00:00the world of gravel bikes used to be simple a road bike with a slacker geometry and wider
00:05tire clearance but fast forward to 2024 and there are a plethora of different options available on
00:13the market gravel race bikes gravel exploration bikes really the list goes on so to make things
00:20simpler we have picked out seven of the best bikes on the market in 2025 so stay tuned for
00:27our top picks for every type of gravel rider let's jump into the merida silex a bike that has been
00:34stirring excitement ever since mate mohoric rode it to victory at the 2023 uci gravel world championships
00:42the new silex is geared towards adventure boasting an updated geometry with a 69.5 degree head angle
00:49that leans into mountain bike stability merida's kept the silex broad appeal intact while adding
00:54serious upgrades for starters the silex can now handle 45 millimeter tires giving it solid grip
01:01for off-road handling though it's a bit shy of the 50 mil standard that some gravel riders prefer
01:08with 180 millimeter disc brakes both front and rear this bike delivers confident braking power
01:14especially when loaded with gear perfect for bike packing trips we tested the merida silex 10k last
01:22year complete with reynolds carbon wheels sram axis explore group sets and an 8750 pound price tag and
01:30we were incredibly impressed its bags are fun to ride and dare we say it still provides decent spec value
01:38for money against the competition that said the silex range is broad and there is better value to be found
01:44lower down in the range next up we've got an iconic crux from specialized but hold on this isn't another
01:5410 000 pound superbike instead it's a trusty alloy steed the specialized crux d sw shines as an adaptable
02:03slightly more wallet friendly choice for riders seeking one bike to tackle gravel cyclocross and road
02:09constructed from specialized delucio smartworld aluminium this versatile alloy frame mirrors the
02:16high performance geometry of the pricier crux carbon models offering an impressive 47 millimeters of tire
02:22clearance and a fact 12r carbon fork for responsive handling on diverse terrains during testing the crux dsw's
02:32lively ride proved especially agile on climbs and stable on descents handling tight corners with ease
02:39although it's heavier than its carbon siblings a will set upgrade like swapping dt swiss g540 hoops
02:46for lighter rover wheels unleashes even more of the crux's potential at 2 300 pounds for the complete build
02:54it's a well-priced entry into gravel and multi-surface riding the crux dsw frameset is also available for
03:01those who prefer to build their dream bike from scratch from the biggest market player to a brand
03:09that has built its reputation on great value german engineering we've got something from canyon
03:15the canyon grail cf-8 is one of the most sensible bikes in the range providing race proven performance
03:22and an incredibly capable spec all at a rather modest price tag a newly designed more aerodynamic frame and
03:30a one-piece double drop handlebar work together to minimize drag resulting in a streamlined profile
03:37the bike's extended wheelbase slacker head angle and low bottom bracket enhance its stability and inspire
03:44confidence on technical terrain it's built with bomb proof components including the shimano grx 822 12
03:51speed mechanical groupset and dt swiss g1800 wheels which are perfect for the majority of users however the
03:59high level of integration comes with compromises canyon specific accessory mounts and limited
04:05handlebar adjustability can add unexpected costs and restrict customization as many standard bike
04:12accessories won't fit with canyon's proprietary mounts at 2799 pounds for a carbon frameset and capable groupset
04:21and will set combo the grail cf sl8 is a stellar choice for gravel riders hunting for a great value spec
04:31next up we have got the trek checkpoint sl7 axis gen 3 a gravel bike that's built for adventure comfort
04:41and speed a prominent bike ridden by the likes of jasper steven in the uci gravel world champs the
04:47checkpoint stands out with updated colorways and geometry designed for endurance and stability
04:54this bike offers wider tire clearance and multiple accessory mounts ideal for serious
05:00bike packing or just having extra room for gear with integrated down chief storage you can easily stash
05:06essentials like tools or snacks giving you even more flexibility on your ride the bike's wireless
05:13group set provides smooth precise shifting while its bondrager airless elite carbon wheels and gravel
05:19specific handlebar design contribute to a clean high performance feel the checkpoint's iso speed
05:25decoupler now prominently visible absorbs bumps and rough terrain adding to its comfort without
05:32compromising speed whether you're navigating rocky paths or just enjoying a long scenic route the trek
05:38checkpoint sl7 axis gen 3 balances comfort and capability making it a top pick for any gravel
05:46enthusiast the only achilles is the 6 200 pound price tag our next bike is something rather different
05:56and more premium perhaps and is only really available as a platform for custom builds envy's first dedicated
06:03gravel bike the mog strikes an impressive balance between stability comfort and performance making
06:10it a solid choice for mixed terrain riding gravel racing or bike packing adventures during testing we found
06:16that the mog's lightweight carbon frame ample accessory mounts and thoughtful features like downcheap storage
06:23make it an adaptable and convenient gravel companion engineered around 700c wheels with up to 50
06:30millimeters of tire clearance the mog is specifically designed for high volume tires forgoing 650b
06:37compatibility to maintain its stable confidence inspiring geometry the mog frame offers plenty of
06:42mounting options a threaded t47 bottom bracket and the choice between a dropper or rigid seat post giving
06:49riders the flexibility to customize for varied off-road adventures on technical trails the mog's responsive
06:56handling and solid geometry shown with the 40 mil nvg series dropper post providing extra control on
07:02descents price that 5 500 pounds for the chassis the mog is a premium option but its versatility and
07:10thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated gravel riders
07:17the ridley canso fast marks our move from the true do-it-all gravel bikes and onto the slightly more
07:23race focus bikes of the gravel sphere the ridley canso fast brings high-speed aero design to gravel
07:30borrowing from ridley's noah fast road bike for its aerodynamic frame and geometry designed with a
07:36deep section head tube and fully integrated cables the bike cuts a sleek figure but it's also surprisingly
07:42comfortable the frames carbon flex and 38 millimeter vittoria torreno tires absorb a lot of trail chatter
07:50making it easy to maintain a smooth pedal cadence and efficient posture the canso's responsive handling
07:57and short wheelbase make it agile especially on technical single track however its short wheelbase can
08:03feel unstable on steep descents and toe overlap on our extra small test model may pose challenges on
08:09tight trails while the aero benefits are evident on long fast descents the extra weight and limited
08:16tyre clearance slightly reduce its overall versatility however the canso fast is ideal for gravel riders
08:22looking for a high performance race orientated bike that balances speed with a surprisingly comfortable ride
08:32the 2024 cervello aspero is a gravel bike boasting impressive versatility and comfort without
08:38compromising on speed designed with a carbon frame and an emphasis on all-day reliability the aspero shines
08:45on both gravel and smooth tarmac while the geometry stays largely unchanged from previous models it now
08:52offers greater tyre clearance and the option for a 46 tooth chainring making it more adaptable for varied
08:59terrain the updated rear triangle with drop seat stays and increased seat post flex contribute to a more
09:06forgiving ride especially on rougher surfaces with a sram apex axis groupset 40 millimeter wtb vulpine tires
09:15and fulcrum rapid red 300 wheels it's designed for riders who crave a balance of speed and comfort but
09:22with enough capability for gravel adventures the frame also features a flip chip that allows adjustments to
09:28the bike's trail for slightly altered handling depending on wheel size priced at 4 200 pounds the aspero does
09:36struggle against some of its rivals when it comes to delivering spec for money but for the keen gravel racer
09:42it remains a fantastic option and one that could easily be upgraded with a nice set of race wheels
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