Looking for a great gravel bike but don’t want to spend over $1,000?
Gravel biking is becoming more and more popular every day. It’s the perfect mix of mountain and road biking – you get the best of both worlds. And because gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on various terrain, they’re perfect for those who like to mix things up.
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a great gravel bike but don’t want to spend more than $1,000.
Here are the best gravel bikes under $1,000:
Salsa Journeyman Claris
The Salsa Journeyman Claris is a great gravel bike for the price. With a 6061-T6 aluminum frame, it’s lightweight and durable. It also has 2×8 gearing, so you can easily tackle any terrain. The 650b or 700c wheel size options also let you choose the perfect ride for your needs. Plus, the 50-59.5cm size range ensures that there’s an ideal fit for everyone.
The Salsa Journeyman Claris is a gravel bike that is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile and durable bike. The frame is made of durable Chromoly steel, and it comes with mounts for racks, fenders, and a bottle cage.
It also has clearance for up to 40mm tires, which makes it perfect for exploring gravel roads and trails. The bike is available in four different sizes, and it comes with a wide variety of components that can be customized to your riding style.
It comes with a Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain, TRP G-Spec Slate disc brakes, and Salsa’s Adventure by WTB tires. The bike also has a Salsa Cowbell handlebar that is ergonomically shaped and provides plenty of hand positions for long rides.
The Salsa Journeyman Claris is the perfect gravel bike for anyone looking for a versatile and durable bike. It is ideal for exploring gravel roads and trails and has various components that can be customized to your riding style.
Kona Rove AL 650
If you’re looking for a gravel bike that will perform well and won’t break the bank, the Kona Rove AL 650 is a great option. Its capable and forgiving frame geometry makes it ideal for beginner riders, while its Shimano drivetrain ensures that you’ll be able to take on any terrain you encounter. Plus, under $1,000 is an excellent value for your money.
Kona is a well-known brand in the cycling industry, and the Rove AL 650 is one of their most popular gravel bikes. The frame is made from 6061 aluminum, which makes it lightweight and durable. It also features 2×8 gearing, which provides a wide range of gears for different terrain. The Rove AL 650 is available in 48-58cm sizes and comes with 650b wheels.
If you’re looking for a gravel bike that’s an excellent value for the price, the Kona Rove AL 650 is a great option.
The Kona Rove AL 650 is a gravel bike that is perfect for anyone who wants a super capable bike that can handle a wide variety of terrain. It has an old-school aesthetic that many riders will love, and it comes in a wide size range to accommodate just about everyone.
Whether you’re looking to take on some serious off-road riding or want a bike that can handle anything, the Kona Rove AL 650 is a great option.
The Kona Rove AL 650 is a gravel bike that is perfect for riders looking for a super capable bike that can handle a wide variety of terrain. With its old-school aesthetic and wide size range, the Rove AL 650 is sure to appeal to a wide range of riders. Whether looking for a bike to take on weekend adventures or a bike to commute to work on, the Rove AL 650 is a great option.
If you’re looking for a gravel bike that can do it all, the Kona Rove AL 650 is a great option. With its wide size range and old-school aesthetic, the Rove AL 650 is sure to appeal to a wide range of riders. Whether looking for a bike to take on weekend adventures or a bike to commute to work on, the Rove AL 650 is a great option.
The Kona Rove AL 650 is an excellent option for riders looking for a super capable bike that can handle a wide variety of terrain. With its old-school aesthetic and wide size range, the Rove AL 650 is sure to appeal to a wide range of riders. Whether looking for a bike to take on weekend adventures or a bike to commute to work on, the Rove AL 650 is a great option.
Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 2
For the cyclist who wants one versatile bike that can handle various riding styles and surfaces, the Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 2 is an ideal option. Featuring an Endurance Geometry aluminum alloy frame for durability and all-day comfort, this bike is perfect for gravel cycling.
Wide 700c x 38 mm reflective sidewall tires smooth out rough roads and help you stay seen in low light, while Tektro Lyra mechanical disc brakes provide solid and reliable stopping power.
The Shimano Claris 2 x 8-speed drivetrain offers reliable shifting performance, and the DB Gravel Disc steel fork features fender and low-rider rack mounts (fenders and racks not included). You can also load up your gear with the front and rear rack mounts to make it into a touring bike.
Plus, the fender mounts make this bike an easy choice for fast, reliable commutes and all-weather riding. The Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 2 comes equipped with DB aluminum platform pedals.
