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Gravel bikes are branching in several directions at once: aero efficiency, endurance comfort, race-focused handling, mountain-bike capability and even 32-inch wheels. Velo’s October 8, 2026 field-test introduction puts six examples through varied terrain near Squamish, British Columbia, but it does not yet name a fastest or best bike. The first installment lays out the bikes and shared setup; timed comparisons are planned for later episodes.
What does this test say about the future of gravel bikes?
It shows how broad the category has become, not which design will prevail. Velo assembled six bikes with distinctly different intended uses, then rode them across singletrack, washboard fire roads, smoother “champagne” roads, loamy trails and rocky technical terrain, as well as climbs and descents. That mix makes the test relevant to more than one kind of gravel riding, but the introductory episode does not publish comparative performance results.
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The riders also bring different priorities: host Mike Levy is described as a technically minded former mountain biker; senior tech editor Josh Ross focuses on efficient long-distance riding; and tech editor Logan Jones-Wilkins is race-oriented while also riding for adventure. Their perspectives help frame the range of possible answers, but they are not a stand-in for every rider.
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These roles and build details are reported by Velo’s October 8, 2026 field-test introduction. Weights refer to the specific tested size and build; clearances are manufacturer-claimed figures reported in the article, not independent measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Ultra-Lightweight T800 Carbon Frame】Built with a T800 R21 carbon fiber frame and fork, this bike weighs just 10.4kg (22.92 lbs) – offering 5x the strength of aluminum. Perfect for beginners, advanced riders, and enthusiasts, it’s designed for both men and women seeking a high-performance gravel bike
- 【Precision Shifting with Shimano GRX400 Groupset】Equipped with GRX400 shift levers, RX400 front and rear derailleurs, this advanced system ensures smooth and precise gear transitions for a seamless and enjoyable ride. Experience enhanced control and performance with Shimano’s trusted GRX technology!
- 【Powerful Hydraulic Disc Brakes & Sleek Internal Routing】Featuring Shimano RX400 hydraulic disc brakes, this bike delivers exceptional stopping power and reliable control in all conditions. The internal cable routing not only protects cables but also enhances the bike’s sleek, modern design
- 【All-Terrain Capability for Any Adventure】Designed with 700x40c tires and durable rims, this bike provides superior stability and traction on rough terrains. The Shimano RX600 crankset ensures lightweight construction, efficient power transfer, and durability for smooth rides on or off the road
- 【Ergonomic Design for Comfort & Performance】With a comfortable upright frame, fully internal cable routing for improved aerodynamics, and a tapered head tube for enhanced torsional rigidity, this bike offers superior handling, stability, and comfort for long-distance rides and adventurous explorations
| Bike | Approach in the test | Tested build and reported fit | Reported weight | Price listed in the article |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Revolt Advanced SL | All-rounder for racing or adventure | Revolt Advanced SL 0, SRAM Red XPLR; claimed 53mm clearance; size ML | 7.84kg / 17.3lb | $12,000 for the tested build |
| Factor Sarana | Ultra-endurance | SRAM Force XPLR; claimed 56mm clearance; size Medium | 9.58kg / 21.12lb | $8,499 for the tested build |
| Argon 18 Anti Matter | Aero approach to gravel | SRAM Red XPLR; claimed 55mm clearance; size Medium | 8.5kg / 18.74lb | $12,999 for the tested build |
| Obed GVR | Progressive race bike | SRAM Red XPLR; claimed 56mm clearance; size Medium | 9.12kg / 20.1lb | $9,075 for the tested build |
| Pivot LES SL Drop Bar | Drop-bar mountain bike | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 12-speed; specified for 29 x 2.4in tires; size Medium | 9.78kg / 21.56lb | $6,399 for the tested build |
| Salsa Fargo 32 Ti | “The 32er,” exploring the effect of big wheels | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission; claimed 60mm clearance; size Medium | 9.48kg / 20.9lb | $3,500 for the frameset |
These are prices printed in the article, not independently verified current retail prices. In particular, the Salsa figure is for a frameset, while the other listed figures are for tested builds; they are not directly equivalent buying prices. The clearance claims should not be applied to other model years or configurations without checking their specifications.
How did Velo try to make the comparison fair?
All six bikes were fitted with 50mm Schwalbe G-One RX tires at the same pressure and Easton EC90 ALX wheels, according to Velo. Keeping tires, pressure and wheels consistent helps limit setup differences when comparing frames and bike concepts. It does not make this a controlled laboratory test, nor does the introduction report timed results.
Rank #2
- Pro-Level Speed Control: "SHIMANO 21-SPEED RACE-READY DRIVETRAIN". Tour-proven shifting (0.3s precision!) transforms this racing bike into a versatile sport bike. Conquer hills with HyperGlide+ tech and enjoy 67% lower maintenance - pro performance for adult road bikes.
- All-Terrain Dominator: "700x28C ARMORED TIRES + FULL INTERNAL FRAME". Double-wall rims eat gravel roads and city streets alike. Our stealth cable routing slashes wind resistance, making this road bike your ultimate commuter bike/city bike hybrid. Built to outlast ordinary bicycles for men.
- Life-Saving Stopping Power: "DUAL-DISC BRAKES: STOP FASTER, WEAR LESS". 40% shorter braking distance than V-brakes! Rain or shine, dominate urban jungles with confidence. Essential protection for street bike warriors and bike for adults commuters.
- Cloud-9 Comfort: "THRONE-LIKE SEAT: TOOL-FREE ADJUSTMENT". High-density foam cradles your ride. One-handed seat tweaks mid-commute? Yes! Designed for mens road bike endurance - say goodbye to numb rides on adult road bikes.
