The greatest gravel bikes below $1,000 within the US or £1,000 within the UK will allow you to get began gravel using with out an excessive amount of expense.
At this worth level, you may often discover an alloy body. Sometimes it is going to be paired with a gravel groupset like Microshift Sword. It’s extra prone to be specced with an 8, 9 or 10-speed street bike groupset. This ought to be high-quality for lighter gravel use, though you might not get the decrease gear ratios that may be useful off-road.
Disc brakes are the norm on gravel bikes, however at decrease costs, they’re prone to be cable-operated mechanical ones relatively than the dearer hydraulic disc brakes. It’s price looking for tubeless-ready wheels and tyres as effectively, as these can decrease the probabilities of punctures.
If you’ll be able to’t discover all these options on a gravel bike costing below $1,000 / £1,000, we have got guides for the most effective gravel bikes below £2,000 and the most effective funds gravel bikes.
Here are our picks of the most effective gravel bikes below $1,000 / £1,000, whereas decrease down we have got a information to how to decide on the most effective lower-priced gravel bike.
Last up to date on nineteenth of February 2025
Checked over all of the merchandise featured within the information to make sure all of the bikes are nonetheless present and out there, any outdated merchandise have been eliminated and changed with higher choices.
Best gravel bikes below $1,000 within the US
1. Diamondback Haanjo 2
Plenty of mounting choices for gravel, touring or the commute
Specifications
Frame materials: Aluminium body, metal fork
Gears: Shimano Claris 2×8-speed
Gear ratios: 46/34T, 11-32T
Wheel dimension: 700c
Tyres: Diamondback Interval 38mm
Brakes: Tektro Mira Mechanical Disc
Sizes out there: M
Reasons to purchase
Good off-road geometry
+Plenty of mounting factors
+Low vary gearing for off-road situations
Reasons to keep away from
That low gearing means fewer excessive ratios for street use
–Limited inventory
The Diamondback Haanjo offers you rack, fender and fork low-rider mounts, in addition to a steady gravel geometry and loads of tyre clearance for the 38mm rubber fitted as inventory. The bike is product of aluminium alloy and comes with a metal fork.
Shifting is taken by an 8-speed Shimano Claris groupset, that encompasses a 46/34T crankset, which provides you decrease ratios than a regular compact to assist with off-road exploring. Stopping energy is supplied by Tektro Miro mechanical disc brakes, with a 160mm rotor up entrance and 140mm out again.
Currently solely exhibiting availability in M, the Haanjo 2 may be purchased instantly from Diamondback.
2. Marin Nicasio
Robust metal bike for on and off-road use
Specifications
Frame materials: CrMo metal body and fork
Gears: Shimano Claris 2×8-speed
Gear ratios: 50/34T, 11-32T
Wheel dimension: 700c
Tyres: Vee Tire Apache Chief 30mm
Brakes: Promax Render R Mechanical Disc
Sizes out there: 47 – 60cm
Reasons to purchase
Versatile metal body
+Good vary of gears for on or off-road use
+650b wheel dimension suitable
Reasons to keep away from
Not the widest tyre clearance
–No sub-1:1 ratio
Built for on/off-road adventures, the metal Nicasio is about up for load-lugging each on and off-tarmac, with rack and fender mounts and the choice to hold two or three bottles. The Nicasio is suitable with 650b wheels, in addition to the 700c wheels that it comes with, and it may possibly deal with 650b rubber as much as 47mm vast.
It’s kitted out with 8-speed Shimano Claris gearing and a very good unfold of substances ratios. Although all gears are above 1:1, gears beneath this are thought-about perfect for off-road climbs. The mechanical disc brakes will hold you stopping reliably regardless of the climate although.
For the identical worth, the Nicasio 1 presents a selection of a step-through body in addition to a regular high tube possibility.
