Free delivery
on orders of $69 and over
Free Pickup
in one of our stores
Best prices guaranteed
take advantage of the lowest prices at all times
Our experts at your side
since 1953
Gravel bike or road bike: how to make the right choice?
6 minutes
You are looking for new adventures? You are looking for a new bike? In any case, a question arises: gravel bike or road bike, which one to choose?
With the evolution of bikes, it's always difficult to choose the right bike for the practice you want to do. Should you opt for a gravel bike or a road bike? Discover how to make the right choice according to your needs.
Why choose a road bike?
With a light, rigid and aerodynamic construction, the road bike is designed for speed and performance on the roads.
The lightweight frame, often made of aluminum or carbon, is equipped with narrow tires with a rubber compound suitable for the road to promote low rolling resistance. The curved handlebars allow for several hand positions for better control and enhanced comfort depending on the gradient and speed.
Generally, the cockpit is lower than the saddle which allows the cyclist to adopt a leaning position to promote aerodynamics.
This is the best choice for cyclists who want to accumulate kilometers on the asphalt, whether for leisure, training or competition.
Find your road bike
Why choose a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is designed for riding on rough dirt roads, gravel paths, and even some technical trails. It is more versatile than a road bike because it allows you to go from trails to roads without constraint. It is, in fact, its versatility that has made it gain popularity in recent years.
Like the road bike, the gravel bike frame is also made of aluminum or carbon. However, the frame is often a little heavier and more robust than that of a road bike to better absorb the shocks of rough trails. The tires are also wider and studded to adapt to different terrains and offer more comfort. Despite its versatility, its heavier construction and wide tires make it a little less fast on the road, but much more efficient on the trails.
To explore further, gravel bikes are equipped with several anchor points that allow you to attach bike bags to transform your gravel bike into an adventure bike. You can store a tent, a sleeping bag, cycling clothes, snacks and everything you will need for a few days on trails and roads.
It's a comfortable, maneuverable and high-performance bike on the trails that allows you to seamlessly transition from road to trail. If you are looking for a different challenge, the gravel bike is for you.
Find your gravel bike
A gravel bike or a road bike?
To find a compromise between a gravel bike and a road bike, two options are possible. The first option is to get a road bike with a second set of wheels equipped with gravel tires. The second option is to equip yourself with a performance-oriented gravel bike with a second set of wheels fitted with road tires. The best option depends on the type of riding you want to do.
For example, if you plan to ride on the road more often and only a few times on the trails, get a comfortable and high-performance road bike. When you want to take gravel paths, install your second set of wheels fitted with gravel tires to ride the trails more comfortably. That said, it's best to avoid technical trails, but you can easily take paths with crushed rock, packed earth, or small gravel.
On the other hand, if you plan to ride on the trails most of the time and only a few times on the road, get a performance-oriented gravel bike. This type of bike is designed with a performance geometry that is very close to that of a road bike while allowing you to ride on rough paths. If you decide to go for a ride on the asphalt, simply install your wheels equipped with road tires.
Do you have a better idea of which bike to get? If you still have questions, do not hesitate to visit us in the store.
Share this article
Explore our tips
Running year-round: Choosing the right shoes
Learn what sets shoes built for changing conditions apart—and how ON keeps running comfortable all year long.
Ski touring, where to start?
Looking to start the year off on the right foot and looking for a new hobby or challenge? Skiing, hiking, or outdoor sports enthusiasts, ski...
How to choose the right alpine skis?
Winter is always more enjoyable when you can enjoy the joys of the snow, and downhill skiing is one of the ways to make the...
My 5 most beautiful off-piste cross-country ski trips of all time
Off-piste cross-country skiing is practiced primarily on untracked trails, using sturdy cross-country skis equipped with steel edges. Discover Normand Pion's favorite trails.
Pro tips for skiing hard
Discover our recommendations for taking care of your cross-country skiing equipment and getting the most out of it on your next outings.