Tommaso Sentiero Shimano Claris
The Tommaso Sentiero is a versatile and durable gravel bike that is perfect for all types of terrain. With a sturdy frame and fork, this bike is built to last and can handle anything you throw its way.
The Shimano Claris 3×8 drivetrain offers a wide range of gears for all levels of riders, making it an excellent choice for hills and rough terrain. The Sentiero is also equipped with powerful Avid BB5 disc brakes, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
This bike comes partially assembled and requires professional assembly to ensure optimal performance. With a lifetime frame and fork warranty, the Tommaso Sentiero is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable and reliable gravel bike.
Octane One Gridd 2
The Octane One Gridd 2 is a great gravel bike for the price. It comes with a 1×10 drivetrain, which is great for gravel riding and can fit up to 40mm tires. It also has fender mounts, a nice feature for rainy rides. The aluminum fork is harsher than steel or carbon forks, but it’s still an excellent fork for the price.
The Octane One Gridd 2 is a great choice for gravel riders looking for a budget-friendly bike. It’s a terrific value for the money and an excellent option for those who want to try gravel riding without spending a lot of money. The Gridd 2 is a great entry-level gravel bike and a perfect choice for riders who want to upgrade from a road bike.
Octane One makes excellent bikes, and the Gridd 2 is no exception. If you’re looking for a gravel bike under $1000, the Octane One Gridd 2 is a great option.
Marin Nicasio
The Marin Nicasio may not be the lightest or most expensive gravel bike on the market, but it’s a solid option for those looking for a steel frame and traditional gearing.
At $989, it’s also more affordable than many of its competitors. The Nicasio’s CroMo frame is durable and comfortable, while the 2×8 drivetrain is ideal for off-road riding.
The bike also has fender and rack mounts, making it an excellent choice for commuting or touring. However, the stock tires are narrow, and the quick-release hubs may not suit all riders.
Marin Nicasio
The Marin Nicasio is a gravel-ready touring beast of burden that can handle any surface you might encounter. With a lightweight Chromoly steel frame, tons of clearance, and rack-mounting points, this bike is perfect for long rides on gravel roads or commuting.
Gravel-ready geometry and beefy 700c x 38mm Hutchinson Override tires keep you in control on loose surfaces, and the frame and fork are compatible with 650b wheels (not included), so you can roll even wider tires when you want to.
The 16-speed Shimano Claris STI drivetrain delivers excellent gearing for adventure gravel rides or commuting. The 3-piece FSA Tempo Adventure compact double 48/32t crankset gives you a wide range of gears to tackle gravel climbs and rough roads.
The wheels are built with tubeless-ready 700c WTB STP i23 32-hole rims with stainless-steel spokes and alloy hubs, and Promax DC-330R flat-mount mechanical disc brakes provide stopping power even in wet conditions. The adjustable drop handlebar with various hand positions, gel-padded tape, and the Selle Royal Rampage adventure saddle offer comfort on extended rides.
Pure Cyles Gravel Adventure
The Pure Cycles Gravel Adventure is perfect for those who want a touring bike that can handle any terrain. With a lightweight Chromoly steel frame, tons of clearance, and rack-mounting points, this bike can easily handle any adventure you want to take it on.
The gravel-ready geometry and beefy 700c x 38mm Hutchinson Override tires keep you in control on loose surfaces. At the same time, the 16-speed Shimano Claris STI drivetrain provides excellent gearing for adventure gravel rides or commuting.
Plus, the 3-piece FSA Tempo Adventure compact double 48/32t crankset gives you a wide range of gears to tackle any gravel climb or rough road. And the wheels are built with tubeless-ready 700c WTB STP i23 32-hole rims with stainless-steel spokes and alloy hubs.
Promax DC-330R flat-mount mechanical disc brakes provide stopping power even in wet conditions. Finally, the adjustable drop handlebar with a variety of hand positions and gel-padded tape make this bike extremely comfortable to ride.
Decathlon Triban GRVL120
If you’re looking for an excellent quality gravel bike that doesn’t break the bank, the Decathlon Triban GRVL120 is a superb option. It comes with a clutched rear derailleur, which makes it easier to shift gears when riding on bumpy terrain.
The Decathlon Triban GRVL120 is a great gravel bike for those looking to invest in a quality bicycle without breaking the bank. This bike offers a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano Sora drivetrain, among other features. The Triban GRVL120 is perfect for those who
The Decathlon Triban GRVL120 is a great gravel bike for the price. It has a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and a carbon fork, which makes it easy to maneuver. The 1×10 gearing provides a wide range of gears for all types of terrain, and the clutched rear derailleur keeps your chain from bouncing off the ground.
