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Best electric gravel bikes in 2024: 9 gravel ebikes rated and reviewed

How to choose an electric gravel bike

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Paul Norman

The best electric gravel bikes combine two of cycling's hottest trends. The mix of gravel riding with electric bikes gives you the off-road capability of the former and the extra power of the latter to up your gravel enjoyment while getting the benefits of riding an electric bike .

Like the best electric mountain bikes , electric gravel bikes make a lot of sense for climbing off-road, particularly if your gravel riding regularly takes you onto steep, sketchy surfaces.

Having a motor to help on the climbs makes them a lot easier to tackle, while, on the way back down, there’s little downside to the extra weight of the motor and battery.

As with any electric bike, electric bike laws dictate an ebike motor's assistance will be limited to speeds below 15mph / 25kph in the UK, EU and Australia, and 20mph in the US.

For more advice on what to look for in an electric gravel bike, including the different types of motors available, our full buyer’s guide is at the bottom of this article .

But if you'd rather stick to paved surfaces, check out our guide to the best electric road bikes .

Otherwise, here are the best electric gravel bikes, as reviewed by BikeRadar's expert testers.

You can also head to our pick of the best gravel bikes for our top-rated, non-assisted options, and our guide to the best women's road and gravel bikes . If you're on a budget, we've got a round-up of the best cheap gravel bikes under £1,500.

The best electric gravel bikes in 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Gt grade amp.

• £2,900 / €3,200 as tested
• Alloy frame carries over non-powered Grade's responsive handling
• Quite a firm ride over rougher ground
• Weight: 14.8kg
• Motor: Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor

An aluminium frame powered by the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor system forms the basis for the GT Grade Amp.

The geometry is carried over from the non-powered GT Grade Carbon , so the Grade Amp feels responsive despite its 14.8kg weight, even when ridden with the motor off.

We really like the shape of the Grade's slightly flared bars, but they're stiff, which in combination with a firm fork and the alloy frame, makes for a sapping ride over bumpy terrain.

The 42mm WTB Resolute gravel tyres help, though; they roll fast on the road, handle confidently on dry ground and cope okay in mud, making them good all-rounders.

3T Exploro RaceMax Boost

• £7,200 / $6,999 / €6,999 as tested
• Neatly integrated motor and battery
• Top-end chassis and build make for an expensive bike
• Weight: 12.5kg
• Motor: Mahle ebikemotion

Like the GT Grade Power Amp, the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost features the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor.

3T has even found room to fit the battery into the Exploro's frame without any mods to the pedal-powered bike, which means not only does it look smart, but the geometry is carried over, too.

The motor, in combination with the generously low gears (thanks to the 40t chainring and 11-42t cassette) and 12.5kg weight, makes even 20 per cent off-road gradients rideable.

The RaceMax Boost is kitted out with wide, aero 3T carbon wheels, with differential front and rear depths, and 35mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres that roll fast on-road, but hang on well off-road, too.

This is an expensive option, though, and the forward-facing charging port on the bottom bracket is prone to collecting dirt.

• Read our full 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost review

Cairn BRAVe 1.0

• £2,789 / $3,632 / €3,334 as tested
• Huge off-road capability
• Heavy going on the road
• Weight: 18.9kg
• Motor: Shimano Steps E7000

The Cairn BRAVe is an electric gravel bike that borders on electric mountain bike territory, thanks to its powerful Shimano Steps E7000 mid-mounted motor and massive 2.35in tyres.

Whereas Cairn's E-Adventure uses the subtler Fazua motor, the Shimano motor here jacks things up, with up to 70Nm of torque.

It's a genre-defying bike – and while the weight and chunky tyres may hold you back on the road, if you want a drop-bar bike for seriously rugged off-road riding, the Cairn BRAVe fits the mould.

• Read our full Cairn BRAVe 1.0 review

Cairn E-Adventure 1.0

• £2,989 / $4,149 / €3,800 as tested
• Updated geometry gives great stability in the rough
• Quality build with 650b option available
• Weight: 16kg
• Motor: Fazua

This latest iteration of the Cairn E-Adventure, updated from the original 2018 bike , gets shortened seatstays and a sloping top tube to make it easier to manoeuvre on tight or technical trails.

The E-Adventure is powered by a Fazua motor, with a top-tube controller instead of a bar-mounted unit.

With Cairn coming from the same stable as Hunt wheels , there's naturally a good set of hoops for the job. We'd have preferred grippier tyres, though, because the Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres are inadequate when things aren't, well, dry.

There's a version of the Cairn with 650b wheels and a dropper post if you're after more off-road grunt.

• Read our full Cairn E-Adventure 1.0 review

Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty

• £8,000 / $9,500 / €8,999 as tested
• Hugely competent off-road
• We'd expect better bars and possibly a dropper for the price
• Weight: 17.8kg
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX

With 30mm of suspension front and rear, thanks to its single-leg Lefty Oliver fork and Kingpin rear linkage, the Topstone Neo offers bags of comfort when you hit the rough stuff.

It has serious grunt too, with an 85Nm Bosch motor paired to a 500Wh battery, which should get you up anything you might encounter.

There’s top-drawer kit on the bike as well, with a SRAM eTap AXS electronic groupset in a mullet configuration, combining SRAM Force road components and SRAM Eagle mountain bike parts.

That gives a massive range of gearing, thanks to the 42-tooth road chainring and 10-50t MTB cassette.

It’s an expensive proposition though, and given the Topstone's full-suspension intentions, it wouldn't be a stretch to expect a dropper post and better handlebars at this price.

The Topstone Neo has now been joined by the Topstone Neo SL , with a lower-powered Mahle ebikemotion motor, alloy frame and cheaper price.

• Read our full Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty review

Canyon Grail:ON CF 7

• £4,599 / €4,999 / $5,699 as tested
• High-powered assistance, enjoyable ride
• Impractical dual-level bar
• Weight: 16.6kg
• Motor: Bosch

The Canyon Grail:ON CF 7 is brilliant fun to ride on technical terrain. Its 50mm-wide Schwalbe G-One Bite tyres are grippy and fast. The compliance from the VCLS seatpost boosts the comfort the tyres provide.

In addition, the Bosch motor is potent enough to help you up sheer, gravel-strewn inclines at higher levels of assistance, such as its Turbo mode. In more economical modes, the 500Wh PowerTube battery managed 140 off-road kilometres in testing.

However, the double-decker Hover bar is difficult to fit bags, bike computers and bike lights to.

• Read our full Canyon Grail:ON CF 7 review

Giant Revolt E+

• £4,999 / AU$7,999 as tested
• 53mm max tyre clearance
• Integrated ebike system
• Weight: 18.17kg
• Motor: Shimano

Despite the similar name, the Giant Revolt E+ is not quite an electrified version of our 2022 Bike of the Year winner , the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0.

Geometry is slacker and longer, but remains relatively racy, which keeps the Revolt E+'s handling agile. Cushioning from seatpost, saddle and handlebars makes the Revolt E+ comfortable on bumpy stuff.

The Shimano EP8 mountain bike motor delivers a massive 85Nm of torque and compensates for the bike's bulk, propelling you up vertiginous slopes regardless of the surface.

Range is also impressive for a bike of this weight. Our tester eked out nearly 120km and 2,000m of elevation.

• Read our full Giant Revolt E+ review

Trek Domane LT+

• £7,800 / $9,250 / €8,000 as tested
• Space for 38mm rubber
• Front and rear IsoSpeed for off-road comfort
• Weight: 13.8kg

Okay, so it's not technically a gravel bike, rather an electric road bike, but the Trek Domane LT+ has the space for 38mm-wide rubber, so there's the potential to kit it out to head off-road, although you'll want to swap out the 32mm tyres fitted, as we found out.

The front and rear IsoSpeed system makes for a comfortable ride over lighter gravel. The Fazua motor system means the bike has shed weight from the original electrified Domane too and is removable, so you can also ride the bike unassisted.

With a road-going 50/34t chainset and 11-34t cassette, you don't have the great range of an all-in gravel bike, but that's where the motor comes in to help you out, while Shimano Ultegra Di2 gives you consistent shifting in tricky conditions.

• Read our full Trek Domane LT+ 7 review

Vitus E-Substance Carbon

• £4,000 / $5,000 / €4,700 as tested
• 650b wheels with wide tyres give plenty of grip
• Large gear range and sporty handling make for good progress off-road
• Weight: 14.7kg

The E-Substance is built to ride fast whatever the terrain, with the same snappy handling as its pedal-powered sibling and 47mm tyres on 650b wheels.

Since it uses the mid-mounted Fazua motor system, you can swap out easily to run a standard 700c gravel wheelset as well. There's a big range of gears to tackle a wide variety of terrain.

Other finishing kit is well specced and the E-Substance handles a good mix of off-road conditions well, without being overpowered by the assistance. However, as you'd expect, the wide tyres and 650b wheels do roll a bit more slowly than 700c wheels and tyres on the road.

Also consider…

The following bikes scored fewer than four out of five stars in our testing, but are still worth considering.

Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK

• Electric commuting bike with light-adventure potential
• Weight: 15.5kg

Another bike that isn't a gravel bike, but we've included it here because the Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK has plenty of multi-terrain potential.

In this build, the Impulso is designed as an electric hybrid bike for cycling to work , but the E-Allroad chassis at its heart is designed with gravel riding in mind.

The bike has a slightly more upright riding position than the drop-bar gravel version, thanks to a tweaked cockpit design, while spec choices include SKS full-length mudguards, a rear rack and rear Lezyne lights powered by the Mahle X35 hub-based motor.

Should you wish to venture onto light off-road terrain, such as the towpath pictured above, there are Kenda Flintridge Sport 35c tyres.

Kinesis Range

• £3,550 as tested
• Good riding position, if a little firm
• Some tyre squirm from narrow rims
• Weight: 16.8kg

We rated the Kinesis Range's handling and comfortable ride position, although the rear is a little firm on rough terrain.

It's well equipped, but we would have preferred wider wheel rims and more compliant tyres with less squirm when we dropped the pressure.

The Range is another electric gravel bike powered along by the popular Fazua Evation motor. It's a bit on the heavy side at 16.8kg though, so we had to run the motor on its highest output, which ate through the battery and limited range.

Buyer's guide to electric gravel bikes: what to look out for

Electric gravel bike motors explained.

Almost all electric gravel bikes are powered by either a rear-hub motor design or a ‘mid-drive’ motor.

The rear-hub motor systems tend to be the lighter option in terms of both the weight and the assistance they offer, making them a great option for road-based sports bikes. Rear hub motors are also often used on the best electric hybrid bikes and some electric folding bikes .

The mid-drive system positions the motor unit in the bottom-bracket area, and it’s connected directly to the cranks.

Having the weight of the electric bike motor lower and more centrally located in the bike delivers better handling, and provides greater torque and smoother traction – all useful off-road.

With that in mind, gravel bike motors tend to come in one of two flavours.

On the one hand, like electric road bikes, you’ll find smaller, low-profile units from brands such as Mahle ebikemotion (rear-hub) and Fazua (mid-mounted).

Although they put out 250 watts, they have quite low torque figures of 40Nm and 60Nm respectively. That results in a subtler, more progressive level of assistance, though they may lack a little grunt for tougher off-road endeavours.

Other electric gravel bikes come with a higher torque figure – up to 90Nm – and use units from the likes of Bosch, which you’ll also often see on electric mountain bikes.

That really helps you crest steep, technical inclines, particularly if you’re loaded up for bikepacking , but the motor will be larger, heavier and more intrusive, and it will be a lot more obvious that you’re riding an electric bike .

Which type of setup works for you will depend on where you’re riding, what you’re carrying and how much help you want.

Electric gravel bike batteries explained

Lower speeds, and more ups and downs, are likely to drain your battery more quickly on an electric gravel bike, compared to an electric road bike, so plenty of battery capacity is a must.

Whereas road ebikes favour lower weight over all-out range, the opposite is likely to be true for a gravel ebike.

As a result, on electric gravel bikes with more powerful motors you’re likely to see beefier batteries with capacities nearer to 500Wh, rather than the 250Wh or so of a road ebike.

For many riders, that might be overkill. So, as with their motors, other gravel ebikes will come with a smaller in-built battery and may have the option to add an external range-extender battery. This sits on the frame, often in a bottle cage, and may almost double the available range.

For most electric gravel bikes, it’s an optional accessory though. Also, it won’t be a cheap upgrade and it will block up one of your bottle cages, so load-carrying capacity is reduced.

Electric gravel bike controls explained

Electric bike motors offer a range of modes, with power output to match – from 'eco' for maximum mileage to 'turbo' for ultimate power and torque.

Most ebikes have controls on the handlebar or top tube, and some have LCD screens, which makes it easier to switch between modes, monitor battery life and see your speed and mileage. You'll up your range if you switch to lower-output modes on flatter terrain, saving the highest outputs for steeper climbs, so easy access to the controller is useful and a bar-mounted switch is a better bet here.

If you want to ride an electric bike for fitness , you will get more of a workout in lower-powered modes while also extending range.

Some systems also now offer Bluetooth connectivity and phone apps to track your heart rate and other data, so think about getting a quality bike phone mount to make the most of the data.

Electric gravel bike wheels and tyres

Having a well-built set of gravel bike wheels and grippy gravel bike tyres with plenty of volume is vital on an electric gravel bike, given the rough terrain a bike like this is designed for, along with the torque produced by the motor.

With the extra weight of the motor and battery, you’ll be adding several kilos to the bike’s weight, so you need the tyre grip for handling and the wheel strength to deal with the extra torque coming from the motor.

