Speed gravel bikes: The most important information and 6 gravel exotics at a glance

The term "aero gravel bike" has not done the type of bike any favours, and many off-road enthusiasts are sceptical. Aerodynamics and relaxed biking through the field do not go well together. Even if you ride fast, the average speed in the amateur sector is around 22 or 23 km/h, where aerodynamics hardly play a role. Aerofoil-shaped frame and handlebar profiles would only be worthwhile at speeds of over 30 or even 32 kilometres per hour. Gravel world champion Matej Mohorič and his professional colleagues can achieve this, but not even his Merida bike has such extreme shapes as some other models on the market.

More appropriate than aero gravel bikes would be terms such as race or speed gravel bikes for this new breed of lightweight, sporty models designed for shorter distances. The aerodynamic frame and handlebar shapes as well as the complete integration of all cables and lines are a bonus. If you look at the models on the market or at our selection here, you will often recognise direct similarities to the road racing bikes of the corresponding brand. Sometimes they even share components such as the cockpit, a combination of stem and handlebar - stylish and streamlined. However, the strongly ovalised handlebars make it just as difficult to attach additional equipment such as lights or bags. The riding position can also hardly be changed, if at all.

Speed gravel bikes: the most important characteristics

As already mentioned, speed gravel bikes are somewhere between road racing bikes and cyclocross bikes in terms of their range of use. They are designed for high speeds and a steady pace on different surfaces. Speed gravel bikes are not suitable for technically demanding passages with jumps and carrying elements as in cyclocross, nor for completely unpaved paths and downhills as in mountain biking. In order to be equipped for such routes as well as for the increasingly popular gravel races, the framesets of speed gravel bikes have been made lighter and stretched. There is no fixed weight limit, but the bike should weigh less than nine kilograms.

For speed gravel bikes, it is particularly important that the geometry allows a more forward leaning position than on conventional all-rounder bikes. Flat seat tube angles or stems of less than 90 mm are not permitted, nor is a stack/reach ratio of 1.5 or higher. This makes the top tube longer compared to the frame size, resulting in a more direct position above the bottom bracket. This enables more efficient biomechanics when pedalling as well as better weight distribution on the front wheel for more grip and more agile handling.

Of course, the more aerodynamic riding position is just as important on an "aero" gravel bike. However, this has the disadvantage that the comfort while sitting suffers and the bike is less stable in a straight line. This is not ideal for longer and more relaxed tours. Beginners in particular have problems with the agile handling, especially on uneven surfaces. In addition, these bikes are usually not suitable for travelling or daily commuting, which is why they often lack luggage mounts or cable ducts for lights.

Who rides speed gravel bikes?

Speed gravel bikes are basically a return to the original ideas of the Americans who developed the forerunners of gravel bikes. These bikes are essentially road bikes that perform well on poor roads and paths and are less prone to punctures due to their greater tyre clearance and more stable construction. The wider tyres not only offer more grip and robustness, but also enable lower air pressure and therefore significantly better comfort compared to conventional racing bikes. According to a TOUR wind tunnel test, even a difference of five to seven millimetres in the width of gravel tyres can mean an aerodynamic saving of several watts. For this reason, tyres with a width of around 40 mm tend to be used on racing models.

The Aerogravels are among the most expensive models in their segment, although their application possibilities are limited compared to other models we have tested. This is because they focus on lightweight construction, airflow optimisation and high-quality components. However, it is important to note that an expensive bike is not automatically the best for everyone. Although the comfort values of these high-end gravel bikes are significantly better than comparable road bikes, they were not developed with a focus on everyday use and long-distance comfort.

These bikes are extremely fast, provided you have the appropriate technical and physical skills. However, you have to sacrifice smoothness and predictable handling. It is only worth spending several hundred euros extra on pure aerodynamics for experienced and competition-orientated cyclists. Road cyclists who are toying with the idea of switching to a gravel bike could consider buying an aero gravel bike with a second set of wheels and road tyres instead.

More topics about gravel bikes

>> More gravel exotics: These are e-gravel bikes.

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>> Wheels from luxury car brands: luxury or just for show?

6 special speed gravel bikes

Ridley Kanzo Fast

• Price: 5499 Euro
• Weight: approx. 8.1 kilos

The Belgian brand Kanzo describes its speed gravel bike as the fastest in the world. It is not only very powerful, but also extremely customisable. You can put together your Ridley bike virtually bolt by bolt online, with the price for the frameset starting at 2999 euros. The top tube of the Kanzo Fast is one of the longest in the off-road world and measures an impressive 56.5 cm in size M. Nevertheless, the STR value remains in the orange range, as the "long" head tube raises the handlebars. However, thanks to a downward-angled stem design, you sit almost horizontally on the bike with slightly bent arms. According to Ridley, the low-set rear triangle design provides additional comfort while riding.

• Drive: Sram Rival XPLR AXS 1x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,525
• Brakes: Sram Rival AXS
• Variants: In addition to 13 gear combinations, hundreds of wheel, equipment and colour combinations are possible via the configurator.

Felt Breed Advanced

• Price: 5999 Euro
• Weight: 8.6 kilos

The brake line of the Felt Breed sticks out from under the cockpit, but we would still like to present it because of its versatility. The aerodynamic frame with the high-priced Zipp wheels can be converted into a more comfortable bike. The rigid fork can be replaced with a suspension fork without significantly affecting the geometry, and the thick seat post can be replaced with a thinner one with a rubber sleeve. This combination enables small springy movements. This is also the only aero gravel bike that allows tyres up to 50 mm wide. "Two wheels" with eTap gears at this price are fine!

