
Experts say the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is great for bikepacking. It works well for long rides and different conditions. From gravel to steep hills, this bike is ready for any adventure you want!
Bike 4: [Name of the Fourth Bike]
![Bike 4: [Name of the Fourth Bike]](https://hontcarbon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/8066604cc8434a11b4f0c8fdda346385.webp)
Specifications
The All-City Gorilla Monsoon is a great pick for gravel fans. It has a tough design and smart features. Here’s a quick look at its specs:
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Frame | All-City 612 Select Chromoly |
Fork | All-City Gorilla Monsoon Fork |
Crankset | Shimano GRX 1x, 40t |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano GRX 73mm |
Chain | Shimano GRX |
Cassette | Shimano GRX 11–42t, 11-speed |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX, 11-speed |
Shifters | Shimano GRX |
Brake Calipers | Tektro HD-M275 |
Front Rotor | Tektro 180mm |
Rear Rotor | Tektro 160mm |
Handlebar | All-City Pursuit Bar |
Seatpost | All-City 27.2mm |
Front Tire | WTB Sendero 700 x 40mm |
Rear Tire | WTB Sendero 700 x 40mm |
Unique Features
What makes the All-City Gorilla Monsoon special? Here are some cool features:
Classic Gravel Design: This bike looks great and many riders love it.
Direct Mounts for Top Tube Bag: You can easily add a bag for snacks or tools.
Three Bottle Cage Mounts: Stay hydrated on long rides with lots of storage.
Rack and Fender Mounts: Great for bikepacking or commuting.
Compatibility with 700C Tires: You can pick tires that fit your riding style.
Adaptable Design: Load it up for adventures or take off extra parts for speed.
Many riders like how flexible the Gorilla Monsoon is. It has a unique look that stands out. It works well on different terrains, making it a good partner for your off-road trips. Some reviews say the mechanical disc brakes are not as good as hydraulic ones. Still, the bike’s strength and resale value make it a smart choice for any gravel cyclist.
With the All-City Gorilla Monsoon, you have a bike ready for any adventure. Its comfort and performance will keep you happy on every ride.
Bike 5: [Name of the Fifth Bike]
Specifications
The State Bicycle Co. 6061 All-Road is a great choice for gravel fans. It has a strong design and smart features. Here’s a quick look at its specs:
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Frame Material | |
Geometry | Adjustable geometry |
Tire Clearance | Fits 50mm tires |
Dropout System | Tuning Chip dropout system |
Chainstay Length Adjustment | Change chainstay lengths easily |
Mounts | Has cargo and fender mounts |
Build Options | Can be made with gears or as a singlespeed |
Additional Features | More spots for bikepacking gear |
Unique Features
What makes the State Bicycle Co. 6061 All-Road special? Here are some cool features:
Power Transfer: The steel frame gives great power transfer. You’ll feel better control on different surfaces.
Handling: Enjoy better handling on tricky single tracks. Steel helps you move through rough paths easily.
Comfort: Experience amazing comfort with a smooth ride. This bike helps reduce tiredness on long rides, perfect for your next trip.
Durability: Steel is very strong and reliable. You can ride on tough trails without worrying about your bike.
Carbon frames may be lighter, but they often don’t match the comfort and strength of steel. Steel can rust, but if you take care of it, your bike will last for years. The State Bicycle Co. 6061 All-Road is a dependable choice for off-road rides, mixing performance and comfort perfectly.
To sum up, all five of these steel gravel bikes have special features that make your off-road rides better. The Kona Sutra LTD is strong, while the Surly Preamble is very flexible. You have many choices for gravel biking and bikepacking.
Check out these bikes to find the best one for your next trip! Have you used any of these models? Share what you think or ask questions below!
FAQ
What are the benefits of a steel bike frame for gravel riding?
Steel bike frames are strong, comfy, and absorb shocks. This makes them great for off-road rides.
How does a steel bike compare to a carbon bike in performance?
Steel bikes are very comfortable and strong. Carbon bikes are lighter. Your choice depends on how you like to ride.
Can I use a steel gravel bike for bikepacking?
Yes! Steel gravel bikes are great for bikepacking. They are strong and can carry heavy loads easily.
See Also
The Enduring Importance of Steel Frame Road Bikes
Carbon Bike Frames: The Preferred Option for Cyclists
Best Steel Frame Touring Bikes for New Adventurers