As with any gravel bike, the frame clearance for wide tyres (with additional mud clearance) will be important.

Be prepared to swap out tyres for something more aggressive if the going is particularly bad, or for a lighter tread if you’re doing more road riding and taking on lighter trails.

While most gravel bikes have 700c wheels, smaller-diameter 650b wheels are an option if you want to increase your tyre volume.

That can help add grip and smooth out the terrain, which can be particularly useful with the extra weight and power of an ebike.

As with all gravel bikes, tubeless tyres have huge benefits too, helping to stave off punctures and allowing you to run lower tyre pressures for improved off-road grip and comfort.

Electric gravel bike drivetrains

If you’re riding off-road, you need the all-terrain features that have made gravel bikes so popular. That starts with low enough gearing to deal with steeper climbs.

Most non-assisted bikes now have drivetrains that go below 1:1 in terms of gravel bike gearing , with a super-compact 48/32t (or similar) crankset paired with a wide-ranging cassette .

A 1x drivetrain is also a popular option, keeping things simple by using a single chainring (with no front derailleur ) and, once again, a wide-ranging cassette to provide a big spread of gears suitable for a variety of terrain.

Even if you’ve got a motor to help, you’ll want plenty of low-gear options. Most motors work better if you’re climbing seated than if you’re riding out of the saddle too, because your power delivery is smoother and it’s easier for the electronics to match. You may find the power delivery from the motor is jerky if you’re standing to climb.

Single-ring drivetrains are very popular on gravel bikes, for their simplicity and lower weight, paired with ample range. It’s something you’re likely to find on many electric gravel bikes too.

On higher-spec bikes, you may get electronic shifting, either from SRAM’s 12-speed eTap AXS or from Shimano GRX 815 Di2 . Their slick gear changes work well with a motorised system and you’re less likely to experience a mis-shift than with cable-operated derailleurs. They also usually require less maintenance than a cable operated groupset.

A mullet build with a SRAM eTap AXS Eagle rear derailleur borrowed from its MTB range will come with a really wide-range cassette, while the SRAM Force eTap AXS Wide option is designed to give space for wider tyre clearance up front, while still giving the option to run a double chainset. You can read more on gravel bike setup in our in-depth guide.

Bolts and bosses

As with any gravel bike, the versatility to take on a range of adventures will be important.

Expect to see features such as rack and mudguard mounting points, and bolts to fit a top-tube bag.

Mounts for a third bottle cage under the down tube are also the norm. They’ll be particularly important if you decide you need a range-extender battery, because you’ll lose one of the two in-frame mounts.

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Electric Bikes

Best Gravel Electric Bikes: 7 Picks for All Budgets in 2024

By Charlotte Broughton

Updated Jan 02, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more .

Gravel bikes have flooded the market in the last decade, as have e-bikes. It’s no surprise that the electric gravel bike has become a popular option for people who love adventure, but fancy the added support of a motor.

After all, who doesn’t want to go further and faster while riding off road? No one. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best gravel electric bike to suit you, no matter your budget or taste.

Best Gravel E-Bikes

Customisable and streamline

Ribble Gravel AL e

A great customisable option for those wanting an aluminium gravel electric bike with a compact battery and motor

Sleek, carbon and fancy

Trek Domane+ SLR 7 AXS

High-end OCLV Carbon frame electric gravel bike with 12 speed Sram and the lightweight TQ-HPR50 motor system

Comfort and affordability

Fiido E-Gravel

Affordable gravel e-bike with a hybrid riding position that features 9 gears and hydraulic disc brakes

Lightweight aluminium

Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

A lightweight aluminium frame with a carbon fork, featuring Shimano GRX 11-speed and Bosch Performance Line Speed drive-unit

Sleek design

Bianchi E-Impulso Gravel E-Bike

Aluminium frame gravel e-bike complete with Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset and Ebikemotion motor

Versatile and robust

Ribble CGR AL e

A versatile all-rounder that can double up as an e-bike road bike as well as a gravel e-bike with lots of customisation available

What is a Gravel Electric Bike?

If you were wondering what a gravel electric bike is, then it’s exactly what it says on the tin: a gravel bike with the added benefit and capabilities of an electric bike.

These bikes are essentially therefore just a gravel bike fitted with both a motor and battery (which you have to charge ) allowing you to boost your rides with a pedal assisted motor. Allowing you to ride further for longer as well as faster.

What’s not to love about that?

Who Are Gravel E-Bikes For?

Gravel e-bikes have been designed with people who love to adventure and explore in mind. Given gravel bikes can pretty much go anywhere, they are a great option for those who enjoy off-road riding but maybe need the added support of a motor or want to adventure for further.

Not to mention, gravel e-bikes would also make a great option for those wanting to bike pack as the motor will of course help to haul all kit and equipment around, which often adds up weight wise.

But, due to gravel bikes versatile nature , and most being rather light , an electric gravel bike would suit pretty much any rider who enjoys both off-road and road riding, as a lot can double up as a road bike once fitted with slicker tyres.

Gravel Electric Bikes Pros + Cons

• Great for off-road use
• Travel further for longer
• Lighter than normal e-bikes
• Faster than a normal bike

Best Gravel Electric Bikes

1. ribble gravel al e.

Prices are approximate

Weight: 13.50kg (29.7lbs) in medium to 14kg (30.8lbs) in medium 

Wattage: 250W  (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range:  60  miles (96km)

Gears: 10 to 11 -speed 

Wheel Size:  27.5″

Max Load:  120 kg (264lbs)

Removable Battery: ✅

Throttle:  ❌

Lights: Optional

Fenders:  ❌

Pannier Rack:  Optional

If customisable is what you are looking for then the Ribble Gravel AL e is a great option to consider given their prebuilt specs range from the ‘Hero’, a high-end 11 speed Shimano GRX Di2 build to the ‘Sport’ which consists of 10 speed Shimano GRX RX400, both built around the same aluminium Gravel AL e frame.

As well as that, all builds also share the same motor which is the very compact  MAHLE SmartBike Systems X35+ 250W, coupled with a Panasonic battery. Overall this customisable build option is great for those wanting to build a gravel e-bike around their budget with a solid frame as their starting point.

• Customisable
• Compact motor
• Great price point

2. Trek Domane+ SLR 7 AXS

Weight: 12.50 kg (27.56 lbs) in 56cm

Wattage: 250 W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range:  62  miles (100km)

Gears: 12 -speed 

Wheel Size:  700c

Max Load:  125 kg (275lb)

Pannier Rack:  ❌

This high-end 800 Series OCLV Carbon electric gravel bike certainly isn’t going to be for everyone with a price tag as hefty as this. However, for those wanting a high quality option that benefits from being lightweight then this is the one for you.

Not only that but with a range of up to 100km in eco mode, it’ll also assist even your longer gravel adventures. Additionally, this bike is fitted with the TQ-HPR50 motor system which is both powerful (peaking at 300W and continuously 250W) as well as compact.

• Lightweight
• Looks fantastic
• Very high quality
• Expensive 
• Overly fancy for most

3. Fiido E-Gravel

Weight:  18  kg (39.6lbs)

Max. Range:  50  miles (80km)

Gears: 9 -speed 

Removable Battery: ❌

Fenders:  ✅

Pannier Rack: Optional

The E-Gravel from Fiido is a great option for anyone wanting a flat bar option that’s affordable. At under $2,000 it’s undoubtedly a bargain and definitely a more accessible option. Given it’s upright / flat bar design, it’d make a great leisure e-bike or even commuter that can be taken off-road too.

With regards to spec, this bike also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, 9 speeds and a range of accessories as standard. The motor fitted is also silent and can be controlled by an easy to use waterproof display on the bars.

• Available in step through design too
• Only two sizes
• Pretty heavy

4. Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

Weight:  18 kg (40lbs)

Max. Range: 70 miles (113km)

Gears: 11 -speed 

Max Load:  130 kg (286lbs)

Consisting of Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset with GRX hydraulic disc brakes which is built around the SmartForm C1 Alloy frame, the Cannondale Topstone Neo 5 gravel e-bike is a great go to for those wanting a sleek and compact bike with a performance orientation.

Not only that, but this bike benefits from being fitted with the Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W, which can easily be controlled by the Bosch Purion display, which is user-friendly and clear to read.

• Looks great
• On the expensive side

5. Bianchi E-Impulso Gravel E-Bike

Weight:  15 kg (33lbs) roughly

Max. Range:  N/A

Max Load:  N/A

Another gravel e-bike that is a little on the pricier side but arguably more of a mid range option is the Bianchi E-Impulso Gravel E-Bike. Fitted with the Ebikemotion X35 Plus 250W Motor Unit which due to it’s compact size offers a slick look which is a far cry from the previous bulky looking e-bikes.

In terms of spec, this one comes with Shimano GRX throughout, thus benefits from having 11-speeds which is more than enough for gravel riding. Overall, this bike is a great option for someone looking for a solid mid range gravel e-bike to train and leisure ride on.

• Range not specified

6. Ribble CGR AL e

Weight:  around 13.5 kg (180lbs)

Max. Range:  60  miles (96 km)

Max Load:  120 kg (264lb)

Lights:  Optional

Fenders: Optional

Unsurprisingly, we have another entrant from Ribble, this time with the CGR AL e range, another very customisable option best suited to those who want choice and / or to build a bike of their suiting to a specific budget.

Coming with two pre built options either with Shimano 105 (Enthusiast) or Tiagra (Sport), both still come with the same Panasonic battery and MAHLE SmartBike Systems X35+ 250W motor, which is very compact and sleek, making this another great lightweight option for those who are weight conscious.

• Pre built specs available

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5 Best Electric Gravel Bikes

January 31, 2023

Gravel Bikes

Are you ready to take your biking experience to the next level? If so, then you need an electric gravel bike. A new generation of e-bikes that allow you to ride further and faster than ever before. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to commute or an off-road adventure on hills and trails, electric gravel bikes offer unparalleled excitement with their powerful motors, adjustable assistance settings, and long battery life. Let’s delve into the top five best electric gravel bike models on the market today. From entry level electrics up to some serious high end rides, explore which is best suited for your needs!

Table of contents

• Can you ride an ebike on gravel? 
• What should you look for in an electric gravel bike? 

1. Specialized Turbo Creo SL

• 2. Canyon Grail:On 

3. Bianchi E-ArcadeX

4. cannondale topstone neo carbon lefty, 5. trek domane+ lt, choosing the best electric gravel bike for you, can you ride an ebike on gravel .

In a word – absolutely! Ebikes are capable of riding everywhere that normal bikes can. Still, your ability to handle the bike on rugged terrain like gravel depends on a number of factors. 

Most bikes will be able to perform decently on gravel, but there’s no substitute for the right build. Gravel bikes are designed to be sleek and lightweight. With slim yet grippy tires for the uneven features of off-road riding. The best electric gravel bikes are ones that have been built from the ground up for that purpose. 

What should you look for in an electric gravel bike? 

The primary considerations for choosing an E-gravel bike are largely the same as what you’ll be looking for in a regular gravel bike. With some additional points to ponder around the electronics. 

Gravel riding lends itself to long, intense rides, and the weight of the bike can make the difference between a joyride and a slog, even with the additional power of the motor. A wide gear range and quality components will give you the ability to tackle a diverse set of terrains. Plus, the confidence that your bike will handle the toughest of trails. 

While gravel bikes aren’t known for their suspension , some flex in the frame or a quality front suspension will ease the bumps in the road and save your rear end some pain. There’s a limit though- too much suspension will rob you of precious energy on those longer rides.

When it comes to the motor and battery, the endurance side of gravel riding holds new meaning. E-bike companies that make gravel models often have to make compromises in order to deliver on a classic gravel experience. A classic example of this is lowering the overall battery capacity in order to save on weight. These companies will usually throttle the motor output in order to make that smaller capacity stretch farther. Others will sell an additional battery that fits in the water bottle holder on your downtube. This gets around the capacity issues by letting you decide if you want the extra range (and weight). 

The motor output of the best electric gravel bikes varies considerably. The best fit for each rider comes down to their experience level and how much they’re looking to push themselves. Many high-end E-gravel bikes are designed with the seasoned rider in mind, with the assumption that they’re interested in feeling the effort of their rides. The level of assistance that works best for you will depend on how much weight you’re ok with carrying. In addition, how much boost you think you’ll need on most rides.

5 Best Electric Gravel Bikes for 2023

These options represent some of the best electric gravel bikes currently on the market for gravel riders looking to add some electricity to their current setup. All of these bikes bring quality components, killer motor systems, and the best materials to their bikes.

The Specialized Turbo Creo SL was designed to maximize endurance while encouraging riders to lean into their own effort. The Creo SL uses Specialized’s SL 1.1 motor, which is designed to double your pedal power while keeping battery use to a minimum. The SL 1.1 motor has a maximum output of 30Nm of torque. This is significantly less power than most E-bike motors. That lower motor output allowed Specialized to slim the motor down to just 1.95 kilograms, and lets the 320 Wh battery provide 80 miles of range. Even at a lower max output, this motor will assist you up to 28 mph. A must for keeping up with your seasoned group riders.

The integrated Turbo Connect Display is minimal, allowing for a seamless look to the bike and letting you control your assistance level and see battery capacity with the touch of a button. The Mission Control app lets you connect your smartphone to the bike. This allows for precise tracking of stats, integration with your favorite health app, and dynamic control of your motor assistance and max output. The bike is perfectly rideable without any of those features. But the level of embedded control that’s unlocked by the Mission Control app is truly impressive.