• Drive: Sram Force XPLR AXS 1x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,494
• Brakes: Sram Force 1, 2-piston
• Variants: 3 models from 2999 to 5999 euros with SRAM Force eTap, Shimano GRX 820 or 610 groupset, top model only in Limelight

Rose Backroad FF

• Price: 4999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 8 kilos

The Rose Backroad FF is the latest model and offers some improvements over its all-round counterpart. It is lighter and longer, but still comfortable in terms of seating position and practical elements. The saddle has been moved forwards, which enables optimum power transmission (the top model even has a wattage measurement). At the same time, the upper body angle remains comfortable for road bikes. Particularly impressive is the specially developed gravel cockpit, which allows different handlebar positions - from upright to sporty, wide or narrow. The cables are all routed internally and adventure accessories such as 45 mm wide tyres and food bags are still available.

• Drive: Sram Force XPLR AXS 1x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,409
• Brakes: Sram Force AXS
• Variants: 2 models with Sram Rival AXS or Force AXS, 6 heights and 2 or 3 colours, prices 3499 or 4999 euros

Bianchi Impulso RC

• Price: 6849 Euro
• Weight: 8.1 kg

The renowned racing bike brand only offers a limited selection of gravel bikes, but one of them is a real gem - the Bianchi Impulso RC. In the smallest size (XS), it has a head tube just 10 cm long. In addition, cranks with up to 52 teeth can be mounted on the chainstay, which is exceptional for off-road bikes. The top version of the Impulso RC shown here has 2 x 12 gears, which offers a clear advantage over single-speed bikes for sporty riding. With its aerodynamic frame profiles, 44 mm high wheels and sporty riding position, the bike promises low air resistance and high manoeuvrability thanks to the steep fork. And the best thing about it: it's also reasonably affordable!

• Drive: Sram Force AXS 2x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,417
• Brakes: Sram Force AXS
• Variants: 3 versions with Sram Force, Shimano GRX 820 or 610 for 2999 to 6849 euros, 2 colours

Pinarello Grevil F9

• Price: 8499 Euro
• Weight: 8.8 kilos

The Pinarello Grevil F9 is described on the website as "off-road dogma", as it has similar characteristics to the renowned professional racing bike from the Italians. Even at first glance, you can see that everything in the design of the frame was geared towards optimising aerodynamics. Even the fork blades have been designed to channel the airflow around the down tube and any bottles - perhaps a little excessive for a gravel bike. More practical is the variable wheelbase, which is made possible by a reversible inlay in the rear axle mounts. This allows the bike to be made more agile or more stable as required. The painted seat post gives the bike an elegant look, but this additional equipment also comes at a price.

• Drive: Shimano GRX Di2 1x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,545
• Brakes: Shimano RGX 820
• Variants: 8 models in 6 heights with Shimano GRX (mech. & Di2), SRAM Rival eTap or Campa Ekar, prices: 8499-4199 Euro, 6 colours

Merida Silex 10 K

• Price: approx. 8999 Euro
• Weight: 8.77 kilos

The Merida Silex 10 K is a bike that Mohorič could even have travelled the world on. This civilian version of the world championship bike combines details from racing and travelling. The slim carbon frame and Reynolds carbon wheels ensure low weight and improve agility and airflow. Although it is high-end carbon, fixed points for luggage and a geometry suitable for long distances have been integrated, almost reminiscent of an MTB. The bike is equipped with an electrically lowerable seat post ex works, ideal for demanding trails. Also inspired by MTBs is the X01 rear derailleur, which keeps the chain tight. All in all, this bike offers a lot of performance at a corresponding price.

• Drive: Sram X01 Eagle AXS 1x12
• Stack/Reach: 1,473
• Brakes: Sram Red AXS
• Variants: 3 WM bike variants from 2349 euros, Shimano GRX-Mix or 820 groupset, Sram Red & AXS Eagle combo with power meter, 1-2 colours

Details of the speed gravel bikes

Fully integrated

Many gravel bikes show various ways in which cables and lines can be elegantly integrated into the bike frame. Aerobikes take this integration even further. The cables and lines run directly from the handlebars into the cockpit and from there through the frame and fork to their "destination". This hidden cabling can achieve similar aerodynamic advantages as aerodynamic frames, namely around 10-14%.

Speed gravel bikes: pointless aero optimisation?

We have already questioned the usefulness of wide flared lower links. It makes sense for aero road bikes as they are narrower at the top. Road riders today use much narrower handlebars to make themselves smaller against the wind. For gravel biking, however, this would offer too little control. The combination of very narrow handlebars at the top and "normal" width at the bottom represents a compromise.

Comfort or aerodynamics?

With a view to maximising power transmission and dynamics, comfort has been sacrificed down to the smallest detail. In addition to the frame and wheels, the stems, handlebars and seatposts are significantly stiffer than on all-rounders. The ovalised shape of the seatpost on the Ridley Kanzo is particularly striking, as it improves the airflow but is stiffened in precisely the direction in which flexibility normally ensures riding comfort.

Agile

The Ridley Kanzo in size M is characterised by a short wheelbase of 1026 mm. This is mainly due to the short chainstays and the steep steering angle of 71.5 degrees. This geometry gives the speed gravel bike agile manoeuvrability, but also requires a certain amount of riding control. This is mainly because the top tube is similar in length to a road bike, which results in a front-heavy position.

Rims

The rims on Matej Mohorič's bike, the Merida Silex, are made of carbon and are 60 mm high. They have 24 bladed spokes and are available at a retail price of 2200 euros. On gravel roads, this lightweight set of rims naturally suffers more than conventional aluminium wheels with 32 spokes. The narrow 40 mm tyres offer only limited protection and their suspension comfort is also limited. Nevertheless, this combination enables fast rolling, which is why such compromises are accepted on a speed gravel bike.

>> You can find even more articles on gravel bikes here.