If you love gravel biking and want to know about the best gravel bikes under 1500, this post will not disappoint you. The time has come for a change in your riding style. The weight and balance of a road bike make the biking experience feel like a chore, while the size and stiffness of an off-road bike won’t suit you. And then there is gravel cycling-a unique and accessible way to enjoy some dirt on two wheels.
Gravel bikes are hardwearing, compact, light-weight, easy to ride on any terrain with enough clearance to keep from getting sore knees or elbows on any surface. With extra gears for power and added fat tires for the long haul and rough roads, this is the most versatile bike you can own.
Though many people still prefer touring or adventure bikes (or both), they also find that gravel bikes offer a good way for riders to experience the joys of cycling on lighter, faster bikes. We’ve put together reviews of the best gravel bikes under 1500 on the market today to help with your choice.
| S.No. | Product Name | Product Image | Product Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
Cannondale Topstone SORA | |
| 2. |  |
Trek Checkpoint AL4 | |
| 3. |  |
Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 4 | |
| 4. |  |
Giant Revolt 2 | |
| 5. |  |
Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 | |
| 6. |  |
Devinci Hatchet Sora 18S | |
| 7. |  |
Masi Giramondo | |
| 8. |  |
Salsa Stormchaser |
Here are the Best Gravel bikes under 1500 for you
If you want to get information about the best gravel bikes! Or want to know what models are available, which ones have the best features, and which ones are worth the money. This post will let you know everything about gravel bikes.
Cannondale Topstone SORA
Cannondale launched the Topstone as a complete line of bikes for riding over dirt or gravel. The Topstone line has been popular with riders who want a bike to ride on dirt/gravel and are comfortable for those long days out on the road or trail. The SORA (Specialized RockShox One) is a perfect option for those who want more versatility across the different types of terrain they ride.
The SORA comes equipped with a simple single ring drivetrain giving you lots of gearing options for tackling the many different surfaces we encounter during our rides. The suspension fork on the SORA is carbon with a tapered steerer, a fairly stiff and capable fork offering a smooth ride and good control in most conditions.
Cannondale products are functional and reliable, with a good finish that should hold up well in all weather conditions. The SORA has Cannondale’s excellent Aluminum frame, which offers balanced stiffness for efficient pedaling while still being easy on your body over long distances.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: Rigid
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Good choice for more versatility over different terrain
- Cannondale wheelset is stiff and tough
- Sora gives you plenty of gearing options when riding on dirt/gravel
Cons
- The internal cable routing was noisy
Trek Checkpoint AL4
The Trek Checkpoint comes with a very active fork equipped with a remote lockout for when you want to ride the bike fast and add some air to the suspension. The bike comes equipped with a tapered alloy steerer, rack mounts, and fender mounts which is a pretty stiff and capable fork offering good control in all conditions.
Also, the wider rims help keep you in control when things get rough out there and reduce the chances of your spokes blowing out. This bike comes equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 shifters and derailleurs, a great option for riding on dirt/gravel. The only thing to note here is the shifting on the rear derailleur can be more finicky on this bike than some others.
This is especially true if you plan to do some off-roading or touring, as it can be more challenging to shift in conditions where you need to keep your hands off the bars. The stout aluminum frame helps reduce road buzz and vibration.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: Bontrager Comp
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Stout aluminum frame better suited to off-road riding
- Good choice of gearing options for different surfaces and conditions
- Seatpost provides good comfort for longer rides over tough terrain
Cons
- The rear derailleur can be finicky for some riders
Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 4
The Haanjo 4 from Diamondback is a bike that can handle it all, from gravel to pavement to singletrack. The Haanjo isn’t the lightest bike in this category, but that gives it some extra versatility and durability, making it a good option for gravel and road riding. This is an aluminum frame bike with a carbon fork and comes in at around 21.8 lbs, which is about average for this category of bikes.
The Haanjo has a carbon fork, which is a great match for the Haanjo. This suspension fork offers smooth and controlled performance over the rough ground while still being light and responsive enough for the occasional bump. While this setup is slightly heavier than others in this category, it is much stiffer and can keep up with you when you hammer through the roughest sections.
