Should I Buy A Gravel Bike Or A Mountain Bike?

Although both Gravel Bikes and Mountain Bikes are able to be ridden off road - in this post we look at some of the differences between the two types of bike, and look at how they differ in design and function, revealing which is the right choice of bike for your riding preferences and requirements.

There’s never been as much choice as to what bikes to buy, leaving some customers struggling to decide which bike is right for them. Looking at bikes which can be ridden across off road terrain, there are cross country mountain bikes, trail mountain bikes, enduro mountain bikes, downhill mountain bikes and the most recent addition - gravel bikes.

Gravel Bikes are not entirely dissimilar to the very first generations of mountain bikes. When mountain biking began, racing and riding typically took place on fire roads and although off-road terrain ridden was steep - it was much less technical than it is today. It had to be, because the mountain bikes of yesteryear did not have long travel suspension, in fact most were fully rigid. As bike technology and suspension technology has improved, off road mountain biking terrain has become increasingly challenging. This has meant that the gravel bike has taken the place of the flat bar rigid mountain bike - that many loved riding.

Gravel Bike Vs MTB Suspension

One of the biggest differences between gravel bikes and mountain bikes is suspension - or lack of on gravel bikes. Whereas all mountain bikes these days will have at the very least front suspension forks - gravel bikes do not typically have suspension forks. Full suspension mountain bikes also have rear suspension as well as front suspension. Although gravel bikes are increasingly being fitted out with suspension, the suspension serves a different purpose - it’s designed to reduce the buzz and the rough feel of off road surfaces Vs providing travel for trail use. Gravel Bike suspension can range from a couple of mm of travel up to about 50mm of travel, whereas mountain bike suspension typically has no less than 100mm of suspension travel.

Gravel Bike Vs MTB Geometry

There are also distinctive differences between gravel bike geometry and mountain bike geometry, with gravel bikes being designed closer to the design of a road bike rather than a mountain bike. Endurance road bikes are the most comparable geometries to most gravel bikes. Mountain bike geometries vary more, between bike brands and disciplines.

Mountain Bike Vs Gravel Bike Tyres

Mountain bike tyres are wider than gravel bike tyres, and will typically have a more aggressive tread pattern - which provides grip across a range of different terrain. Most gravel tyres are 45mm wide, although some run a 35mm width - gravel bikes run up to 55mm wide in some circumstances.

Although mountain bikes can run different tyres on the front and rear, maximising grip at the front of the bike and prioritising speed on the rear wheel - gravel bike riders use the same tyre on the front and rear of the bike, just like on road bikes. Both gravel bikes and mountain bikes can run tubeless tyres.

Mountain Bike Vs Gravel Bike Handlebars

Gravel Bikes usually have drop handlebars, although many gravel bikes now have flat handlebars. Gravel bikes which use drop handlebars allow the rider to tuck into a more aerodynamic position than is possible with a flat bar - also providing a number of different hand holds, allowing greater comfort over longer distances.

Mountain bike handlebars are flat bars - which provide a wider position - allowing greater control over rough and technical trails. Mountain bikes also have shorter stems compared to gravel bikes, which gives the mountain biker a more upright seating position.

Mountain Bike Vs Gravel Bike Dropper Posts

Most mid-range mountain bikes are now fitted with dropper posts, or at the least are able to accommodate a dropper post. A dropper post allows you to easily drop the seat, allowing greater control and freedom of movement over the frame of the bike when riding down descents and technical terrain. Gravel bikes do not typically require dropper posts for the terrain they ride on, and most gravel riders would rather not carry the excess weight of a dropper post, which is around 500-600g.

Which Is The Right Bike For Me?

Whatever bike you choose, you will enjoy riding both! If you have mainly ridden road bikes over the years, and want to explore some canal paths, firetracks and light off road terrain, then we would recommend choosing a gravel bike. If you are an experienced mountain biker, wanting to push your limit on technical terrain - it’s a good idea to stick to mountain bikes.