The only downside is that it has narrow tire clearance and quick-release hubs, which make it less durable than some other gravel bikes on the market.
Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike
The Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is a suspension rigid gravel bike that is perfect for anyone looking to get into the sport of gravel cycling.
Schwinn aluminum gravel/adventure frame with a rigid fork is great for fast riding on varied terrain. 700c wheels fit riders 5’4″ to 6’2″ in height.
Schwinn aluminum gravel/adventure frame with a rigid fork is great for fast riding on varied terrain. 700c wheels fit riders 5’4″ to 6’2″ in height. Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is perfect for the rider who wants a durable bike for commuting, fitness, or weekend rides.
Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is perfect for long rides and commutes. It features 14 speeds with a Shimano shifter/brake lever combo and a Shimano rear derailleur that provide quick gear changes, so you can easily tackle different types of terrain.
Plus, the bike’s durable frame is built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday riding, while the front and rear disc brakes offer plenty of stopping power. And, with its comfortable saddle and upright riding position, you’ll be able to ride for miles in comfort.
The Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile and durable bike. This bike is ideal for weekend rides, commuting, and even racing, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, alloy mechanical disc brakes, and a Shimano drivetrain.
If you are looking for an adult gravel bike that will take you anywhere, the Schwinn Sporterra Adventure is a great option. With its 700 x 38c Multi-Terrain tires, it provides go-anywhere traction so that you can ride on any surface with confidence. Plus, its lightweight aluminum frame makes it easy to transport and maneuver.
Featuring a quick-release seat post, this bike makes it easy to adjust the saddle height for a comfortable ride. With its all-terrain tires, the Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike can handle any terrain you throw.
Vilano Gravel Bike with Disc Brakes, 14 Speeds, Road and Trail Bicycle Drop Bars
The Vilano Gravel Bike is perfect for city streets, gravel trails, and fire roads. It features 14 speeds, disc brakes, and road and trail bicycle drop bars. This versatile adventure bike is perfect for anyone looking for a great all-around bike that can handle a variety of terrains.
The Vilano Gravel Bike is a versatile option for riders looking for an all-purpose bike. Featuring integrated brake lever/shifters, the bike provides controllable braking and shifting in a convenient single unit.
This allows riders to maintain complete control while riding on pavement or gravel roads. Additionally, the frame is constructed of durable yet lightweight aluminum, making it ideal for long rides.
If you’re looking for a versatile road bike that can handle pavement and dirt paths, Vilano has the perfect option in its gravel bike lineup.
This bike is perfect for carrying what you need on the road or on tour, featuring mounts for water bottles and racks. With its durable frame and fork, this bike is perfect for riders of all levels.
Mongoose Elroy
The Mongoose Elroy is an excellent option. It comes with a front rack, making it perfect for carrying gear on long rides or tours. And at under $630, it’s one of the most affordable gravel bikes on the market.
Plus, it has plenty of bottle mounts so that you can stay hydrated on long rides. However, it does have quick-release hubs, which some riders may not prefer. And some of the components are cheap and unbranded. But overall, the Elroy is an excellent option for budget-conscious riders.
What To Expect In A Gravel Bike Under $1,000?
If you took your cyclocross bike off-road and tried to navigate rocky or uneven terrain, you’d probably run into problems. You’d certainly have an uncomfortable ride and have to push your bike on foot at times.
On the other hand, using your mountain bike for on-road racing events or regular commuting might result in a disappointing performance. This is where a gravel bike comes in – a bike that’s designed to provide the best of both worlds.
When shopping for a gravel bike on a budget, there are certain features you can expect to find.
Benefits include:
Versatility
A gravel bike can be used to ride on different types of terrain in different seasons. This type of bike is perfect for climbing hills, even when you have your travel essentials with you. It has a low gear ratio, making pedaling uphill easy.
Adaptability
Personalizing your bike is simple, and adding tubeless tires is a breeze. Endurance-style geometry or dimensions provide more excellent stability and comfort when cycling for lengthy periods.
Wheels
An excellent gravel bike can fit different wheel sizes. For example, you can change out 700c with 650b MTB tires. This compatibility lets you choose the best tires for the route you’re taking, whether on or off-road.