Specialized is known for their dedication to excellence in bike creation, and the Creo SL follows that tradition. The base model comes equipped with a Shimano GRX 11-Speed rear derailleur, and Specialized’s FutureShock front fork, giving you plenty of gear range for tough inclines with taking the oomph out of the rugged roads. Going up the price ladder, great upgrades like a carbon frame and wheels, integrated dropper seatposts, and a top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 groupset make it all too easy to justify spending a bit more. With most 2022 models sold out, expect even better things as Specialized revamps the Creo SL for 2023.

2. Canyon Grail:On 

Canyon’s best electric gravel bike entry is a hard-running, speed-oriented bike that will guarantee a fun adventure with no limits. The Grail:On uses Bosch’s Gen 4 Performance Line Speed motor. Which delivers a sturdy 85 Nm of torque for the toughest of inclines. The 500 Wh Powertube integrated battery will allow for long rides on lower settings, with the power to pack a punch when you need it. With generous assistance up to 28 mph, you can stay at the front of the group ride without breaking a sweat.

The Grail:On delivers on great quality components without breaking the bank. A carbon frame and front fork mean that the bike is able to weigh in at a modest 16.60 kg, without compromising on the battery or motor capacity. An 11-speed Shimano Deore XT cassette works in combination with a Shimano GRX rear derailleur to provide seamless shifting- with the Performance Line Speed motor helping out, you’ll never find a hill you can’t conquer. 

While the bike doesn’t have any built-in suspension, Canyon’s proprietary Gravelcockpit features a two-layered handlebar, providing increased damping and comfort on the top level and maximum stiffness in the drop bar for increased control. The Grail:On is a great choice for those who are looking to access a top-level E-gravel setup at a solid price. If you’ve been looking for a bike that will let you eat up the trail without destroying your legs, look no further.

Bainchi, the Italian cycling powerhouse, has put together an incredible build with their E-ArcadeX . Delivering a race-quality bike that will serve equally well on the trail as it will as a daily commuter. The E-ArcadeX uses Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor, which delivers 85 Nm of torque up to 20mph, and gives you access to Bosch’s Tour+ mode, a dynamic motor setting that lets you control how much effort you want to put out while maximizing battery range. The 500Wh battery will give you plenty of range for longer rides, and is surprisingly light at 2.8kg. 

Bianchi has truly created a bike that’s ready to compete at the highest levels. A carbon frame and front fork deliver a light and sturdy ride, while still taking the edge off of uneven terrains. The E-ArcadeX uses the Campagnolo Ekar groupset, racing-level components that maximize power, durability, and ease of shifting. The impressive 13-speed cassette provides enough gear range to handle steep inclines on its own, so even if you’re out of battery you’ll be able to make it home easily. A 40mm travel suspension seatpost will keep your rear end comfortable on long rides on rugged terrain.

Bianchi wasn’t afraid to break the mold with the E-ArcadeX- this model is designed very differently than most gravel bikes, and some may be turned off by the chunkier appearance. Still, the thought and care that went into this design is clearly up to par with the rest of Bianchi’s trailblazing bikes, and the E-ArcadeX definitely deserves a seat at the table of the best E-gravel models out there.

Cannondale’s Topstone Neo line is a dedicated E-gravel lineup, and the Lefty is at the head of the pack. This bike is suited to those who want a minimal look, but maximum power and comfort. The Lefty is supported by Bosch’s Performance Line Speed motor and a 500Wh battery, giving you up to 78 miles of range on low assist levels, and enough boost to climb mountains when necessary. A full carbon frame and Shimano GRX groupset combine to provide a light ride that will perform seamlessly under the toughest conditions.

Unique among the other bikes on this list, the Lefty is a dual-suspension bike, with a 30mm travel Lefty Oliver fork (hence the name) and Cannondale’s proprietary Kingpin rear suspension. The Kingpin Suspension was created specifically for their new gravel bikes as a way to provide increased comfort and bump absorption without relying on mountain-bike-style rear suspension systems. The Kingpin works by using a special thru-axle on the seat stays that allows the rear of the carbon frame to flex to its full potential. This allows for dynamic absorption of bumps throughout the frame, instead of the minimal absorption of a suspension seatpost. This is an exciting new design, so expect to see this being adopted by other bike companies.

It’s worth giving an honorable mention to another bike in the Topstone Neo lineup, the SL 2. There’s not a lot of room for entry-level bikes on a “best of” list like this, but the SL 2 provides a gravel-specific E-bike setup at a cost that makes sense for those with less experience in E-gravel riding. 

Rounding out this list of the best electric gravel bikes is Trek’s Domane+ LT . Designed to give you the classic gravel experience with the right level of boost when you need it. The Domane+ LT is powered by the Fazua Evation motor system, which delivers 55Nm of torque up to 20mph. A slim, 250Wh battery complements the motor, with the whole motor system weighing in at just 4.9kg. The entire motor system is also removable, allowing you to shave significant weight off of your ride and convert to an acoustic setup at a moment’s notice. 

The Domane+ LT is meant to ride like a quality acoustic gravel bike, and Trek has included all the necessary components to back this up. Trek bolstered the already absorbent full-carbon frame with its Isospeed front and rear decouplers. This technology allows the frame to flex more fully when it hits bumps, without impacting your ride feel. The Isospeed effectively cuts off the flex of the frame from your seatpost and handlebars. It is adjustable depending on how smooth or firm you want your ride experience. With an 11-speed Shimano Ultegra groupset rounding out the expert-level setup, the Domane+ LT is ready for anything.

The Domane+ LT line includes four different models, with the top end carrying incredible features like Shimano’s wireless electronic drivetrain, the Dura-ace Di2. Other than swapping out the tires for something a little more off-road ready, this model line is ready to help you tackle the toughest rides with a smooth and natural feel.

There are many factors that go into finding the best electric gravel bike for you, and this list doesn’t represent just how many unique and wonderful E-gravel bikes are out there. It’s important to know yourself as a rider when you’re looking for any E-bike- how much assistance do you need? What sort of terrains will you be riding? Are you looking for a natural riding experience with some help, or are you happy to let the motor carry you? Before you invest in the latest and greatest, make sure you know what will truly serve your needs.

The bikes on this list possess a few key factors- top-quality components, superior design, and motors that truly elevate your ride experience. Even within this list, though, there’s considerable variation. Different brands are optimizing their bikes for different riders, so take your time and explore everything that’s out there. If the internet isn’t giving you a clear answer, go to your local bike shop and try some out! When you’re finally riding the right bike for you, it will be clear that you’ve found your new daily driver.

7 Best Gravel Bike Shoes

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11 of the best electric gravel bikes you can buy - e-gravel bikes tried and tested.

[Updated November 19, 2021]

If you're after a drop-bar electric gravel or adventure bike, then we might have the answer in our roundup of all the best ones we have tested. We've tried and tested these bikes listed with more on the way, plus there are more suggestions for options for you to investigate at the bottom.

• The widest gravel bike handlebars you can buy: broad bars for bikepackers
• The 11 gravel-specific products you never knew you needed
• Opinion: We need to be more specific about what 'gravel' is

11 of the best 2021 electric gravel bikes

Canyon grail:on cf 8 — £4,949.00, cairn brave 1.0 drop bar — £2,549.00, ribble cgr al e – from £2,399, boardman adv9.8e – £2,429.10.

• Look e-765 Gravel – £5,997.00 (£4,036.32 if you're a size M or XL and willing to pop over to Ireland for it)

Orbea Gain 2021 – £2,359 - £8,199

Specialized turbo creo 2021 – £4,000 - £11,500, kinesis range – £3,550, cannondale topstone neo carbon lefty 1 2021 – £7,999.99, giant revolt e+ pro xr – £2,699.99, merida esilex+ 600 – £3,000.

The Canyon Grail:ON CF 8.0 combines a top-performing Bosch Performance CX motor with a large 500Wh battery that gives huge range potential. Wide tyres and the S15 VCLS seatpost aid comfort, but the double-decker bar will likely divide opinions and impacts fit options.

Regardless of whether the full carbon frame has any performance advantage for an e-bike of this type, the Grail:ON is still a bike that stands out from the crowd. The hover bar certainly draws attention and may divide opinions. However, the real highlight is the Bosch Performance CX motor and large 500Wh battery, which combine to offer a vast range of power adjustment on offer. The Performance CX may have been designed primarily for mountain bikes, but in my experience testing the Grail:ON, it is incredibly competent for gravel riding as well.​

• Read our review of the Canyon Grail:ON CF 8

Cairn has delivered a bike that manages to not only cross between established categories but create its own with the BRAVe. The Shimano powered bike mixes the downhill ability of a mountain bike with the ability to cover ground that a gravel bike can provide. While there are some less than perfect areas, the overall package and price make it well worth a look.

• Read our review of the Cairn BRAVe 1.0 Drop Bar

The Ribble CGR AL e is a cracking bike for the money. Comfortable, stable and capable over very rough ground or while effortlessly eating up road miles, it adds intuitive, discreet electric assist to a fundamentally great chassis. It's a bike that opens up huge possibilities (for all levels of rider) in covering serious ground – and having a lot of fun along the way.

• Read our review of the Ribble CGR AL e

Boardman’s new range of Fazua-powered e-bikes offer really good value for money, and our experience aboard the ADV8.9E has been very positive. You’re getting a lot of the performance of more expensive e-road bikes at a much lower price point. The Fazua system is good for mixed riding, and offers useful assistance and good range. It’s built into a bike that’s solid and enjoyable to ride.

• Read our review of the Boardman ADV9.8E

Look e-765 Gravel – £5,997.00 ( £4,036.32 in M or XL if you can go to Ireland for it )

Look has entered the market somewhere very close to the top end with their e-765 Gravel, the sister bike to the road-going e-765. And it’s a very good bike for mixed terrain riding, even if it is expensive enough to put it out of reach of the many (us included).

• Read our review of the Look e-765 Gravel

Carrera Crossroad E – £999

Carrera is making some really good e-bikes for less than £1,000 at the moment, including the Subway E we recently reviewed. Here it has set itself the task of bringing e-road bikes down to that level, and you know what? It’s succeeded. Okay the Crossroad E isn’t perfect but it is a versatile bike that’s quite a lot of fun to ride. For a grand it’s an impressive package, and definitely one to consider if you have a longer commute you want to do more often by bike.

• Read our review of the Carrera Crossroad E

If you want an e-bike that doesn't look like an e-bike, the Gain range from Basque brand Orbea might well hit the spot. Orbea describes it quite accurately as being designed to "enhance your ride, not dominate it". What they're getting at is the fact that the Ebikemotion X35 Plus motor is significantly less powerful than the Shimano or Bosch mid-mounted motors that many e-bikes have in this price range, but at 14kg for the Gain D15 it's also much lighter than most e-bikes.

• Read our review of the Orbea Gain D15

Specialized builds its Turbo Creo e-bikes into gravel or road machines by tweaking the spec, but they all use the same SL 1.1 motor, developed by German car component giant Mahle, which also owns the Ebikemotion system found on the Orbea Gain.

The range tops out at the S-Works Turbo Creo SL EVO, above, with a carbon fibre frame and wheels, and starts with the rather less exotic Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 with an aluminium frame and Shimano GRX components.

• Read our review of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL

The Range Adventure from Kinesis UK is an e-bike featuring the Fazua Evation motor. Designed to be versatile and capable of adventures with a light motor and big range, it also has an easily-removable battery that allows unassisted riding. Loads of mounts and and impressive range make it an excellent bikepacker or commuter, though the front needs bigger rubber to tame the harshness.

• Read our review of the Kinesis Range

Also take a look at

We haven't had a chance to test these bikes yet, but they're among the most interesting gravel e-bikes out there right now and could be well worth a look if you are in the market for a gravel e-bike.

With its Lefty front suspension and Kingpin rear shock absorption, the Topstone Lefty is already one of the most intriguing gravel bikes for 2021, even before you consider adding electric assistance. This version's Bosch Performance Line CX motor and battery promise ample oomph for help on hills and Cannondale claims a maximum range of 110 miles for big days out. The wireless electronic SRAM AXS shifting, with that huge 10-50 X01 Eagle cassette is like the icing on the cake.

If the price tag has you going " You could get a car for that! " there are Topstone Neo versions from £4,000.

• Find out more at www.cannondale.com

Not the prettiest gravel e-bike you can buy, but its Yamaha motor should provide plenty of oomph and reliable Shimano GRX components handle the standard bike stuff. The stock tyres are 45mm wide, unusually fat for off-the-peg spec, and that's got to be a good thing.

• Find out more from www.giant-bicycles.com

New to the Merida range is the eSILEX, the brands e-gravel bike. Using a Mahle motor, it looks like a small neat package, and not much like an e-bike! The bike comes in two specs, choose from either the eSILEX 600+ with 650B wheels and a Shimano GRX 1x11 or the 700c eSILEX 400 with a 2x GRX drivetrain. Both have a 250wH battery and both motors put out 40NM of torque. For more details of these bikes and other new Merida road going e-bike, head over to ebiketips.

• Find out more at www.merida-bikes.com

What other e-gravel bikes have you seen that you'd like us to cover and review? All suggestions welcome, leave them in the comments below!

You might also like:

• The best gravel and adventure bikes you can buy for under £2,000
• The best titanium gravel and adventure bikes you can buy
• The best money-no-object gravel and adventure bikes we've tested

Author block

Previously Editor here at off-road.cc, Rachael is happiest on two wheels. Partial to a race or two Rachael also likes getting out into the hills with a big bunch of mates. In the past Rachael has written for publications such as, Enduro Mountain Bike Magazine, Mountain Biking UK, Bike Radar, New Zealand Mountain Biker and was also the online editor for Spoke magazine in New Zealand too. For as long as she's been riding, she has been equally happy getting stuck into a kit review as she is creating stories or doing the site admin. When she's not busy with all the above she's roasting coffee or coaching mountain biking in the Forest of Dean. 

