Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are on the rise in terms of popularity. Why? Because you can take them almost anywhere and they’re one of the most versatile bikes you can find. They're a unique combination of speed and stability - perfect for exploring trails while still being relatively fast on road.

Here at Ivanhoe Cycles, we see riders using gravel bikes for all kinds of adventures. Some choose to ride local bike paths and rail trails. Others head out onto country roads and forestry tracks. Most riders are simply on the hunt for a bike that can handle commuting during the week and exploring on the weekend.

That’s really the strength of a gravel bike. It lets you ride further and explore more terrain without filling your garage with multiple bikes. If you’re searching for gravel bikes for sale here in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been helping customers get the right bikes for decades; always with a smile, always with the great customer support we’re known for.

View as
Orbea Terra Race gravel bike 3/4 shot

What Makes Gravel Bikes Different

Gravel bikes will stay stable and predictable when the surface beneath you changes to something looser.

The frame geometry is more relaxed, the tyres are wider and the gearing is designed to handle steep climbs and uneven surfaces.

Compared with traditional road bikes, gravel bikes offer:

  • Wider tyres for improved grip and comfort.
  • Calmer steering for greater stability and better handling on unsealed tracks.
  • Frames with mounts for bike packing accessories.
  • Wider gearing ranges for climbing hills easier.

The result; a bike that always feels comfortable on paved roads, gravel paths, dirt tracks and rail trails. If you’re weighing up your options, you might also like to explore specific models like our range of Giant Revolt gravel bikes.

Understanding the Key Features 

Stable Geometry

Gravel bikes have slightly slacker steering angles and longer wheelbases when compared with road bikes. This makes for calmer handling and a more stable ride, especially on those looser surfaces. Instead of feeling twitchy, the bike feels predictable and planted, which is great for building rider confidence on rough terrain.

Wider Tyres

Most gravel bikes use tyres between 35mm and 45mm wide. These wider tyres improve comfort by absorbing small bumps while also increasing grip on loose gravel or dirt surfaces. Many gravel bike frames allow even larger tyres for riders who spend more time off-road.

Disc Brakes

Modern gravel bikes almost always feature disc brakes. Disc brakes give you powerful and consistent stopping performance, no matter the weather conditions. This is especially important when riding long descents or rough surfaces.

Comfort-Focused Frame Design

Long rides on rough roads lead to vibration fatigue. To keep on top of this, many gravel bikes will incorporate engineered flex zones in areas like the seatpost, rear stays and handlebars. This is a small design detail, but it's one that absorbs vibrations before they reach your body, making for a more comfortable ride.

Accessory Mounts

Gravel bikes are designed for adventure. Many frames include mounting points for accessories such as water bottles, mudguards, racks and bikepacking bags. This flexibility enables riders to adapt their bike for commuting, touring, or even long-distance exploration.

Giant Revolt Advanced gravel bike being ridden off-road

Understanding Gravel Bike Gearing

Gravel bikes often come fitted with wider gear ranges than road bikes to help riders handle steep terrain and longer rides. Two main drivetrain setups are common.

  • 1x (single chainring): A simpler setup that removes the front derailleur. Many riders prefer it for off-road riding because it reduces mechanical complexity.
  • 2x (double chainring): A wider gear range that allows smoother transitions between gears. Riders who spend more time on sealed roads often prefer this setup.
Giant Revolt Advanced gravel bike D-Fuse seat post and handlebar profile

Take Your Gravel Bike Anywhere

The great thing about gravel bikes is that they can handle almost any surface. They perform well on sealed roads and bike paths, as well as rail trails, country backroads, forestry tracks and light gravel trails. 

Because they’re so versatile, many riders use gravel bikes as their primary bike for commuting, fitness riding and weekend exploration.

Giant Revolt Advanced gravel bike being ridden on a dirt road

Gravel Bikes vs Road Bikes

Although they’re similar, these two bike options do have some major differences. Road bikes are built purely for speed on smooth pavement, where gravel bikes sacrifice a small amount of speed in exchange for comfort and versatility. Compared with a road bike, a gravel bike offers:

  • A more upright riding position
  • Improved stability on rough surfaces
  • Wider tyres for comfort and traction
  • Lower gearing for climbing hills

If you’re after a bike that handles both sealed and unsealed roads, a gravel bike is often the better choice. 

