18 High-End Gravel Bikes Compared
The BikeSuperior Gravel Bike Test
Our complete gravel range reviewed by the entire BikeSuperior team.
Gravel bikes have grown into one of the most versatile categories in the cycling market over the past few years. What once started as a niche for adventurous riders has evolved into a discipline with a huge variety of bikes. From fast gravel racers that sit close to road bikes, to comfortable endurance machines built for long days on mixed terrain.
At BikeSuperior, many customers walk into the store with one clear goal: a gravel bike. In practice, it quickly becomes clear that there are big differences between the models. Are you mainly looking to ride fast on gravel, go on long endurance rides, or do you want a versatile bike that can handle a bit of everything? How you plan to use the bike often determines which gravel bike suits you best.
Our assortment includes a wide selection of high-end gravel bikes from different brands. Each model has its own philosophy and character. Some bikes are designed with speed and competition in mind, while others focus more on comfort, stability, or versatility.
To get a better understanding of these differences, we decided to take a closer look at our complete gravel bike assortment.
Not with just one tester, but with input from the entire BikeSuperior team. Many of the bikes were ridden extensively by our staff, while others were evaluated based on our experience with the platform, geometry and build options. This approach helps us create the most complete picture possible of each bike’s character.
The goal of this series is not to crown one overall winner. All bikes in this test belong to the high-end segment and are very close in terms of quality. The real differences lie in character and focus. Some models are clearly built for speed and competition, while others are designed to deliver comfort and efficiency over long days in the saddle.
That’s why this series doesn’t only look at numbers, but mainly focuses on where each bike truly excels.
Three segments
To keep the comparison clear, we divided the bikes into three price segments:
Segment 1: €5,000 – €7,500 | Segment 2: €7,500 – €10,000 | Segment 3: €10,000+
This structure provides a clear view of how the high-end gravel segment is currently positioned. It’s important to note that some bikes in Segment 2 can exceed €10,000 depending on the build. In this test, we primarily focus on the platform of the bike: the frame, geometry, and ride characteristics.
How we evaluated
All bikes were evaluated based on multiple characteristics that together define the character of a gravel bike. We looked at both technical aspects and the actual riding experience.
Among others, the following criteria played a role:
- Weight
- Looks and aesthetics
- Standard build (groupset / wheels)
- Handlebar / cockpit
- Innovations and unique features
- Race performance
- Endurance performance
- Comfort
- Handling
- Stiffness
- Speed
- All-round capability
- Fun factor
We deliberately do not publish average total scores. In a test consisting exclusively of high-end gravel bikes, the differences in numbers are often small and don’t tell the full story. Many bikes are designed with a specific focus. A bike that scores extremely well on race performance may place less emphasis on comfort, which can be exactly what a certain rider is looking for.
That’s why we focus mainly on the stand-out characteristics per category and the overall character of each bike.
Participating bikes
For this test, we included our complete high-end gravel assortment. In total, we’re looking at 18 different models, divided across three price segments.
Segment 1 – €5,000 to €7,500
- 3T RaceMax Integrale WPNT
- Aurum Manto
- J.Guillem Arta
- OPEN U.P. 2.0
- Pinarello Grevil F
- Mondraker Arid
Segment 2 – €7,500 to €10,000
- ENVE MOG
- 3T RaceMax2 Italia
- 3T Extrema Italia
- Factor OSTRO Gravel
- OPEN U.P.P.ER. 2.0
- Allied Able
- J.Guillem Atalaya
- Factor Aluto
Segment 3 – €10,000+
- Mosaic GT-1 i45
- Festka Spectre Gravel
- Argonaut GR3
- Pinarello Dogma GR
What to expect
In the coming weeks, we will publish the results of this test in three parts. Per segment, we highlight the strengths of each bike and the models that truly stand out in specific areas.
We start with: Segment 1 – Gravel bikes from €5,000 to €7,500, followed by the mid-range and top segment bikes.
We hope this series not only helps you compare bikes more effectively, but more importantly helps you discover which gravel bike best fits your style of riding.
