Gravel bikes have made a tremendous impact in the cycling community, and it looks like they are here to stay. They are unique in the fact that they come in many different shapes and sizes. Getting the right Gravel bike for you at the right price can be difficult, and when there are so many options to pick from, it can be a challenge. In this article, we want to help you find a great budget gravel bike for you.
The beauty of having a Gravel bike is that it can do many different cycling disciplines. Some people use them for road riding, some use them for Gravel, others find themselves riding on forest trails, and I have even seen some on Mountain bike Trails. They are great for cyclists who want one bike to do it all.
What we look for in Gravel Bikes Under $1500
In my opinion, when I start looking for the best gravel bikes under $1500, I split the bike down into four categories which I feel are the fundamentals.
Frame – We should be looking at high-end Steel or lightweight Aluminum at this price.
Groupset – I’d personally be looking for a good quality brand with a good range and we want it to be a decent brand as this makes it much more reliable.
Wheelset – 650b or 700c I prefer either, but we need a quality set, a good branded wheel set can really make a bike.
Unique Features – Anything in particular that makes this stand out.
Cost – Some bikes will have low end Groupset and wheel set but an amazing frame, others will have an amazing Groupset but a low end frame. We look at bikes’ cost to make sure it has value overall for all the parts put together.
We Think You’ll Like It: Best Gravel Bikes Under $2000
Our Top Picks for Gravel Bikes Under 1500
1. Best Road/Light Gravel: Diamondback Haanjo 3
Features of the Marin Nicasio 700c
| Frame Material: | Chromoly |
| Groupset: | Shimano Claris 2×8 |
| Wheelset | 700c Alloy |
| Tire Size: | 30c |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | Cost, Rack Mounts |
The Diamondback Haanjo 3 is an excellent example of a Gravel bike and needs a place on the best gravel bikes under $1500 list. It is for cyclists who mainly love riding on the road and might shoot down a dusty path every so often. It’s very no thrills basic and falls into the road and gravel bikes category, which reflects in the bike’s price, which is incredibly low.
This gravel bike has an aluminum frame and forks. This will soak up bumps beautifully, and it will feel nimble and agile. The bike uses a 2×8 Shimano Groupset which is excellent. I like that they have used a road bike groupset on this bike to give you many options.
Its ability off the road will be light as the tires are tiny at only 37c, so on the rough terrain, you will feel it, but the gravel bike can accommodate larger tires if required. The bike runs cable mechanical disk brakes, which will stop you but won’t have the same power as hydraulic disc brakes, which other bikes on this list will have.
Pros and Cons for the Diamondback Haanjo 3
Pros
- Cheap
- Robust
- Frame is light and agile
Cons
- Tyre Clearance could be better
- Very close to being a road bike
Why We Like It
This gravel bike lands on this list because it has fantastic value for money and ticks all the light use Gravel bike boxes. This would suit someone who loves riding the road but wants to try the odd bit of Gravel riding. It is very close to a road bike in my opinion, but it will do some good adventure riding.
2. Fastest: Norco Search XR A2
Features of the GT Grade Elite
| Frame Material: | Aluminum |
| Groupset: | Shimano GRX 2 x 10 |
| Wheelset | 700c Alloy |
| Tire Size: | 38c |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | Carbon Forks |
The Search XR is a beautiful gravel bike. Not only is it amazing to look at, but it also has a lot of clout when it comes to being an excellent Gravel bike. The frame is lightweight Aluminum, and this is going to be much lighter than the Chromoly bikes on this list. Paired with the Carbon fork, this is a beast.
The groupset is excellent and is the Shimano GRX 2×10. The bike uses a tubeless ready rims. This WTB Wheelset and is matched up with 38c Vittoria tires is an excellent combination. It also sports mechanical disc brakes, which are ok, but they will not have the stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes but will work well.
Pros and Cons for the GT Grade Elite
Pros
- Lightweight and Fast
- Great on light Gravel fast off-road
Cons
- Cable Brakes
- Aluminum Frames are stiffer less comfort
Why We Like It
This will be a high-speed Gravel bike, and GT has put time into the finer details, such as the carbon fork and the WTB Tubeless Wheelset. This is going to give you some fast gravel riding and be fun and agile.