Cairn call it the 2021 version, but as far as I can make out it's on pre-order for third week in December. What's going on there?

Cairn E-Adventure?

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Best electric gravel bikes: Get a boost riding off-road

The best electric gravel bikes will help you go further faster more easily

What to look for when buying an electric gravel bike

The best electric gravel bikes offer you all the fun of gravel riding but with some extra assistance to make tackling off-road terrain that bit easier.

The best gravel bikes allow you to get off the beaten track and explore new terrain. But riding off-road can be a lot harder work than on the tarmac. Climbs are often steeper and trickier, with loose surfaces lowering traction so that out-of-saddle efforts are not practicable.

That's where electric gravel bikes come in. The motor provides enough extra assistance to allow you to tackle rides with less effort, making it possible to ride further and faster and also to tackle climbs that would have you walking without the added assistance.

The best electric bikes provide similar help on the road, but pairing the motor with a gravel bike configuration is a winning combination to take you to new places. 

Here is our pick of the best electric gravel bikes currently available, or head lower down the page for our buyer's guide to how to choose the best electric gravel bike for your needs.

Best electric gravel bikes

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 1

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Cannondale Neo Carbon Lefty 1 builds on the standard Topstone Lefty, with a carbon frame and front and rear suspension. The rear is a passive suspension system using the natural flex in the carbon layup and a thru-axle pivot in the seat stay-seat tube junction. Cannondale calls the whole system the Kingpin rear suspension system and promises up to 30mm of movement at the saddle. 

In the front is a revised version of the gravel Lefty single-leg suspension fork first introduced on the Slate gravel bike. There's 30mm of air-sprung suspension movement from the Lefty Oliver. The look is polarising but it's a system tuned for the needs of gravel riding and it works. Bear in mind that the high front end will drop a little once the suspension sag is set correctly and you're riding the bike.

The chosen power unit for the Cannondale Neo Carbon Lefty 1 is a high torque 250w Bosch Performance Line CX system. It's designed to work well even at low cadence and provide a sporty riding feel and is paired with a SRAM Force/X01 Eagle mullet drivetrain for serious off-road ability. 

2. Merida ESilex + 600

If your idea of the best electric gravel bike is one that you can use on almost all occasions, from weekend bike-packing rides to urban commuting, then the Merida eSilex+ 600 could be exactly what you're looking for.

Powered by an eBikemotion X35 motor with 250Wh battery capacity, the eSilex delivers a seriously composed and comfortable ride, complemented by compact geometry and a relaxed riding position. Its aluminium frame boasts thin tubing that doesn't resonate in the same way that chunky carbon frames can, making it a much quieter and more pleasant affair to ride with the motor in full support mode.

With mounts galore for accessories, it's the kind of e-gravel bike that can wear all manner of hats when you need it to.

3. Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO

Specialized names its e-bike gravel models by adding Evo to the road-focused models. The actual design of the two models is similar and the geometry between the two bikes is exactly the same. 

Added to the gravel-focused models you'll find a different wheel and tyre package with wider rubber, flared handlebars and a dropper post with 50mm of travel. If you want a bike that can move between paved and off-road paths then the Specialized is a great choice.

The custom-designed motor is not a high-torque system but is rather designed for handling steep technical trails and obstacles. There's only 35Nm of torque on demand but if you're frugal, you can expect a quoted range of 80 miles (128km), which you can add around 40 per cent to by fitting a range extender bottle cage battery.

4. Canyon Grail:ON CF 8 eTap

The Grail:ON CF 8 eTap is another polarizing bike. The frame utilises a unique double handlebar setup referred to as the double-decker hover bar. Instead of going down the route of suspension, with all its potential tradeoffs, Canyon chose to go with a passive system. 

The intent is still increased comfort through increased front-end compliance but it's lighter and simpler. The double bar also gives an upright riding position that suits long days covering rough ground, without the bike having a long headtube. Like the Lefty fork, it works well but its looks are polarizing.

In terms of assistance, Canyon has used a more mountain bike-focused system from Bosch called the Performance Line CX (Gen4), which delivers 85Nm of torque. The system has a focus on the smooth handling of roots, steps and stones, even in low cadence and high torque uphill situations.

5. Giant Revolt E+ Pro

The Giant Revolt e+ Pro has been built around making the riding feel natural and that's why it's so interesting. It utilises a Yamaha-developed motor that Giant has then customised by tuning the software to increase the available pedal assistance and torque output. 

Torque, cadence, slope and speed are all evaluated to understand how to ramp up assistance in a way that feels natural. Climbing a steep hill or riding across town is easily controlled with no intrusive surging in power and the like. 

The road bike-like geometry also gives the bike a racy nature and once up to speed, it's relatively easy to maintain momentum and zip to and from home.

6. Vitus E Substance Carbon E Adventure Bike

The Vitus E Substance Carbon E Adventure Bike doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but it offers an excellent all-around package at a competitive price point. Powered by a Fazua motor with a 250Wh battery and 40Nm of maximum torque, you can achieve around 400 watts of peak power in its full power mode. Don't be fooled, however, into thinking that you're getting a free ride. The Fazua motor is designed to complement your workout, not deprive you of one.

The bike comes equipped with SRAM Apex 1 gearing with a 1x setup combined with a 10-42 11-speed cassette. The 38t chainring should make climbing easier while rolling along on gravel-specific 650b wheels wrapped in 47mm wide WTB Venture TCS tyres.

7. Alchemy E-Ronin GRX Disc

If you like the sound of a hand-made carbon bike from the USA then Alchemy is the answer. Since 2008 Alchemy has been putting out work like no other. All the manufacturing for every bike happens under the roof of its Denver, Colorado-based headquarters. In-house manufacturing means customers can choose custom paint. Other perks include a crash replacement discount, a two-week money-back guarantee, free shipping and a lifetime warranty.

There are two base colour options and four choices of drivetrain: Shimano GRX, Shimano GRX di2, SRAM Force AXS and SRAM Red AXS. Also included are HED wheels, and Zipp cockpit, and no matter which build you choose you’ll find a Fazua Evation motor system and clearance for up to 45mm with 700c or 2.1in with 650b. 

8. Boardman ADV 8.9e

At under £3,000, the Fazua-powered Boardman ADV 8.9e isn't exactly what you'd call a budget offering but it's the most affordable model on the market.

The frame uses aluminium as a nod to keeping the price contained but Boardman has still managed to include a carbon fork. The running gear consists of a Sram Apex 1x11 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes, a Boardman alloy cockpit and wheels, and a Fizik saddle.

The 38mm tyres might be better suited to cyclo-cross than gravel but they do a good enough job ironing out trail buzz and supplying grip. As an everyday commuter, the Boardman ADV 8.9e makes for a very compelling case as to why it should be considered as your next N+1 purchase.

9. Ribble CGR AL e

The Ribble CGR AL e is one of the cheapest electric grave bikes on the market. There are a variety of levels available and they start well below £3,000 for a Shimano Tiagra version. As with all Ribble bikes, you can easily up-spec using its Bike Builder app to choose from a range of different components.

Ribble also sells the Gravel AL e, if you want more tyre clearance and a more gravelly geometry and spec with Shimano GRX 1x and 2x groupset options.

Whatever configuration ends up fitting your budget the Ribble CGR Al e uses the Ebikemotion X35 drive system. While the Ribble bike is a budget option this same system shows up on bikes at all price ranges and includes the same integrated downtube battery and rear hub motor as in the Ribble CGR AL e.

10. Basso Bikes Volta

With the Basso Volta the idea was to take the muscle-powered Palta and add more versatility. The hand-built carbon frame gets a new layup and internal structure but retains a similar geometry. Keeping the same geometry ensures similar levels of ride feel and the motor adds a helping hand when you need it.

Keeping the bike light was a priority for Basso and the Italian Polini motor fills that need. The 250W (500W max) motor weighs in at only 2.8kg and sports one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the industry. The torque is a bit lower than the Bosch equivalent but, at 16.5kg for the whole system, it's light enough to pedal without assistance.

11. Look e-765 Gravel

The Look e-765 Gravel is a capable e-bike with up to 400W of pedal assist, although geometry and tyre clearance are a little less than some electric gravel bikes. There's a quality app available for monitoring anything you can think of. Through the app, any battery system details you might want to know are available at a glance as is all the normal ride-tracking data you'd expect.

If you'd rather ride a traditional pedal-powered bike you can remove the entire drive system, as the Fazua system houses everything in a Drivepack system. Combined in a single unit you'll find an integrated motor and electronics as well as a removable battery. Simply slide the battery into place and then insert the whole unit into the downtube or swap it with a cover. With the drive system removed, there is only a small weight penalty and the now-empty cavity is perfect for whatever you want to carry.

What type of riding is the electric gravel bike designed for?

Broadly, there are low assist motors like the Mahle ebikemotion system and higher assistance models like those from Bosch. 

The former will help you out on less aggressive gravel rides and will keep the bike's weight down, and so provide more agile handling. You'll have to do more of the work to keep yourself moving though.

Then there are the high assistance models, which provide higher torque. They'll get you up and over tricky terrain more easily and with less effort on your part. But they'll be significantly heavier and need larger batteries, which can affect the bike's handling.

It's worth considering the type of gravel riding that most interests you and the terrain you like to ride, as well as how much support you want, and shortlisting electric gravel bikes that suit that need.

If you want more information on gravel bikes in general, we have a guide to what is a gravel bike , the differences between a road bike vs a gravel bike and gravel bike pros and cons to help out.

How far can you go?

When comparing electric-assist bikes there's a whole lot of numbers that get lobbed about. The range is sometimes measured by vertical gain and sometimes by distance. The batteries employed get listed by the watt-hours they hold and there's maximum torque available for the motors. It can all get overwhelming fast and what you want to know is how far you can go. Read our guide to the best e-bike motors for more guidance on motor systems and their attributes.

How far you can go is the hardest spec to figure out and is highly dependent on you, the conditions and how you ride. 

The heavier the rider and bike the more power the battery will need to supply. If you ride into a headwind, you'll use more power. Spend your day on the bike climbing hills and again you'll use more power. It's likely you want gravel-specific tyres on your bike and knobby tyres have higher rolling resistance, which means more power. If you were riding a non-electric bike these are all the same factors that would determine how much effort you needed to put in on a given ride. 

Many e-bike systems allow you to fit a range extender battery, which usually sits in a bottle cage, if you do want to increase the available range.

How much work does the rider do?

Going hand in hand with the range discussion is the question of how much work you have to do vs the bike's motor. One of the best ways to extend range is to do more work with your muscles and ask less of the bike. Every electric bike offers a variety of settings to make that easy.

What might not be so obvious is what the ranges actually mean. A quoted assistance range might show a number in watts, a support ratio percentage, or a speed. The simplest quoted max is the speed number. You can always go faster than the max speed listed, but the motor will no longer assist. The point where that transition happens depends on local laws rather than the actual motor.

While speed depends on regulations the other quoted numbers have to do with the limitations of the motor. Weight and size are the biggest obstacles to how powerful a motor will be. It's a balancing act where manufacturers try to get the most power in the smallest space. What a given manufacturer was able to achieve will dictate how much support is available at the top end. From there the user can turn down the support and gain battery life.

The numbers that show what you get at the various levels are max watts and support ratio percentage. A low mode might offer a 50 per cent support ratio percentage with a max of 250w. Meaning however many watts you put into the pedals, the motor will add an additional 50 per cent until the max of 250 watts is reached. As the speed regulation is always in effect, the max speed is also always there.

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Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages. 

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“Domane+ SLR is our lightest and fastest e-road bike, complete with our highest-level OCLV Carbon, premium components, and a natural-feeling assist that keeps you quick and comfortable on epic all-day adventures.” – https://TrekBikes.com

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Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription .

Continued from Above:

In this video, we present the Lady Gravel Cyclist’s personal Trek Domane+. For a long-term review of the 2023 bike, which is identical to the one shown in this video barring livery and size, see the links below.

LGC will be using the bike for future adventures where significant climbing is a factor, and for testing of products. Remember, like many of our readers, LGC is a parent and works a full-time job. In her case, she’s a medical professional, which involves long hours doing valuable work for the betterment of so many people. Limited riding time is a factor, and this is where an eBike offers many advantages.

Love or Hate Them

eBikes are here to stay, and they have many uses:

• Enable a friend / partner who doesn’t ride as much to join their friends / partners who possess a higher level of fitness.
• Athlete Recovery.
• Gravel Use? Yep, the Domane Plus will fit 700c x 40mm tyres no worries at all (we tested it with Panaracer Gravelking SK 700c x 43mm)
• Motor Pacing!

Additional Photos

Support Gravel Cyclist: Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist OR Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist

Links of Interest:

• Trek Bicycle Website – https://trekbikes.com
• 2023 Trek Domane+ SLR eBike Review
• 2023 Trek Domane SLR Long-Term Real-World Review
• SRAM XPLR Groupset Review: 1x Specific for Gravel Cycling
• Route Werks Handlebar Bag Review
• How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
• Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
• Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations

Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page , follow G.C. on Instagram , and subscribe to our Youtube Channel . We are also on Twitter !

