Top 9 Affordable Gravel Bikes of 2023 Under $1500

KEY
POINTS

Expect to spend between $1000 and $1500 to get a decent entry-level gravel bike.
Shimano Sora and Claris are among the most common road bike drivetrain systems for gravel bikes under $1500. Shimano GRX is the only gravel-specific drivetrain on this list.
If you’re going to ride more on rough terrain, choose one with 650b wheels. 700c wheels are better for paved roads.

Whether it was the pandemic or inevitability, 2020 was a pivotal time for the bike industry and gravel bikes especially gained in popularity as manufacturers competed for dominance by introducing their own “state-of-the-art” gravel geometry.

Our gravel bike picks cost around $1500, proving that one needn’t spend a fortune for quality.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching more than 20 bikes to put together this list of the best gravel bikes under $1500 on the market.

Our current top recommendation is the Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike – an excellent lightweight gravel bike with a best-in-class Shimano GRX 2 x 10 drivetrain, flared handlebars, and quick WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm tires.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike

-Best Gravel Bike Under $1500-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 2 x 10 | Weight: 23.4 lbs. | MSRP: $1,599

VIEW AT REI

+ Lightweight aluminum bike frame
+ Gravel-specific Shimano GRX components
+ Wider gear range ( 2 x 10 )
+ Very smooth and stable shifting
– Mechanical Disc Brakes
– Now priced a bit above $1500

The ADV 2.2’s aluminum frame and carbon fork team up to showcase a durable, lightweight ride enhanced by a Shimano GRX 2 x 10 drivetrain. The Shimano 11–36 cassette delivers smooth, stable shifting and nuanced speed control, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes stop on a dime. Shimano GRX Shadow Plus rear derailleur reduces chain slap and noise and prevents chain drop no matter how daunting the terrain.

Additional features that help gravel bike riders achieve their goals are flared handlebars for wider upright positioning and WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm tires, built for speed, featuring an uninterrupted centerline amid staggered knobs. This unisex bike suits riders of all heights, and there is no shortage of accessories to upgrade it.

Marin Four Corners

-Best for frugal adventurers-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 3 x 9 | Weight: 29.1 lbs. | MSRP: $1,199

VIEW AT MARIN BIKES

+ Frame is made of CroMo steel and features an upright geometry
+ Smooth disc brakes require little maintenance
+ Affordable price tag
+ Loaded with cage/bottle mounts
+ Ideal for touring or commuting duties
– A bit heavy at 29.1 lbs.
– Not super-quick

Cyclists seeking a multi-purpose ride at a price that won’t drain a bank account find in the Marine Four Corners a product that artfully accommodates various adventures: ride off the beaten path, sleep outdoors, conquer pavement and dirt roads or hit the track. The heads-up bar position and generous braze-ones are responsible for this bike’s versatility.

Trek Domane Al 3 Disc

-Best Affordable All-Roader-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 2 x 9 | Weight: 23.24 lbs. | MSRP: $1,349.99

VIEW AT TREK

+ Smooth, stable, and fun bearing the Trek brand name
+ Updated 2021 technology includes the carbon fork
+ Additional tire clearance
+ Endurance fit and geometry
– Tested on light gravel trails – not a gravel bike
– No hydraulic disc brakes

The Al3 is engineered to respond to various surfaces, but it’s different than the bike you choose if you intend to power through heavy gravel. That stated, this bike has no shortage of features: an 18-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain, integrated brake/shift levers, and riders effortlessly push through a wide range of gears on flats or climbs. Enjoy the lightweight aluminum body and stable Endurance geometry.

Tommaso Sterrata Disc

-Best Gravel Bike Under $1000-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Claris 3 x 8 | Weight: 25.4 lbs. | MSRP: $925

VIEW AT AMAZON

+ Great for dealing with big hills
+ Affordable price tag
+ Full Shimano Claris groupset
+ Available in 5 sizes (XS to XL)
– Low-quality Avid BB5 Mechanical disc brakes

Fitted with upgraded 40c tires for added traction, this Italian bike is not just dynamic and sturdy, but it’s also got plenty of curb appeal. Tommaso encourages riders to crush barriers, offering upgraded disc brakes (Avid BB5) for rapid stops in all types of weather. The brand’s exclusive UltraCompact handlebar provides comfort during drops, reducing wind resistance.

Tommaso Model	Drivetrain
Siena	Shimano Tourney
Sentiero	Shimano Claris
Sterrata	Shimano Claris
Avventura	Shimano Sora
Illimitate	Shimano Tiagra

Tommaso Models and Drivetrains

Features include the SLA 6061 aluminum frame, Shimano Claris shifters and derailleurs, and Tommaso HCT carbon fork, and this bike weighs around 24 pounds. For cyclists who will only consider one manufacturer, the Sterrata piles on extras, including the company’s signature Ready to Ride Build commitment. Techs oversee the 65-point build, so your bike arrives 99 percent assembled, which is reason enough to put it on your shortlist.

