On a gravel bike, you can take your riding experience to a whole new level. From exploring the world to discovering new trails, or simply commuting to work, no other bike can match a gravel bike’s versatility.
But then, gravel bikes don’t come cheap. If you are not willing to spend a heck lot of money on a gravel bike, we suggest that you take a look at the best entry level gravel bikes highlighted below. These mean machines will meet all your gravel bike expectations beautifully, of course, without costing you as much as a Ferrari’s spare tire.
6 Best Entry Level Gravel Bikes & Reviews
Comparison Chart
1. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 5C Gravel Adventure Road Bike
Commuting, city streets, or dirt trails, this all-in-one-bike rides like a dream on just about any surface on Earth. Seriously, this thing rides so great that you may find yourself leaving your car at home more often than usual. It’s graced with quite a few interesting specs that set it apart from other entry-level gravel bikes in the market. Now, the question is, what are those product specs?
To begin with, this bike has a fantastic color scheme to it. The punky green color looks really bright and attractive. Moreover, it has an aluminum frame, which keeps the weight of the bike under check. And, it comes with a steel fork. For new shopper’s knowledge, a steel fork is less prone to damage in comparison to a carbon fork. Also, this bike has the most efficient gear combination that you will come across in a beginner’s bike.
Product highlights
The tire width (700x38c) of this bike can handle way more than just roads. And, the bike has this drop bar set up to it that provides plentiful options for hand positioning. For braking, the makers have utilized the Tektro mechanical disk brakes, which is way better than what other competitors of entry-level gravel bike manufacturers offer nowadays.
Ergonomically, this bike is pretty much perfect too. It has a stable and relaxed geometry to it. Unlike the competition, this bike won’t demand a serious amount of energy for pedaling. It accelerates quite quickly with less effort from your part, leaving you with enough energy, even at the end of a long ride.
As you can tell, the bike specs are spot on, enabling the bike to respond predictably on all terrains. The best part is that the bike weighs only 26lbs, despite being made from robust parts and components. Clearly, the makers didn’t sacrifice product quality to cut the weight of the bike as others do.
Pros
- Wide gear ratio for plenty of speed
- Steel forks for better absorption of road bumps
- Offers room for an upgrade (if needed)
Cons
- Seat may not be well-fitting for all bodies
Final Verdict: The Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 5C Gravel Adventure Road Bike handles gravel roads beautifully. It’s undoubtedly the most capable entry-level gravel bike at its price point. So, acquiring this well-made bike won’t prove to be a serious mistake of your life.
2. ROYCE UNION Men’s Gravel Bike
In ROYCE UNION Men’s Gravel Bike, gravel riders will find everything that they have been looking for in an entry-level bike of this nature. It’s designed to offer great speed and comfort on gravel trails as it would offer on a smooth road. As a result, you will be able to fulfill all your gravel riding endeavors on this bike without any struggle. In fact, you can drive just about anywhere on this bike.
As such, this bike is available in six different sizes. So, it can suit anyone from 5.4’ to 6.5’ inches tall. Moreover, you don’t need to be a bike mechanic to assemble this bike. It comes 90% assembled, making it easy to put together even by a non-mechanically inclined person. Once you assemble and hit the road on this bike, you will realize that it’s good enough to give life to the kid inside of you.
Product highlights
The 4130 Chromoly steel frame used in the construction of this gravel bike is famous for its strength and durability. Because of these properties, it’s usually used in the aircraft manufacturing industry. The material is lighter, yet stiffer than your regular steel, which empowers any bike using 4130 Chromoly steel to deliver a smoother ride than usual.
The alloy drop bars on this bike offer a nice range for hand positioning, allowing you to keep switching your hand positions on longer rides. Also, this bike comes equipped with powerful disc brakes, which function remarkably well in all weather conditions. Moreover, you get 16 gears to tackle anything that can prove to be a hurdle on your riding path.
Bear in mind that the stock tires on this bike can last for hundreds and thousands of miles without any difficulty. All the other components of this bike, such as the chain, cassette, and cables are also very well-made to last long. Basically, nothing will fall apart quickly. Given how well-made it is, the company must be really proud of printing its name on this bike.
Pros
- Easily customizable/upgradable
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons
- Fenders are not included
Final Verdict: For an entry-level gravel bike, it can’t get any better than the ROYCE UNION Men’s Gravel Bike. This bike may not take things to the next level, but it’s definitely too good for its price. Anyone out there should beam with pride for getting this bike.
3. Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike
If you are looking for the best deal on an entry-level gravel bike, you should stop looking any further because this gravel bike from Giordano is worth finalizing. First, the assembly is a breeze. Of course, it also rides beautifully, and it doesn’t come at a tremendous price tag. Basically, both the price and the product specs are attractive enough to consider this gravel bike in a heartbeat.
Important product specs aside, the makers have put some thought into the packing and shipping process too. Yes, it’s nicely wrapped and sealed to prevent possible damage that can occur during transit. Plus, it’s a good-looking gravel bike. The paint job is truly praiseworthy. So, expect some compliments from other riders. It rides quietly too like other expensive, high-category bikes out there.
Product highlights
TheGiordano Trieste Gravel bike features a Chromoly steel frame and fork. It’s smartly equipped with Shimano Claris STI Shifters, 700c x 30mm tires, and mechanical disc brakes, which you usually see in bikes that cost far more than this. Moreover, it doesn’t take a lot of prep work to get this bike ride ready.
Once on the street, this bad boy will soak up all the road bumps like nobody’s business. As advertised, it rides pretty fast too. Of course, you may not necessarily win races with this bike, but you will enjoy putting miles after miles, even if your legs are out of shape. Seriously, you will be amazed by the ride quality of this bike.
The team also has a nice customer support team in place. The representatives know what they are talking about. As a result, you can expect accurate and prompt reply from them at all times. Also, this bike comes in many sizes to accommodate small, medium, and even larger guys out there.
Pros
- Gears and brakes come tuned
- Nice, lightweight, and sturdy bike
- Can attain high speed without any issues
Cons
- Not an expert-level bike
Final Verdict: TheGiordano Trieste Gravel is a perfect user-friendly bike that will help you experience how much fun you can have on typical gravel roads on a budget. Seriously, the reviews are not fake. This bike is as good as it’s advertised to be. Therefore, it can be considered by any entry-level gravel biker without any reservations.
4. Schwinn Vantage Mens/Womens Hybrid Road Bike
For gravel riding, the Schwinn Vantage Hybrid Road Bike will meet all your expectations without any drama or trauma. It looks fantastic, and it’s easy to get on and off this bike. Moreover, the handlebars on this bike provide a firm grip on the bike. The brake pads stay perfectly aligned as well. Not to undermine the fact that the seat and the tires of this bike are aerodynamically perfect. They do their job very well of providing plenty of cushioning and traction to nicely keep up with off-road use.
Bear in mind that the bike doesn’t need a lot of hard pedaling to accelerate. Seriously, the entire pedaling mechanism is as smooth as it can get. The best part is that most of the load-bearing components of this bike are made out of metal as opposed to plastic, which should tell you that the parts will last. Furthermore, this riding hero is nicely coated to prevent rust issues, especially when it’s not stored indoors. Even the bike’s packaging is solid.
Product highlights
The Schwinn Vantage bike is constructed with convenient fender and rack mounts, enabling you to customize the bike as per your riding needs. And, it has this SRT (Smooth Ride Technology) to it, which allows the bike to absorb road bumps really well. This high-tech technology also ensures less vibration transfer from the road to the biker, leading to a smoother and comfortable ride.
With this bike, you get Shimano 21-speed Tourney drivetrain and highly reliable disc brake. Moreover, the bike is housed in a light aluminum frame, making it suitable enough for higher mileage rides as well. Not to mention that it’s sturdy enough to keep up with our daily commute. Of course, it can handle gravel trails too, like a boss. You will truly enjoy riding around on this bike.
Keep in mind that the gears on this machine will let you conquer steep hills sitting down. Moreover, this bike will stop on a dime when it’s expected out of it. Since it’s very well-made, it will also save you from the trouble of numerous visits to the bike repair shop. Seriously, you would be hard-pressed to find an equally good bike under its price range.
Pros
- All the stocked parts hold up well for many years
- Comes with 700c wheels for better balance and control
- Schwinn is a very well-known bike brand
Cons
- Handlebar cannot be raised or lowered
Final Verdict: The Schwinn Vantage Hybrid Road Bike has all the attributes of a good gravel bike. As hinted earlier, all the parts are well-made. Therefore, anyone looking for a well-priced entry-level gravel bike shouldn’t cast a blind eye to this bike.
5. Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c
If you can’t convince your mind to spend a lot on a gravel bike, you should take a shot at the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c. This bike works fine on roads, trails, and gravel paths without any issues. Not to mention that it can be acquired at a shoestring budget. Seriously, it comes at a very humble price tag, even for an entry-level gravel bike’s standard. This isn’t to say that the bike is full of flaws and defects.
Even though it’s an inexpensive bike, the makers have loaded it with ample features to meet the riding needs of beginners. Seriously, you can put a few high-priced gravel bikes side by side to this bike, and no one will be able to tell that this bike costs a fraction of what other high-priced bikes sell for. This bike is totally a hit at its price point. A lot of bike experts have confirmed this thing.
Product highlights
As marketed by the bike company, this bike rides smoothly, comfortably, and fast. It weighs only 26lbs, and it’s equipped with 24-speed disc brakes, which should explain why this bike will help you breeze past other riders without the usual struggle involved in the process of outracing them. The best part is that it has disc brakes for immediate stopping power.
Keep in mind that this machine won’t transmit all the road bumps to your rear area like other low-priced gravel bikes out there. It seriously does a wonderful job of shock absorption. The handle of this bike is also upright, which increases the comfort level of the rider. Despite being a low-cost machine, the makers have included free pedals.
Also, it comes with a nice saddle to take care of your sensitive parts. Moreover, you will face no problems putting together this bike. All the instructions and tools needed for assembly are provided to the users. Also, it comes partially assembled at the time of delivery. Even if you are the least mechanically inclined person out there, it will take you no more than 45 minutes to assemble this bike.
Pros
- Has 700c wheels for good road momentum
- Best-selling bike in its product category
- It comes at a fantastic price tag
Cons
- A gel seat cover may be needed for more comfort
Final Verdict: The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c is truly an outstanding gravel bike for its price point. Literally, every other biker out there has said good things about this bike, which explains its popularity. Truthfully speaking, you really can’t go wrong with this entry-level gravel bike, even in your wildest dreams.
6. Mongoose Swithcback Sport Gravel Road Bike
Gravel bike enthusiasts must take a look at the Mongoose Switchback Sport Gravel Road Bike without fail. It’s a popular bike that has gained a solid following over the years. Right from the frame, fit, paint job, and product ergonomics, this is better than your average-quality entry-level gravel bike in the market. It can be used both for short commutes and long relaxed rides. At no point will you feel that the bike is restricting your abilities to ride well.
You will truly be overjoyed with this gravel bike ‘s performance, considering how little you paid for it. Seriously, even hill rides are not very painful on this bike. The parts used in the bike are definitely not entry-level, despite the low asking price. Frankly speaking, you will be surprised at how well the components hold up, including the tires, despite some rough off-road rides.
Product highlights
The bike looks beautiful enough to garner a lot of eyeballs. It appears far more expensive than what it is actually valued at. Looks aside, the Shimano M171 28/38/48T crank fitted on this bike ensures easy pedaling. So, longer rides may not be as tiresome as usual. Also, the brakes on this bike are not as noisy as other entry-level bikes out there.
Installation is easy as well. The main installation task involves attaching the handlebars, pedals, and saddle. Other than this, you just have to finetune the brakes, barrel, and cables. Not to mention that it comes with a helpful set of instructions. As a result, assembling this gravel bike won’t prove to be a task from hell.
Moreover, this bike is shipped in a safe and sturdy box. All the parts are well-protected with foams and tapes. So, the bike will arrive at your doorsteps completely dent-free. And, they have a great support team too. The team always replies very professionally, no matter how silly your queries are.
Pros
- Superb value for bike money
- Comes with a 24-speed drivetrain
- Extremely comfortable for long rides
Cons
- Some sizes may be out of stock
Final Verdict: This bike is from Mongoose’s high-end quality line up that’s sold exclusively at selective places. Whether you get it at a discount price or not, it’s totally worth every dime spent on it on any given day of the week. Seriously, this bike is highly recommended over other cheaper equivalents.
Conclusion
Although these are entry-level gravel bikes, you can still have a blast on them. You can use them on a regular basis, or just be a weekend warrior. Whatever your riding scenario is, these bikes will pack up a great punch, of course, without costing you a ransom.