A gravel bike is the most versatile bike you can own. Wider tyres, a relaxed position and luggage mounts let one bike cover tarmac, gravel tracks, forest trails and rough lanes, whether you are commuting, racing or loading up for a weekend away. The trick is matching the bike to your riding, because an adventure bike built for comfort and bikepacking feels very different to a stripped-back gravel racer.
Here are five gravel bikes we have in stock now, covering all-round riding, adventure, a women's-specific option and fast racing. Every one has been rated highly by the cycling press, and we have linked those reviews so you can read them in full. Prices below are correct at the time of writing.
1. Giant Revolt Advanced 2, the all-rounder
All-round gravel
£2499
The Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is the all-rounder and the natural starting point. It pairs a light carbon frame with Giant's D-Fuse bar and seatpost, which take the sting out of rough ground, and a flip-chip that adjusts the wheelbase to make the bike either nimble or more stable. Cycling Weekly rated the Revolt top of its class and crowned it their gravel bike of the year.
It does a bit of everything well, from fast day rides to light bikepacking, which makes it the safe first choice for most riders. If you are not sure which kind of gravel rider you are yet, start here.
View the Giant Revolt Advanced 2
2. Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3, the adventure bike
Adventure / do-it-all
£2550 £3400
The Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS is the adventure and bikepacking pick, and the only discounted bike here, down from £3400 to £2550. The latest Gen 3 carbon frame has comfort-focused geometry, IsoSpeed to smooth rough ground, clearance for 50mm tyres, in-frame storage, mounts for racks and bags, and wireless SRAM AXS shifting. BikeRadar called the Gen 3 Checkpoint an incredibly versatile gravel bike that is fun, efficient and comfortable.
This is the one for long days, mixed terrain and carrying kit, while still being quick enough for the odd event. If your rides lean towards distance and adventure, it is hard to beat at this price.
View the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3
3. Marin Headlands 1, the value carbon all-rounder
Carbon all-rounder
£2499
The Marin Headlands 1 brings Marin's mountain bike background to gravel. Short chainstays make it nimble and fun off-road, while big tyre clearance and plenty of mounts keep it ready for bikepacking. BikeRadar called the Headlands a fantastic gravel bike that offers terrific value for money, with its mountain bike inspiration unlocking extra off-road ability.
It is the choice for riders who want a carbon gravel bike with a playful, off-road feel without paying a premium. A lot of capable bike for the money.
4. Liv Devote Advanced 1, the women's gravel bike
Women's gravel
£2699
The Liv Devote Advanced 1 is the women's-specific pick. Liv is Giant's women's brand and designs its bikes from the frame up using women's fit data. The Devote is its gravel bike, the women's equivalent of the Giant Revolt, with a light carbon frame, flip-chip geometry, in-frame storage and the range to handle racing, day rides and multi-day trips. BikeRadar called the Devote a fun and versatile gravel bike for women, with fantastic handling over rough ground.
If you want a women's-specific gravel bike rather than a unisex frame set up to fit, this is the one to ride.
View the Liv Devote Advanced 1
5. Cervelo Aspero, the gravel racer
Gravel race
£5000
The Cervelo Aspero is the fast one, and the premium pick here at £5000. It was the original aero gravel race bike, built with road-bike DNA for speed and quick handling, fitted here with SRAM's wireless Rival XPLR AXS 1x groupset. Cycling Weekly found the Aspero still a fast, relevant and surprisingly smooth bike, and one to put on your list if going fast is the priority.
This is the bike for gravel racing and fast group rides, where speed matters more than luggage capacity. It is focused, light and quick rather than a do-everything tourer.
The five at a glance
| Bike | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Revolt Advanced 2 | All-round gravel | £2499 |
| Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3 | Adventure | £2550 (was £3400) |
| Marin Headlands 1 | Carbon all-rounder | £2499 |
| Liv Devote Advanced 1 | Women's gravel | £2699 |
| Cervelo Aspero | Gravel race | £5000 |
How to choose between them
Here is the short version. For one bike that does a bit of everything, the Giant Revolt, or the Liv Devote if you want a women's-specific frame. For adventure and bikepacking, the Trek Checkpoint. For a playful carbon all-rounder on a budget, the Marin Headlands. For fast gravel racing, the Cervelo Aspero.
If your budget is lower, a good aluminium gravel bike like the Giant Revolt or a Marin Gestalt starts from around £1199 and is a sound way into gravel riding. You can browse the full range, alloy and carbon, on the same page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gravel bike?
It depends on the riding you do. For an all-round gravel bike that does a bit of everything, the Giant Revolt is hard to beat. For adventure and bikepacking, the Trek Checkpoint or Marin Headlands. For a women's-specific bike, the Liv Devote. For fast gravel racing, the Cervelo Aspero. All five are in stock and have been rated highly by the cycling press.
What is the difference between a gravel bike and a road bike?
A gravel bike has wider tyres, a more relaxed and stable position, lower gears and mounts for luggage, so it can ride off-road tracks, trails and rough lanes as well as tarmac. A road bike has narrower tyres and a sportier position built for speed on sealed roads. A gravel bike is the more versatile choice if you want to ride beyond the tarmac.
What is the difference between an adventure gravel bike and a gravel race bike?
An adventure gravel bike, like the Trek Checkpoint or Marin Headlands, has a comfortable position, plenty of luggage mounts and big tyre clearance for bikepacking and long days. A gravel race bike, like the Cervelo Aspero, is lighter and more aggressive, built for speed in gravel events. Many bikes, like the Giant Revolt, sit in between and do both well.
How much should I spend on a gravel bike?
A good aluminium gravel bike starts at around £1199, and carbon gravel bikes start at around £2000. Spend more and the money mostly buys a lighter frame, wireless shifting, better wheels and a racier ride. How much you need depends on whether you want comfort and luggage capacity or outright speed, so it is worth talking it through first.
Before you buy. Gravel bikes vary a lot between comfort and speed, and the right fit makes all the difference. Come into the Sprockets shop in Kilmarnock to sit on the bike and get the size right. Stock moves quickly, so call first on 01563 526800 to check the bike you want is in.