What's the Gravel? Everything you need to know about the most versatile bike ever

Imagine starting from home on your bike. Step from the city center to a tree-lined avenue, take a dirt road that climbs through the vineyards, then you find yourself on a compact gravel path that crosses the countryside. No interruptions. No obstacles. No thoughts.

It is at that moment that you understand so il Gravel.

Gravel is an English word that means "ghiaia." But for a few years now, in the world of cycling, it means much more: a philosophy, a driving style, a new way of living the bike. Freer, more relaxed, more adventurous.

A category born from the desire to explore

Gravel was born in the United States in the early years 2010, where the dirt roads (the so-called "gravel roads") extend for thousands of kilometers, away from traffic and big cities. Cyclists were looking for a means to unite The efficiency of racing bikes to mountain bike resistance, in order to explore mixed terrain without having to change means or give up performance.

So was born the bike gravel, today become a real category, with its aesthetics, its technique and a passionate community all over the world.

How is made a Gravel bike

A gravel bike is designed to adapt to a wide variety of terrain. Compared to a traditional racing bike, it has some fundamental differences:

• Versatile frame: more comfortable geometries, designed for long distances and to improve stability.
• Copertons, wide and dotted: to face dirt, gravel and paths with adherence and comfort.
• Disc brakes: powerful and reliable in all weather conditions.
• Flare handlebar: wider in the lower part, improves control over the disconnected.
• Caps for bags: ideal for trips, biking and adventures of several days.

In short: a bike that is not afraid to change surface, that fits your desire to pedal, wherever you want to.

Gravel is freedom, first of all

There are no strict rules in the gravel world. You don't need races, chronometers or tables. You can use it for:

• cycling in the city every day with more comfort,
• traveling white roads or stretches of wood on the weekend,
• organize real bike trips with bikepacking bags.

That's the beauty of it. choose you how, when and how much to push.

Whether you come from the road and look for a softer guide, or from the MTB and want to earn in lightness and distance, the gravel is an open door on new possibilities.

A bike, endless destinations

The success of the gravel is also due to its ability to be a handyman bikesSome models have a look more racing, others more adventure. Some are made of ultra-light carbon, others are made of sturdy aluminium or steel for purists.

Whatever your style, there's a gravel for you.

Discover all the gravel models available on Doctorbike 

Ready to go?

From Doctorbike you can discover the grave models of the best brands and compare with our specialists to choose the one that suits you best.

Contact us for a personalized advice