Kona Rove AL 650

-Affordable price, great parts-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Claris 2 x 8 | Weight: 26.8 lbs. | MSRP: $949

VIEW AT KONA

+ Comparable to Salsa Journeyman Sora 650
+ 650b wheels with off-road tire clearance
+ A perfect all-roader
+ Comfortable and stable ride
– Shimano Claris is not as good as Sora

Whether you’re already a Kona brand fan or just being introduced, this product has been designed specifically for off-road riding at a more affordable price than the AL 700. Among this ride’s features are a 2x Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, Hayes disc brakes, and 47c WTB Venture Comp tires.

The unique Kona Project Two aluminum fork, Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain, and FSA Tempo Adventure crankset work in concert to get riders where they want to go in comfort. Building on its reputation for producing high-quality touring bikes, Kona’s gravel models generate plenty of respect, usually reserved for pricier models. The AL 650 is quickly gaining a reputation for being bike packers’ first choice.

Diamondback Haanjo 3

-Best Gravel Bike for Beginners-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 2 x 9 | Weight: 23.8 lbs. | MSRP: $1175

VIEW AT DIAMONDBACK

+ Huge tire clearance
+ Fitted with a 2×9 Shimano Sora drivetrain, 46/30T front cogs, and 11-32T rear cassette
+ Grippy 37 mm tires excel at off-road challenges
– No hydraulic disc brakes

While this bike looks fragile, those wide tires and relaxed road frame geometry tell a different story. Weighing 25.1 pounds, the Haanjo 3 has a slightly longer head tube and shorter top tube, which help a rider maintain an optimal upright position. The 37mm WTB Riddler Comp tires won’t skid in bad weather.

This product comes with tools (including a pedal wrench), and engineers say it can take as little as 15 minutes out of the box since assembly only entails attaching wheels, handlebar, saddle, and pedals. Do you think this bike is perfect? Not exactly. You may feel like riding a harrowing roller coaster at its most extreme, so hang on tight.

Giant Revolt 2

-The Toyota of the Gravel Bikes-

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 2 x 9 | Weight: 22.07 lbs. | MSRP: $1250

VIEW AT GIANT BICYCLES

+ Reliable and predictable ride
+ Clever and powerful brakes
+ Fast, smooth operation on myriad surfaces
+ Bang for the bucks
– Without a single gimmick feature that would really make you want it

The Revolt 2 features a D-Fuse composite seat post, and a Contact XR D-Fuse handlebar known for road shock absorption and vibration mediation. The frame compliments the disc brakes, offering extra clearance for tires measuring up to 45mm. Shimano components are well represented in this bike’s build, including Sora shifters, front and rear derailleurs, and brake levers. Tektro MD-C550 mechanical brakes come standard.

The frame is designed with endurance positioning and shorter chainstays, resulting in precise handling and agility. This model comes in two colors and six sizes (XS, S, M, ML, L, XL), so getting a good, comfortable fit for all your escapades should be no problem. Giant CrossCut AT 2 tubeless 700x38c tires complete the package.

Specialized Diverge Base E5

-Best for asphalt and gravel back roads–

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: Shimano Claris 2 x 8 | Weight: 22.68 lbs. | MSRP: $1300

VIEW AT SPECIALIZED

+ Endurance road bike geometry
+ Great balance of stiffness and comfort
+ Fast and fun on the downhill
+ Whopping 47mm of tire clearance
– Climbing is hard, Future Shock can’t be locked out.
– A bit pricey

Specialized Diverge Base E5 is a fast, fun-to-ride aluminum gravel bike for beginners. For around $1300, you get outstanding components on top of a perfect frame with endurance road bike geometry.

Specialized claims to have tossed gravel geography status quo out the window when it developed the Diverse Base E5, and if you believe the brand, you’ll take a second look. Escape to gravel back roads for solitary runs or tackle your first gravel race aided by the clever drop bar that gives riders a capable, nimble experience.

Specialized has increased the frame’s reach, introduced a slacker head tube, and designed a longer offset fork with shorter stems. The drive side chain employs a machined alloy beam behind the chainrings without using a fragile dropped chainstay design or increasing chainstay length. Get plenty of rack mounts with this bike since you’ll want to stay out longer than usual, especially if you appreciate expanded tire clearance most of all.

Fuji Jari 2.3

Brakes: Mechanical Disc | Drivetrain: microSHIFT R9 | Weight: 28.6 lbs. | MSRP: $1,299.99

VIEW AT FUJIBIKES

+ Amazing performance and versatility
+ Sable and comfortable long geometry
+ Great stopping power
+ Available in six sizes
– A bit cheaper tires
– Heavy at 28.6 lbs.

The Jari 2.3 is a bike designed for versatility, with an intended use ranging from gravel riding to touring thanks in part to its tall frame and slack geometry, which positions you further back on the saddle than usual bikes.

