4 gravel bikes from 3099 euros on test: How good is the mid-range?

The success story of the gravel bike is undisputed. The trend has long since become a mass phenomenon. Some manufacturers already sell more gravel bikes than racing bikes. In cities, on gravel paths or even on trails: you can see them on every corner. Like ants. But why is that? How has the gravel bike managed to shed its reputation as a niche product? Twelve current 2022 models from three price categories answer this question in the TOUR test and provide examples of the diversification in the gravel segment.

12 gravel bikes from affordable to high-end in the test

• 4 aluminium gravel bikes from 1699 euros on test
• Mid-range: 4 gravel bikes from 3099 euros in the test (see below)
• Top league: 4 top-of-the-range gravel bikes on test

The simple calculation that a gravel bike is primarily defined by wide tyres and racing handlebars no longer works. The manufacturers offer too many different concepts for this. Basically, three trends can be identified. Starting with the versatile all-rounder - the Swiss army knife of gravel bikes, so to speak - the specialists can be found at the edges. Bikepacking bikes are for multi-day outdoor adventures, while race gravel bikes are for fast off-road speed chases. And the transitions are fluid.

Gravel bike tyres: 58 millimetres is the limit

The choice of tyres is closely linked to the category. No other component influences handling and comfort off-road more than the tyre width - it should also be one of the most important purchasing criteria. The common average is 40 millimetres, but the range extends from 32 to monstrous 58 millimetre tyres close to the road and the trend is towards ever wider and more off-road-compatible concepts, with frames and forks from almost all manufacturers allowing even wider tyres than standard. Bombtrack, for example, uses a trick and releases its model for smaller 650B wheels, as known from mountain bikes. The maximum tyre clearance thus reaches an extreme 58 millimetres - a set-up that is only suitable for specialists who want to tackle really rough terrain.

For the majority of gravel bikers, tyre widths between 40 and 45 millimetres are recommended, with the profile taking care of the fine-tuning. Most tyres seek the best compromise between smooth running and traction and feel just as comfortable on asphalt as they do on easy terrain. Tubeless tyres without inner tubes, which offer two major advantages on unpaved surfaces, are common from the mid-range upwards: They can be ridden with less pressure without increasing the risk of punctures and are still fast. In addition, the sealant can seal small punctures in just a few turns of the tyre. Many models with tubeless-ready tyres allow the option of changing the system.

In addition to the tyre width, the wheelbase is a decisive factor for handling and shapes the character of a gravel bike. In relation to road racing bikes, the wheelbase of gravel bikes is somewhat larger, almost always more than 1,000 millimetres for frame size 56, which results in better directional stability.

SRAM sets the tone for gravel bike drivetrains

When it comes to gears and brakes, all manufacturers use special Gravel bike drives back. Unlike in our Gravel Special 2021 it is no longer Shimano but SRAM that sets the tone. Two thirds of all bikes are equipped with US technology, with the Rival groupset dominating. Scott equips its Addict Gravel with the modern eTap wireless drivetrain for 3299 euros. Especially with the Canyon Grail gravel bike with aluminium frame this is remarkable, as it belongs to the more affordable segment at a price of 2199 euros and thus stands out from the sometimes significantly more expensive competition. Stevens equips its bike with the GRX groupset from Japanese competitor Shimano and utilises the wide range of component combinations.

Striking: Only two out of twelve gravel bikes in our test have a double crankset, so the replacement of the guard by drivetrains with only one chainring on gravel bikes continues to progress. The advantages - easy to use, less prone to errors and low maintenance - seem to be well received by the public. However, the range of gears can be a little too narrow for both less trained and fit athletes, or must be adapted to the rider's own riding style. Only the gearboxes with 12 or even 13 sprockets can be recommended without reservation, because the range and jumps between gears are acceptable.

Fitting bags, tools, bottle holders and mudguards? Usually no problem!

A gravel bike of the year 2022 is only complete if it offers additional mounting points for bags, toolboxes or mudguards in addition to the threaded eyelets for water bottle holders on the down tube and seat tube familiar from road bikes. Bikepacking bikes in particular are characterised by a wide range of mounting options for luggage systems. On some models, for example, there is hardly a frame part without a mounting eyelet - something that only very few gravel bikers are likely to use. A mount on the top tube to which a small bag can be attached is now standard.

Special gravity-feed handlebars with outward bending

For some time now, manufacturers have been equipping their all-terrain bikes with a special gravel core with the ends facing outwards; this grip position is intended to improve control of the bike on difficult terrain and take the strain off the forearms. Our test bikes are comparatively restrained when it comes to this feature, with an average angle of 15 degrees.

How good is the mid-range gravel bike?

You can expect top workmanship on the carbon frames in the price range between 3099 and 3599 euros - and you get it. Frame weights of around 1200 grams are common, which means that complete bikes weigh around nine kilos. The most can be achieved with wheels and tyres, as the 8.7 kilo Stevens Camino Pro shows. The Hamburg-based all-round model achieves its weight advantage primarily through the lightweight aluminium wheelset from DT Swiss. The rather heavy Syncros wheels prevent the Scott Addict Gravel from achieving a better overall result, even though it has the lighter frame. Shifting and braking in this class is predominantly done with drivetrains with a chainring from SRAM and Shimano, and some electric drivetrains are also on board. All in all, all four models offer plenty of riding fun and play to their strengths depending on the terrain and intended use.