3. Best Value For Money: Kona Dew Plus
Features of the Marin Nicasio + 650B
| Frame Material: | Chromoly |
| Groupset: | Shimano Deore 1×10 |
| Wheelset | 650B Alloy |
| Tire Size: | 47c |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | 650B Wheelset |
It’s not often I recommend a gravel bike from the same bike manufacturers. Still, it needs mentioning as this other Kona is incredible and shares no characteristics compared to the standard Rove on this list. Although also Aluminum, the frame shares a much more mountain bike geometry than the road style geometry of the 700c Rove.
The groupset is a Shimanoe Deore meaning it will be easy to move around the gears but does give fewer options, but the same range as other groupsets on this list. The wheelset is one of Kona’s own, but instead of being 700c. It’s 650b because the wheelset is slightly smaller. This bike is equipped with much larger tires that will be excellent on the rough terrain and they come in at 47c.
They are much wider tires than the other gravel bikes on this best bikes under $1500 list. This gravel bike is another bike on this list to see mechanical disc brakes, which again will work but are not as effective as hydraulic disc brakes. It is an epic gravel bike and falls under my adventure bikes category as well.
Pros and Cons for the Marin Nicasio + 650B
Pros
- Ready for any rough terrain
- Great Price
- Very comfortable to ride
Cons
- Slow on the road
- Less gearing options on the 1×10
Why We Like It
This gravel bike will be an absolute force off-road, and for me, who loves a challenging trail would be well up to my street. It wouldn’t suit the road very much though.
4. Best Climber: Tommaso Sterrata R2000
Features of the Tommaso Sterrata R2000
| Frame Material: | Aluminum |
| Groupset: | Shimano Claris 3×8 |
| Wheelset | 700c Alloy |
| Tire Size: | 40c |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | Triple Chainset |
I like the Tommaso Sterrata R2000. Firstly a tremendous-looking Gravel bike. Secondly, a lot of great features to back up those looks. Firstly the lightweight Aluminum frame is paired with a set of lightweight Cabron Forks. Next is the groupset, so this is interesting in the fact it uses a Triple Chainring.
This is quite an old-school technology, but the range of gears and amount of gears you get will be a lot more than the majority of the bikes on this list, making it a perfect bike for cyclists who live in hilly areas. It’s on 700c Road wheels with a massive set of 40c tires, which will easily take you on a lot of the rough terrain. At a price under $1500 I wouldn’t expect Hydraulic disc brakes, but this bike does tick many boxes.
Pros and Cons for the Tommaso Sterrata R2000
Pros
- Lightweight Frame with Carbon Forks
- Amazing Gearing
Cons
- Stiff with a more Road Geometry
- The Tommaso is on this list is because, in my opinion, this bike is well equipped for any cyclist, and the Triple crank is excellent for climbing.
Why We Like It
I really like the Tommaso it’s built to be light and with that triple crank is going to get up a hill really easily, great if you live in a hilly area.
5. Best Overall: Royce Union
Features of the Royce Union
| Frame Material: | Aluminum, Steel Forks |
| Groupset: | Shimano Claris 2×9 |
| Wheelset | 700c Alloy |
| Tire Size: | 40c |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | 9 Speed Sora Groupset |
The Royce Union is a great all-rounder and deserves a place on the best gravel bikes under the $1500 list. The frame is lightweight Aluminum and is paired up with steel forks.
Although steel forks may be heavier, they offer a considerable level of comfort compared to Carbon. The groupset is the new Sora 2×9 speed groupset, and I rate it because of the silky smooth shifting and more gearing options.
It will suit a road bike and gravel bike well. The Wheels are the legendary WTB Rims, and they are paired with 40c WTB Nano tires, an excellent combination. The Shimano cable disk brakes are probably one of the best mechanical disc brakes on the market and will be fantastic.
Pros and Cons for the Royce Union
Pros
- Great All-Rounder
- 9 Speed Sora Groupset
- Excellent price
Cons
- Very few I feel Carbon Forks instead of Steel would have made this perfect.
Why We Like It
This gravel bike is such a brilliant all-rounder, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, fun, and comfortable gravel bike. It deserves a place on the best gravel bikes under $1500 list.
6. Best Off Road: Norco Indie 4
Features of the Marin DSX 2
| Frame Material: | Aluminum, Steel Forks |
| Groupset: | Shimano Tourney 3×7 |
| Wheelset | 650b Norco |
| Tire Size: | 2″ |
| Brakes: | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Unique Features: | Mountain Bike Equipped |
The Norco Indie 4 isn’t like many other Gravel bikes, and it had to be on this list for so many reasons. Firstly the frame, lightweight Aluminum with Steel forks. The next thing to mention is unlike the other bikes on this list. It has flat bars, not drop bars. This is a lovely touch and drifts the cycle into Mountain bikes territory. The groupset is a Shimano Tourney, not just any Shimano Tourney, the classic triple 7 with 21 gear options.