The Haanjo has an aluminum frame that is sturdy enough to handle some of the roughest gravel roads out there. This bike comes in various sizes for men and women, so you should be able to find one in your size if you are looking for something more versatile than some other bikes on the market.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: HED Eroica
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Top-quality wheelset and frame
- Good Versatile Ride for different terrain
- The fork offers good control over bumps
Cons
- A bit heavy for some riders and may not be as efficient on the road as other bikes in the category
Giant Revolt 2
Countless riders have been blown away by the Giant Revolt 2. The Revolt 2 is a gravel bike without any compromises. For starters, it has an ALUXX aluminum frame that’s lightweight and durable without sacrificing its stiffness. Giant also added a tough alloy wheelset that includes puncture-resistant sidewalls and features large 45mm tires for maximum traction on even the roughest terrain for discerning riders.
The Revolution 2 comes with a front and rear Shimano sora brake system, which is significantly stronger than rim brake systems. Revo 2 is available in different sizes. One size small and large. Medium size is very similar to the other large size, but it will be better suited for the shorter legs for some.
This is perfect for gravel riding as you can lock them out when you need to climb or descend steep grades without worrying about the brakes locking up. They are also a good safety feature as you won’t be able to lock your brakes, causing your bike to roll away.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: D-Fuse composite
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Brakes are powerful and offer good stopping power on all types of surfaces
- Large gear range for good performance on a variety of surfaces
- Good choice for more versatility over different terrain
Cons
- Gear ratios are pretty close to perfect, but you may want more range.
Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2
The Co-Op ADV is one of the best gravel bikes out there for the money, with an aluminum frame and great parts spec. This bike is a solid entry-level option for gravel riding, but it also has a great second life as an excellent endurance road bike or winter training bicycle. The co-Op has really caught on with the industry, so much so that you can find this bike at many local bike shops around the country.
This bike has a carbon suspension fork, which some riders may find offers a less comfortable ride than on a carbon-equipped bike, but for most riders, this is an excellent option for riding in places like Portland, where you often encounter road grime and mud build-up in the road. Co-Op makes all of their parts with durable materials, so this bike should easily hold up well in most conditions.
The Co-Op ADV 2.2 comes with tektro mechanical disc brakes, which are easy to maintain and offer great braking power in all conditions, especially muddy/wet roads where you need to slow down quickly. This bike comes with an aluminum frame offering a comfortable ride for long-distance rides on any surface while still having good stiffness for efficient power transfer.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: Promax 6061 aluminum
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- The aluminum frame offers good stiffness with a good road feel
- Strong wheels and solid fork for control in rough conditions
Cons
- Not a very attractive bike that stands out from the crowd, though it does look great.
Devinci Hatchet Sora 18S
This is Devinci’s Hatchet Sora. This bike has been designed specifically for gravel riding and has a lower bottom bracket and smaller frame size for better control over rougher terrain. The Hatchet comes equipped with a Shimano Sora R3000 drivetrain which is a great choice for downhill mountain biking because of its lightweight design and easy shifting action.
The Hatchet also has wider tires than most gravel bikes making this a great choice for off-road riding. A wider tire helps get you over rocks and roots easier, while still keeping you rolling fast on the flats. The Hatchet also comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes which offer good control over braking in most conditions. The disc brakes are excellent for riding in bad weather and provide good stopping power on a variety of different surfaces.
Shimano’s Sora groupset has been in production for many years so it is very reliable and offers easy, predictable shifting that works well in most conditions. The Devinci Hatchet comes with the lightweight Devinci Performance aluminum alloy frame which has been designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing strength or stiffness.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: Devinci
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Lightweight and aluminum frame for efficient pedaling
- Wide handlebar for great control in off-road situations
- Excellent choice for adventure riding
Cons
- Some riders may like a little more road bike feel to the bike
Masi Giramondo
Masi’s Giramondo is a great option for a gravel bike. The Giramondo comes equipped with disc brakes which are better for riding on dirt/gravel than rim brakes. Also, because of the way disc brakes function versus rim brakes, they tend to be more forgiving in the event of excess braking pressure.
The Giramondo has easier gear shifting. Some riders will prefer the smoother and more comfortable gear shifts offered by giramondo. The Giramondo comes equipped with a mechanical disc brake setup which offers more power than the more common levers and better stopping power in wet conditions.