This helps deliver increased stability at higher speeds while also providing excellent braking power throughout all weather conditions through Tektro Mira disc brakes – perfect if your plans include commuting or taking long rides across the country!

It has a microSHIFT R9 entire Drivetrain or Shimano Alivio/Sora combination. Both of the options change gears very smoothly and silently. We at YesCycling prefer the microSHIFT R9 system.

The tires are the only component that looks a bit cheap and not on par with the rest of the bike. Panaracer Gravelking SK is OKeish, but you can find much better tires at this price range. We would recommend that you upgrade them as soon as you get the bike.

How to choose the best affordable gravel bike under $1500

Gravel bike frame

Gravel bikes are manufactured in all the most common materials: aluminum, carbon, steel, and titanium. Aluminum is the least expensive option because frames are cheap, though aluminum offers similar stiffness to carbon. New alloys are constantly being introduced.

Opt for a steel gravel bike and expect versatility, strength, and a high degree of stiffness. Shoppers find the broadest range of pricing when deciding between steel models. All bikes in our list of the best gravel bikes under $1500 come with an aluminum frame.

Gravel bike size

It’s important to know that gravel bike sizing differs from standard road bikes. Since only one model in this review delivers on bikes sized by centimeters, you may have to select S/M/L or a similar configuration. This shouldn’t stop you from choosing because frequently changing terrain will force you to switch riding positions all the time so that you won’t stay in the same position for long.

Groupset and shifting capacity

The classic 2X Drivetrain features two chainrings at the front and a small cassette at the rear. Smaller gear jumps are the most sensible way to ride for bikers intending to spend the most time on solid terrain.

The exact derailleurs and shifters you would need on a conventional racing bike work for gravel bikes. One of the drawbacks of 2X drivetrains is an increased shifting frequency which could prompt more maintenance frequency since chainrings can lack reliability when shifting off-road.

A second option is the 1x category. 1X drivetrains are fast becoming a favorite choice since gravel bike designs rely on a similar standard. Cassette sizes are all over the map, ranging from 10-42 and offering a comparable gear range to a compact 2x that can simplify shifting.

A 1x Drivetrain is cheaper, simpler to install, less likely to cause problems, and less likely to deteriorate quickly due to extreme wear and tear.

Drawbacks? There are a few. Gear jumps are more problematic, and only SRAM currently produces 1x group sets with large cassettes specific to drop bar bikes. Alternately, Shimano drivetrains can be set up as 1-speed systems.

On the horizon: More electronic groupsets within the gravel bike niche, as evidenced by the number of manufacturers working to produce the next significant drivetrain upgrade destined to drive sales.

Wheels and tires

1. Wheel size. There are two sizes on the market. The 700c remains the most popular because it’s a standard road bike size, and this type tends to roll the fastest and the smoothest.

The 650B is often marketed as the choice of riders seeking a “rougher, tougher” gravel riding experience and offers the option of installing bigger replacement tires within the same amount of frame/fork area.

2. Rim width. As a rule, the wider the rim, the more compatible it will be when mounting wide tires. Traditional road rim internal diameters run from 16 to 19mm, while those made for gravel bikes can measure up to 25mm wide. New owners are advised not to stretch tires too far to avoid trouble.

3. Tire format. Tire manufacturers are working assiduously to develop the best fully-sealed tire capable of functioning at low pressure. Surveys taken of experienced dirt bike riders conclude that tubeless is best.

4. Rim material. Alloy remains the first choice of material for the rims of gravel bikes because it’s a cost-effective option, delivers a comparable riding experience to pricey carbon, and your rims are more likely to survive intact after harrowing meet-ups with rocks and other obstacles.

Best braking system for gravel bikes

Whether your budget is over or under $1500, there’s no dispute about the best braking system for dirt bikes: “Disc brakes are synonymous with gravel bikes,” said Cycling News and The Brake Report editors. “Beyond the superior braking power offered by a disc rotor, they also don’t limit tire clearance [like] traditional rim calipers.”

Whether a gravel bike’s brakes are mechanical or hydraulic, consistent stopping power in the face of the worst weather is guaranteed as long as the brakes have been properly maintained. One’s ability to precisely apply power when traction is limited depends upon either of two brake pad types: organic/resin or metallic/sintered.

Organic brakes won’t manage heat either and can falter more quickly when wet and muddy. Metallic brakes are more consistent, but when they get wet, the ear-splitting, loud sounds they make when applied in these conditions can be disconcerting.

Hydraulic systems may require more maintenance since operation depends on ensuring fluid levels are always in range. If bike owners use the wrong brake fluid to prime hydraulic braking systems, the result can be catastrophic. Experts say that mechanical disc brakes offer riders more freedom as long as calipers and brake levers function correctly, so if asked to choose, new gravel bike riders are encouraged to go with disc brakes.

What is the best gravel bike under $1,500?

Our current top recommendation is the Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike – an excellent lightweight gravel bike with a best-in-class Shimano GRX 2 x 10 drivetrain, flared handlebars, and quick WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm tires.