Best Budget Gravel Bikes Under $1500: Gravel Bikes Under 1500 Dollar, Who wouldn't want a bike that's comfortable, can be fast and can venture from smooth tarmac to more unforgiving terrain?
Best Budget Gravel Bikes Under $1500
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Genesis Vagabond Gravel Bike: Price: $1,400
Another bike that made it to this list without being exactly what most of us would call a gravel bike. The Genesis Vagabond is a monster-cross in the broadest sense of the term, "the illegitimate child of a road and mountain bike, a frankenbike", which is why Genesis poetically describes the 2020 version of the Vagabond.
A 29er with massive tire clearance that can fit up to 3″ (it comes with 2.1″), a seamless/double-butted/Chromoly-steel bulletproof frame, and a range of gear capable of taking you where most of the best gravel bikes on this list can't.
In fact, it's powered by an SRAM GX 2x10-speed 42-28T/11-36 drivetrain, complemented by a proven and reliable TRP Spyre-C 2-piston mechanical disc brake.
The Genesis Vagabond can function as a loaded touring bike, a fast and comfortable commuter bike, a mountain trail bike, and the ultimate bike-packing machine with a simple tire change.
The high power and sloping geometry put the rider in a more upright position, sacrificing a bit of speed on the tarmac in favor of a more comfortable feel, also nice for taking in the scenery on easy trails when your hands are on the hood.
Also Read:- Best Budget Gravel Bikes Under $1000
Of course, the Genesis Vagabond, with its steel frame, is not as light as the usual gravel, ranging between 11 and 13 kg depending on the size and choice of pedals.
The 2020 Genesis Vagabond is an all-terrain gravel/mountain bike that is a great buy for those who like to do a variety of cycling disciplines but can't afford multiple bikes.
Genesis Vagabond 2020 Specs
- Frame: Genesis Mjolnir Seamless Double-Butted Cromoly
- Fork: Cr-Mo Unicrown Disc
- Front Derailleur: Sram X5
- Rear Derailleur: Sram GX / Long cage
- Shifters & Levers: Sram Apex / 2×10 speed
- Chain set : Sram X5 / 42-28T / S, 170mm / M-XL, 175mm
- Cassette: Sram PG-1020 / 11-36T
- Brakeset: TRP Spyre-C 2-piston mechanical disc brake w/160mm TR160 rotor
- Handlebars: Genesis Adventure / 12deg Flare / S-M, 440mm / L, 460mm / XL, 480mm
- Stem: Genesis AS-007 / + – 15deg / S-XL, 100mm
- Rims: Jalco XCD25 / 32h TR
- Hubs: KT K-68F/68R 32h / 6-bolt
- Tyres: WTB Nano 29×2.1″
- Weight: 12kg (M-Size, no pedals)
Cube Cross Race Pro CX Bike: $1300
From renowned German brand Cube, here's a cheap and fast gravel bike for tackling tough trails. Cube's Cross Race Pro offers good performance with its 2x11 Shimano 105 drivetrain: 50x34T up front, and 11x24T in the rear, this is more of a road range than you'd expect from cyclocross bikes.
This Superlite aluminum frame mounts 700cc wheels up to 622x35, giving you a sure-footed grip on most dirt surfaces, though it's certainly not gear for the roughest terrain and weather conditions, and the gears are not great for extreme climbs.
The frame finishes are clean and tidy as usual on the Cube, the internal cable routing is very welcome, and the eyelets for the fenders and rear rack definitely add versatility. The carbon front fork with a tapered steerer saves a few grams and handles quickly and nimbly in tight corners.
Ground clearance is ample enough to prevent pedal slam, and the bike is reasonably comfortable on rough terrain.
The Cube Cross Race Pro CX is a quick and versatile cyclocross bike, that could double as a fast commuter.
