Best budget gravel bikes: get off the beaten track without spending the earth
Budget gravel bikes let you experience the joys of off-road riding and exploring without breaking the bank.
The best gravel bikes are often lauded for their versatility. While they remain inherently practical due to their wider tyre clearance and relaxed geometry, in recent years they have become ever more specialised and nuanced. There are gravel bikes designed for fast gravel races, off-grid bikepacking, rugged trails, and everything in between and with all that comes cost. So, do the best budget gravel bikes live up to their siblings' do-it-all versatility?
You're in just the right place to find out. We’ve tested a number of gravel bikes that fit the bill and have selected our six top-rated to showcase here. We’ve chosen them for their general performance as well as for their ability to shine in specific areas, which will hopefully help you to make a more informed choice when buying your first gravel bike.
It is worth noting that when it comes to testing these bikes, there are no concessions for them being at the more budget end of the spectrum. The best budget gravel bikes are subjected to the same intensity of testing as the best gravel bikes. They must be able to tackle multiple terrains at speed and whilst laden, and of course, offer decent durability in the process, as there is no point just making a bike cheaper. With that in mind, our top honours go to the Van Rysel GRVL AF for its all-rounder nature. It is also a bike that punches well above its weight in terms of value for money and style.
Best Overall
The GRVL AF is pretty much everything you could ever ask for in the best budget gravel bike. It's excellent value, rides well and offers decent comfort. It is hard to find a fault worth making too much fuss about.
A relaxed riding position and plenty of mounts mark the Topstone 4 out as an ideal long-distance companion. Well-considered components keep the costs down without spoiling functionality, but its geometry is better suited to off-road trails than road sections.
An excellent budget option, Boardman's ADV 8.6 is tubeless-ready and has a wide-range 9-speed drivetrain ready for off-road exploration. Although the frame lacks a bit of compliance, the included rack and mudguard mounts mean that it can double up as a commuter or winter bike.
Huge tire clearance, a carbon fork and a plethora of luggage mounts make the ever-popular Diverge a sure-fire winner. In this guise, the gearing is aimed at easier trails and lanes rather than big hills.
Featuring women-specific geometry, the updated Devote is a great entry point for new gravel riders. Highlights include flip chip tech that allows you to adjust both the wheelbase length and the tyre clearance.
At its heart, an endurance road bike, the Domane does sport a crazy amount of tyre clearance. While I found it to be instantly comfortable and predictable, this can translate to not being very exciting and a bit middle-of-the-road.
The Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 gravel bike really impressed me with its capability, especially given its incredibly affordable price. I found it remarkably comfortable to ride across various terrains, which is undoubtedly down to its well-balanced geometry and smart use of frame materials. Pair that with the carbon fork and high-volume tires, and you have a setup that truly delivers a confident and forgiving ride.
As it was my first time using the relatively new Microshift Sword drivetrain, I was pleasantly surprised to find it offered reliable shifting and excellent ergonomics for the price. You can't really ask for more than that at this price. While the mechanical disc brakes weren't as smooth or as powerful as hydraulics, which is to be expected, they were certainly dependable. I think with a proper bedding in and a reasonable amount of maintenance, they serve their purpose. Ultimately, the GRVL AF 2 offers excellent value, making it a fantastic and fun option for anyone looking to get into gravel riding or explore bikepacking adventures.
Cannondale Topstone 4 has a quality frame
Our expert review:
The aluminium Topstone 4 mixes a quality frameset with a range of budget components to help keep the price down. However, we found that the 10-speed 1x Microshift drivechain worked really well, despite it being a far less used brand than Shimano or Sram. Likewise the ProMax mechanical disc brakes, which surprised us with their ability to stop quickly regardless of the surface. We also like the wide, flared bars, which allow plenty of room for a bar bag. In fact, the frame is loaded with mounting points, making this a good match for bikepacking adventures.
We found the geometry to be relaxed and the ride to be stable, leaving us feeling in control even when navigating tricky off-road terrain.
While the knobbly tyres work well on the trails, we found they made the bike feel sluggish on the road and slow to accelerate. Of course it’s not its primary purpose, but given that a lot of gravel rides require some time on the tarmac too, it’s worth considering. Similarly, if you want a gravel bike to ‘do it all’ then you may need to think about a tyre or wheel swap here.
Boardman's ADV 8.6 aims to bring a quality ride at an affordable price
Our expert review:
The ADV 8.6 from Boardman is a great first gravel bike. It offers a wide gear range courtesy of the 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset that pairs a 48/32t chainset with an 11-34 cassette. We also appreciated that the wheels and tyres are tubeless-ready; we found running the 38mm Schwalbe G-One tyres tubeless helped to take some of the harshness out of the firm alloy frame and its chunky tube shapes.
Those tube shapes do have their advantages though. We found the ADV 8.6 quick to accelerate on and off-road. As for the riding position, it falls somewhere between stretched out and upright, so a reasonable balance. Control is aided by the wide bars that feature a subtle flare we really liked. While the groupset helps to make the bike a good all-rounder we can’t help think it might be better off with a dedicated gravel groupset, such as Shimano GRX, allowing for an even lower bottom gear for those steep and loose trails.