- Instant Road Warrior: "PERFECT FIT GUARANTEE: 95% PRE-BUILT!". Two frame sizes (5'4"-6'1") for every bike for adults. Unbox → attach handlebar/wheel/seat/pedals → ride in 15 mins! The smart-choice commuter bikes for men.
Velo says Endura supplied kits and helmets, Schwalbe supplied tires, and Easton supplied wheels. Those supplier relationships are relevant context for the test setup, not evidence that any product won or is the right choice for every rider.
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What questions are still open?
Does gravel need aero bikes or slacker, more aggressive handling?
The lineup includes an explicitly aero design and a progressive race bike, alongside an all-rounder and endurance-focused option. The introduction raises the contrast between road-derived speed and more aggressive off-road handling, but does not provide full geometry charts or comparative handling conclusions. Riders choosing between these ideas will need model-specific geometry and fit information as well as actual ride impressions.
Rank #3
- 【Ultralight T800 Carbon Performance】: Featuring a premium T800 R21 carbon fiber frame and fork weighing just 10.4kg (22.92 lbs) - offering 5x the strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum. Engineered for riders of all levels, from beginners to enthusiasts, with unisex design for maximum versatility
- 【Precision Shimano Drivetrain】: Professional-grade Shimano components including U6000 shifters, U6000 rear derailleur, LG400 cassette and CN-LG500 chain work in harmony to deliver crisp, reliable shifting. Experience race-ready performance with every gear change.
- 【Confident Hydraulic Braking】: Powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power in all conditions, with internal cable routing that protects components while maintaining clean, aerodynamic lines for a premium look
- 【All-Terrain Dominance】: 700x40c wide-profile tires deliver 45% improved traction over standard gravel tires, combined with robust 45-spoke wheels for unstoppable performance across mixed surfaces - from pavement to trails
- 【Whole Bike Design Concept】:Featuring a comfortable upright frame design, fully internal cable routing for superior aerodynamics, and a tapered head tube that boosts torsional rigidity - delivering professional-level handling and stability
Does suspension belong on a gravel bike?
Velo reports that three of the six test bikes have suspension forks, while treating suspension’s place in gravel as an open question. The text available in the introduction does not identify the fork models or their travel, so those details—and any conclusion about their effect—cannot be established from this episode alone.
What difference do 32-inch wheels make?
The Salsa Fargo 32 Ti is the test’s big-wheel experiment. Its inclusion signals a question worth examining, but the introductory coverage does not report a measured advantage, disadvantage or head-to-head result for wheel size.
Rank #4
- 【Full Carbon Fiber with Whole Bike】Road bike with lightweight T800 carbon fiber frame,carbon front fork , carbon seat post tube and carbon wheelset. Weight only 8.8kg (19.4 lb). Under the same volume, the hardness of the material is 5 times higher than that of the aluminum alloy bicycle frame.Lightweight design for this dis brake adult bike is suitable for racer.
- 【With R7120 Precision Shift Groupset】Dis Brake Road bicycle with R7120 2*12 Speeds with Shifter lever, R7100 Front derailleur, R7100 Rear derailleur,R7100 105 Crankset ,R7101 Flywheel- It enables you to start and operate your ride effectively, smooth shifting and durable.The best choice for Race cyclists.
- 【With 105 R7120 Hydraulic Disc Brake System】: R7120 Hydraulic disc brake levers and R7170 Caliper are a unit that provides a long-lasting and stronger power, better than conventional V-brake systems.Braking Stable stop
- 【Full Integrated Inner Cable Design】:The whole Road Bike is designed with fully internal cable routing ensures clean airflow over the entire bike, tidy and beautiful. Reduce the wind tunnel resistance and make the whole bike more beautiful and smoother riding.The tapered head tube strengthens the torsion rigidity and give riders a better handling.
- 【700*25C Carbon Wheelsets 】:The lightweight road bike is also equipped with 700*25C Continental Tires suitable for different road conditions.Anti-skid design on both sides increase grip and be more confident when turning at high speed.(a pair of free clip-on pedals included)
Which bike is fastest?
There is no answer yet in this installment. Velo says later episodes will include timed head-to-head climbing, descending and flat-road efficiency tests. Until those results are published, the weights, equipment and intended roles describe the bikes but do not establish a performance ranking.
How should a reader use this comparison?
Start with the kind of riding and terrain you expect, then use the lineup as a map of design choices rather than a ranked buying guide:
Best Value
- Go anywhere. Conquer everything. – The Dude CF 8 is the ultimate fat bike, built for deep snow, loose sand, and rugged trails, offering unstoppable traction and all-terrain capability.
- Lightweight carbon frame – Precision-engineered for strength and agility, the carbon fiber chassis keeps weight low while maximizing durability and ride quality.
- Monster traction – 27.5” wheels with massive 3.5” Maxxis Minion FBF/FBR tires deliver unbeatable grip and control in extreme conditions.
- Reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain – 12-speed shifting with a wide-range cassette ensures effortless climbing and top-end speed, no matter the terrain.
- For a single bike intended to cover racing and adventure, the Giant is presented as the all-rounder.
- For long-distance priorities, the Factor is framed as the ultra-endurance option.
- For an aero-oriented gravel concept, the Argon 18 represents that direction.
- For race-focused, progressive design, the Obed is the example in this test.
- For rougher terrain and a mountain-bike-derived format, the Pivot is the drop-bar mountain bike.
- For exploring the effect of very large wheels, the Salsa is the 32-inch-wheel entry.
These labels are the test’s positioning, not independent recommendations. Before buying, confirm fit, current specifications, component build and price for the exact model and size available to you; a frameset price is not comparable to a complete-bike price.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