Brakes
You’ll generally want a gravel bike with a highly efficient braking system. Thanks to the super-efficient braking system, you won’t have to worry about a less-than-smooth stop at any time, regardless of the terrain.
Weight
Because you don’t want to feel like you’re carrying around bricks, weight is an important consideration. At the same time, a bike that is too light may not provide stability or force you need. A typical gravel bike weighs about 25 to 30 pounds, depending on the model.
Frame And Fork Material
The frame and fork should be robust and shock-resistant to prevent bending and cracking. The gravel bike’s two most essential components are the frame and fork. To make riding more comfortable, they must be both sturdy and lightweight. High-quality steel, aluminum alloy, or carbon construction is ideal for a gravel bike.
Groupset And Drivetrain
Gravel bicycles require varying gearing levels to adjust to changing slopes and terrains. Make sure the drivetrains are compatible with these requirements. 1x or 2x drivetrains are popular choices, and they can quickly shift gears to allow for rapid speed changes.
How many chainrings do I need?
The number of chainrings on a bicycle can vary, but the most common setups are 1x (one by) and 2x (two by). There are a few things to consider when deciding how many chainrings you need.
First, a bike with fewer gears is typically easier to handle over more technical surfaces. This is because there are fewer moving parts, and you won’t have to worry about changing gears as often.
Second, a 1x setup is generally better suited for off-road use, while a 2x setup is better for mixed surface riding. If you’re unsure which structure is proper for you, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
They can help you determine what will work best based on your riding style and the surface you’ll be riding on most often.
What material should the frame be?
When choosing a gravel bike frame, there are a few things to remember. One is the material the frame is made out of. You can find gravel bikes made of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber.
Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, carbon fiber frames are lightweight and offer a tunable ride feel. However, they can be more expensive and difficult to repair if they’re damaged.
Aluminum frames are less expensive and easier to work with than carbon fiber, but they’re also not as lightweight. Steel frames are the heaviest option but are also the most repairable and tend to provide a more comfortable ride.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and riding preferences.
What are the crucial parts of a gravel bike?
The critical parts of a gravel bike include the frame, wheels, tires, drivetrain, and brakes. The frame is the essential part of the bike because it determines the geometry and provides the foundation for the other components. The wheels play a significant role in how a bike rides.
They need to be strong enough to handle the stresses of off-road riding and provide good traction. The tires must be tough enough to withstand rocks and other debris on the trail. They also need a good grip, so you don’t slip while cornering.
The drivetrain needs to be able to shift smoothly and efficiently under all conditions. It also needs to be durable enough to withstand the elements. The brakes must be able to stop the bike quickly and reliably in all states.
Some other parts of a gravel bike include the handlebars, seat, and pedals. The handlebars provide a place for you to grip the bike while riding. They also help you control the bike. T
he seat is where you sit while riding. It needs to be comfortable so you can ride for extended periods. The pedals help you power the bike and keep it moving forward.
What are the different types of gravel bikes?
There are three main types of gravel bikes: cross-country, all-mountain, and endurance. Cross-country gravel bikes are designed for speed and efficiency.
They have lightweight frames and components and are built for riding on smooth surfaces.
All-mountain gravel bikes are designed depending on rough and challenging terrain. They have more robust frames and components to handle the abuse of off-road riding.
Endurance gravel bikes are designed for comfort and stability. They have a more relaxed frame geometry and features designed for long-distance riding.
What are the benefits of gravel biking?
Gravel biking has several benefits. It’s a great way to get outside and explore new places. It’s also a great workout. And because it’s not as technical as mountain biking, it’s a good option for people who want to ride off-road but don’t want to deal with the challenges of technical trails.
What should the deciding factor be?
When looking for a gravel bike under $1,000, it is essential to consider the most critical factors: frame geometry, weight, and components.
A lower price point often means sacrificing quality, so finding the best bike size and fit for your individual needs is vital. Additionally, if you plan on riding in inclement weather conditions, be sure to find a bike with fender mounts.
Choosing between 1x and 2x drivetrains is another critical factor, as this cannot be changed easily later. With all of these factors in mind, you should be able to find the best gravel bike under $1,000 for your individual needs.
Take Away
A gravel bike is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds – a road bike that can be ridden on different terrains and a mountain bike that’s light enough to be used for racing or commuting.
With a budget of $1,000, you can find a gravel bike with all the features you need, including a versatile design, robust frame and fork, efficient brakes, and compatibility with different wheel sizes. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring new routes!