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• Electric Gravel Bike Reviews
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Trek Domane+ SLR 9 eTap Review

• MSRP: $12,999
• MODEL YEAR: 2023
• Trek Reviews
• Class 3 Electric Bike Reviews
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An ultra light weight 28.5lb electric road bike with endurance comfort geometry and iso speed vibration dampening seat post interface. The first ebike to feature Trek's OCLV carbon fiber. Available in five colors and seven frame sizes.. This particular build uses top of the line SRAM components with a 1x12 drivetrain, flared…...

CANYON Grail:ON CF 8 Review

• MSRP: $5,799
• MODEL YEAR: 2022
• CANYON Reviews

A high performance gravel ebike with carbon fiber frame, fork, and iconic double decker drop bar that introduces comfort and varied body positions. Sturdy 12mm thru-axles, tapered steer tube, and powerful Shimano ICE-Tech hydraulic disc brakes. This ebike is produced in seven frame sizes, but only four were in stock at the time of this review.. Available in multiple geographies, this ebike ships with a 4th generation Bosch Performance Line CX…...

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Review

• MSRP: $6,500
• MODEL YEAR: 2020
• Specialized Reviews

A lightweight gravel grinder road ebike with flared handlebars, wide treaded tires, a seat post dropper, and unique Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension. Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems, solid two-year comprehensive warranty. The frame offers provisions for two bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack, wide range of color options. Boost hub spacing with sturdy 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at higher speeds, sturdier…...

BULLS GRINDER EVO Review

• MSRP: $4,999
• MODEL YEAR: 2019, 2020
• BULLS Reviews
• Commuting Electric Bike Reviews

A high speed gravel grinder electric bike, complete with flared drop bars, puncture resistant studded tires, and a paint-matched spring suspension fork offering preload adjust and lockout. Excellent weight distribution, beautiful Bosch PowerTube battery integration that frees up the main triangle for…...

Fantic Gravel-X Review

• MSRP: $4,290
• MODEL YEAR: 2018
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A high performance hardtail 29er with drop bars, this is a go-anywhere electric bike that's relatively lightweight, well balanced, and super quiet because of the Brose drive system. Premium Italian wheelset and tires, 11-speed SRAM Apex drivetrain with punched-out cogs, clever motor casing…...

Easy Motion Rebel Gravel-X PW Review

• MSRP: $3,399
• Easy Motion Reviews

A lightweight electric gravel grinder with drop bars, aero wheelset, mechanical disc brakes (using Shimano ICE Tech rotors and heat sinks), and a 22-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain. Blacked-out aesthetic hides the battery and motor casing, internally routed cables stay out of the…...

Raleigh Tamland iE Review

• MSRP: $4,749
• Raleigh Reviews

A trail-capable speed pedelec with flared drop bars and gravel grinder 650b tires, it's relatively lightweight at just 46.3 lbs and the drive system weight is all positioned low and center. The battery pack hides in the downtube and the Brose TF motor is compact and…...

BULLS DAIL-E GRINDER Review

• MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

One of the first Gravel Grinder style electric bikes to make it to America! Made with premium components, high performance lights and a purpose built frame in three sizes. Capable of high speed 28 mph performance, the Bosch centerdrive motor measures bike speed, pedal…...

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Trek teases new Check**** gravel bike - here's everything we know about it

Trek already has the Checkpoint, but it looks like a new gravel race bike is set to disturb the market

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The dust has settled - and the mud has been removed - following another chaotic weekend of racing at the World's biggest gravel event, Unbound.

The Kansas gravel race served as a testing ground for a host of new tech, including SRAM 13-speed XPLR AXS  and a prototype Giant gravel bike . Plus, it seems, a new machine from Trek, which the American brand teased in a video where supported athlete Russell Finsterwald outlined the detail, complete with comical bleeps.

'Checkmate' featured on the top tube of the bike we saw

Though information on the mystery bike is scarce, there are still some highlights we can pick out on the new '********', based on pictures taken during the race. 

Judging by shots we were able to grab on the ground, unless the logo painted onto one Unbound bike was a tease, too, it'll be called a 'Checkmate' - setting it apart from the 'Checkpoint' which already exists within the range.

A post shared by Trek Bicycle Company (@trekbikes) A photo posted by on

The first thing Finsterwald seems to cover in the video is a brand-new cockpit up front. Thus far, all of Trek's gravel cockpits, on both the Checkpoint and the Boone, have been a two-piece affair, making it likely that Trek has designed the new bar and stem from the ground up for gravel.

A post shared by russell finsterwald (@finsty) A photo posted by on

A closer look at the top of the handlebar in the images above reveal a narrower cross section than the current brand's road going Madone SLR handlebar, along with what could be some rubber inserts on the tops.

This, we think, may well be a gravel specific edition, aimed at improving grip and comfort for long days on rough terrain.

Where you will find familiar parts, however, is on the frameset itself. Immediately recognisable, is what looks to be a version of Trek's 'Rear IsoSpeed' system which is located on the seat tube. The IsoSpeed system, which was first introduced on the Trek Domane back in the 2010s, concists of a pivot and bushing system that allows for added vertical compliance to the bike at the saddle.

Trek also looks to have used a rather slim seat post too, alongside incredibly slender seat stays, once again likely aimed at improving comfort over rough terrain.

A note on tyre clearance too - Finsterwald chose 700x50c tyres for the Unbound race, and by the looks of things, there is still a fair amount of leeway both at the fork, and by the rear triangle. In all likelihood, the new bike will be rated for at least 50c tyres, but we think it you could probably fit a 52c tyre, rim dependant of course.

The slight rear of the bike comes as quite a contrast to what is a much more industrial front end. The head tube area, front fork, and downtube, are all fairly robust in their construction, making us think that the new bike might well fit into to the gravel race bike category.

The only slight confusion lies in the profiling of the tube shapes up front. Aside from the integrated cockpit, the new bike doesn't seem to go all out with truncated aerofoil tube shapes, instead utilizing more traditional design. 

The eagle eyed amongst you (no SRAM pun intended) may have noticed that the Trek bike wasn't the only bit of unreleased kit that Finsterwald was using. He was one of a few riders using SRAM's new expected RED XPLR groupset, and it tells us something else about his new Trek frameset.

The new 13-speed groupset shares some architecture with SRAM's XX Eagle transmission, in that they both utilize SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger System. Aimed at improving rear derailleur strength and stiffness, the system relies on bike manufacturers creating framesets that are compatible with the new technology - something that Trek is clearly on board with on the new bike.

We don't currently have any further information or release dates regarding the new bike, but we expect that you can expect to see the new bike in shops before the end of 2024, potentially replacing - or complimenting - the long-standing Checkpoint, and alongside the Trek Boone Cyclocross bike.

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Joe is Cycling Weekly's tech writer. He's always had a love for bikes, since first riding a two wheeled steed before the age of four. Years down the line, Joe began racing at 16, and enjoyed great experiences internationally, racing in Italy, Spain and Belgium to name a few locations. Always interested in tech, Joe even piloted his Frankenstein hill climb bike to a Junior National Title in 2018.  After taking a step back from elite level racing in April 2022, Joe joined our team as a freelancer, before becoming Tech Writer in May 2023. 

The most hyped bike of 2024 ridden and reviewed. Does it live up to expectations?

By Joe Baker Published 21 August 24

21-year-old takes just third career victory on Grand Tour debut

By Tom Davidson Published 21 August 24

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Best Electric Gravel Bikes: Explore Gravel Roads with Electric Assistance

Image source: Cannondale.com

Electric gravel bikes maximize your riding time by taking you further and faster over varied terrain for a longer distance.

Cycling on gravel ebikes is a fun activity all year round thanks to the added pedal-assist options picking up the pace through any muddy slopes whilst the extra power and added gadgets allow you to pack extra weight. This makes electric gravel bikes the perfect choice as a trustworthy steed for both long and short-distance touring and bikepacking.

A Selection of Best Electric Gravel Bikes

Niner – RLT E9 RDO 4-Star Cannondale – Topstone Neo SL 2 Santa Cruz – Skitch Cannondale – Topstone Neo 5 Orbea – Gain M30 1X Specialized – Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Ride1UP – Gravel Roadster v2 Specialized – Turbo Creo SL Expert Orbea – Gain M20x GT – eGrade Current

NEW ! – Ride1UP – Roadster V2

Niner RLT E9 RDO 4-STAR

Futuristic look – futuristic performance

MSRP: $5,695

• 11-speed Shimano GRX (11-42T)
• Shimano GRX 400 hydro brakes
• Class 3 eBike – Assists up to 28mph
• 250W Bosch Performance & 500Wh battery

The 4-star version of the RLT E9 RDO is a truly impressive Niner electric gravel bike, packed full of so many cool features that the price almost seems too low.

So what’s the catch? The bike has a full carbon RDO frame complete with internal cable routing, rack and fender mounts, and clearance for 50mm tires.

You also get a killer 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, Stan’s NoTubes rims, and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. So are the electronics cheap? Nope – you get a top-quality 250W Bosch Performance motor combined with a long-range 500Wh battery, powering you along at 28mph (45km/h) for a full day of cycling.

It’s a full package gravel ebike with no corners cut, offering very decent value for money.

Size Recommendations

50 (5’2″ – 5’6″) 53 (5’5″ – 5’9″) 56 (5’8″ – 6’0″) 59 (5’11 – 6’3″)

Buy on Jenson USA

Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2

MSRP: $3,600

250Wh battery  |  Range: Up to 47mi  |  700x42c |  20mph top speed

• Aluminum frame & carbon fork
• Class 1 – Assists up to 20mph
• 250W Bosch Performance Line Speed
• 11-speed Shimano GRX 400 (GRX 600 shifters)
• Shimano GRX hydro disc brakes w/ RT54 rotors

Cannondale , well known for their quality SmartForm aluminum frames, now brings you the new Topstone Neo SL 2 gravel eBike with a carbon fork for speed and comfort.

There’s not much you can’t do with this bike, it’s at its best when tackling varied terrain. Light and speedy with a stealthy-looking Mahle ebikemotion X35 250W motor and a 250Wh battery, it provides you with 20mph pedal power and a range of up to 47 miles. 

Not only does it come with a convenient endurance riding position for extra comfort over long commutes, but it also features 700c x 42mm tires for a softer ride. The additional tire clearance also leaves enough space for bigger tires if desired.

The lithium-ion battery, however, is not removable and there is no suspension but the Shimano GRX 2×10 drivetrain and hydraulic disk brakes deliver excellent performance on even the most challenging terrains.

Buy from REI

Santa Cruz Bicycles Skitch 

MSRP: $6,300

• Carbon frame and fork
• FAZUA Ride 60 motor
• SRAM Apex Eagle

Santa Cruz has achieved its goal of developing the ultimate light and aerodynamic gravel bike, handling any terrain you throw at it.

With carbon material being more flexible and more comfortable, the fork of the Santa Cruz Skitch lets you glide effortlessly over any terrain with the well-balanced on-road and off-road 700×45 mm tires that come with it. In addition, endurance geometry delivers a super-comfortable riding position.

This bike is versatile and sturdy, providing you with the confidence you need to venture into unknown territories.

The bottom bracket FAZUA Ride 60 motor and battery are a single unit that will assist you up to 28 mph for up to 60 miles per charge. Coming in at $6,300, it’s not the most affordable, but you get great value for the money.

Buy from evo.com     Buy from Mike's Bikes

Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

MSRP: $5,550

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 28 mph
• 500 Wh battery
• 700x36c tires
• Shimano GRX 400, Shadow RD+ derailleur

This stylish gravel bike by the cycling giant Cannondale definitely lives up to its brand recognition.

The Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset offers top-class performance, allowing you to shift precisely and quickly. In addition, the boost you get from the punchy Bosch Performance Line Speed motor will leave you feeling confident and satisfied pushing up steep hills. 

However, considering the aggressive attitude and power this bike displays, some riders might find the tire choice quite odd and opt for an upgrade. WTB Exposure 36 mm tires were made to be ridden mainly in dry weather conditions on hard-packed terrain due to their narrower size. However, you have clearance for up to 42 mm tires, so you can upgrade to a wider set.

Orbea Gain M30 1X

MSRP: $4,599

36V 6.9A (248Wh)   |  250W Ebikemotion X35 plus |  1×11 Shimano GRX

• OMR Monocoque Carbon
• Shimano RX400 hydro disc brakes
• Fulcrum E-Racing 900 wheelset
• Class 1 eBike – Max assisted speed 20mph

The Orbea Gain M30 1x eBike cuts no corners with a carbon frame, tire clearance up to 40mm, Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain, and RX400 hydraulic brakes.

The Gain was put together to enhance every part of your ride without taking full control, allowing you to ride longer and have more fun. The wide range of gears is ideal for any terrain, whether climbing, descending, or just enjoying a flat ride. The beautiful OMR carbon frame includes neatly concealed internal cable routing and integrated front and rear lights for a sleek appearance. 

This Class 1 pedal-assist bike with its Mahle Ebikemotion Motor and 248Wh battery was designed to give you an overall feeling of having enough power on every ride. On the handlebars, you get an advanced iWoc ONE control interface that connects to a pedal-assist sensor, providing all your riding data and the option to adjust power based on heart rate.

Buy from Jenson USA

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon

MSRP: $7,000

• Fact 11r Carbon
• 11-Speed Shimano RX812 GX Shadow Plus
• Motor: Specialized Sl 1.1
• Battery: Specialized SL1 320Wh

When shopping for an electric gravel bike, you will be happy to know that the value you get for your money is worth every penny on the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon.

Not only is it one of the fastest electric bikes on gravel but with a FACT 11r full carbon frame and Future Shock 2.0 fork, it’s one of the lightest eBikes in its class. 