All told, this bike offers exceptional value for money, with decent components used throughout. If you’re after a dedicated gravel groupset however you’ll need to stump a bit more cash for the ADV 8.9.
The Diverge E5 offers versatility and plenty of tire clearance
Our expert review:
The Diverge Comp is certainly a versatile bike. The alloy frame and full carbon fork are loaded with mounting points, six for bottles and bags, and two more for front and rear fenders. It means it’s adaptable for both bikepacking, touring and commuting.
Then there’s the FutureShock front suspension system that provides 20mm of travel. We found that while we didn’t really notice it during our rides, we did finish them with far less fatigue in the hands and wrists than we typically experienced when riding gravel trails. It's off-road capabilities are further enhanced by decent tyre clearance and Sram Apex hydraulic brakes that were nothing less than superb.
About that tyre clearance, the bike comes fitted with 38mm Pathfinder Sport, which while a decent all-road option weren’t best suited muddy tracks. We swapped out the stock 700c wheels (which aren’t tubeless compatible) for some 650b hoops fitted with 2.1” tyres resulting in bags of fun on tricky terrain, aided by the wide, flared bars.
The updated Devote features a lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminium frame and a carbon composite fork that’s designed to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. The geometry has been tweaked from previous models, making it slightly more performance-focused; in essence, it’s slightly lower at the front end than before.
While we have yet to test this exact model of the Devote, we've tested its larger sibling, the Devote Advanced Pro, which shares much of its overall DNA with its aluminium counterpart. Although the more affordable version lacks the sophisticated carbon of the Advanced Pro, its geometry is very similar across platforms. Therefore, any comparisons in how the bikes handle are directly relevant and transferable. From our testing of Liv's partner brand, Giant Bikes, Revolt X aluminium frame, we know that no expense is spared when it comes to quality.
Here is what our Digital Editor Michelle had to say about the Devote Advanced Pro, "For many riders, the pull towards the gravel trend is the ability to stitch together sections of road, gravel, trail, fire road and cycle path, It was these rides where the Devote felt most at home - tackling each component of the changing terrain, perhaps not perfectly, but always very capably."
Trek's Domane is technical a road bike with clearance for wider tires it can handle some rough stuff
Our expert review:
The Domane AL4 struck me during use as a versatile and reliable road bike, perfect for those longer rides or adventurous outings where comfort and practicality are paramount. I appreciated its confident and predictable handling, which instantly built my trust in it.
Trek's in-house Bontrager components, like the durable wheels and puncture-resistant tyres, undoubtedly contribute to its solid feel. The comfortable, noseless saddle also stood out, perfectly complementing the bike's upright riding position. While the stock parts are good, I couldn't help but think how a simple upgrade to the wheels and tyres could truly transform the ride feel down the line.
Aesthetically, the bike really pops with its gold detailing and premium finish. However, I initially found the cable routing to be baffling, and, like many mechanics, I am sure, frustrating. Once that hurdle was cleared, though, the Domane AL4 proved to be a competent, practical, and good-looking bike that's genuinely easy to live with and enjoy. It might not be the most cutting-edge in terms of spec for the price, but as a steady, confidence-inspiring ride for on and slightly off-road adventures, it absolutely hits the mark.
At Cycling Weekly, we have a dedicated team of testers whose role is to evaluate a wide variety of cycling products and provide objective reviews based on their daily experiences in diverse conditions. With extensive experience, they are well-equipped to compare products, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, and deliver honest, unbiased insights into their performance.
Testing gravel bikes involves covering many miles, and our testers do exactly that. Routes range from technical mountain bike trails to multi-day bikepacking trips, with numerous intermediate options available. We also ensure that bikes are tested on paved roads, since many riders use gravel bikes for commuting and winter riding, which often involves some tarmac.
During rides, we assess bikes based on comfort, handling, suitability for different gravel terrains and bikepacking, as well as the quality, durability, and overall value of components.
Learn more about our testing process on our dedicated How We Test page.
Inexpensive frames are sometimes steel but mostly aluminum. Metal frames are robust, durable, and inexpensive to manufacture. Alloy frames tend to be a little lighter than budget steel frames but steel is easier to repair if you find yourself in a remote region of the world.
Even at this price point, you will often find a carbon fork, which along with the wide tires will help take some of the road buzz out of your ride.
Whatever material you end up with be sure to protect it for use with bags. Use a strong, clear, adhesive material anywhere that a bag will come in contact with the frame. Even the best bags will wear through the paint.
At this price point, there are a few different options on the market, from SRAM's Apex 1X groupset to double chainrings or even triples. Budget Shimano Sora or Claris options help to keep costs down and simplify shifting with 8 or 9-speed setups. These are road groupsets, rather than specifically gravel ones though, so they don't have a clutch to help keep the chain in place on bumpy terrain.
A gravel-specific groupset like Shimano GRX or SRAM Apex 1 will give you a better set-up for gravel riding than a road groupset, but is not often specced on lower-priced gravel bikes, as it's more expensive than 8 or 9-speed options.