3. Poseidon Dropbar Redwood
Huge tyre clearance for the roughest gravel terrain
Specifications
Frame materials: Aluminium body and fork
Gears: 1X10-speed
Gear ratios: 38T, 11-48T
Wheel dimension: 650b
Tyres: Kenda Kadre 2.35in
Brakes: Tektro MD-C550 Mechanical
Sizes out there: XXS – XL
Reasons to purchase
Massive 2.6in tyres
+Wide vary of gears for straightforward climbing
+Limited lifetime guarantee on the body
+Thru axles
+Plenty of bosses for bikepacking
If your gravel using takes on essentially the most rugged terrain otherwise you need essentially the most snug trip then Poseidon Dropbar Redwood is unmatched. Its frankly ludicrous 650b by 2.6in tyre clearance means you’ll be able to run large mountain bike tyres for optimum grip and bump-absorbing air quantity.
There’s a Microshift Advent X 10-speed drivetrain giving loads of gear vary to climb up the steepest hills. The derailleur comes outfitted with a clutch too which helps hold the chain on and quiet when using tough trails.
Poseidon has ensured there may be an abundance of bosses for carrying loads of water and there are three bosses on every fork leg for mounting bikepacking luggage with both sides able to carrying 70lbs of substances.
4. Triban GRVL520
Carbon fork and Shimano 105 11-speed subcompact gearing
Specifications
Frame materials: Alloy body, carbon fork with alloy steerer
Gears: Shimano 105 2×11-speed
Gear ratios: 48/32T, 11-34T
Wheel dimension: 700c tubeless prepared
Tyres: Hutchinson Touareg 40mm
Brakes: TRP HY/RD hybrid disc
Sizes out there: XL solely
Reasons to purchase
2x 11-speed shifting
+Subcompact crankset
+Tubeless-ready wheels and tyres
Reasons to keep away from
Limited availability
–XL dimension solely
Decathlon’s Triban GRVL520 is an effective entry-level gravel bike, with an alloy body and a fork with carbon legs and an alloy steerer tube. There’s first rate tyre clearance and fender and rack mounts too.
Impressively on the worth, Decathlon has specced 11-speed Shimano 105 with a subcompact crankset. The hitch is that the bike is obtainable in dimension XL solely. It comes full with tubeless-ready wheels and Hutchinson tyres, so all it wants is valves and sealant to arrange tubeless.
5. Schwinn Sporterra
A fundamental entry-level gravel bike from a big-name US model
Specifications
Frame materials: Alloy body
Gears: 2×7-speed
Gear ratios: Not specified
Wheel dimension: 700c
Tyres: Schwinn 38mm
Brakes: Not specified
Sizes out there: One dimension
Reasons to purchase
38mm Schwinn tyres
+Shimano seven-speed shifting
+Limited lifetime guarantee
Schwinn has been making bikes for years and the Sporterra builds on that legacy. It comes with 38mm vast tyres for loads of grip and a 2×7-speed Shimano groupset, together with disc brakes. It’s positively on the decrease finish of the value vary, and so will not carry out in addition to one thing just like the Triban Grvl, nevertheless it might be the right starter to get you going.
The alloy-framed Sporterra weighs a claimed 18.39 kilograms and is available in one dimension solely. It simply may be the choose to get you into gravel using on a budget, though the only dimension is claimed to suit riders between 5’7″ and 6’0″, so shorted or taller riders could also be disillusioned.
6. Mongoose Elroy
Fully loaded, with a entrance rack and a body bag
Specifications
Frame materials: Aluminium body, metal fork
Gears: 2×7-speed
Gear ratios: 48/34T 11-32T
Wheel dimension: 700c
Tyres: 40mm
Brakes: Disc
Sizes out there: 54cm
Reasons to purchase
Comes with a rack and a bag
+Reasonably vast gear vary
+Mechanical disc brakes
The Mongoose Elroy journey bike options an aluminium body and metal fork. It additionally comes with a entrance rack and a body bag included. You can match one other rack to the rear and as much as 5 bottle cages, so it is prepared for all of your adventures. This is a motorcycle that’s set as much as go well with touring or bikepacking from the get-go if you’re seeking to do extra of that sort of using.
