Choosing the right gravel bike frame set is very important for beginners. You want a bike that feels good and works well on different surfaces. Gravel biking is getting popular. It is expected to be worth $1 billion by 2025. So, having good choices is more important now. When picking the best gravel bike frame set, think about comfort, performance, and frame material. Finding a balance between these things can change your riding experience a lot.
Key Takeaways
Picking the right gravel bike frame is very important. It helps with comfort and performance on different surfaces.
The Cannondale Topstone 2 is a great choice for beginners. It has a strong build and stable shape.
The Canyon Grizl gives good value. Its design is versatile and affordable, which is perfect for new riders.
Entry-level bikes like the Cannondale Topstone 4 and Specialized Diverge E5 have quality features. They are also reasonably priced.
Think about frame material, drivetrain options, and comfort features. These will improve your riding experience.
Best Overall Gravel Bike Frame
When you want to pick the best gravel bike frame, the Cannondale Topstone 2 is a great choice for beginners. This bike is strong, comfortable, and performs well. It is perfect for people new to gravel biking.
Specifications
The Cannondale Topstone 2 has many features that help both new and experienced riders:
SmartForm C2 Alloy frame: This material is very strong but not too heavy.
Ample tire clearance: You can use wider tires, which helps on different surfaces.
Dropper ready: This lets you add a dropper post for better comfort and control when going downhill.
Also, the Topstone 2 has a light Topstone Carbon frameset with Kingpin suspension. This design helps smooth out bumps for a better ride. The bike has a Shimano GRX 820 12-speed gravel group with GRX 800 hydraulic brakes for safe stopping. You will also see DT Swiss G540 tubeless-ready rims with 700x45c Maxxis Riddler tires, which are great for gravel roads. The bump-absorbing SAVE carbon seatpost makes it more comfortable, and the SmartSense system helps you be seen while riding.
Pros and Cons
Like any bike, the Cannondale Topstone 2 has good and bad points. Here’s a quick look:
Pros:
Stable Geometry: The bike’s shape helps new riders feel confident and steady. The OutFront steering geometry makes it easier to handle rough paths.
Versatile Design: Whether you are gravel riding, exploring back roads, or bikepacking, this bike can do it all.
Plentiful Mounts: There are many spots for gear and water bottles, making it great for long rides.
Cons:
Price Point: It has great features, but it might cost more than some beginner bikes.
Weight: Even though it is light for its type, some riders may want an even lighter bike.
To help you see how the Cannondale Topstone 2’s shape compares to other gravel bike frames, here’s a quick overview:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Fork Offset | Extra long, making it more stable and comfortable for new riders. |
Head Angle | Slack, helping with confident handling at speed and on bumpy paths. |
Steering Characteristics | Light and quick, helping with agility while staying stable. |
The Shimano GRX groupset is another great part of the Topstone 2. It gives smooth shifting and strong braking, which is important for beginners on different paths. However, the wiring for the Di2 version might be too complicated for some.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Smooth shifting | |
Strong braking performance | Potential for unnecessary controls |
Versatility for various terrains |
Best Value Gravel Bike Frame
If you want a good mix of quality and price, the Canyon Grizl is the best value gravel bike frame for beginners. This bike has great features without costing too much. It is a smart choice for people just starting their gravel biking adventure.
Specifications
The Canyon Grizl has many features that help both new and experienced riders:
Beefier Fork: The new fork design makes it more stable and easier to handle. This is great for new riders.
Wide Size Range: There are seven frame sizes. You can find the right fit easily, which helps your riding experience.
Triple Pack Mounts: These let you carry extra gear. This makes the bike more useful for bikepacking.
Wide, High-Volume Tires: The Grizl has 700 x 45mm tires. They give better clearance and stability, which is important for beginners on different terrains.
Dropper Post: This feature helps you control the bike better by lowering the saddle when going downhill. It gives you a better center of gravity.
Versatile Geometry: The bike’s design gives stability and control. This makes it easier to ride on different surfaces.
The Canyon Grizl is made for versatility, especially for adventure riding and bikepacking. It can fit tires up to 54mm wide, so you can handle different terrains easily. Unlike other gravel bikes that limit tire choices, the Grizl focuses on handling instead of being aerodynamic. This makes it a top pick for those who want to explore.
Pros and Cons
Like any bike, the Canyon Grizl has good and bad points. Here’s a quick look:
Pros:
Affordability: The Grizl has great features at a price that won’t hurt your wallet.
Versatile Design: Whether you are gravel riding, bikepacking, or just riding around town, this bike can do it all.
Comfortable Ride: The design and tire clearance make for a smooth and stable ride, even on bumpy paths.
