I have been lucky to go on many cycling adventures in the past decade. Regarding bikepacking, I have been to Oman, Taiwan, South America, and Europe multiple times. I absolutely love it! As a bikepacking expert, I get asked many questions, but one that came up recently was, “Gravel bikes for bikepacking, is it the best option?”

As an ultra cyclist who uses gravel bikes predominantly but was bikepacking before they were a thing, I feel I’m the perfect person to answer this question. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about gravel bikes for bikepacking.

•  What Is A Gravel Bike?
• What Are The Gravel Bike’s Key Characteristics
• Gravel Bike Example
• Are Gravel Bikes Good For Bikepacking?

What Is A Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is what many cyclists have turned to in the past five years. Although they are called gravel bikes, they are actually referred to more as multi-terrain bikes or even do-it-all bikes. They have become incredibly popular, and huge volumes are sold each year.

They are designed to be fast on the road but also can hit a light trail or go off the beaten path on an adventure. For many cyclists, this means they can have one bike to go on the road cycling club run, a bikepacking adventure, or an off-road trail.

Gravel bikes come in many different forms. You have some, which are road bikes with larger tires, others with suspension made for aggressive trails, and even flat bar versions available on the market. 

What Are The Gravel Bike Key Characteristics

Gravel bikes, although they look very similar to road bikes, have lots of differences that set them apart. Here’s what you will find:

Larger Tires

Gravel bikes have larger tires than road bikes. They typically come with widths anywhere from 35c all the way up to 57c. This extra volume adds comfort and also gives the ability to ride on rough terrain smoothly.

Multiple Wheel Sizes

Gravel bikes, unlike road bikes, have different options when it comes to wheel sizes. You can get bikes with either 650b (27.5”) wheels or 700c (29”) wheels. Smaller wheels can be better for using larger tires, and bigger wheels for high speeds.

Relaxed Geometry

Next, we have a relaxed geometry. This is the position the bike puts the rider in. A relaxed geometry offers a more upright riding position, meaning you get more comfort and control when riding the bike.

Durability

Gravel bikes are incredibly durable. They are designed for heavier loads, lumpier terrain, and also to take a tumble every so often if required. They are generally made of steel or aluminum, with carbon and titanium options available.

Flared Handlebars

Gravel bikes will often come with flared handlebars. These are drop bars, but they push out to the sides on the drop. This gives you a position where you have a huge amount of control and also a much wider stance.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes, in my opinion, are the future. Gravel bikes are all equipped with disc brakes. They work great in all conditions, are incredibly powerful, and both come in hydraulic and mechanical options.

Low Range Gearing

You will also find that gravel bikes have very low-range gearing. So, instead of your typical road bike groupsets, you have smaller ratios. It makes it much easier for off-road terrain and steep climbs. Many gravel bike groupsets, such as the Shimano GRX, have both 1X and 2X options.

Gravel Bike Example

A great example of a gravel bike is the Yoeleo G21. This is the current bike I am racing on and using. It’s incredibly lightweight, has 40c tires, disc brakes, low-range gearing, flared bars, and is very durable. 

This bike is ideal for adventure, but being carbon fiber, for me, it offers a performance edge, ideal for long-distance multi-terrain racing. If you want to find out more, I have done a video and article all about it, which you will find below. 

Are Gravel Bikes Good For Bikepacking?

Gravel bikes for bikepacking are the ideal solution for either road bikepacking or gravel bikepacking. Here’s why I would probably never use anything else. 

Gravel Bikes Are Comfortable

Gravel bikes are incredibly comfortable to ride. With the larger tires and relaxed geometry, you can sit on the bike all day riding, and it isn’t going to feel as harsh as a road bike with aggressive geometry. 

One of the big keys to bikepacking is staying comfortable, and being on a bike with a relaxed geometry is a big part of that. When I used to bikepack on an aggressive road bike, I found I would suffer from back pain a lot. Gravel bikes help me avoid this.

Incredible Durability

Next, we have durability, and when bikepacking, having a bike that can not only take some hits but also carry heavy loads comfortably is a big advantage. I would only worry about overloading a gravel bike if you’re taking the kitchen sink and a washing machine.

Durability is also very important if you are going on multiple terrains. Bikes like road bikes are not meant for trails, and the last thing you want is to be on a short section of a rough cycle path and end up bending a rim or snapping a chainstay.

They Climb Hills Excellently

Gravel bikes come with low-range groupsets. This could be a 1X system with a small chainring at the front and a monster cassette on the rear. It could be a 2X system with tiny chainrings and a medium cassette.

When bikepacking, you get leg tired, and I have lost count of the times I thought to myself, I wish I had just one more gear. With gravel bikes, because they have a low range, it does really help on steep climbs with tired legs. 

Top Braking Power

Gravel bikes come with disc brakes, and these are amazing when it comes to stopping. Not only do they make it so much easier on your hands, but also, when carrying heavy loads, it helps you stop faster and can dissipate heat much better.

If you can, the better way to go on a gravel bike is hydraulic brakes, even for bikepacking. You can use mechanical, but they are nowhere near as good, in my opinion, and take much more maintenance. 

They’re Cheap

Gravel bikes are incredible value for money. It’s interesting that you can get so much for so little money when you buy a gravel bike. For under $500, you can get a great bike that will take you bikepacking and be a solid workhorse.

There’s much less choice for less than $500 if you want a bikepacking road or mountain bike. I always tell friends and clients that if you want a bike that can do a lot for little money, get a gravel bike! They’re amazing!

A Final Note Gravel Bikes For Bikepacking

I personally think for road and mixed terrain bikepacking, gravel bikes are the perfect tool. They are excellent bikepacking machines, and as an all-round bike, they’re perfect! Should you get a gravel bike for bikepacking…. 100%. 

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