Gravel bikes. They were supposed to be the answer, weren’t they? The one bike to conquer all terrains, from smooth tarmac to rugged trails. Like a trusty Swiss Army knife for cyclists, the Bike Gravel promised adventure, comfort, and a stylish rebellion against the road bike orthodoxy. Their rugged charm and go-anywhere spirit resonated with riders craving exploration and a healthy dose of the outdoors.
Gravel bikes became synonymous with freedom, enabling cyclists to ditch busy roads and embrace scenic gravel paths. Accessorizing them became part of the culture, with riders proudly sporting knobby tires, durable racks, and those oh-so-practical (and aesthetically pleasing) bags in earthy tones that would make any traditional roadie shudder. Olive green, dung brown, straw yellow – the gravel bike aesthetic was born.
Wilier Jena from the side on a light gravel track
A rider on a Wilier Jena bike gravel, navigating a light gravel track, showcasing the bike’s versatility.
(Image credit: Future/Simon Fellows)
But have gravel bikes, in their pursuit of off-road prowess, inadvertently sacrificed the very versatility that made them so appealing in the first place? For some riders, including myself, the reality of owning a bike gravel hasn’t quite matched the dream. My own gravel bike, a Wilier Jena – a beautiful machine equipped with Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed – purchased on a whim during an end-of-season sale, started to feel less like the do-it-all wonder bike and more like a specialized tool for a job I wasn’t always doing.
Am I alone in this feeling? Have many of us been caught up in the hype, buying into the “one bike to rule them all” promise, only to find our bike gravel gathering dust when the terrain turns to smooth pavement?
The Gravel Bike Boom: Numbers Don’t Lie
The popularity of bike gravel is undeniable. Sales figures paint a clear picture of a cycling segment experiencing explosive growth. In the UK alone, data from the Bicycle Association reveals that around 30,000 gravel bikes were sold in the year leading up to July 2024. This represents a significant 15% increase compared to the previous year and an astounding 284% jump compared to pre-pandemic sales.
This surge in popularity begs the question: how many of these bike gravel owners are actually riding gravel? True gravel, that is – the kind found in abundance in places like the American Midwest, a far cry from the often muddy and less-than-ideal bridle paths found in other regions.
Vittoria Air-Liner pictured in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tyre
Close-up of Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires and Air-Liners on a bike gravel, illustrating modifications for enhanced road performance.
(Image credit: Future/Simon Fellows)
For many, the inherent adaptability of the bike gravel becomes its saving grace. With a few strategic tweaks, my Wilier Jena, originally intended for gravel adventures, transformed into a surprisingly capable endurance road bike. Swapping out the knobby gravel tires for faster, slicker options like 32mm Specialized Roubaix Pros or Vittoria Corsa Pro Controls unlocked a new level of on-road performance. Others repurpose their bike gravel as winter steeds, fitting robust road tires and adding fenders to tackle wet and gritty conditions.
The Evolution of Bike Gravel: Chasing Off-Road Performance
The landscape of gravel riding is evolving, fueled by the growing popularity of gravel racing events. Races like Unbound Gravel in Kansas and SBT GRVL in Colorado have become iconic, drawing thousands of participants and capturing the attention of major cycling brands. In 2024, SBT GRVL attracted over 3,000 riders, while Unbound swelled to an impressive 5,000, nearly double the number from 2021.
This surge in gravel racing has profoundly influenced bike and component development. Product launches in the bike gravel sector are increasingly focused on off-road speed and podium potential.
Cotic Cascade on moorland ride
A Cotic Cascade bike gravel navigating a moorland ride, demonstrating the bike’s off-road capabilities.
(Image credit: Future/Andy Jones)
As a result, bike gravel designs are becoming more specialized for demanding off-road terrain. Frame geometries are becoming slacker, suspension systems are appearing both front and rear, and tire widths are expanding, requiring wider rims to accommodate them. Gear ranges are also growing, rivaling those found on mountain bikes, all in the pursuit of conquering challenging gravel courses.
While this off-road specialization is exciting for gravel racers and those tackling technical trails, it comes at a cost to on-road performance. The very qualities that make a bike gravel excel on rough terrain – wider tires, slacker geometry – can make it feel less efficient and slower on paved roads.
For many riders, particularly in regions where “gravel” often translates to smoother paths interspersed with tarmac, the evolving bike gravel might be losing some of its original appeal. The ability to seamlessly link sections of gravel with fast stretches of pavement was a key part of the allure. Riding on pavement with 50mm+ tires, while comfortable, isn’t always the most engaging or efficient experience.
An allroad bike like the Caledonia is an adaptable machine
The Cervelo Caledonia-5 all-road bike, showcasing its adaptability for both tarmac and light gravel surfaces.
(Image credit: Future)
The All-Road Bike: A Versatile Alternative
This shift in the bike gravel landscape has paved the way for the resurgence of the all-road bike. While the term “all-road” isn’t new, these bikes have recently evolved into truly functional and versatile machines.
Think of an endurance road bike, but with a slightly more robust frame and clearance for wider tires – typically around 38mm. An all-road bike prioritizes speed and comfort on pavement while still being capable enough to handle light gravel and rougher roads. Models like the BMC Roadmachine, Ribble Allroad, Cervelo Caledonia-5, and Pashley Roadfinder exemplify this new breed of versatile bikes. Even more all-road models are emerging from major brands, recognizing the demand for bikes that bridge the gap between dedicated road and increasingly specialized gravel machines.
In conclusion, while the bike gravel continues to evolve and excel in the off-road realm, its increasing specialization may mean it’s no longer the ultimate “one bike to rule them all” for every rider. The rise of the all-road bike offers a compelling alternative for those seeking true versatility, blending on-road speed with off-road capability. Ultimately, the expanding spectrum of bike types provides cyclists with more choices than ever before, allowing us to select the perfect machine for our individual riding needs and preferences. Consider your typical riding terrain and priorities carefully before choosing your next bike gravel – or perhaps, an all-road alternative.
