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 year
01:22complete with reynolds carbon wheels sram axis explore group sets and an 8750 pound price tag and we were
01:31incredibly impressed its bags are fun to ride and dare we say it still provides decent spec value for money
01:38against the competition that said the silex range is broad and there is better value to be found lower down
01:45in the range next up we've got an iconic crux from specialized but hold on this isn't another 10 000
01:55pound superbike instead it's a trusty alloy steed the specialized crux dsw shines as an adaptable slightly
02:03more wallet friendly choice for riders seeking one bike to tackle gravel cyclocross and road constructed
02:10from specialized delucio smartworld aluminium this versatile alloy frame mirrors the high performance
02:16geometry of the pricier crux carbon models offering an impressive 47 millimeters of tire clearance and
02:23a fact 12r carbon fork for responsive handling on diverse terrains during testing the crux dsw's lively
02:32ride proved especially agile on climbs and stable on descents handling tight corners with ease although it's
02:40heavier than its carbon siblings a will set upgrade like swapping dt swiss g540 hoops for lighter rover
02:47wheels unleashes even more of the crux's potential at 2 300 pounds for the complete build it's a well
02:55priced entry into gravel and multi-surface riding the crux dsw frameset is also available for those who
03:02prefer to build their dream bike from scratch from the biggest market player to a brand that has built its
03:10reputation on great value german engineering we've got something from canyon the canyon grail cf8 is one
03:17of the most sensible bikes in the range providing race proven performance and an incredibly capable
03:24spec all at a rather modest price tag a newly designed more aerodynamic frame and a one-piece double drop
03:31handlebar work together to minimize drag resulting in a streamlined profile the bike's extended wheelbase
03:39slacker head angle and low bottom bracket enhance its stability and inspire confidence on technical
03:45terrain it's built with bomb proof components including the shimano grx 822 12 speed mechanical
03:52groupset and dt swiss g1800 wheels which are perfect for the majority of users however the high level of
04:00integration comes with compromises canyon specific accessory mounts and limited handlebar adjustability
04:06can add unexpected costs and restrict customization as many standard bike accessories won't fit with
04:14canyon's proprietary mounts at 2799 pounds for a carbon frameset and capable groupset and wheelset combo
04:22the 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
04:40and speed a prominent bike ridden by the likes of jasper steven in the uci gravel world champs
04:47the checkpoint stands out with updated colorways and geometry designed for endurance and stability
04:53this bike offers wider tire clearance and multiple accessory mounts ideal for serious bike packing or
05:01just having extra room for gear with integrated down chief storage you can easily stash essentials
05:07like tools or snacks giving you even more flexibility on your ride the bike's wireless groupset provides
05:14smooth precise shifting while its bondrager airless elite carbon wheels and gravel specific handlebar design
05:20contribute to a clean high performance feel the checkpoint's iso speed decoupler now prominently
05:27visible absorbs bumps and rough terrain adding to its comfort without compromising speed whether you're
05:34navigating rocky paths or just enjoying a long scenic route the trek checkpoint sl7 axis gen 3 balances
05:41comfort and capability making it a top pick for any gravel enthusiast the only achilles is the 6200
05:50pound price tag our next bike is something rather different and more premium perhaps and is only really
05:58available as a platform for custom builds envy's first dedicated gravel bike the mog strikes an
06:05impressive balance between stability comfort and performance making it a solid choice for mixed terrain
06:11riding gravel racing or bike packing adventures during testing we found that the mog's lightweight carbon
06:18frame ample accessory mounts and thoughtful features like down cheap storage make it an adaptable and
06:24convenient gravel companion engineered around 700c wheels with up to 50 millimeters of tire clearance
06:31the mog is specifically designed for high volume tires forgoing 650b compatibility to maintain its stable
06:39confidence inspiring geometry the mog frame offers plenty of mounting options a threaded t47 bottom bracket and the choice
06:46between a dropper or rigid seat post giving riders the flexibility to customize for varied off-road adventures
06:53on technical trails the mog's responsive handling and solid geometry shone with the 40 mil nvg series
07:00dropper post providing extra control on descents priced at 5 500 pounds for the chassis the mog is a premium
07:08option but its versatility and thoughtful 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-focused
07:24bikes of the gravel sphere the ridley canso fast brings high-speed aero design to gravel borrowing from ridley's
07:31noah fast road bike for its aerodynamic frame and geometry designed with a deep section head tube and fully integrated
07:38cables the
07:39bike cuts a sleek figure but it's also surprisingly comfortable the frame's carbon flex and 38 millimeter
07:46vittoria torreno tires absorb a lot of trail chatter making it easy to maintain a smooth pedal cadence and
07:54efficient posture the canso's responsive handling and short wheelbase make it agile especially on technical
08:00single track however its short wheelbase can feel unstable on steep descents and toe overlap on our extra
08:07small test model may pose challenges on tight trails while the aero benefits are evident on long fast
08:13descents the extra weight and limited tire clearance slightly reduce its overall versatility however the
08:20canso fast is ideal for gravel riders looking for a high performance race-orientated bike that balances
08:25speed with a surprisingly comfortable ride
08:31the 2024 cervello aspero is a gravel bike boasting impressive versatility and comfort without compromising
08:39on speed designed with a carbon frame and an emphasis on all-day reliability the aspero shines on both
08:46gravel and smooth tarmac while the geometry stays largely unchanged from previous models it now offers greater
08:53tire clearance and the option for a 46 tooth chainring making it more adaptable for varied terrain
09:00the 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
09:14vulpine tires and fulcrum rapid red 300 wheels it's designed for riders who crave a balance of speed and comfort
09:21but with enough capability for gravel adventures the frame also features a flip chip that allows
09:28adjustments to the bike's trail for slightly altered handling depending on wheel size priced at 4 200
09:35pounds the aspero does struggle against some of its rivals when it comes to delivering spec for money
09:40but for the keen gravel racer it remains a fantastic option and one that could easily be upgraded with a
09:47nice
09:47set of race wheels
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