GRAVEL RACE BIKES

Three speed-focused models at different price points duke it out for podium positions

- Warren Rossiter

As gravel riding evolves and diverges, the off-road racing scene has been no exception.

That means the bikes have been changing at quite a pace too. We've assembled three great examples of cutting-edge gravel racers at different price points to see how they fare over a variety of terrain.

01 What makes a gravel race bike?

Although you can race any gravel bike, we've seen race-orientated bikes emerge as their own genre, with brands such as Cervélo, Cannondale, Specialized, Giant and Trek all offering a racier bike alongside a more adventure-ready offering.

What's the difference? Race-focused models will have more emphasis on lighter weight, and sometimes (but not always) aerodynamics. More aero-focused designs might feature tricks such as integrated cockpits, aerofoil tube shapes and deeper-rimmed wheels, whereas lightweight frames will have fewer mounting points and may be made from higher grades of carbon, making them more expensive.

You'll also see some brands err on the conservative side of geometry when it comes to race bikes, so expect head angles to sit at around 71°, paired with a steep seat tube angle, rather than the more relaxed geometry found on 'adventure' gravel bikes.

02 Gravel geometry