There’s a Shimano Tourney seven-speed transmission with an inexpensive gear vary and 40 mm-width tyres that can assist you hold your grip and supply some additional consolation. The bike additionally options mechanical disc brakes.
Best gravel bikes below £1,000 within the UK
1. Marin Gestalt
A well-finished gravel bike that may double up as a commuter
Specifications
Frame materials: Aluminium body and fork
Gears: Shimano Claris 2×8-speed
Gear ratios: 50/34T, 11-32T
Wheel dimension: 700c
Tyres: WTB Exposure Comp 36mm
Brakes: Tektro C400 Mechanical Disc
Sizes out there: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60
Reasons to purchase
Stable and assured dealing with off-road
+Comfortable and versatile
+Decent vary of gears
Reasons to keep away from
Quite heavy
–No thru-axles
–Not geared right down to 1:1
If you have solely bought room for one bike to do all of it, the Marin Gestalt is a flexible workhorse that may double up as a commuter through the week and a gravel and journey bike on the weekend. The alloy body and fork supply some added consolation that soaks up the bumps, and the Gestalt include all of the related mounting factors for racks, mudguards and bottle cages to show it into no matter you want it to be.
It’s outfitted with Shimano’s eight-speed Claris drivetrain which presents loads of gears though they cease above 1:1, which can make for more durable climbing off-road. It rolls on 36mm vast WTB Exposure tyres and contains Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
2. Kona Rove AL 700
Capable and forgiving body geometry is right for constructing expertise
Specifications
Frame materials: 6061 aluminium body and fork
Gears: Shimano Claris 2×8-speed
Gear ratios: 50/34T, 11-34T
Wheel dimension: 650b/700c
Tyres: Maxxis Rambler 40mm
Brakes: Tektro Mira CX Mechanical Disc
Sizes out there: 48 – 58cm
Reasons to purchase
Super succesful
+Well priced
+Old college aesthetic
+Geared right down to 1:1
Reasons to keep away from
Aluminium forks are harsher than metal or carbon alternate options
Gravel bikes are sometimes accused of simply being hardtail mountain bikes from the Nineties; the Kona Rove AL exemplifies this to a ‘T’. It’s out there rolling both on 650b wheels with 47mm tyres or 700c with 40mm tyres. The body and fork are produced from butted 6061 aluminium, and the geometry isn’t overly aggressive, which means this bike is right for many who are nonetheless constructing their blended floor expertise.
The Rove encompasses a Claris 8-speed drivetrain in a 2x configuration, with gearing right down to 1:1 for simpler climbing. Keeping your velocity in test are cable-actuated disc brakes paired to 160mm rotors entrance and rear.
3. Boardman ADV 8.6
A high quality construct for the value
Specifications
Frame materials: Aluminium, carbon fork
Gears: Shimano Sora 2×9-speed
Gear ratios: 48/32T, 11-34T
Wheel dimension: 700c, tubeless prepared
Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround 38mm
Brakes: Tektro Mechanical Disc
Sizes out there: S – XL
Reasons to purchase
Good spec for the value
+Tubeless-ready rims and high quality tyres
+Plenty of decrease gear ratios
Reasons to keep away from
Hydraulic brakes could be good
Boardman’s entry-level gravel bike comes with Shimano Sora 2×9-speed shifting and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. This is a strong construct for the cash and the sub-1:1 gearing is right for off-road adventures.
Boardman matches good high quality Schwalbe gravel tyres in 38mm width and each the tyres and the wheel rims are tubeless-ready to chop down on potential off-road puncture points. There’s a womens-specific model in addition to the boys’s spec bike too, with Boardman’s personal ending equipment like bars and saddle sharpening off a high quality constructed for an inexpensive worth.
