Firstly, the check-in. You want a bike with curved handlebars to experience for yourself what inspires so many people. A little sense of freedom, a greater radius of action, speed and an experience of nature. There are various bike categories that come into question. Briefly explained:
- Racing bike: For cycling on tarmac roads and small streets
- Gravelbike: For cycling away from tarmac roads, also works on rougher terrain
- Allroadbike: lies between road bike and gravel bike, also comfortable on light gravel
Buying a bike: road bike or gravel bike?
1. what do you imagine when you think about cycling?
A long, quiet tarmac path through the countryside? Or a gravel track that leads somewhere into the forest without you knowing exactly where to go? If the first picture lights you up, you're in the right place for a road bike. If the second one makes you prick up your ears, you're leaning towards a gravel bike. And those who nod at both or don't have a clear picture yet are also well advised - because flexibility is the best way to get started if you're still finding out what you love. Trend: If you are still experimenting, a Gravebike is a good choice.
2. are you planning bikepacking or longer trips?
Anyone planning multi-day tours should ask themselves: Where do you see yourself? On tarmac roads and mountain passes, a road bike is an excellent choice, light, efficient and fast. However, as soon as the route leads over gravel paths, unpaved trails or rough surfaces, the gravel bike has the advantage. It often has more mounting points for luggage and copes better with changing surfaces. Tendency: The nature of the itinerary is decisive.
3. how important is speed to you?
Road bikes are faster on the road, with the same power. Narrower tyres, more aerodynamic geometry, less weight. If you have average speed, Strava segments or group rides on the road in mind, you will have more fun with a road bike. If you want a more relaxed ride and speed is not the most important criterion, you won't lose much on a gravel bike. Trend: Speed and performance speak in favour of the road bike.
4. do you only want one bike for everything?
If you want a bike for commuting, weekend tours, the gravel path to the bakery and the occasional bikepacking trip, then the gravel bike is the more versatile tool. It can do many things well without being perfect in any one discipline. The road bike is the specialist: unbeatable in its discipline, but less flexible. Trend: One bike for everything speaks in favour of gravel.
5. what does your region look like?
If you are travelling on flat terrain or well-developed cycle routes, the versatility of the gravel bike is less important. Anyone who lives in a region with lots of gravel roads, forest tracks or unpaved connecting roads will regularly appreciate the gravel bike. An honest look at your favourite region will tell you more than any statistics. Trend: Varied surfaces speak in favour of gravel.
6 What appeals to you more: efficiency or adventure?
The road bike stands for focus, precision and speed - there is hardly anything better on the road. The gravel bike stands more for curiosity and flexibility, it works on tarmac but also off it. Both make you happy, in their own way. Trend: If you want to be versatile on the road, go for gravel.
7 What do your friends drive?
Cycling also has a social aspect. Group rides create shared experiences, and if you are travelling with others, you will stay motivated and ride more often. If your group of friends mainly ride road bikes and plan road tours, you will keep up better on a road bike and enjoy the group rides more. If everyone rides gravel, the same applies in the other direction. And if your group of friends is mixed or you don't yet know anyone who rides? Then this is a good opportunity to find a new community - there are gravel and road bike groups in almost every city. Tendency: The type of bike your friends ride is a good indication for your decision.
Conclusion: Which bike is right for you?
A road bike is the right choice if you clearly see yourself on tarmac roads. If you don't have competitive ambitions, you should take a look at endurance road bikes - they offer a more upright, relaxed riding position and are well suited to long rides.
A gravel bike is suitable if you want to ride everything: tarmac, gravel, forest tracks. With a second set of wheels or different tyres, you are even more flexible. However, there are also tyres that roll quickly on both surfaces and make changing unnecessary.
An all-road bike is somewhere in between: It prefers tarmac, but can also cope with rougher surfaces. If you mainly ride on the road, but don't want to rule out the occasional gravel turn, this is the bike for you.
That speaks in favour of the road bike
- Faster on tarmac roads
- Lighter and more efficient with the same power
- Ideal for classic group rides on the road
- Larger selection in the upper performance segment
- More precise handling on smooth surfaces
That speaks in favour of the gravel bike
- Versatile use on various surfaces
- More comfortable thanks to wider tyres and more relaxed geometry
- More options for bikepacking and travelling
- More flexible for those who are still finding out what they love
- Competitive on asphalt with the right tyres
And if you're still undecided?
Totally understandable. It's a big decision that lies ahead of you. If you have the opportunity to test ride different bikes, do it! Maybe at bike shops, test events or even with friends. Good luck with your decision and have a good start to the best hobby in the world.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