- Frame: Aluminium Superlite, Double Butted, Advanced Mechanical Forming, Smooth Welded, Internal Cable Routing, Flat Mount Disc, 12x142mm, AXH
- Fork: Cube Cross Race Disc, Carbon, 1 1/8″ – 1 1/2″ Tapered, Flat Mount
- Headset: FSA Orbit Z-t ECO, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8″ (OD 44mm), Bottom Integrated 1 1/2″
- Stem: Cube Performance Stem Pro, 31.8mm
- Rear Derailleurs: Shimano 105 RD-R7000-DGS, 11-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano 105 BR-R7070, Hydraulic Disc Brake, Flat Mount (160/160)
- Crankset: Shimano FC-RS510, 50x34T, 170mm (50/53cm), 172.5mm (56cm), 175mm (58/61cm)
- Cassette: Shimano 105 CS-HG700, 11-34T
- Wheelset: Cube RA 0.8 CX
- Tyres: Schwalbe X-One Allround, Kevlar, 35-622
- Weight: 10.2kg
Orro Terra Gravel 7000 R900 Bike: $1449
Orro is a young bike brand from Sussex (South of England), which is producing an even richer range of cool bikes.
The Terra Gravel bike comes with fancy components like a 3T cockpit and Seatpost, a Prologo saddle, and Fulcrum wheels a rarity for this price range.
Tire clearance goes up to 42mm wide, making the Terra a suitable gravel bike for serious off-roading. Although the frame angles are more of a roadie (73-degree head, 72.6-degree seat), also the rider position is fairly low in the front, which will make those who need to speed happy.
Strong and lightweight OSD 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum frame, while extremely comfortable, the wheelbase is quite long at 105cm giving much more stability compared to a race bike. The finishes are a work of art and the general appearance is very attractive, with the nice aesthetic touch that the carbon fork gives it.
Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes
Powered by a Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain to power you up the steepest climbs, through challenging terrain and fast descents with exceptional traction. Plus, it's equipped with TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for confidence-inspiring stopping power and sensational braking control in all weather conditions.
However, the standard components make it come out of the box more like a drag racing bike than a suitable platform for extreme adventures. The limited gear range and skinny tires require an upgrade.
The Orro Terra Gravel is a great value bike, able to bring you way out of your comfort zone with just a few upgrades.
- Frame: ORRO Terra Gravel.
- Fork: ORRO Terra Gravel Superlight 2.0.
- Shifters: Shimano 105 7000 Mechanical.
- Handlebar: Deda Zero 1.
- Seatpost: ORRO Alloy Setback.
- Brake Calipers: TRP Spyre Disc Mechanical.
- Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing Sport DB.
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro 28c.
- Derailleurs: Shimano 105 7000.
- Cassette: Shimano 105 7000 11-30.
- Chainset: Shimano 105 7000 50-34.
Cannondale Topstone Alloy Gravel Bike 2021: $1500
The Cannondale Topstone is a very versatile bike that sits firmly in the gravel category.
Its slender lines give an impression of elegance seasoned with a dash of adventure and are clearly intended to convey a tremendously enjoyable ride on all types of roads and weather conditions.
Since it's designed to be the ultimate mix of road racing and cyclocross bikes, it can be considered a mixed-surface touring bike as well as a 4-season commuter bike. At any time, with just a few adjustments, you can set up your rig for a camping bike trip or join the group of your roadie friends.
Large tire clearance leaves plenty of room for tires up to 42mm wide for a comfortable grip and adventurous capability.
Although the front fork doesn't support cage eyelets on either side, it's a beautiful piece of carbon fiber, with a longer-than-usual rake (55mm) for added stability and hidden full fender mounts. It's a lightweight, high-performance fork, which is rare for a bike in this price range.
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With holders for three water bottles plus top tube storage mounts, Topstone is ready to last. Multiple bottle cage positions on the down tube mount allow you to configure it for large frame bags.
Cannondale Topstone Tiagra Specs
- Frame: SmartForm C2 Alloy, 142×12 thru-axle, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, multiple gear/bottle mounts.
- Fork: Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru-axle.
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra braze-on.
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra GS.
- Number of Gears: 20.
- Shifters: Shimano Tiagra hydro disc, 2×10.
- Bottom Bracket: FSA Cartridge.
- Cassette: Shimano HG500, 11-34, 10-speed.
- Chain: KMC X10, 10-speed.
- Pedals: Not Included.
- Brakeset: Shimano Tiagra hydro disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors.
- Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra hydro disc.
- Handlebars: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloys, 16 deg flare drop.
- Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 alloys, 7Deg.
- Headset: Topstone Si, 25mm Alloy top cap.
- Grips: Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm.
- Rims: WTB ST i23 TCS, 28h, tubeless-ready.
- Hubs: (F) Formula CL-712, 12×100 centerlock (R) Formula RXC-400.
