At this year's Cyclingworld, we were able to marvel at the Scott Addict RC SUB5 from Dangerholm - a racing bike that breaks the 5-kilo barrier. Storck comes in at 5.3 kilos with its Aernario.3 Platinum Max Performance, but produces the bike in series. The importance of low weight in racing is now increasingly spreading to the gravel sector. Last year, we were able to test several gravel bikes that cracked the 8-kilo mark.
Canyon Grail CFR Di2 - 8.2 kilos
With a weight of 8150 grams, the Canyon Grail CFR Di2 was named the lightest gravel bike of the test year in the test period from January to December 2023. The gravel bike is characterised by its aero cockpit, which replaced the double handlebar of its predecessor and stood out positively in the test. The comfort and damping should also be emphasised, although the carbon seatpost can tend to bob in the tubeless setup, which heavier riders should bear in mind. The Grail CFR Di2 combines lightness, stiffness and aerodynamic optimisation and offers mounting options for luggage and mudguards, which is unusual but practical in the race category. The stiffness values in particular are outstanding, resulting in an overall TOUR score of 1.5.
Stevens Camino RS Pro AXS - 8.1 kilos
The Stevens Camino RS Pro AXS is lighter and more agile than the previous Camino model, with a weight-saving carbon frame without bikepacking equipment and aerodynamic tube shapes. This makes the Camino RS particularly suitable for gravel races and fast off-road rides. It offers a balanced steering geometry that provides both smoothness and agility. The suspension is sporty and firm, the carbon seat post absorbs fine vibrations well, but does not bob like the extreme comfort seat posts of some adventure gravel bikes. The riding position is also somewhat more comfortable despite the sporty orientation. In the overall assessment, the gravel bike achieved a TOUR score of 1.8.
BMC Kaius 01 LTD - 7.7 kilos
The Kaius 01 LTD is a pure racing machine that can also be ridden fast on tarmac and outpaces many a road bike. Thanks to its low weight of just 7.7 kilograms and first-class stiffness, the Kaius can be brought up to speed with ease. In keeping with its racing character, heavy suspension systems are not used, which means that the "Red Lightning" naturally reacts more directly to bumps. The handlebar/stem unit in particular can be quite bumpy on bumpy roads. However, tyres up to 44 millimetres wide can be retrofitted for more comfort. The frame set is also spartan, only a small bag can be attached to the top tube. TOUR grade: 1.6.
Merida Mission 10K - 7.6 kilos
The Merida Mission 10K breaks the 8-kilo mark even more clearly and impresses with its road bike-like performance. The gravel bike scores points on tarmac, but the narrow 40 mm tyres and tight gearing mean it leaves a lot to be desired on rough terrain, which makes it more suitable for competition use. Eyelets and a useful storage compartment make it suitable for everyday use and adventures. The unusually large brake disc compatibility for gravel bikes should be emphasised. While the tyre clearance is limited, the gravel speedster allows an aerodynamic and agile ride, which benefits from a short wheelbase and low centre of gravity. TOUR grade: 1.9.
Storck Grix.3 30th Edition - 7.4 kilos
At 7.4 kilograms, the Storck Grix.3 30th Edition is the second lightest gravel bike on this list and is characterised by an eye-catching deep blue paint job and a sporty orientation that offers a race-like riding position and direct steering behaviour. The further development of the Grix.2 features modern adaptations such as UDH-compatible dropouts and a new handlebar/stem unit. The Grix.3 combines racing performance with suitability for everyday use, made possible by eyelets for panniers and the option to fit smaller, wider wheels. This makes it suitable for both racing and touring. One of the disadvantages is the low foot clearance, which can lead to contact with the front wheel. TOUR grade: 1.8
Specialised S-Works Crux - 7.1 kilos
The lightest gravel bike from the tests of the last three years comes from Specialized: the luxury version of the Crux is based on a frameset that only a few road bikes can beat in terms of weight. At just 7.1 kilograms, the top version is significantly lighter than its aluminium counterpart (Crux DSW, 9.6 kg) and runs its circles in solitude. Thanks to lightweight components such as the SRAM Red XPLR or the carbon wheels from our own brand Roval as well as the excellent saddle with 3D-printed padding, the individual pieces of the puzzle come together to form an absolutely fun bike. Due to the raised centre of gravity, the bike is very agile and responds directly to steering movements. The somewhat meagre comfort and the lack of upgrade options emphasise its competitive orientation, preferably on smooth gravel and forest tracks. TOUR grade: 1.8.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
