For the past decade, gravel riding has surged in popularity, and brands like Salsa Cycles, Bianchi, and others have designed and improved a range of gravel-specific frames and equipment to make the discipline even more fun. While similar at first glance, there are important differences between road bikes and gravel bikes that could make one the better choice for how and where you ride.
If you’re choosing between a road bike and a gravel bike, here’s what to know.
Road Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes, Explained
Road bikes and gravel bikes share a few common traits, including drop bar handlebars, relatively interchangeable groupsets (though some are technically designed for gravel), and similar frame dimensions.
Road bikes tend to have:
More aggressive geometry (lower stack, longer reach)
Better aerodynamics
Tighter gear range (and higher overall top end gear ratios)
Lighter-weight frames
Grave bikes tend to have:
More slack geometry (higher stack, shorter reach)
More upright position
Less aerodynamic frame
Wider gear range (and lower overall gear ratios for climbing steep, loose dirt)
Heavier frames with more mounting points
Read more: MTB and Road Pedals, Explained
The Most Important Differences Between Gravel Bikes and Road Bikes
For most riders, the deciding factors for choosing between a road or gravel bike typically come down to tire clearance, gearing, and fit.
Tire clearance: Today’s road bikes do accommodate a wider tire than they used to (some up to 35c), but you’ll still be able to fit a lot more rubber into a true gravel frame. Most gravel bikes will fit at least a 45c tire on a 700c wheel, and some will accommodate up to a 2.25” tire on a 650b (also known as a 27.5”) wheel.
That added clearance makes all the difference if you plan to use your gravel bike as a mountain bike (which is a blast on the Vasa here in TC) or ride on sandy gravel roads, which are common in Northern Michigan.
Gearing: Road bikes still generally come with a 2x drivetrain, often with a 50/34t compact chainring set-up. Paired with an 11-28 or 11-32t cassette, this provides plenty of top-end speed for amateur cyclists like you and me, and if you’ve got the power, you can go up to a 53t up front. Gravel bikes increasingly come with a 1x drivetrain, which limits how big a chainring you can install. While a 40t chainring is great for gravel, it may not offer enough top-end speed for some racers, and even a 44t or 46t might not cut it for fast group road rides.
Fit: There’s a pretty wide range in road bike geometry, but most are more aggressive (read: “bent over”) compared to gravel bikes. Many riders find gravel bikes a bit more comfortable than road bikes, especially if they are new to riding drop bars.
How to Choose Between a Road Bike and a Gravel Bike
It’s all about deciding which set-up will serve you best on the type of riding you do the most, not every once in a while.
If you primarily ride on the road, but don’t race or do fast group rides, consider a gravel bike. This will give you the option to run road tires most of the time, but put on gravel tires if you do want to do an occasional gravel event or ride. The Salsa Flyway could be a smart choice.
If you primarily ride on the road and want to win TNR (or real races), get a road bike. Having the right gearing and aerodynamics will keep you in the mix for even the quickest rides. You gotta check out the Bianchi Specialissima for an all-round ripper.
If you primarily ride dirt roads, go for a gravel bike and find one that fits the tire width best suited for your “local loop. You’ll dig the Kona Libra if you’re up for any adventure.
Find Your Perfect Bike at Einstein Cycles
Whether you’re a diehard roadie or all about gravel, we’ve got a killer selection of road and gravel bikes to choose from. All three locations have a ready stock of Salsa, Bianchi, and Kona bikes, curated for Michigan roads and trails. Count on Ec for a friendly, expert bike recommendation and the best service around. Find the shop near you and get in touch today!