You’ll certainly notice an increase in the distance you can cover, with Specialized’s lightweight e-bike SL 1.1 motor delivering 240W of pedal power. The motor features a reactive torque curve that automatically tunes in with your cadence and eliminates any pedal resistance when you are not pedaling.

The fully integrated 320Wh internal battery provides a whopping 80m (128km) range with an optional range extender giving an added 40 miles, making this the ultimate long-distance warrior. All of this is perfectly finished off with a Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2

MSRP: $1,345

• Motor: 350W rear hub
• Battery: 250Wh
• Single-speed drivetrain with a belt

The Ride1UP Roadster gravel e-bike is a casual gravel bike with an aluminum frame and fork, low-maintenance components, and a 350W rear hub motor for added power.

The bike comes with 700C rims and 42mm tires allowing for less stress over punctures and an overall, smoother ride. 

The 250Wh integrated battery gives you a 20-30 mile range, making you go further, whilst the mechanical disk brakes add to the control.

Best of all, the Ride1UP Gravel Roadster costs just $1,345, which is a bargain for what you get.

Buy from Ride1UP

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert

MSRP: $7,799

• SL 1.1 Motor – 240W
• SL 1 – 320Wh
• FACT 11r carbon frame, Future Shock 2.0 carbon fork
• Shimano 105 hydro brakes

Specialized has developed a fast, aggressive eBike in the Turbo Creo SL Expert. It has a smooth character and aggressive geometry and component list, allowing you to zip along on any terrain.

This bike has a premium carbon frame and fork with Future Shock 2.0 micro-suspension integrated into the stem and fork. 

The Specialized electric bike drive system has plenty of power that excels on steeper gradients and is complemented by a large battery that provides all-day ranges. Finally, a premium Shimano Deore XT Di2 electronic groupset provides pro-level performance and reliability. 

Orbea Gain M20x

250W Ebikemotion X35 Plus  |  Battery: 248Wh   |  Max speed: 20mph

MSRP: $4,859

• 1×11 speed Shimano GRX
• OC2 Carbon seatpost

The Orbea Gain M20x comes with a trusty 250W Ebikemotion motor and 248Wh battery, giving you a maximum assist speed of 20 mph.

With an OC2 Carbon seatpost combined with an excellent 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain, this is one of the best electric off-road bicycles available for the price. 

The OMR carbon frame and fork hold it all together superbly, while the pedal-assist pushes you effortlessly up even the most intimidating hills. Clearly destined for tough off-road trails, the Gain features mid-sized 38c Schwalbe G-One Bite tires with 40mm clearance, perfect for cornering sharp bends on loose gravel at a low angle. When it comes to strength and reliability, it definitely delivers on even the most ambitious of trails.

GT eGrade Current

MSRP: $3,300

250W Ebikemotion X35  |  40Nm torque  |  Battery: 250Wh   |  1×10  speed

• MicroSHIFT M6205
• Shining 32H rims
• WTB Resolute TCS 700x42mm tires

This flat-bar electric gravel bike can tackle the most hardcore terrain with the feel of a lightweight traditional bike. It features a 250W Ebikemotion motor which is not only powerful but increases stability due to the extra centralized weight. The 250Wh battery located inside the downtube is incredibly subtle and weighs almost nothing.

The aluminum frame and carbon fork help soak up those little vibrations while providing great front-end performance.  The MicroSHIFT drivetrain is supported by WTB Resolute gravel tires with tubeless-ready rims, allowing for a fun and confident ride on rough, technical terrain.

Ride1UP Roadster V2

An urban flat-bar gravel bike

Available for pre-order

MSRP : $1,095

• 350W gear hub motor, 40Nm torque
• Class 3 eBike – 24mph
• Estimated range – 20-30mi
• Charge time: 2-4 hours
• Disc brakes

Available for pre-order, this is the newest bike available by Ride1UP, which generally offers an awesome set of great value e-bikes at the very competitive price range and e-bikes market.

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How to Find The Best Trek Gravel Bikes Guide

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• How to Pick the Best Cannondale Mountain Bike - December 5, 2021
• Cannondale Trail 7 Review and Guide: Is It Worth the Investment? - November 28, 2021
• The Best Juliana Mountain Bikes - November 12, 2021

Are you ready to take on rugged gravel roads like a pro? Maybe your cyclist dreams feature a calm gravel road in the countryside, instead? Whatever your reasons for picking up gravel bike riding, it’s come to my attention that cyclists, from beginners to experienced riders, need a guide for the best Trek gravel bikes.

Today, I’ll explain why Trek makes the best gravel bikes and show you some of their best models based on their performance , design , and price !

Table of Contents

The Best Trek Gravel Bikes at a Glance

These are my favorite Trek gravel bikes to recommend to people. If you’re a beginner or if you’ve been riding over gravel roads for years, Trek has never failed to provide premium bikes. I’m a fan of how these models utilize features specific to gravel bikes and their designs.

• Best Overall: Domane+ LT 9
• Best Design : Checkpoint SLR 7
• Best for Women : Domane SLR 6 eTap
• Best for Men : Boone 6 Disc
• Best Bargain : Checkpoint SL 5 

About the Trek Brand

Hesitant to put the money in the pocket of a company you know nothing about? I definitely am, which is why I’m going to give you some background information about this brand. Trek has a rich history with a line of products to be proud of, so we’ll dive into what makes them so unique.

What Makes Trek Stand Out

The original founders of Trek decided to make the first high-quality bikes available from mid to high price points in the United States. I love that this brand was founded on the principle of making a unique, well-built product that was the first of its kind in the states. Trek took bike production to the next level.

Trek’s Sustainability Plan

One reason why I recommend Trek so strongly is their sustainability. Trek has seriously reduced its overall carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources at its facilities, cutting down on plastic packaging, and reducing air freight milage.

Trek has also managed to create 15 products that are made entirely out of reclaimed materials. By using materials that would have polluted the ocean or ended up in a landfill, Trek is doing much more to cut down on global pollution than most other bicycle companies.

Trek is a Company of Racers for Racers

Trek is run and operated by a team that is deeply passionate about cycling. Trek’s team has created some of the best bikes used by famous racers because the team knows what features help competitors take the gold.

What Does Trek Offer?

Now I’m going to show you what products Trek can offer for gravel bike riding. This brand offers you everything you’ll need to hit the road and start pedaling. From well-constructed bikes to equipment that makes cycling easier to stylish gear, Trek’s got the whole package deal.

Trek’s signature products are bikes. Trek offers a lot of different bike varieties, including:

• Road bikes for racing and casual riding
• Cross-country bikes for gently rugged terrain
• Trail bikes that are perfect for family trips
• Downhill bikes meant for downhill racers
• Gravel bikes that traverse rocky roads

I’m a huge fan of the Checkpoint SLR 7 . This gravel bike is worth the steep price if you’re serious about the sport. Its sleek design and effortless functionality make it a summer afternoon favorite for me and tons of other riders.

Electric Bikes

Electric bikes aren’t quite what you’re thinking: you still have to pedal. Electric bikes do have a motor that makes it easier to pedal for longer periods of time. If you’re traversing long distances with your gravel bike, an electric bike makes the journey a breeze.

This electric gravel bike, the Domane SLR 6 eTap is a gorgeous, easy-to-peddle bike from Trek. I love that this bike is customizable with different color options, too. The overall construction, including the motor, makes this bike speedy, lightweight, and sturdy.

Trek offers equipment that makes your life as a cyclist easier. Trek sells all manner of bike parts, but they also provide classic riding gear every cyclist needs. My favorites are items out of collections of equipment, like the handy commuter set and winter cycling gear.

If you search Trek’s collection of gravel bike gear, you’ll find a ton of options for your country road adventures. They’ve got sturdy helmets, shoes that grip the pedals securely, front bike lights, bike racks, and much more.

Every cyclist has got to ride in style, right? Trek can help with that. Trek has everything from lightweight summer gear to warm and protective winter riding clothes . You can buy team wear, a ton of different helmets, and jackets.

My favorite section to look through is the jackets and vest section. Trek offers a lot of solid bright and neutral colors for both their men’s and women’s apparel.

What to Look for in a Gravel Bike

It’s important to know what to look for in a gravel bike that’s going to fit your individual needs. That’s why I’m going to walk you through the best gravel bike features to look for that will match your style of riding. Like gentle country roads? Going up and down steep hills? Just like how there’s an app for everything, there’s a bike for everything, too.

When you ride over gravel roads, thin tires can wobble around when they hit a sharp rock. That’s why gravel bikes are equipped with wide tires. Wider tires give you better traction, which is why I recommend checking the width of a bike’s tires before you buy it.

This next part is more your doing, but your gravel bike’s tires should be at a lower pressure than usual. Surprised? Lower air pressure in your tires is another great way to give your bike better traction. Better traction means a more comfortable ride over rough terrain.

Flared drop bars are the preferred handlebars for gravel bikes. Why? These handlebars give you better control (which you’ll need for gravel roads) than other handlebars. If you’re climbing uphill on your bike, these handles give you better stability by letting your body relax in a natural position.

Having a comfortable seat is paramount if you like bike riding for long periods of time. To avoid a stiff tailbone, choose a bike with a seat that offers cushy but firm and supportive material.

Be sure also to choose a gravel bike with an easily adjustable seat. Trek’s bikes are equipped with a micro-adjust seat master that makes it easy to change the height.

Unlike mountain bikes, gravel bikes don’t have much suspension. While suspension absorbs shock from the friction of the road, it also slows you down. When riding on a flat surface like a gravel road, this is something most cyclists don’t want.

Instead, brands like Trek use features like an ISO decoupler to absorb shocks so that you won’t be slowed down. Gravel bikes are built to be lightweight, too, which is another reason they aren’t built with the suspension capabilities of heavier bikes like mountain bikes.

Even though most serious cyclists have gloves to help them grip the handlebars, buying a bike with grips gives you even more stability. Extra stability is super important when you’re riding over bumpy, unforgiving roads where one slip-up could mean a crash.

Make sure you buy a bike with grips that feel comfortable to your hands. The last thing you want to deal with on a relaxing morning ride is blisters. Most grips for bikes are traditional grips, which are shaped cylindrically.

Other types of grips are winged ergonomic grips, dual compound grips made from 2 different materials, and lock-on grips that won’t slide across the handlebars.

Tips for Cleaning and Storing Your Trek Gravel Bike

Let’s face it-Trek gravel bikes are expensive. Since Trek’s bikes are a high-quality investment, it pays to take care of them. That’s why I’m going to offer you tried and true tips for making sure your gravel bike stays in peak condition for years after you buy it.

Trek bikes are meant to hold up for a long time. With a few simple steps, you’ll be riding your Trek bike decades from now.

Cleaning Your Trek Bike

When it’s time to clean your bike after taking on a muddy course or dust has taken away the frame’s shine, here’s what you do:

• First, rinse your bike outside with the hose on a low-pressure setting. Stand a few feet away from the bike as you rinse it.
• Fill a bucket with warm water and soap specifically formulated for bikes.
• Grab a sponge, dunk it in the soapy water, and use the sponge to clean the surfaces of your bike.
• Use a degreaser for bikes on the chain to make sure it will continue to run seamlessly.
• Put the hose back to a low setting and rinse your bike again.
• Dry every part of your bike with a microfiber cloth. Drying your bike is vital in making sure none of the parts rust.
• Afterwards, use a bike lubricant on the gear mechanisms and derailer.
• Press the pedals to move the chain so that the chain is in continuous motion as you use the degreaser on this part, too.

Storing Your Trek Bike

Firstly, be very careful about storing your bike outside. While Trek bikes are constructed to last, they are made of materials that will wear down if exposed to the elements for long periods of time. If it’s raining or snowing, storing your bike outside is an especially big no-no.

It’s best to store your gravel bike inside, but what do you do if you’re short on space? Storing your bike in the garage might not be an option if you live in an apartment complex. If you want to save space and store your Trek bike indoors, we recommend:

• Buying a freestanding bike rack to be placed indoors
• Buying a poll rack that doesn’t require drilling
• Buying a wall-mounted vertical bike rack if you own your home

The Best Trek Gravel Bikes

In my opinion, these 7 are the best gravel bikes from Trek. All of Trek’s gravel bikes are well-constructed from high-quality materials. Every bike has something about it that makes it unique and well fitted for a specific rider; however, these 7 gravel bikes take the cake for the best overall features.

Checkpoint SL 5

Best For: Best Bargain

The Checkpoint SL 5 is the least expensive gravel bike on our list. Though this is the most cost-efficient option, I wasn’t disappointed by its lightweight build and smooth-riding capabilities. This model comes in 2 color varieties: black and gray or red and dark blue.

This bike is perfect if you like to ride smoothly, comfortably, and fast. The IsoSpeed decoupler absorbs shocks in the road and the innovative geometry makes for a nimble design. You’ll be impressed by the sleek internal storage and various mounts throughout the bike.

• Material-OCLV carbon
• Price Range- $4,000-$4,100
• Warranty- Lifetime warranty
• Best Feature- Price point

Make sure to keep this Trek gravel bike indoors when you aren’t using it. Even during hot, sunny weather, it’s better for your bike to be kept indoors on a bike rack. Nowadays, there are many freestanding bike racks that don’t need to be mounted on a wall.

• Least expensive
• Comfortable and smooth riding
• Lightweight carbon makes it fast

Doesn’t include all the features of the other bikes

Domane+ LT 9

This may be the most expensive gravel bike on the list, but it’s priced high for good reason . Like the previous bike, this model can be purchased in black and gray or red and dark blue. Being an e-bike, it’s easier to ride for longer periods of time thanks to the fast and efficient motor.