4. Cube Nuroad
A strong spec with single chainring gearing
Specifications
Frame Material : 6061 alloy, carbon fork
Gears : Microshift Sword 1x 10-speed
Gear Ratios : 40T / 11-48T Casette
Wheel Size : 700c
Tyres : Schwalbe G-One Comp 40mm
Brakes : Tektro MD-C510
Sizes Available : XS-XL
Reasons to purchase
Quality Schwalbe tyres
+Wide ratio 1x Microshift groupset
+Carbon Fork
The Cube Nuroad represents a strong gravel bike with a good spec and a powerful platform to improve from sooner or later.
Using a high quality 6061 alloy body and carbon fork, the Nuroad encompasses a serviceable Microshift Sword gravel-specific 1x groupset with a clutched derailleur and a very good unfold of ratios over ten speeds. Cube additionally matches high quality Schwalbe tyres and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
You additionally get rack and fender mounts, so the Nuroad may be loaded up for adventures or for the commute.
5. VooDoo Nakisi
A decently specced gravel bike from Halfords
Specifications
Frame Material : Alloy with alloy fork
Gears : Shimano Sora 9-speed
Gear Ratios : 48/32T / 11-34T Casette
Wheel Size : 700c
Tyres : WTB Riddler Comp 40mm
Brakes : Tektro MD-C400
Sizes Available : S-L
Reasons to purchase
Low priced possibility with first rate spec
+Gearing beneath 1:1
+2×9-speed groupset
Reasons to keep away from
Wire bead tyres
–Three sizes solely
Halfords supplies a good spec for the outlay with its in-house VooDoo model’s Nisiki gravel bike. The body comes with a full set of mounts, so you’ll be able to add mudguards and/or a rear rack, including versatility.
It’s outfitted with a subcompact chainset and 9-speed gearing which heads down beneath 1:1, which is sweet to see at this worth. The cable run can be absolutely inside an outer housing, which ought to assist hold shifting sharp. The mechanical disc brakes ought to present first rate stopping energy as effectively. The wire bead tyres cannot be arrange for tubeless working although.
How to decide on the most effective gravel bike below $1,000 within the US or £1,000 within the UK
What’s the most effective body materials for a gravel bike?
The greatest gravel bikes below $1,000 / £1,000 will nearly invariably embrace an aluminium (also called alloy) frameset.
Aluminium bike frames are comparatively low cost to fabricate and provides you with a dependable trip that ought to be snug. While many of the greatest gravel bikes are product of carbon, with a number of product of titanium or metal, aluminium is a superbly good materials should you’re on the lookout for a funds gravel bike.
It’s price on the lookout for a carbon fork relatively than a steel one although, because it ought to assist to take a number of the floor buzz out of your trip. At this worth, you are extra prone to discover an alloy fork although.
How many chainrings do I would like?
Gravel bikes will include both a 1x or 2x drivetrain – which means one or two chainrings mounted to the chainset or crankset. While it might appear logical that 20 gears could be higher than 10, this isn’t all the time the case. And a wider vary could also be achievable with much less.
Borrowed from the mountain biking world initially, 1x drivetrains can hit the identical, and generally a wider gear vary than their 2x compatriots, and vastly simplify shifting as a result of there isn’t a entrance derailleur to faff with. There’s additionally much less for mud, twigs and different particles to get snarled up in, in addition to a small weight saving.
The 1x particular rear derailleurs will often have a clutch that aids chain retention to forestall it from bouncing over tough roads. This prevents the chain from slapping the body or bouncing off the entrance chainring — these are additionally advantageous to 2x setups, however at this worth level they’re uncommon to see and in addition not a necessity.
A 1x particular rear derailleur may also be paired with a chainring that has alternating slim and vast tooth which can be profiled to grip the chain higher when it is sitting on the chainring.
The draw back to 1x drivetrains is there may be large jumps between gears, which is much less of an issue with 2x. One isn’t essentially higher than the opposite, and what’s best for you will rely upon the place and the way you trip.
What’s the distinction between thru-axles and fast launch wheels?