- Spokes: Stainless steel, 14g.
- Tyres: WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700 x 37c, tubeless-ready.
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Radius Sport, steel rails.
- Seatpost: Cannondale C3, 6061 Alloy, 27.2.
- Weight: 9.98kg (Approximate weight for size Medium with no pedals).
Giant Revolt 2 2020: for less than 1100$
Giant Revolt 2 is an entry-level gravel bike optimized for enjoying back roads and uneven pavement.
Among the Giant Revolt range, no less than five Revolt Advanced series are made from Advanced-Grade carbon fiber, while only one model, the Revolt 2, is made from ALUXX Grade aluminum with a carbon fork.
All Revolt bikes look similar except for the joints, the seat tube, and most importantly the wheelbase, which is slightly longer on the aluminum version.
All Giant carbon components (as long as the bike is purchased in the US) are covered by an unprecedented two-year manufacturer's warranty in the entire bicycle industry.
Giant Revolt 2 is the ideal bike for beginners or for everyone who is approaching the world of gravel. For a bike this stiff, it's exceptionally smooth on rough gravel roads.
It's a forgiving, cushioned gravel bike with no suspension. Supporting fender and rack mounts, it's also suitable for commuting and short tours.
It may definitely be the one bike most casual riders need. It's modern, beautiful, and optimized to motivate first-time riders to ride more, allowing them to enjoy all types of trails, forget about driving and focus instead of pedaling.
Don't worry about the bike being jittery - the Revolt 2 is super stable and will certainly give inexperienced riders a sense of satisfaction.
Giant Revolt 2 Specs
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc |
| Fork | full composite, OverDrive steerer |
| Stem | Giant Contact, 8-degree |
| Brakeset | Shimano Tiagra hydraulic |
| Derailleurs and Shifters | Shimano Tiagra |
| Speed | 20 |
| Rims | Giant S-X2 Disc wheelset |
| Tyres | Giant Crosscut AT 2, 700×38 |
| Chainset | FSA Omega Adventure, 32/48 |
| Cassette | Shimano HG500, 11×34 |
What is a Gravel Bike?
In between the frenzy and performance-driven worlds of road cycling and cyclocross, sits the more leisurely and versatile category of the gravel bikes.
Some say gravel bikes are a mix between the two, but they are actually something more. Happy both on the tarmac and on mud, gravel bikes are adventure machines giving up a bit of performance in exchange for comfort and durability.
Disc brakes, fatter tires, eyelets, and mounting points that you won’t find on a road bike make most gravel bicycles ideal machines for the increasingly trendy discipline of bike packing.
The geometry is more relaxed compared to a race bike. The head tube is often taller and the head angle is slicker for more relaxed steering (less twitchy than a racing bike, less responsive on technical off-road sections than a cyclocross), somehow similar to that of an aggressive touring bike, a world from which gravel designers drew a lot of inspiration.
Another characteristic of many gravel bikes is the longer wheelbase, to make them more stable both on asphalt and dirt, to provide extra comfort over long distances, and to handle medium-heavy loads for multi-day backpacking trips.
The bottom bracket will usually be a little lower than a cyclo-cross bike, most have drop bars but flat bars and alternative handlebars like Jones Loop H are becoming a common sight on gravels, giving more space for MTB computers, phone mounts, or GPS navigators.
A sloping top tube offers more stand-over height, which is useful in a get-off, while taller head tubes than what you’d expect to see on a ‘cross’ or race bike allow for greater comfort in a more upright rider position.
The gearing is also pretty unique, while cyclocross requires a narrower gear range (short circuits can’t have big long climbs), gravel riding is done on more varied terrain: steep mountains, flat and smooth tarmac, farm roads, single track… this calls for a much wider choice of gear. The choice is usually towards 2×11 or 1×10, often with the bigger sprocket going up to 36 or even 42T.
Although the initial purpose of gravel bikes is to compete in a cycling discipline called gravel grinding (long races on varied terrain, mostly off the sealed road), their versatility makes them indeed a great solution for multiple cycling pursuits.
They are suitable for all but the fastest of road riding, while the wider tires and wider-range gearing make off-road trails, gravel, and single tracks manageable. When you buy gravel you get a commuter, a racer, a tourer, and a cross-country all in one – of course with the due compromises.