You can always remove the motor and battery with a storage cover for a traditional ride. I enjoy that the front and rear IsoSpeed soaks up bumps and dips in the road. The endurance-centered geometry is made for perfect handling, speed, control, and responsiveness.

• Material- High-quality carbon
• Price Range- $17,000-$18,000
• Best Feature- High-quality materials and construction

Is it Worth it for You?

If you are a gravel bike racer or would rank gravel bike riding in your top 3 hobbies, this top-of-the-line bike is worth the price. I understand not everyone wants to invest over $15K on a bike they only ride a few times a season, which is why I’d only recommend this to very passionate cyclists who want the best.

• Made to feel like traditional bike riding
• Can connect to your smartphone
• Compatible with fenders
• High-performance geometry

Very expensive

Checkpoint SLR 7

Best For: Design

This gorgeous Trek gravel bike comes in 4 different color choices. Meant for the bumpiest gravel roads, you’ll like this bike if the terrain you tackle is rough. This bike also uses IsoSpeed suspension to absorb shocks.

The rear derailer makes the chain retention smooth, which allows for a more comfortable ride. I’m a huge fan of the mounts all over the bike, too, which make it easy to store water bottles, bags, and more.

• Material- OCLV carbon
• Price Range- $10,500-$11,500
• Best Feature- Gorgeous colors on frame and wheels

When you’re ready to wash this gravel bike, make sure to pick up soap, degreaser, and lubricant that is specifically made for bikes. Also, but sure to use a low water pressure setting as you clean your bike with a hose.

• Beautiful design with many colors
• Lightweight, fast, and durable
• Comfortable seat and handlebars

Domane SLR 7 eTap

Best For: Women

You’ll have an easy time flying through the course with this ultralight gravel bike. Its OCLV carbon composition makes it easy to carry around, even if you travel with your bike. This e-bike is almost half the price of the one above, so this is a great choice if you’re a casual cyclist.

This bike features an SRAM Rival AXS power meter that lets you keep track of your training. Through Project One, you can fully customize this model.

• Price Range- $9,100-$9,300
• Best Feature- Ultralight

What’s the Difference Between an E-Bike and a Traditional Bike?

The motor makes all the difference. While e-bikes are partially powered by a motor, you still have to pedal to make the bike go forward. The motor simply makes it easier to take on longer distances by giving your peddling extra power.

• Incredibly lightweight
• Powered by a motor
• 5 color options

Not as many features as the e-bike listed above

Checkpoint SL 7 eTap

Best For: Bargain E-Bike

This is the least expensive e-bike out of all the Trek gravel bikes on our list. This bike is under $10,000. Though you’ll only have one color option, blue and gray, you’ll have the option to ride with or without the motor.

The comfortable seat and handlebars make this bike ideal for endurance riding . Whether you like calm roads or bumpy trails, this gravel bike can handle it all with ISO speed suspension.

• Price Range- $7,500-$8,500
• Best Feature- Price point for an e-bike

Gifting Ideas

You can pair this e-bike with other accessories in the Trek store if you are buying this bike as a gift. We recommend you pair this bike with:

• Water bottle
• Cycling jacket
• Cycling shoes
• Inexpensive
• Amazing endurance with motor and materials
• Carbon wheels easily traverse rough terrain

Only one color choice

Domane SL 6

Best For: Calm Rides

If you include relaxing rides down rural roads in your free time, this is the gravel bike for you . The tubeless wheels are very hard to puncture, so you won’t have to worry as much about maintenance.

The geometry of this bike was designed with comfort in mind. Though built to sustain your comfort for long periods of time, this bike was also built for racing. You can enjoy a fast-paced ride with front and rear IsoSpeed.

• Price Range- $5,000-$6,000
• Best Feature- High-quality wheels

Ideas for Riding this Bike

Where are some perfect places to take this gravel bike? I’d like to ride this bike on:

• Flat nature trails
• Winding gravel roads
• Countryside
• Bike trails
• High-quality tubeless wheels
• Inexpensive compared to other bikes
• Offers a smooth and comfortable ride

Not for rough terrain

Boone 6 Disc

Best For: Men

I love that this gravel bike was created to handle rough roads. Muddy gravel, dips, and turns won’t be able to stand in your way with this bike. The chain retention and easy-to-grip handlebars give you optimal control.

Going uphill is made easy with the tube shapes and cross-specific geometry. You can buy this bike in black and gray or red and dark blue.

• Material- Carbon
• Best Feature- Durability

Why It’s Great for Rough Riding

This Trek gravel bike is ideal for tackling rough roads. This bike was designed with specific attention to chain retention, which gives you excellent control over the bike. The hoods and levers were also designed to give you a better grip.

• Amazing control and durability
• Lightweight and strong carbon build

Only rear IsoSpeed

Are you ready to have your most frequently asked questions about Trek gravel bikes answered? While these are 3 of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received about gravel bikes, I’d like to answer any more you might have. Leave a comment below if you don’t see your question answered in this next section!

Answer: Trek gravel bikes are incredibly good bikes to buy! Trek is a high-quality gravel bike brand that has made gravel bikes specifically for uneven terrain. Trek’s gravel bikes grip the ground like a mountain bike while giving riders agility like a road bike.

Answer: Depending on the kind of mountain biking you’re planning on doing, yes. Keep in mind that like a mountain bike, gravel bikes are made for uneven terrain. Unlike mountain bikes, gravel bikes aren’t as good as handling steep, muddy hills. If the mountain biking you’re doing isn’t extreme, a gravel bike should be just fine.

Answer: Some gravel bikes are more expensive than others. A high-quality gravel bike like a Trek bike is going to be more expensive than a low-quality model. That’s because gravel bikes require specialized gear that makes them good for riding over uneven roads, bumps, and dips.

The Last Lap

You’ve completed the last leg of the race! We went over what makes Trek gravel bikes an awesome choice for conquering gravel roads and what to look for in a quality gravel bike. We got to look over individual Trek gravel bikes so you can determine which is the best fit for you.

In my opinion, the Domane+ LT 9 is one of the best choices for its overall great features.

Do you have any questions or stories to tell about cycling on gravel roads? Let us know in the comments below! For more helpful bike guides, check out our picks for best mountain bikes !

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2024 Orbea Terra Review | An off-road adventure companion

The not-so-minor details.

Orbea Terra M20Team

https://www.bikebox.com.au/

From $6,599 AUD

- Comfortable geometry & compliant rear end - Quick & agile handling makes it a blast to ride - Sleek frame finishings

- In-frame storage opening is on the smaller side - Front end is a little jarring on rougher terrain - Stock 38c tyres are pretty old school

Nick reviews the Orbea Terra

For 2024 Orbea has updated its gravel-specific drop bar bike, the Terra, with geometry updates throughout. As we are seeing more often, the latest release hosts minor tweaks and changes throughout as opposed to major overhauls, which we see as an evolution over its predecessor. 

We’ve been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time riding Orbeas over the years, ranging from the Oiz XC whippet to the Wild full-powered e-MTB . More recently we’ve been been testing out this Orbea Terra M20Team to see how it would fit in amongst the current crop of gravel adventure and gravel race bikes.

Bright is an ideal place to test a gravel bike, nestled in the Victorian High Country and surrounded by endless mountains and access roads. But don’t expect to see much ‘Champagne gravel,’ and many of our test loops traverse rugged fire roads that traverse through the hills providing the ideal venue to  expose the limits of any gravel bike. The Terra shon brightest on faster, smoother sections of gravel and impressed with its comfortable geometry. On the flip side, the aluminium handlebars and stiff fork resulted in harshness in the front end and limited the capabilities on rougher terrain. 

• On Test | Giant Revolt Gravel Bike
• Goodnessgravel Mogo | The creme de la creme of Eurobodalla gravel
• Maxxis Reaver Review | A speedy 40c Gravel Tyre

Orbea Terra overview

Frame features include plenty of accessory mounts for fenders, up to three water bottles and tyre compatibility up to 45c. Setting the saddle height is taken care of by an inbuilt wedge controlled via a 4mm hex head bolt, covered by a neat rubber cap when not in use. Near the bottom bracket is a small hatch secured by two small bolts providing access into the lower downtube, aiding cable routing when the time comes for a complete rebuild. 

Cable routing is completely internal except for a few centimetres near the stem, which we must admit looks very tidy. While we are fairly vocal on our stance against headset cable routing for mountain bikes, this has been the norm on road and gravel bikes for quite some time. Seeing as these bikes cop far less abuse, the service intervals for headsets are generally longer and hence we aren’t as worried about the additional hassle when the time comes. 

There is no Universal Derailleur Hanger to be seen on the Terra, those looking to run SRAM’s latest ‘Full Mount’ Red XPLR groupset will have to look elsewhere. Down below we see a Press Fit 30 bottom bracket interface in lieu of the common threaded BSA or T47 systems, generally adopted to save weight and improve bottom bracket stiffness. 

In-frame storage is a feature we are pleased to see on the Terra, and is one that is becoming more common on gravel bikes. Included within the frame are two storage socks to load up with spares and to prevent them from rattling around within the downtube. 

Geometry & Fit

The latest generation of the Terra doesn’t stray too far from the norm but does see the adoption of the brand’s gravel-specific geometry. Compared to its predecessor, this sees a longer wheelbase and chainstay along with a lower bottom bracket aimed at improving its stability on mixed terrain. A longer top tube combined with a shorter stem aims to improve steering responsiveness, and a shorter seat tube increases the amount of seatpost extension aiming to improve compliance. 

Both the aluminium and carbon variants of the Terra are available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, alongside all of the standard stem/handlebar adjustability for dialling in the perfect fit. Our size large test bike sports a 71 ° head angle, 73.5 ° seat tube angle, 395mm reach and 1,044mm wheelbase. 

Price & Specs

We had the pleasure of testing the M20Team flavour of the Terra, slotting in as the brand’s mid-tier offering in the carbon frame. Coming in at $6,599 AUD, the M20Team sports a carbon fibre frame, Shimano GRX 2×12 speed drivetrain and a pair of aluminium rims laced to Shimano hubs. 

The top tier offering will set you back $9,999 AUD and sports the same carbon frame, SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1×12 speed drivetrain and a pair of Oquo Road Control RC25TEAM carbon hoops that spin on ZIPP ZR1 hubs. At the cheaper end, the Terra is available in three aluminium models ranging from $3,599 – $4,299 AUD. Chasing a specific colour, carbon wheels or a different groupset? Orbea offers the Terra through its customisation platform allowing the customer to select each individual component and choose the paint job, and there is an incredible range of options to choose from. 

• Frame | Orbea Terra carbon OMR Disc, PF30 BB
• Fork | Orbea Terra ICR Carbon
• Wheels | Orbea Alloy, Tubeless Ready, 700c
• Tyres | Vittoria Terreno Dry CX-Gravel G2.0 TNT 700x38c
• Drivetrain | Shimano GRX 2×12 speed RX820, 48/31t Chainring, 11-34t 105 Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano GX820 w/ 160mm Centrelock Rotors
• Bar | OC Gravel GR31 Aluminium, Reach 70, Drop 110
• Stem | OC Road Performance RP10, -8º
• Seatpost | OC Performance XP10 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 0
• Saddle | Prologo Akero AGX STN size 155mm
• Price | $6,599.99 AUD
• Colours | Ivory White/Spicy Lime, Cosmic Carbon View/Metallic Olive Green, Wine Red Carbon View
• Confirmed Weight | 10.06kg

Orbea’s Terra M20Team doesn’t pose gob-stopping value, and is priced slightly higher for similar build kits compared to its direct competitors. For reference, Trek’s latest gravel adventure scalpel, the Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3 retails at $5,999 AUD with a carbon frame, SRAM Rival AXS 1x drivetrain and aluminium wheels. From Giant, the Revolt Advanced 0 is the most comparable and retails for $5,199 AUD, and sports a carbon frame, Shimano GRX 2×12 drivetrain and the brand’s in-house CXR carbon wheels. 

Orbea Terra weight

This Orbea Terra M20Team built with Shimano’s GRX 2×12 speed drivetrain, aluminium wheels and an aluminium bar/stem combination tipped the Flow Scales of Truth at 10.06kg, with tubes and the in-frame storage pouches.

This is on the portly side, and when put in perspective compared to the Cervelo Aspero we’ve had on test recently, is a sizeabl e 1.36kg he avier on the scales. This caught us by surprise, as the Terra’s ride qualities didn’t suggest it to be at this end of the scales, with the stiff frame delivering a sprightly demeanour. 

What did we dig?

What became quickly apparent was the quick and agile handling that the Terra possessed, which came in handy when dodging rocks embedded in the clay roads and sticks from the towering trees in North East Victoria. Jumping out of the saddle and laying down a couple of extra watts, the Terra leapt forward with agility, thanks to the oversized downtube and stiff wheels. Stability on the rough descents was admirable thanks to the longer wheelbase and chainstay, and this could be further improved by increasing the stock 38c tyres to the maximum 45c the frame can handle. 

We found the geometry of the Terra comfortable right away, although at 188cm Nick was at the upper limit of the size Large. Orbea actually recommends an extra large for his height, however being a mountain biker who dabbles in curly drop bars as a side hobby, Nick prefers a shorter reach than what is typically recommended. 

It doesn’t sport any fancy flex couplers or suspension similar to Trek’s IsoSpeed or Specialized’s ‘Future Shock’ rear suspension, however the rear was plenty comfortable on the rugged fire roads. This comfort was largely an attribute of the shorter seat tube and carbon seatpost, delivering a smooth and compliant ride. Riders with less post out of the frame will likely have a slightly firmer ride, although this will unlikely result in any harshness. 

