Gravel Bike FAQs

Can I use a gravel bike for commuting?

Many people use gravel bikes as their commuter bikes. There are many reasons why gravel bikes make good commuting bikes, they have a comfortable riding position compared to many road bikes, so have good visibility on the roads - helping keep a commute safe. Gravel bikes can also handle poor off road surfaces, thanks to their larger tyres - and they also can be ridden on light off road, helping you either shorten or vary your commute. They are also versatile enough to be fitted with bottle cages and mudguards, helping keep you on the move - and arriving as clean as possible.

Can a gravel bike be as fast as a road bike?

The short answer here is no - gravel bikes are not designed to be as fast as many road bikes, especially race focussed, agressive road bikes. Gravel bikes are designed to travel quickly across a range of terrain, including off road and on road terrain.

Is a gravel bike a road bike?

Gravel bikes have a number of key differences compared to a road bike. Road bikes typically have a shorter wheelbase compared to a gravel bike, which uses a longer wheelbase for stability across rough terrain. Although gravel bikes can be ridden on the road, they are not as efficient as road bikes.

How much slower is a gravel bike vs a road bike?

It’s thought that gravel bikes are around 15% slower than road bikes on the road, but this varies massively depending on which model of road bike you are comparing them to. Whatever the figure, what you lose in pace on the road, you gain in a comfortable geometry and go anywhere ability.

Are gravel bikes good for rough roads?

Yes! They are designed for rough off road terrain. Depending upon the riding being done, a wide range of tyre options are available, so you can optimise your gravel bike for rougher or smoother terrain.

Why do people say you only need a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are the master of all terrain riding, they are able to perform both on road and off road comfortably. The geometry of a gravel bike allows you to ride long journeys in comfort too, and they are often also equipped, ready to be made into great touring bikes.

Are gravel bikes good for rural areas?

Gravel bikes are great for rural areas, they climb and descend well across a wide range of road surfaces - no matter how rough the road is. They are also ideal for use on light off road, such as firetracks or old railway lines, which are commonly found in rural areas.

Can I tour on a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are great touring bikes, they are able to handle a massive array of terrain - both on road and off road, meaning you can point a gravel bike where you want to go, and get there. Gravel bikes can handle tarmac across rough and rocky trails, and the frame of a gravel bike is well equipped to carry everything you need for touring.

MTB VS Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are a nice & simple design, they can also tackle a massive array of off road terrain. They have large tyre clearances, and they are also very comfortable. They make a great alternative to a hardtail mountain bike, but cannot provide the long travel suspension a mountain bike provides, meaning a mountain can handle obstacles and rough terrain that a gravel bike cannot.

Are gravel bikes good for long distance?

Gravel bikes are pretty good for long distance riding, they are comfortable enough to ride for a long time - and we have no problems spending long days in the saddle of the gravel bikes we have tested. They are, however, not as comfortable as a dedicated touring bike - but it’s close, and the ability to head off road whenever you need or want to, is a big benefit for those who ride long distances.

Can you ride a gravel bike like a mountain bike?

This depends on what gravel bike you choose, and your riding ability. Not all gravel bikes are able to tackle gnarly off road terrain, some are designed to be closer to a road bike than a hardtail mountain bike. A lot depends also on tyre choice, with larger tyres performing better off road.

Do scott do gravel bikes?

Yes, Scott manufactures an excellent range of gravel bikes - including the Scott Addict Gravel and the Scott Speedster Gravel Bikes.

Are gravel bikes good on grass?

Grass is a tricky surface to cycle on, on any bike! Overall though, gravel bikes do a pretty good job of riding across grassy surfaces, in both the dry and the wet. Again, because the number of tyre choices on gravel bikes vary so much, performance is variable.

Are gravel bikes just a fad?

No! Not in our opinion. If you live in the right area, then a gravel bike is the perfect choice for a bike - combining go anywhere ability which can see you ride on tarmac, before seamlessly hitting the fire roads and off road trails.

Can you ride gravel bikes on mud?

Yes! Gravel bikes, especially with grippy tyres, do a great job of riding across muddy terrain.

Why does my gravel bike feel slow?

If you are used to a traditional road bike, especially one with an aggressive race bias geometry - you can expect your gravel bike to feel slower on the roads, when pedalling and when cornering, and especially when climbing!

Why does my gravel bike feel slow?

Gravel bike riding positions are pretty upright, they have a longer head tube and a shorter reach - making for a more upright position compared to a road bike.