Looking for a new Gravel Bike? Here’s our top affordable picks to get you started with gravel in 2023…
Merlin Malt G2P Tiagra Gravel Bike
The Merlin Malt G2 Tiagra is our new mid-level gravel bike. The third generation of our versatile gravel bike range features tweaked geometry, offering more comfort and stability as well as a more inclusive sizing range.
The Merlin Malt G2 can handle a wide variety of terrain including muddy trails, gravel tracks and green lanes. This flexibility allows you to combine roads with a wide variety of other more challenging forms of terrain. Your adventures are no longer limited by your style of bike, open up flexibility in your rides and enjoy the pleasure and challenges which mixed terrain rides can offer
The Merlin Malt G2 Tiagra features a lightweight, hydroformed, Triple Butted Aluminium frame with 12mm thru-axles front and rear. Thru-axles ensure the connection between wheels and frameset is secure and solid, disc brakes are always perfectly aligned and steering precision is enhanced due to the wheel hubs and frameset essentially becoming one unit. The Malt G2 features flat-mounts for disc brakes and internal cable routing for brake and gear cables giving a cleaner, less cluttered look. Internal cable routing also offers enhanced protection from grit and grime, this means your bike’s cables will work smoother for longer.
The revised geometry across the Merlin gravel bike range enhances comfort and confidence to inspire all-day-rides, commute to the office or filthy gravel track action, depending on your plans for the day. The G2 Tiagra’s carbon fork reduces vibrations and smooths out the feel of whatever surfaces you are riding. The forks taper from 1 1/8″ at the top, to 1.5″ at the lower race, this further enhances the ‘surefooted’ feel of the front end. Tektro cable activated disc brakes offer consistent, reliable braking performance in all conditions. Shimano Tiagra 10 speed components offer solid performance and dependable precise shifting, the low ratio gearing will inspire you to tackle the toughest terrain with relative ease or take on big hills with style. This frame can fit up to a 40mm tyre.
Cinelli Zydeco Disc Mud XLE Gravel Bike – 2023
The Cinelli Zydeco is chameleon-like in its ability to change to suit its environment. It is a tough off-roader as well as a hardworking commuter. It can accommodate mudguards, and if required, a rear rack for lightweight luggage. The Zydeco is ready to be whatever you need it to be and is the perfect companion for gravel riding or travelling. Revised geometry with increased wheel base for extra stability in rough terrains and better control with the Columbus Futura Gravel carbon fork.
A raised bottom bracket and decreased head tube angle give the Zydeco perfect manoeuvrability even on the most demanding of trails. It is bike packing ready and features Fast Fuel eyelets along the top tube. Made from Columbus Airplane 7005 tubing and matched with a Columbus 1 1/4″ Futura Gravel Carbon fork that gives weight reduction and vibration dampening, increasing ride comfort over long distances and rough terrain. Internal cable routing and tyre clearance for up to 40mm tyres adds to the Zydeco’s appeal.
Felt created the Breed 20 to chase the sunset across empty gravel roads. To discover a new perspective along local trails. And to further expand the incredible freedom a gravel bike can offer.
Classic road bike manners, but loves to get dirty. Dual-wheel compatibility, plenty of storage options, and massive tire clearance makes for unparalleled versatility for any adventure.
Who says you can’t have it all? Different wheel sizes give you the freedom to run whatever size or type of tire you wish. That’s why Felt made the BREED compatible with both 650b and 700c wheel sizes. The BREED comes standard with 700c hoops which, combined with its plush gravel tires, preserves the BREED’s geometry for a road bike feel but with extra cushioning for off-road trails. The BREED can also be outfitted with mountain bike-inspired 650b wheels if that’s preferred. With 650b wheels, the BREED can accept up to 2.1-inch-wide tires; with 700c wheels, there’s room for up to 45mm tires.
Whether it’s a spare tube, tool kit, or some snacks, all-day gravel excursions may require extra supplies. The BREED features a mounting location along the top tube for installing a “bento box” storage bag. The two-bolt setup features standard water bottle cage spacing, which gives riders the freedom to utilize a wide selection of aftermarket storage solutions. The BREED also has you covered if the weather turns foul, or if you’re looking to commute by bike. It comes with a fender hardware kit in order to mount the majority of aftermarket rain-combatting fenders. It also features cleverly hidden rack mounts for both utility and sleek aesthetics.
Yes, there are more bottom-bracket standards than you can shake a stick at. But we love the BREED’s T47 set-up. It has all the benefits of old-school threaded bottom-brackets, like creak-free performance and easy maintenance. But it also uses the latest technology to maximize stiffness for putting down all the watts. It’s durable and gets the job done exceptionally well, just like the BREED.
Orro Terra C 105 Hydro Gravel Bike – 2023
The Orro Terra C is characterised by its light responsive ride quality, built with the specifications necessary to provide capable control across varied terrain. An adaptive bike crafted to ensure that your next adventure, new route, or old commute is a total blast.
The geometry is poised to descend and corner with ease inspiring confident when riding off-road. When riding on the road the excellent power transfer provided by the carbon layup is immediately apparent and feels just at home on a smooth surface. Integra fibres are woven into the carbon at strategic locations to protect the frame from impact damage; this ensures the ‘light and fast’ design ethos is met with the durability riders expect.
The Terra C has a semi-integrated front end for an ultra-clean aesthetic. The cables enter the frame via a cable box on the headset and run internally through the headtube, protecting them from the elements completely. Apart from looking seriously slick this also means the frame suffers no cable rub abrasion to the headtube when the handlebars are turned, and no interference with handlebar bags.
Niner RLT E9 RDO Gravel E-Bike
An E-Bike option at a price that’s hard to beat!
A blend of performance, versatility, and value are distinctive in the RLT e9 RDO. Gravel-friendly Shimano GRX drivetrain and brakes are fitted for miles of reliable rides.
The e-version of the vaunted RLT gravel bike goes far and it goes fast. The Bosch Performance Line Speed drive system propels a rider to 28 miles per hour (Performance Line CX and 25kph in the EU) with a 500wh battery for longer distances. Bosch leads the category with reliable motors that deliver smooth, lag-free pedal assist, backed by an unparalleled global service network.
Using FEA modeling and extensive testing, lead engineer George Parry built a robust carbon backbone structure to withstand the roughest roads imaginable. In fact, the RLT e9 RDO passes ISO mountain bike test standards. Bonded to a 1-piece alloy motor mount, this machine is ready to go the distance for years to come.
Subtle design features add incredible versatility. Post-mount disc brake fitment makes it easy to change to a flat handlebar with mountain bike brakes. Likewise, the intentional inclusion of Boost hub and crankset spacing allows the rider interchangeability with mountain bike drivetrain parts. And the all-new RLT e9 RDO carbon fork is the same length as a FOX AX suspension fork. There’s even routing for a dropper seatpost.
For a dose of rugged utility, Niner’s custom, integrated racks are available to carry supplies for a trip to the office or a ride around the world. Clearance for comfortable 50c tires and fitment for fenders round out this chameleon-like gravel bike.
So, that concludes some of our very best affordable gravel bikes! Of course all these beasts are more than capable of doing the job and it will depend on your personal preference when it comes to the frame material and their components. For more information on any gravel bikes or if you are seeking some advice please contact our customer service team here!