What didn’t we like?

We are completely on board with the adoption of in-frame storage within the industry, and there are some excellent examples of how it can be executed such as the latest Specialized Stumpjumper . We love to see it being brought across to gravel bikes, but the ‘Lockr’ storage on the Terra was too small to be overly useful. Fitting a tube and CO2 is manageable within the opening, but you certainly won’t be fitting a burrito in the downtube, unless deconstructed and stowed away one grain of rice and black bean at a time. The latch was also rather small, and was difficult to open when wearing gloves. On a positive note, the weatherproofing was excellent and remained sealed and dry throughout testing. 

The Terra feels at home on smoother faster terrain and is better suited to groomed gravel roads or adventures involving a mixture of tarmac and gravel. The front end of the Terra was reasonably stiff and harsh when delving into slightly rougher terrain. This is likely due to the combination of the aluminium handlebar and stout fork construction, which, when compared to the compliant rear end, felt a little unbalanced. 

Looking at the tyres, it’s been some time since we’ve seen a gravel bike stock with anything smaller than a 40c tyre, and we’d like to see Orbea make better use of the built-in tyre clearance. Slotting in something wider would not only address some of the harshness we encountered, but also improve the confidence and capability of this bike for the terrain Orbea has designed this bike to excel. 

Flow’s Final Verdict

Orbea’s take on a gravel bike is a brilliant example of one that is tailored for fast-paced adventures on smoother off-road terrain. It isn’t cheap and is priced slightly higher compared to comparable builds from its competitors, however the paint and frame finishings are top-notch and are backed by Orbea’s lifetime warranty program. 

Our M20Team was on the heavier side of things, however we suspect some serious grams could be shed by upgrading the aluminium wheelset for a carbon variant through Orbea’s customization platform . Carbon handlebars also may shed a few grabs, and will likely assist with absorbing some of the front-end harshness we felt.  

Shimano’s GRX 2×12 speed drivetrain performed flawlessly throughout the test with clean crisp shifts, although the 2x system definitely adds a little complexity compared to the GRX 1x variants. We have a full review of Shimano’s GRX 2×12 RX820 that is worth checking out if you are curious about the latest mechanical system from Shimano.  

It wouldn’t be our first pick if we were trying to conquer terrain typically reserved for an XC whippet, something like the Santa Cruz Stigmata has that covered. This also isn’t a purebred gravel race bike, a rig such as the Cervelo Aspero ’s geometry and handling is better suited for aggressive racing scenarios. The Terra is an all-around adventure gravel machine, with its ideal ride being one that blends tarmac back roads along with gravel country roads, and even the occasional overnight bikepacking trips. 

ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Nick Martin

Bright, Vic

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Nuove gravel Trek: le 8 differenze tra Checkmate e Checkpoint

Nicola checcarelli.

Checkmate SLR e Checkpoint SL Gen 3 sono le due nuove gravel di casa Trek che vi abbiamo presentato in questo articolo. La prima è destinata alle competizioni gravel, la seconda ad un uso più versatile e meno estremo. Destinazioni d’uso diverse, che riflettono scelte tecniche altrettanto diverse . In questo articolo abbiamo approfondito in maniera sintetica proprio le differenze tra Checkmate e Checkpoint Gen 3, che sono molto più marcate rispetto a quelle che c’erano tra le “vecchie” Checkpoint SLR e Checkpoint SL.

Gli unici elementi tecnici in comune tra i due modelli sono il forcellino UDH e la presenza del sistema IsoSpeed , pensato per permettere al tubo piantone di assorbire meglio le vibrazioni provenienti dal terreno. Al momento non abbiamo dettagli in merito, ma il funzionamento sembra leggermente diverso rispetto alle versioni precedenti.

Laminazione del carbonio

Partiamo da una delle principali differenze tra Checkmate e Checkpoint SL di terza generazione, ovvero la laminazione della fibra di carbonio.

La Checkmate SLR è realizzata con carbonio OCLV 800 , lo stesso che era utilizzato per la Madone SLR Gen 7 e per la Emonda SLR. Oggi in casa Trek di meglio c’è solo il nuovo OCLV 900 impiegato sull’ultima Madone SLR Gen8. La Checkpoint SLR di precedente generazione era realizzata con carbonio OCLV 700.

La nuova Checkpoint SL Gen 3, invece, mantiene la stessa tipologia di fibra di carbonio della Checkpoint di seconda generazione, cioè la OCLV 500, impiegata su tutte le bici di gamma SL del marchio americano.

La differente laminazione consente al carbonio OCLV 800 di avere prestazioni migliori rispetto a quello OCLV 500, in particolare per quanto riguarda il rapporto rigidità/peso. 

Trek dichiara che il telaio della nuova Checkmate SLR pesa 1.223 grammi (verniciato, in taglia M/L), mentre la forcella ferma l’ago della bilancia a 415 grammi . La bici completa più leggera, equipaggiata con gruppo Sram Red XPLR AXS ha un peso dichiarato di 7,55 kg.

Per la Checkpoint SL Gen 3 i pesi sono rispettivamente di 1.385 grammi e 536 grammi . La bici completa più leggera, montata con Sram Force XPLR AXS ha un peso di 9 kg.

Le geometrie sono state completamente riviste rispetto alla precedente generazione di Checkpoint e rappresentano un’altra delle più importanti differenze tra Checkmate e Checkpoint SL Gen 3. L’unica cosa in comune tra i due modelli è la presenza di 6 taglie , che come sulla nuova Madone Gen 8 ora sono identificate con le lettere e non più con i numeri.

La Checkmate SLR ha una vocazione più racing e per questo ha un reach leggermente più abbondante e, soprattutto, uno stack decisamente più contenuto. In taglia M/L il rapporto stack to reach della Checkmate SLR è di 1,46, cioè non troppo distante da quello della nuova Madone, mentre quello della Checkpoint SL Gen 3 è di 1,514.

Come vedete dalla tabella in basso, diversa è anche l’inclinazione di tubo sella e tubo sterzo, oltre che la lunghezza del carro posteriore, che sulla Checkpoint è 4 mm più lungo per consentire di usare gomme più larghe. Tutto ciò ha effetto anche sull’interasse , che sulla Checkpoint SL Gen 3 è più lungo , in modo da rendere la bici più comoda e facile da guidare.

La Checkmate SLR è equipaggiata con manubrio integrato in fibra di carbonio Aero RSL Road , che presenta un flare di 3 cm. E’ lo stesso utilizzato sulla Madone SLR Gen 8 e dunque privilegia leggerezza e aerodinamica.

Tutte le versioni della nuova Checkpoint SL, invece, adottano i manubri tradizionali GR Elite o Pro, con un flare di 15°, che corrisponde ad una differenza tra la parte alta e quella bassa di ben 6 cm.

Come conseguenza dell’impiego di due diverse soluzioni per il cockpit, sulla Checkmate SLR troviamo passaggio cavi integrato, sulla Checkpoint SL Gen 3 semi-integrato.

La nuova Trek Checkmate SLR è dotata di un reggisella a D specifico (foto sotto), che ci sembra simile a quello della Domane SLR. La Checkpoint invece utilizza regisella classico, che la rende compatibile anche con reggisella telescopici.

Passaggio ruota

La Checkmate ha un passaggio ruota massimo da 700x45 e di serie è equipaggiata con gomme 700x38. La Checkpoint SL Gen 3 ha un passaggio ruota massimo da 700x50 e di serie è equipaggiata con gomme 700x42. Una scelta logica, che rispecchia la vocazione più racing della Checkmate e quella più versatile della nuova Checkpoint SL. Tutte le versioni precedenti avevano passaggio ruota massimo di 700x45.

Vano portaoggetti e punti di fissaggio

Sulla nuova Checkmate SLR Trek ha rinunciato al vano portaoggetti nascosto all’interno del tubo obliquo, che invece era presente su tutti i modelli di generazione precedente, sia SLR che SL. Una scelta fatta essenzialmente per ottenere un telaio ancora più leggero.

Il vano è stato invece mantenuto sulla Checkpoint SL Gen 3, che inoltre presenta più punti di fissaggio extra per borse e borracce.

Prezzi 

Tutte le differenze tecniche di cui abbiamo parlato, sommate a quelle di allestimento, hanno un impatto importante sui prezzi di Checkmate SLR e Checkpoint SL Gen 3.

La Checkmate SLR è molto più costosa, anche se è doveroso sottolineare che la versione top di gamma è calata di circa 2.000 euro rispetto alla precedente Checkpoint SLR . Al momento sono previsti solo due allestimenti, con Sram Red XPLR AXS e Sram Force XPLR AXS, con prezzi di 10.999 euro e 8.999 euro.

La Checkpoint SL Gen 3, invece, ha prezzi compresi tra i 4.099 euro ed i 6.659 euro.

Ricordiamo anche che la Checkmate SLR può essere personalizzata con la piattaforma ProjectOne, la Checkpoint invece no.

Per maggiori informazioni: trekbikes.com/it/it_IT/

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The Temple of All Religions in Kazan

4 Comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Culture , Religion , Travel

In Kazan , the capital city of Tatarstan Republic , there is an amazing place that combines the world’s major religions. It is called the Temple of All Religions or the Temple of Seven Religions or the Universal Temple.

The temple combines images of religious buildings of different faiths in an attempt to achieve harmony and peaceful coexistence. Photos by: Anton Petrus .

This miracle of architectural thought was originally designed by a local resident Ildar Khanov. He began the construction in 1994. Unfortunately, Ildar did not live to see the completion of the temple. Today, it is being finished with money from donations.

According to Ildar, during meditation, Jesus came to him and said: “Ildar! You have a barn where cows were sleeping before. There are three shovels and a metal crowbar there now. Today, you will get up at 6 am and start the construction of a universal temple near your father’s old house.” And he began to build it.

On the door, you can see a sign “For eternal construction.” Under the sign, there is a box for donations.

Sixteen domes represent the major religions of the world: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, the religions of China and Japan.

Address: Russia, Kazan , Staroarakchinskaya Street, 4. You can get there by bus #45 (“Staroye Arakchino” stop) or bus #2 (“Pereprava” stop).

Tags:  churches · Kazan city

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Paul Olakkengil · June 6, 2017 at 10:05 pm

I’m from New York and visited this place last week. Very nice.

Yan · January 31, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Thank you for sharing this post. It truly brightens my soul to learn of and see such a place inspired by a man’s courage to follow his vision. Honor and Respect to Ildar Khanov and all the generous souls who are contributing to finish it. Much Love & Blessings <3

MANAVMEHNDI AKHTARHUSAIN MATHEWS · November 17, 2023 at 8:57 am

Will visit this place

MANAVMEHNDI AKHTARHUSAIN MATHEWS · June 25, 2024 at 3:48 am

Visited on 16th June 2024

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Kazan, Russia

You are here, about kazan.

As the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan is a glorious city that represents Russia's Tsarist past. With complex palaces, towering churches, and a thriving cultural scene, Kazan is a pure Russian city with incredible beauty and heart.

Main Attractions in Kazan

As the "Third Capital of Russia," there is plenty to see and to do while staying in Kazan. Visitors can enjoy long walks down the streets of the city, as each of them offers a new arrangement of colors and historic buildings. Kazan is also one of the largest economic, political, scientific and cultural centers of the country.

Kazan Kremlin

One of the main attractions is the Kazan Kremlin. Built by Ivan the Terrible on the ruins of the palace of the Kazan Khanate that he destroyed, this white fortress is a beautiful sight in any season. The Kremlin of Kazan reflects not only the ethnic mix of Tatars and Russians that make up this important region of the Russian Federation, but also the combined strength of the region's two great religions: Islam and Orthodox Christianity.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque , named for Kazan's last great Imam before Ivan the Terrible invaded and seized the city, is the Kremlin's main jewel. It is the largest Muslim place of worship in Europe, and serves as home to a rich collection of ancient books.

Annunciation Cathedral

As an equally important place of Orthodox worship, the Annunciation Cathedral within Kazan’s Kremlin is an architectural gem completed in 1561, 9 years after the city was conquered. The cathedral is said to have been designed by Postnik Yakovlev, the same architect who was said to be blinded after completing St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square.

Temple of All Religions

Today's Kazan appears to be equally strongly tied with its unique mixture of religious beliefs. Philanthropist Ildar Khanov began work on his Temple of All Religions in 1992 near the shores of the Volga River, and this unique building is still under construction. The Temple makes use of religious architecture from all over the world, and has an Orthodox church dome, a minaret, synagogue-like fixtures, and other items representing 16 of the world's many faiths.

In 2005 Kazan celebrated its millennium jubilee. Despite such venerable age, the city is growing and dynamically developing in all respects.

A prevailing feature of life in the city is peaceful, creative coexistence of different religions and nationalities. Due to its gorgeous architecture, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming locals, Kazan is the perfect destination for travelers of all ages. So if you've already decided to add Kazan to your bucket list, browse our collection of Russia tours below and choose your ideal Kazan itinerary!

Best Things to Do in Kazan

• Explore the gorgeous Kremlin and the Temple of All Religions
• Immerse into the local culture, discovering Kul Sharif Mosque
• Sample authentic flavours of unparalleled Tatar cuisine

Top Attractions in Kazan

The stunning Kul Sharif Mosque, set in the Kazan Kremlin, is the great symbol of both the city and the Republic of Tatarstan.

All Attractions in Kazan

More about kazan.

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