The Masi Giramondo comes equipped with the same great steel frame. The Masi Giramondo is a versatile bike with great comfort and handling. It is a good choice for riders who want to spend lots of time on gravel or dirt, but are not looking for a dedicated dirt/gravel bike.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Steel
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Steel
- Seatpost: Brev M. Alloy
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Shimano Deore drivetrain offers responsive and precise gear shifts with reliable shifting performance in most conditions
- Disc brakes offer more power and better stopping in wet conditions
Cons
- Can be expensive compared to other bike options in the category
- No bottle cage mounts
Salsa Stormchaser
Salsa is one of the few companies that can compete in the gravel bike market today. Aside from their regular tuned frames and standard components they also produce a series of custom carbon fiber chassis based on their standard frame designs. The Salsa Stormchaser is one of those custom bikes, and it is a fantastic option for riders looking for a stiff, powerful, and durable gravel bike.
Forge your own adventures with the Salsa stormchaser. This gravel bike will take you and your dreams considerably farther than you might otherwise go on a stock build. Salsa’s extensive gravel line is modern and detailed. Where a lot of companies are still trying to figure out the best way to incorporate disc brakes into their gravel bikes.
The brakes offer a good balance of power and control. This gives you a lot of control for when the roads get rough, but it also keeps the overall weight down.
Product Features
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide
- Wheel Size: 700c
Pros
- Well-respected brand
- Carbon fork offers a stiffer ride
- Well-specified
Cons
- Won’t win any beauty contests
- Not the lightest bike in the gravel category
Why Gravel?
A good riding surface is essential for comfort, safety, and a fair race. Gravel roadways are ideal because they’re hard-packed and smooth but not so hard that treading on them will put a crimp in your frame. There are also many advantages to gravel bikes:
• Density. While gravel bikes may be lighter than their touring counterparts, people know they have a sturdier build.
• Better Shifting. Gravel bikes are built with lower gearing on the road, which makes shifting easier and improves your chances of moving faster and safer along the road.
• Improved Skills. Riding on gravel roads is more fun and challenging than riding on pavement because of the added resistance. You’ll discover new turning skills, and you’ll get better at cornering. It can even make beginning riders more confident in their abilities to ride competitively and further their road cycling ambitions.
• Eco-Friendly. Gravel bike riders are saving the environment by using less gasoline because they use more gears and push harder as a result.
• Practical. The good news is that you don’t need to be an off-road rider to appreciate the benefits of a gravel bike. They are just as great for commuting as they are for riding on the road.
• Convenience. You can jump on your gravel bike and ride with no need for special tools or parts that are needed for a touring bike. Gravel bikes are also far easier to maintain than cars or other vehicles, so they’re more convenient for city dwellers.
FAQs
What are the best types of gravel bikes?
First, let me start out by saying that there are a number of different ways to classify a gravel bike. One is by the suspension fork which can be either coil or air. Another is with time trial geometry but this would not really fit into our article because most people will use these bikes downhill and it is hard to find straight pieces of tarmac.
Why do I want to ride a gravel bike?
The answer is simple yet hard to explain. You will like it and a lot of people seem to forget about this later in their lives. You will feel the wind in your hair and be able to take much bigger jumps than you have been able to do before. You might also enjoy getting an adrenaline high from doing stunts but that really depends on you. I think that even if I was going to do stunts, I’d be a little nervous about it. Maybe it will get better as you get more experience.
Can I ride my road bike on a gravel bike?
Yes, you can ride your road bike on a gravel bike but you’ll need to make some small adjustments. You don’t want to use the same forks as your mountain bike because they aren’t strong enough for ripping through the many layers of rocks that exist on gravel roads and trails. Instead, you’ll need to get a set of mountain bike forks. A lot of the time, people even put mountain bike rims on their regular road bike wheelsets but that is clearly not the way to do it at all.
Conclusion
In this article, I outline the best gravel bike you can buy. You may already have one in mind but it’s always good to stay on top of these trends and see what other people are saying about the different options! Feel free to post any query on Where to buy a gravel bike and we will be glad to answer it quickly.