Often gravel bikes will come with a single chainring set-up with a wide-range cassette to give you the range you need. It's a good option, but better with an 11 or 12-speed set-up; with the cheaper groupsets with a smaller number of sprockets, you may find the jumps between gears a bit wide.
The other option to give you lower gear ratios is a subcompact two-chainring groupset. Subcompact usually means either a 48/32t or 46/30t chainset, rather than the 50/34t that's typical on road bikes. The advantage of a two-chainring groupset is that you get more gear ratios, and smaller jumps as you move up the cassette.
The SRAM Apex 1 groupset is an excellent option at any price range.
Mechanical disc brake setups are almost always specced at the sub-£1000/$1500 mark. These are less costly than hydraulic disc brakes but still yield benefits over rim braking systems, particularly for gravel bikes. Disc brakes make it possible to fit big tires and wide wheels without any decrease in braking power.
Even cable-actuated disc brakes offer greater power and modulation than cantilever brakes. Disc brakes will also save your wheelsets from wearing out in mucky conditions, unlike rim brakes.
Although not as powerful as hydraulic disc brakes, cable-operated brakes can be easier to maintain. Future upgrades are also always possible.
Even at this cheaper end of the gravel bike market, you can now choose between standard 700c wheels or smaller 650b wheels. A lot of these bikes will be compatible with both sizes too, so you can change as you like or even have a pair of each with different tires fitted.
For easier terrain or longer rides where efficiency is key 700c wheels are a good choice. Choose 650b wheels to run wider, chunkier tires for more technical terrain. The larger volume tires add extra comfort over rooty and rocky trails.
Tires make a huge difference to the quality of your ride and are also an easy element to switch out when you buy a bike. Having said that, it's good to see so many great tires fitted as standard, even at a budget level.
For mud and loose gravel look for more aggressive tread on the center line and shoulders. Slick, or file tread, tires will be faster for road, dry conditions and less technical terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that entry-level wheels can come at the cost of greater weight. Heavier wheels take more energy to get moving and can feel sluggish. When you're convinced that gravel riding is for you, wheels are a good first upgrade.
WTB Resolute gravel tires on a gravel bike
Many budget gravel bikes come from brands that offer their own in-house finishing kit, for example, Triban's seatpost, stem, handlebars, bar tape and saddle. This helps to keep costs low, and although not the flashiest, these parts tend to be well-made and robust. Finishing kit is easy to swap out if you fancy an update at any point in the future too.
Handlebars are the one piece of the finishing kit you might want to really pay attention to. Flared bars of around 12° can give a more stable position in the drops for rough descents. They also accommodate bikepacking bags more easily.
Once you're happy that your new gravel bike is the best steed you've ever owned, you might want to consider a few upgrades to make the ride even more enjoyable. If you've got a little over $1,500/£1,000 to spend initially, you might consider these features for your first bike too.
SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Lever
Although it sounds strange, better braking can actually help you go faster. With more powerful braking from hydraulic disc brakes, you can stop faster. With great braking performance at your fingertips, you'll have more confidence to let rip on the descents.
If you don't already have flared handlebars on your bike, consider this upgrade for confident descending and more room for bikepacking bags up front.
Your wheels can make a huge difference to the quality of the ride, and unfortunately, at lower price points the quality of these can suffer. Upgrading your original wheelset to a lighter and higher quality build can make the world of difference.
Don't feel stuck with the tires that come on your bike. Your preferred terrain and conditions might need something different. Experiment with different volumes and tread types until you find some that work for you. You may need a different set of tires for summer and winter riding to get the most out of your budget gravel bike, swapping between them to compensate for the changes in trail conditions.
Setting up your wheels tubeless can be one of the biggest (although not always the easiest) upgrades to your bike out of the box. With no tube to worry about you can run lower pressure for better traction and a more comfortable ride. Tubeless sealant can also seal small punctures before you even know something happened.
If you're looking to keep your spending on your new gravel bike under control, don't forget to budget for the extras you'll need.
Although you can ride on a set of the best flat pedals, it's easiest to ride off-road on clipless pedals, but you need an MTB-style two-bolt system rather than a road-going three-bolt one. The best pedals for off-road riding are two-sided for easier engagement, clear mud well and are robust.
You'll need a matching pair of two-bolt shoes for gravel riding, as the recessed cleats and grippy soles are essential when you need to walk your bike.
Don't forget to factor in a helmet, summer gloves in case you take a tumble and winter gloves to keep your hands from freezing. If you don't want to ride in road gear, there's also a good selection of gravel bike clothing for more versatility or a more relaxed look. Finally don't forget sunglasses to help keep dirt and bugs out of your eyes.
If you're planning to use your gravel bike for bikepacking or even for commuting, there's a whole range of bikepacking bags to make packing and carrying easier. We've got a comprehensive list of everything you need to go bikepacking - there's quite a lot of it.
But if you're looking for a budget gravel bike, the answer is: probably not.
The vast majority of gravel bikes are still rigid and perform just fine. We'd only suggest looking into suspension forks for your gravel bike if you've got the budget and you're tackling more challenging terrains.