For almost a century wheels had been secured into bikes with a quick-release skewer. In mixture with open dropouts, this method allowed for wheels to be modified on the fly with out instruments, and right now the design is essentially unchanged from the day it was invented.
First launched on mountain bikes, thru-axles present a stiffer and safer dropout-to-wheel interface, guaranteeing the wheel is within the body straight and removes the ‘have I achieved this up tight sufficient’ uncertainty — it’s both screwed in all the way in which or it is not. All of that is key for working disc brakes, as an excessive amount of flex within the wheel, or a wheel that’s put in barely off-centre, could cause the disc rotor to rub.
There was a variety of fluidity on requirements and hub spacing when thru-axles first made the leap from mountain bikes, however the trade has settled on 12x100mm for the entrance and 12x142mm for the rear. They are a bit dearer to fabricate than QR dropouts, and on the entry-level worth level, we do nonetheless see some gravel bikes utilizing quick-release.
What’s the distinction between 700c and 650b wheels?
Most drop bar bikes roll on 700c wheels, and so do most gravel bikes, however a lot of them are additionally suitable with smaller 27.5-inch wheels, generally identified within the gravel world as 650b.
With a smaller diameter rim, a 650b wheel means that you can match wider, increased quantity tyres (typically measured in inches relatively than mm) that see nearly the identical total diameter as a 700c wheel.
These hoops can help you sort out terrain that might put a skinnier 700c tyre out of its depth, with out altering the dealing with traits of the bike. Because the tyres have a lot extra air quantity, they’re additionally significantly extra snug.
That mentioned, 700c setups are often lighter and sooner rolling and are higher suited to smoother gravel rides, whereas 650b wheels are of their ingredient on singletrack and bashing down rocky fireplace roads. Having the power to fit in both dimension makes your bike that rather more succesful.
Do I would like tubeless tyres?
Some of the bikes listed here are outfitted with wheels and tyres described as “tubeless-ready”. That signifies that they arrive fitted with interior tubes, however may be transformed to run a tubeless setup.
For this, you may want a set of tubeless valves, some tubeless sealant and sometimes tubeless rim tape. Lots of wheels include tubeless tape fitted and with interior tubes out of the field.
Tubeless can doubtlessly prevent from a variety of punctures and time misplaced fixing them when using off-road, because the sealant will plug smaller holes within the tyres, typically with out you noticing.
It’s a good suggestion to hold a spare tube and the supplies to repair a puncture anyway although, simply in case you trip over one thing that makes a gap that the sealant cannot seal. Tubeless tyre plugs also can assist to seal bigger holes in tubeless tyres and it is best to carry some.
Whats the distinction between mechanical and hydraulic disk brakes?
All fashionable gravel bikes will come outfitted with disc brakes as they supply considerably higher stopping energy over rim brakes, particularly in moist or muddy situations. There are two differing types, mechanical disk brakes use a cable whereas hydraulic makes use of fluids to use the braking pressure. There can be a hybrid system which makes use of a cable to actuate a hydraulic calliper.
At the sub $1000/£1000 worth level mechanical disc brakes are the commonest as they’re cheaper nevertheless some bikes do function a TRP HY/RD hybrid disc. While mechanical brakes supply adequate efficiency, a hydraulic or hybrid system will give significantly higher braking efficiency.
How do I hold my new gravel bike protected and well-maintained?
Choosing your new gravel bike is simply the start of your journey; subsequent comes maintaining it clear and working easily, to not point out stopping opportunists from making off with it.
Riding on gravel can get mucky, so it is necessary to a minimum of hold the chain lubricated with the most effective bike chain lubes and think about giving it a deep clear every now and then, following the recommendation we give in our information to the way to clear your bike.
Finally, hold your bike protected from theft by investing in the most effective bike lock, understanding the way to lock a motorcycle accurately, and comparing bicycle insurance to make sure you are coated by the most effective bike insurance coverage coverage on your wants.
We’ve bought loads of different ideas round the way to forestall bike theft as effectively if you wish to look additional into the topic.