Gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes are two exciting types of bikes that strike the balance between off-road adventure and racing. Gravel bikes impress with their versatility, they can easily master a wide variety of terrain and can cover longer distances in comfort. Cyclocross bikes, on the other hand, are characterized by their distinctive racing DNA, which makes them agile and resilient for demanding cross-country races.

Also called adventure bikes or mixed terrain bikes, the gravel bike is a hybrid – part road bike with drop handlebars (although flat bar gravel bikes are also a thing) and part mountain bike, with hefty construction and wide gearing. Taking a mountain bike on the road is just as joyless as taking on trails on a road bike (for different reasons) so the gravel bike’s agility on both is a big bonus.

Road bikes and gravel bikes are very similar at first glance. But if you take a closer look, you will find clear differences. Here you can find out what distinguishes gravel bikes from racing bikes and which type of bike is best suited for which purpose.