Gravel Bike Reviews

In our latest drop-bar 29er test, Logan throws a leg over the new Cotic Cascade and looks well beyond the obvious after pedaling it hundreds of miles on singletrack trails, dirt roads, and gravel on bikepacking trips around Pisgah National Forest. Find out what makes the Cascade different from other steel bikes in its class in this detailed review…

Originally published October 2020, major update January 2023 As mentioned in part one, 650B Gravel(plus) Bikes, bikepacking bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Drop-bar mountain bikes are one of the more popular manifestations, favored among Tour Dividers, weekend escapists, and those hellbent on a one-bike stable—especially the drop-bar 29er. In short, riders find these […]

Just announced, the new Tumbleweed Stargazer Ti is a titanium version of the revered steel drop-bar dirt-touring bike of the same name. We had the chance to put one to the test on our local trails and dirt roads before taking it on a 700-mile loaded bikepacking trip to see how it compares to its chromoly sibling. Find all the details in this full review…

Designed for travelers and apartment dwellers alike, the Velo Orange Neutrino is a Chromoly steel mini-velo with a small but surprisingly capable stature. A few months ago, Miles pieced together a custom build to see just how much big fun this small bike can deliver. Find his review here…

We’ve seen many bike manufacturers launch drop-bar mountain bikes with high-volume tire clearance in recent years, including UK-based Pipedream Cycles, who recently released their third iteration of the A.L.I.C.E. In our latest video review, Neil introduces the A.L.I.C.E., highlights its unique features, and talks through everything else you need to know about this blue beauty…

Made for fast gravel riding, bikepacking, and long-distance randonneuring, the updated Pelago Stavanger promises the world of versatility with none of the compromises. Josh took it across all types of roads and trails throughout Europe this summer, testing its worth as a go-anywhere, do-anything drop-bar bikepacking rig. Find his detailed review here…

Amid the growing world of modern all terrain bicycles (ATBs), the Chumba Yaupon manages to keep things interesting with its US-made steel frame, 29 x 2.6″ tires clearance, dropper post routing, and versatile trail-ready geometry. We’ve been riding one for the last few months on dirt roads, rough backcountry singletrack, and local trails for this review…

The Allied Able is a full-carbon, US-made gravel bike that the brand claims is better suited for rougher roads and longer rides than the rest of their drop-bar lineup. With a unique elevated chainstay, clearance for 700 x 45mm tires, and several high-end builds, we were curious to experience a top-end gravel bike for ourselves. Find our full review here…

The MOOTS Routt ESC is the latest addition to the brand’s family of titanium off-road bikes. With a matching Ti fork, loads of mounts, and clearance for 29 x 2.4” tires, the ESC was made for adventure. Following a four-day, 250-mile bikepacking trip, Neil shares his thoughts on geometry, build kit, and ride quality in our latest video review…

The new Landyachtz AB-ST is a Chromoly steel gravel bike with clearance for 29 x 2.2″ tires, a carbon fork, lots of mounting options for hauling gear, and a stable geometry suited to getting lost. We’ve been testing one out for a few weeks before its release, and you can find Miles’ review here…

The State 4130 All-Road is a drop-bar steel gravel bike with clearance for big tires, lots of mounting options, and your choice of 650b or 700c wheels, all for just $900. We were curious how such an affordable bike would hold up in the real world and have been testing one out for the last few weeks for this review. Find Miles’ initial impressions here…

Just announced, the highly anticipated Surly Ghost Grappler is the brand’s first real disruptor bike in a while, a curly-bar dirt rig they define as a “dedicated drop-bar trail bike built for bikepacking excursions, singletrack sessions, and all-day dirt rides.” We’ve been riding one on chunky gravel, rugged trails, and everything in between for the last year. Find our in-depth review with loads of photos here…