The wheelset is a 27.5″ with 2″ tires, these are ready for some epic trails. This is an incredible feature of this bike, giving you a lot of options for gravel bike tires. The disc brakes mechanical and will offer half decent power . They will stop you but not as well as hydraulic.
Pros and Cons for the Norco Indie 4
Pros
- DLarge Off Road wheels and tires
- Comfortable geometry
- Massive Tyre Clearance
Cons
- Flat bars are not for everyone
- Very close to being a hardtail MTB without Suspension
Why We Like It
This Gravel bike this the closest to a mountain bike you will get. I love it and see the value, but not everyone I believe will like the flat bars.
7. Best All Rounder: Kona Rove
Features of the Kona Rove
| Frame Material: | Aluminum |
| Groupset: | Shimano Claris 2×8 |
| Wheelset | WTB 700c |
| Tire Size: | 37c |
| Brakes: | Cable |
| Unique Features: | Great Bikepacking Rig |
The Kona rove had to be on the list for the best gravel bikes under $1500 as it screams what gravel riding is all about. Let’s start with the frame. It’s Aluminum and comes with aluminum project two-disc forks. This frame will offer a well-responding light ride and a comfortable geometry for on and off-road riding.
The group set is the Shimano 2×8 Claris, and as we know, this is a reliable road and gravel group set as you will see many bikes equipped with this. The wheels are tubeless ready rims and WTB, and it runs 37c tires as standard. This is an excellent Wheelset. The Tektro mechanical disk brakes are a nice touch as these are used heavily in CX racing.
Pros and Cons for the Kona Rove
Pros
- Good all-rounder
- Great Price
- Light
Cons
- All quite basic equipment
Why We Like It
Great bike but very basic all-rounder. It will be a good starter, but it would take a lot to upgrade in the future. Suitable for adventure riding especially.
We Think You’ll Like It: Best Carbon Fiber Gravel Bikes
Buyers Guide
Getting the right Gravel bike can be a challenge because there are so many different types, and they have very different abilities. You can have Gravel bikes that fly on the road but struggle technically, or you can have a Gravel bike that will struggle on the road but destroy a trail. In this guide, I want to run through what parts on the bike will give it specific characteristics, and this information will help you make an informed choice.
Frame
The material typically defines frames, but I want to dig deeper than that in this guide and talk about geometry. Firstly let’s start with the material. Steel frame gravel bikes will be very cheap to buy and will ride very smoothly as they’re metal. It is highly forgiving and can be repaired easily if you have an accident. Aluminum frames are a little bit more than Steel frames generally.
It is much lighter but a lot less forgiving over bumps, and when it comes to getting it repaired, they are pretty much written off as soon as they crack. Aluminum frames, in my opinion, to go faster is best paired with a carbon fork. If you were looking for comfort, a steel or suspension fork would suit much better. The next material I want to speak about is Carbon.
It’s costly, extremely light, very fragile if knocked in the wrong way, but oh my, is it fast and responsive. You also have titanium which is a very lightweight metal. It is a compound that is very expensive to make a bicycle frame out of but offers the comfort and forgivingness of Steel and still, it is near as light as Carbon Fibre. You also have some other materials such as Bamboo, which the frame is made from the trees and glued together.
Usually, these are homemade, and all come out slightly differently. You also will soon see materials such as Graphene, which is the new competitor to carbon fibre. These materials you won’t see in this list of best gravel bikes under $1500 but do get an honorable mention. I am a huge fan of Steel frames when it comes to gravel bikes, but I ride for distance and fun, so I prefer comfort over anything. A smoother ride is desired.
Forks
Forks are worth mentioning in this section as they can completely change the way a gravel bike rides. You will see a few different types of fork materials. Firstly, we will start with Steel. Steel forks are the cheapest to manufacture and will offer a vast comfort level, but they do weigh a lot. Next, we have aluminum forks that weigh less than Steel. Also cheap to manufacture, but they are very stiff.
Although the stiffness provides responsiveness, it also gives a harsher ride. This wouldn’t be a big issue on a road bike, but this can cause discomfort on a gravel bike. A Carbon fork is the last one to speak about, and when it comes to gravel bikes are a popular choice. They are by far the lightest but are again very stiff and can be pretty expensive to buy.