However, if you're spending more time on the road but still want something comfortable and stable handling, consider the Giant Defy or Giant Contend road bikes.

The Giant Defy range is about performance. The Contend AR road bikes are perfect for new rides who are happy with an aluminium frame.

Orbea Terra Race cockpt setup and wide front tyre

Gravel Bikes vs Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are extremely capable off-road but can sometimes feel slower on long gravel roads or paved surfaces. Gravel bikes are great because they sit right in the middle. They are:

  • Lighter and faster than most mountain bikes
  • More efficient for long mixed-terrain rides
  • Capable of handling dirt and gravel paths

If you ride on more than one surface type rather than purely technical trails, gravel bikes are the perfect balance.

Orbea Denna e gravel bike

Explore the Electric Gravel Bike Range

There are also electric gravel bike options available too. These battery-powered rides combine all the same benefits of gravel riding, with added pedal-assist power. This can be helpful for riders who want to:

  • Ride longer distances
  • Tackle steeper terrain
  • Commute without excessive fatigue
  • Keep pace with stronger riders

Electric gravel bikes are packed full of the same adventurous spirit, 

while extending the distance you can comfortably travel.

Giant Revolt Advanced being ridden in the backroads of Tasmania

Finding the Right Ride for You

When shopping for a new gravel bike, it definitely helps to think about how you plan to ride. If your riding is mostly road with the occasional gravel surface, a lighter and faster gravel is probably better. For longer adventures or bikepacking trips, bikes with wider tyre clearance and additional mounting points are generally preferred.

Reliable components are also very important. This covers strong braking systems, durable drivetrains and comfortable contact points - all of which will make a real difference on longer rides.

Many riders match their gravel bike with quality riding gear such as Shimano road cycling shoes and MTB pedals. Remember; our team is always happy to help riders compare models and find the right gravel bike for their riding style.

Caring for Your Gravel Bike 

Regular maintenance helps keep your gravel bike riding smoother and improves the life of major components . After dusty or muddy rides, just a gentle wash will remove all the debris that can cause drivetrain wear. Stay clear of high-pressure water around bearings and drivetrain components.

Check over tyre pressure regularly as well, because lower pressures will make for a more comfortable ride with more traction on gravel surfaces. The chain should be cleaned and lubricated periodically, especially after wet, muddy rides. Keeping the drivetrain clean will help everything last longer and maintain smooth shifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gravel bike best used for?

Gravel bikes are designed for mixed-terrain riding. They work well on sealed roads, gravel paths, rail trails and light dirt tracks, making them one of the most versatile types of bike available.

Can I use a gravel bike as a road bike?

Yes. Gravel bikes are slightly slower than dedicated road bikes due to wider tyres, but they are still efficient on pavement and more comfortable on rough roads.

However, just make sure you consider a gravel bike with 2 front gears instead of 1. This will allow you to use a higher gear for road riding and not run out of gears.

What tyre width do gravel bikes use?

Most gravel bikes run tyres between 35mm and 45mm wide. Some frames allow wider tyres if you want to ride more technical off-road terrain.

Are gravel bikes suitable for commuting?

Absolutely. Many riders use gravel bikes for commuting because they handle rough roads, potholes and bike paths more comfortably than traditional road bikes.

What gear setup should I choose for a gravel bike?

A 1x drivetrain is simpler and popular for off-road riding, while a 2x setup offers a wider range of gears that may suit riders covering longer road distances.

How do I know which gravel bike is right for me?

The best gravel bike depends on where you plan to ride. Riders focusing on road and light gravel may prefer faster models, while adventure riders often benefit from bikes with wider tyre clearance and extra mounting points.

Related collections

Womens Gravel Bikes Electric Gravel Bikes Gravel Bikes Black Friday Deals Gravel Bike Helmets Gravel Tyres Cyclocross Bikes Mountain Bikes Road Bikes Hardtail Mountain Bikes
Back to top

Compare /4