Best list of Gravel Bikes Race 2024
Best list Gravelbikes Race 2024 - Seven gravel bikes for high speed on different terrain: UCI race, fast multi-day tour with minimal luggage or cyclocross? “Gravel Race” in its various variations stands for such areas of application. Velomotion explains what is important about models in this category, what they all have in common and how they can differ.
Mountain bike, touring bike or gravel bike: What these categories mean on the whole is clear to everyone. But as soon as you start sorting within a category of bicycle, things get more complicated. Because only very few models are strictly limited to one area of use, and last but not least, individual use determines whether a bicycle is a city bike or a touring bike, for example.
A subcategory like “Gravel Race” is also a case like this: sounds clear, but the bikes that come together behind this term are quite different. Many gravel racers also see themselves as bikes suitable for touring for bikepacking purposes and allow the installation of luggage systems and add-on parts; Other models, on the other hand, are purist and are only equipped with threaded holes for mudguards. When it comes to gearing, variety is also the order of the day: race gravel bikes are available with 1×12 gears as well as with a double chainring at the front - after all, both are used in racing.
But what is typical for “gravel racing”? A feature of all bikes that fit this name is a rather sporty seat geometry with a shorter head tube and a longer top tube, which is not compensated for by a mini-short stem (as with the trail gravel bike). In extreme cases, you sit on a gravel bike like you would on a racing bike - this is a good example of this Storck Grix.2. Some bike manufacturers choose their seat geometry so that the frame only grows in height, but almost not in length; The decision between two sizes is then accompanied by a lower and more upright posture.
Typical, but not mandatory, for the “Race” subgenre are aerodynamic frame shapes and/or components, such as those found on Fuji Jari Carbon 1.1 or again on the Storck Grix.2. Even gravel racers like that Riverside are based on the current aero racing bike with low seat stays and flat fork legs. Details such as cables routed in the cockpit and aero rims with a deep profile naturally make sense, especially when driving.
But “gravel racing” can also look completely different Specialized with the Crux. Its sporty seating position and slim appearance come from the cyclocrosser, enhanced by generous tire clearance of over 45 mm. The super light bike can be equipped with three bottle holders, which is practical for longer journeys; The purist athlete does not allow any other attachments.
From the current test field of Velomotion.de We have selected seven gravel bikes that fit the name “Gravel Race” well - but, as I said, they are quite different from each other. You can cycle quickly with everyone - on short cyclocross laps, in the UCI open gravel races or with minimal luggage on extreme tours lasting several days.