When it comes to gravel bikes and forks though, it won’t be the most significant issue as to increase comfort you can easily run bigger tires which will dampen the front. I run a Steel frame gravel bike with Carbon forks and big mountain bike tires.
Frame Geometry
The range of Geometry in gravel bikes is vast, and there’s so much to think about when making a good handling bike. I find you usually have three styles of gravels bikes. Gravel bikes that look like road bikes with drop bars and aggressive fast geometry. You have Gravel bikes with a Hardtail MTB Geometry and sport drop bars. These bikes will offer you more control but less speed and aerodynamics.
Finally, you have Gravel bikes that have a Hardtail MTB Geometry but flat bars. These are very close to being a rigid MTB and off a tremendous amount of control but not as fast. In general, when looking at Geometry, some bikes are made to be aggressive, and some are made to be comfortable. This comes down to the purpose of the bike.
A good example is that a road racing bike will put you in pretty awkward positions to make you more aerodynamic, providing you with a quicker ride. This typically comes in the form of the handlebars being lower than the saddle pulling your body over more.
Then you have touring or relaxed geometry, which will see your handlebars higher, supporting your back more, making you less aerodynamic, but your body will be able to sustain the position for much longer. When it comes to gravel bikes, what makes this awkward is that some are made for racing and aggressive, and some are made for Bikepacking and to be comfortable, so the geometry is a huge mix. I think it’s essential to think about what you want the bike for before buying it.
Groupsets
When it comes to Groupsets, this is how your bike is geared, and there is quite a lot of confusion about what will work for gravel biking the best. The first thing to think about is the brand. A good groupset will last years, and a cheap knock-off groupset just won’t. The top brands, in my opinion, are Shimano, Sram, and Campagnolo.
You can’t go wrong with these. Now we need to think about the front chainset. A 3x System will give you a massive range and options but is heavy. This will mostly be seen on a touring bike and, occasionally, a Gravel bike. A 2x System will commonly be seen on a gravel bike and mainly on road bikes. It gives fewer options and a slightly smaller range of gears compared to a 3x system.
A 1x system is what you will commonly see on mountain bikes and offers a similar capacity to the 2x system but fewer options. When we speak about options, this comes in the number of cogs on the rear cassette, and we class this as speeds. For example, a 2×8 is a 2x speed front chainring with eight speeds on the rear, giving you 16 options of different gear ratios.
On a 1×9, you will only have nine other options of different ratios. The best groupset for a Gravel bike is either a Road 2x set up if you are doing a lot of road riding, but if you are doing a lot of off-road, the 1x is much more efficient as it is much easier to move around the gears more. All groupsets will work on gravel bikes well and but the main thing to be sure of is that you have some low gears to get you through the rough stuff or up those big climbs.
Wheelsets and Tires
Wheels are a fascinating subject on a good gravel bike. You will see two types, a 700c wheelset and a 650b wheelset. For the Gravel Bike, a 700c Wheelset will be suitable for fast Gravel and roads. The 700c originates from road bikes can also be called a 29″, and the 650b originates from mountain biking is also called a 27.5″.
The 700c will generally have smaller tires faster at higher speeds and can roll over objects better. The 650b will typically have bigger tires up to about 2.2″ and be better at lower speeds and much more agile, and will suit the user who likes to be off-road. A 650b will be better for off-road and technical terrain. Remember, wheels and tires are very easy to change and completely change how a bike rides and feels.
Wider tires should always be in your thoughts. It’s very difficult to recommend as it comes down to where you ride your bike. Make sure you get the wheels and tires that suit the gravel bike that you want. A good gravel bike could use any Wheelset well and compensate for wider tires if needed.
Brakes
When it comes to brakes and Gravel bikes, you have two main types: mechanical disk brakes and hydraulic disk brakes. Cables brakes are ok and will stop you, but as far as stopping power, hydraulic is much more efficient and requires much less pressure on the hands.
I have two bikes personally, and one has cable brakes, and one has hydraulic. I prefer the Hydraulic, but if I were new to cycling, I’d start with cable brakes as they are much easier to work with when maintaining your bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gravel bikes good for Bike packing?
Yes, they are perfect for bike packing and touring as they can carry lots of equipment, go on very rough roads, and often have rack mounts for panniers. The best advice when it comes to bike packing and using a gravel bike, keep it simple in the bike and set up, and comfort is king. Cheap gravel bikes are the best for this kind of riding.