Cons:
Weight: While it is built to last, some riders may find it heavier than other bikes in the same group.
Limited Color Options: If you care about looks, the Grizl might not have as many colors as other brands.
Best Entry-Level Gravel Bikes
If you are new to gravel biking, the Cannondale Topstone 4 and Specialized Diverge E5 are two great bikes to think about. Both bikes have awesome features and are priced well, making them good for beginners.
Specifications
Here’s a quick look at these two amazing choices:
Feature | Cannondale Topstone 4 | Specialized Diverge E5 |
|---|---|---|
Price | $1,299.99 | |
Aluminum | Aluminum | |
Fork | N/A | Carbon |
Drivetrain | microSHIFT Advent X 1 | Shimano Claris 8-speed |
Geometry | Relaxed | N/A |
Mounting Options | Yes | Yes |
Both bikes have a relaxed shape, which helps you stay comfy on long rides. The Cannondale Topstone 4 has a microSHIFT Advent X 1 groupset, while the Specialized Diverge E5 has a Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain. This means you will enjoy smooth shifting and good performance on different surfaces.
Pros and Cons
Let’s look at the good and bad points of these entry-level gravel bikes:
Cannondale Topstone 4
Pros:
Relaxed shape for a comfy ride.
Many spots to attach gear.
Good price for quality features.
Cons:
Fewer color choices.
Heavier than some other bikes.
Specialized Diverge E5
Pros:
Light carbon fork for better control.
Mounts for fenders and cargo for more use.
Smooth ride on gravel and pavement.
Cons:
A bit more expensive.
Fewer size options than some others.
Both bikes have tire sizes around 40 mm, which help with handling on rough gravel and easy single track. They are made for comfort on long rides, making them good for new riders. The flexibility of these gravel bikes lets you ride on many surfaces, improving your experience.
Choosing between these two bikes depends on what you like and how you ride. Either way, you will be happy with these best budget gravel bikes!
Best Gravel Bike Frame for Women
When you want to find the best gravel bike frame for women, there are great choices made just for you. These bikes focus on comfort and fit. This makes your rides more fun. Here are some top picks:
Specifications
Bike Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
Liv Devote | N/A | Made for women, designed using female body data, aluminum frame with carbon fork, tubeless ready. |
Specialized Diverge | $2,000+ | Light carbon frame, tire clearance, SWAT storage, Future Shock suspension. |
Trek Checkpoint | $1,499+ | Different versions for various riding styles, internal cable routing, IsoSpeed decoupler. |
Cannondale Topstone | $1,599+ | Good for mixed terrain, carbon fork to reduce vibrations, many frame levels. |
Polygon Tambora | $2,399 | Adjustable geometry, fully carbon, many mounting points. |
Pivot Vault | $4,199+ | Unisex design, fits smaller riders, customizable build options. |
Canyon Grizl | $1,899 | Great for different terrains, wide tire clearance, comfort-focused design. |
Salsa Cutthroat | $3,499 | N/A |
These bikes have features that help with your comfort. For example, many models have an Endurance Fit Profile. This gives a slightly more upright position. This design helps you feel good during long rides.
Pros and Cons
Like any bike, these choices have good and bad points. Here’s a quick look:
Pros:
Comfortable Fit: Many gravel bike frames for women have geometry changes that improve comfort. For example, the front end height is about 3.0 cm higher than regular fits. This makes it easier on your back.
Versatile Designs: These bikes can handle different terrains, whether you’re on gravel roads or smooth paths.
Lightweight Options: Bikes like the Specialized Diverge use light materials, making it easier for you to ride.
Cons:
Price Range: Some of these bikes can be expensive, especially if you want special features.
Limited Availability: Depending on where you live, finding the right size and model might be hard.
Choosing the right gravel bike frame set can really change your riding experience. Be sure to test ride a few options to see what feels best for you!
Best Gravel Bike Frame for Bikepacking
If you want a gravel bike that is great for bikepacking, the Orbea Terra M21e Team 1X is an excellent choice. This bike is made for both fast rides and easy trips. It is perfect for many biking adventures.
Specifications
The Orbea Terra M21e Team 1X has many features that make bikepacking better:
Versatile Design: This bike works well on easy paths like towpaths and bike paths. You can enjoy speed and comfort at the same time.
Downtube Storage Compartment: It has a useful storage space for tools and other important items. This keeps everything neat and easy to reach during your rides.
Clean Look: The design looks nice while still allowing storage for CO2 cartridges, tubes, and tools.
