Guide: Gravel bike – what should you consider?
What is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is built for those who want to switch between asphalt and gravel without changing bikes. With geometry that combines features from both road and mountain bikes, you get a bike that rolls efficiently on smooth surfaces but is designed to handle rougher roads, forest trails, and mud.
At Urban Bike Wear, we have chosen to focus primarily on steel frames. Our range consists of models from manufacturers like Genesis and Brother Cycles – brands that prioritize durability, functionality, and repair options for both everyday cycling and longer rides.
Why choose a steel gravel bike?
Versatility is the biggest advantage of a gravel bike. However, the choice of frame material affects how the bike feels and handles loads. Here are the main features that distinguish a steel frame for gravel and adventure cycling:
- Natural vibration damping: High-quality steel (like Chromoly or Reynolds tubing) has flexibility that absorbs micro-shocks from rough gravel and uneven roads. This provides a gentler ride during long days in the saddle.
- Durability and lifespan: A steel frame withstands mechanical wear, stone chips, and packing bags without the material dulling like thinner aluminum. If damage occurs, steel can also be welded and repaired, which is an advantage on longer trips.
- Mounting points for packing: Our frames from Brother and Genesis are built for Bikepacking and commuting. They have integrated mounts on the fork legs, top tube, underside of the down tube, and rear triangle for easy attachment of bags, bottle cages, and fenders.
- Tire clearance: The frames have space for wide tires (often 40–50 mm), which is necessary for good grip and stability on loose surfaces like gravel.
- Disc brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes are standard on most models to ensure consistent braking performance and control regardless of weather conditions.
Uses: From commuting to Bikepacking
A steel gravel bike works well in various situations thanks to its robust construction:
For daily commuting in Nordic climates, the steel frame is a practical choice. The generous tire clearance allows space for both sturdy, full-coverage fenders and wide studded tires in winter. The material is also resistant to the wear caused by salt and slush.
If you want to pack the bike for weekend adventures or longer vacations, the geometry allows for a stable ride even with extra weight. Unlike a traditional, heavy touring bike, a gravel bike has a slightly more responsive feel, making it more fun to ride when you remove the packing.
How to choose the right specification?
When looking at components, there are some basic choices to make based on how you plan to use the bike:
- Single chainring (1x) or double chainring (2x): Systems with a single chainring in front (1x) are common on gravel bikes as they reduce the risk of chain drops and require less maintenance. If you mainly ride on asphalt and want smaller steps between gears to maintain a steady cadence, a system with two chainrings in front (2x) is often preferred.
- Frame material based on budget: Our focus is on steel due to its technical properties for long distances. For those looking for a pure commuter or a first entry-level bike in a lower price segment, we also have a few selected models in aluminum.
Overview: Drivetrains for gravel roads
| Type of drivetrain | Main advantages | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| 1x (Single chainring) | Fewer moving parts, lower maintenance, more secure chain grip | Technical terrain, mud, forest trails, and Bikepacking |
| 2x (Double chainring) | Tighter gear steps, easier to maintain exact cadence at high speed | Mixed cycling with lots of asphalt and nicer gravel roads |
Find the right size and get help
Choosing the right frame size is crucial to avoid strain injuries in the back, neck, or knees during longer rides. If you are unsure about which frame size you need or want to talk geometry.
We help you with the geometry
We are happy to help you look at the geometry charts or customize the bike to your measurements. Contact us or visit our shop and workshop!