8bar centre v3

Information and features of the 8bar centre v3

• Price 3557 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel 9.4 kilos
• Drive SRAM Rival (1x11; 42, 11-42 t.)
• Circuit SRAM Rival
• Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights) 8bar Ultra Gravel/Schwalbe G-One Allround 40 mm (f./h. 1437/2084 g)

The 8bar Mitte v3 aims to be two bikes in one. The geometry can be changed with special dropouts on the aluminium rear triangle and carbon fork, and you can also choose between 650B and 700C wheels with tyres up to 45 millimetres wide. Compared to gravel specialists, the wheelbase is short and the riding position is very upright and compact. The heavy frame and special components such as the eccentric bottom bracket increase the overall weight. Nevertheless, the 8bar ploughs confidently through the terrain on 40 mm tyres. On steep ramps, the limited gear ratio of the 1x11 drivetrain demands full commitment. Despite the aluminium frame, the 8bar is surprisingly comfortable to ride. This is due to the Brooks saddle, which has been tried and tested over long distances and whose saddle cover flexes a lot. If you want to use the Mitte v3 as an adventure bike, you should select the bikepacking fork in the configurator. This allows you to fit front panniers, mudguards and a light in addition to the three bottle cages on the frame.

Positive: comfortable saddle, conversion to road bike/singlespeed possible
Negative: Heavy frame, limited gear range

Bombtrack Hook EXT C

Information and features of the Bombtrack Hook EXT

• Price 3599,99 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel 9.3 kilos
• Drive SRAM Rival (1x11; 38, 10-42 t.)
• Circuit SRAM Rival
• Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights) Hunt Adventure Sport 650B/WTB Venture 2.0 47 mm (front/rear 1807/2335 g)

In the gravel and commuting scene, the Cologne-based bike manufacturer Bombtrack has made a name for itself primarily with functional steel bikes. The Hook EXT C therefore stands out from the crowd, as it is the only carbon gravel bike in the Cologne-based company's portfolio. The Top model in the Hook series rolls ex works on small 650B wheels with tyres up to 52 millimetres wide. We rode on 47-millimetre tyres, which offer good traction on muddy surfaces but make the handling sluggish. The frame and fork also offer space for 700C wheels with slightly narrower tyres - the better alternative for gravel motorways. Despite the voluminous tyres and the carbon chassis, the Bombtrack is only average in terms of comfort. The gradation of the 1x11 gearing from SRAM takes some getting used to. Thanks to the small chainring and the cassette with 10/42 gradation, there are sufficiently small gear ratios, but the jumps between gears are large.

Positive: high-quality finish, option for 700C wheels
Negative: Relatively little comfort, sluggish steering behaviour

Scott Addict Gravel 20

Info and features of the Scott Addict Gravel

• Price 3299Euro
• Weight of complete wheel 9.1 kilos
• Drive SRAM Rival (1x12; 42, 10-44 t.)
• Circuit SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights) Syncros RP 2.0 Disc/Schwalbe G-One Bite 45 mm (f./h. 1760/2348 g)

With the model change last year, Scott gave its new Addict Gravel The Addict CX has its own geometry after years of being based on the platform of the Addict CX cyclocross bike. The Addict Gravel 20 sorts itself into the product family as a mid-range model, the top model Scott Addict Gravel Tuned With the comparatively long stem, you sit stretched out even on the version with the electric SRAM Rival drivetrain; the sporty position, relatively short wheelbase and low weight invite you to go for a ride. The very stable frame and grippy Schwalbe tyres keep the bike on track even on loose surfaces. However, when the terrain gets rougher, the Addict lacks a bit of suspension comfort. The 45-millimetre tyres can only compensate for this to a limited extent, even with low air pressure. The top and down tube offer four mounting options for bottles and accessories, and the "hidden" mounting points for mudguards are an elegant solution.

Positive: Relatively low overall weight, high-quality finish
Negative: Relatively little spring comfort

Stevens Camino Pro

Info and features of the Stevens Camino

• Price 3099 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel 8.7 kilos
• Drive Easton EC90 SL (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Circuit Shimano GRX 812
• Brakes Shimano GRX 810 (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights) DT Swiss G1800 Spline/Continental Terra Speed 40 mm (front/rear 1505/2091 g)

Which way is the gravel motorway? Stevens Camino Pro literally. This is where the gravel bike from Hamburg feels most at home. The lightweight wheelset reduces the weight to less than nine kilograms - the Stevens can be accelerated correspondingly quickly. With its 40-millimetre tyres, the Camino Pro also rolls extremely quickly on asphalt. Because the riding position is also relatively stretched due to the long top tube and stem, the Stevens pushes the boundaries of an all-road bike suitable for off-road riding. However, you shouldn't expect much suspension comfort from the Camino Pro. Even small potholes are passed on to the gravel bike fairly unfiltered. Wider tyres should offer some improvement; the frame and fork with numerous eyelets leave room for 45-millimetre tyres. The GRX drivetrain with Easton cranks and chain drop protection only offers a limited range of gears. In addition to the Pro version, a 500 euro cheaper basic model - the Camino with 2x11 Shimano GRX gears - is also available.

Positive: low overall weight, lightweight wheelset
Negative: little spring comfort, many mounting options