Here’s a quick comparison of the Orbea Terra M21e Team 1X with other gravel bike frames for bikepacking:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Frame Material | Carbon frame gives a smooth and comfy ride. |
Versatility | Works for many riding styles on different terrains. |
Tire Clearance | Can fit 700c x 45 tires for speed or 650b x 50 for strength and comfort. |
Comfort Design | Angles and sizes are made to keep riders comfy. |
Load Capacity | Can be set up to carry different loads based on what the rider needs. |
Suspension | No suspension, which might make it less effective on rough paths compared to other gravel bikes. |
Pros and Cons
Like any bike, the Orbea Terra M21e Team 1X has good and bad points. Here’s a quick look:
Pros:
Comfortable Ride: The bike’s design helps you stay comfy on long trips.
All-Round Performance: It works well on many terrains, making it a good choice for bikepacking.
Ample Storage: With its downtube compartment, you can carry your important items without mess.
Cons:
Limited Suspension: While it’s good for smooth paths, it may not handle rough areas as well as some other gravel bikes.
Price Point: Depending on your budget, it might be a bit expensive for beginners.
The Orbea Terra M21e Team 1X is a great choice for anyone wanting to start bikepacking. Its mix of comfort, versatility, and storage makes it one of the best gravel bike options for your adventures.
Key Features of Gravel Bike Frame Sets
When you pick a gravel bike, knowing the key features of the frame sets can really change how you ride. Here are the main things to think about:
Frame Material
The frame material is very important for how your bike feels and works. Here’s a quick look at popular materials:
Carbon: This material is light and reacts quickly. It reduces bumps, making your ride smoother on rough paths. But, it can be hard to find damage without special tools.
Aluminum: Known for being strong and affordable, aluminum frames are heavier but easy to fix. They handle tough conditions well.
Steel: Steel gives a unique ‘springy’ ride. It’s very strong and easy to repair, making it last a long time.
Titanium: This material is light and has great ride quality. It resists dents and is easy to check for damage.
Material | Impact on Ride Quality | Durability Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Carbon | Light, quick, reduces bumps | Hard to check for damage without tools |
Aluminum | Strong, budget-friendly, heavier | Easy to fix, handles tough conditions |
Steel | Gives a ‘springy’ ride, depends on design | Very strong, easy to repair, lasts a long time |
Titanium | Light, quick, great ride quality | Most dent-resistant, easy to check for damage |
Wheel Size
Next is wheel size. The size of your wheels can change how you perform on different surfaces. Here are the common sizes:
700c: Best for pavement and smooth gravel roads. They roll faster and are great for easy rides.
650b (27.5-inch): These wheels give better comfort and grip on tough terrains. They’re perfect for more exciting rides.
Drivetrain Options
Finally, let’s discuss drivetrain options. The drivetrain affects how smoothly you change gears and how well you can handle different terrains. Beginners should look for:
1x Drivetrains: These systems make shifting easier and are lighter. They’re simple to use, especially for new riders.
2x Drivetrains: These systems offer more gear choices, which are great for steep hills and different terrains.
Knowing these features will help you pick the right gravel bike frame set that fits your needs and makes your ride better.
Picking the right gravel bike frame can really change how you ride. Here are some important points to remember:
Frame Material: Choose strong materials like aluminum.
Drivetrain Options: A Shimano Sora 2×9 drivetrain gives you many choices.
Comfort Features: A sloping top tube makes it easier to get on and off the bike.
Think about what you need, whether you are bikepacking or just commuting. Visit local bike shops for help or check online sites like Ritchey Logic for good options. Enjoy your ride!
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Tire Options | Tubeless-ready rims and tires give speed on roads and control when off-road. |
FAQ
What should I think about when choosing a gravel bike frame?
When you choose a gravel bike frame, think about comfort, material, and shape. Make sure the frame fits how you ride and can hold wider tires.
How much money should I spend on a beginner gravel bike?
You can find good beginner gravel bikes for $1,000 to $2,000. Look for bikes that have quality parts and fit well within your budget.
Are aluminum frames better than carbon frames for beginners?
Aluminum frames are usually cheaper and last longer, which is good for beginners. Carbon frames are lighter and give a smoother ride but can cost more.
Can I change parts on my gravel bike later?
Yes! Most gravel bikes let you upgrade parts. You can swap out things like the drivetrain, wheels, and tires as you get better and want improved performance.
What tire size is best for gravel biking?
A tire size of 40mm to 45mm is great for gravel biking. This size gives a good mix of speed and comfort on different surfaces.
See Also
How to Find Amazing Discounts on Affordable Bike Frames
A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Cyclocross Frame Sizes
Best Steel Frame Touring Bikes for New Adventurers