Does a Gravel bike need to be super light like a road bike?
No Gravel biking is about adventure and fun, and the difference of 1kg on a bike that weighs 11kg will only make a minimal difference.
Are Gravel Bikes Comfortable?
They are very comfortable. The relaxed geometry and the bigger tires make a gravel bike one of the quickest, most comfortable bikes to ride on the market.
Conclusion
Gravel Bikes are a fantastic tool when it comes to cycling and especially adventure cycling. I would highly recommend a Gravel bike for anyone who either wants to get into cycling or add something a little different to their riding. I don’t own many bikes. I find my Gravel bike is enough for most of the riding that I do. Gravel biking has recently become a professional discipline of cycling and is being celebrated, and competitions are coming up worldwide.
Expert Tip
When it comes to gravel bikes it’s a great idea to do your research on tire pressures. Getting the right pressure can completely change the way your bike works on different terrains. The tire pressure will be different for most cyclists as you have to take into account your weight, the tire size, and also the terrain. There are apps that can do this for you, getting it right will give you much better comfort and speed.
Did you know?
Some Gravel bike races, available for anyone to enter, can go as far as 3000km in distance. These races are normally done of the bikes you are seeing on this gravel bikes under $1500 list.
Amazon Recommends:
- Frame/Fork: Stable geometry provides excellent off road control. Made of 6061 aluminum in gloss evergreen with silver logo and accent colors. Intergrated cables provide a sleek look and allow for less dirt and dust and reduce noise. Tapered headtube with a 1 1/8th inch steerer tube and threaded bottom bracket shell.
- Tires/Wheels: Equipped with CST Tirent gravel tires 700 x 40c (max width 45c), front and rear presta valve double wall aluminum quick release 700c wheels in black.
- Drivetrain: L-Twoo R5 drivetrain including braze-on with clamp front derailleur, slap reducing long cage rear derailleur and shifters. ProWheel RPL 46/30T, 170mm length crankset with square tapered bottom bracket. Traditional spline style 11-34T 9 speed cassette with KMC chain.
- Brakes: Zoom cable actuated flat mount mechanical disc with front and rear 160 mm 6-bolt rotor and L-Twoo R5 brake levers with jagwire housing.
- Extras Include: Aero shaped 420 mm aluminum drop bar with 31.8 clamp diameter and cork gel grip tape. Aluminum 30.6 mm seatpost with quick release adjustment and single bolt saddle clamp. Head aluminum rail performance saddle. Head 90 mm aluminum +/- 7 degree stem. Two waterbottle mounts on downtube and seat tube.
- Aluminum gravel/adventure frame with rigid fork offers excellent performance, while the 700c wheels fit riders 5'4" to 6'2" tall
- Microshift 14 speed shifter / brake lever combo and rear derailleur ensures rapid and efficient gear changes
- Alloy mechanical disc brakes provide exceptional stopping power for enhanced safety and control
- Schwinn alloy double cranks offer optimal gearing performance and efficiency
- Equipped with Schwinn 700 x 38c Multi-Terrain tires, this bicycle delivers versatile traction that allows you to ride confidently
- 【DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT】- Lightweight T800 Carbon Fiber Frame combined with carbon fork,handlebar and seatpost for added vibration dampening and weight savings at 8.7kg (19.2lb) . Carbon fiber material can increase the service life of the bike with high strength and durable.
- 【RUGGED & PUNCTURE-PROOF TIRES】- Wider 700x40c tires for added versatility and stability on rougher terrain. Fast Rolling high traction tread for faster and more comfortable ride. Also, provides good grip on uneven surfaces like tarmac roads or pavement.
- 【INNER CABLE ROUTING DESIGN FRAME】- Designed in the Wind Tunnel, the stays, seat post, and seat tube are aerodynamically contoured; fully internal cable routing ensures clean airflow over the entire bike, which prevents rain and sun damage, reduces the probability of rusting of brake cables and shifting cables, and increases durability; it can also avoid scratching the cable tube when riding, making riding safer.
- 【PRECISION SHIAMNO SHIFTING】- SHIMANO 105 R7000 drivetrain groupset provide 2*11 speeds with shifter lever, front derailleur, rear derailleur. It can provide lightning fast shifting, and a level of responsiveness that can’t be matched.
- 【POWERFUL MECHANICAL DISC BRAKE SYSTEM】- With mechanical brake provide powerful brake force, shorten the brake distance and give you more confidence to face different situation.
