While cyclocross bikes have much in common with gravel bikes, they’re more aggressive and built for short, intense races. Gravel bikes NZ, on the other hand, are designed for long, leisurely rides and is much more versatile.
With ample tyre clearance, mounts for racks and cages, and comfortable geometry, gravel bikes are suited to all adventures. Here are just a few reasons why we love them.
They’re easy to ride.
Whether you’re planning to tackle your first 100-miler, race a gravel event or ride on an epic multi-day journey across roads, dirt and gravel, the new Giant Revolt Advanced Pro is the versatile bike for you. Designed to excel in these fast-growing and viral events, Revolt delivers lightweight efficiency, smooth compliance and adaptability to get you through.
Often called ‘mullet bikes’, gravel bikes combine the classic road geometry of endurance and mountain bikes with burlier tyres to handle rough terrain. These larger tyres allow you to ride with excellent traction and comfort while the frame is more robust than a traditional road bike for increased durability. Gravel bikes are also typically equipped with drop bars, giving riders a more comfortable and stable position over longer distances. They’re also often made from steel to enhance the frame’s ability to accept racks and carry luggage for light touring adventures or commutes.
This versatility drives the popularity of gravel bikes, both in NZ and around the world. Gravel is ideal for New Zealand’s rugged heartland and remote scenery, which has led to a surge of cycling enthusiasts keen to explore the region on these versatile bikes.
As a result, there’s now a wealth of gravel riding events and rides to choose from, each offering a unique flavour of the country. The options are endless, from the famous Kopiko route to the inland Lake Dunstan trail.
Despite their wide-ranging capabilities, gravel bikes are easy to ride and can be ridden by riders of all levels. Cyclists can easily swap between road and cyclocross gearing, while more experienced riders will find themselves comfortable on our range of premium gravel bikes. Unlike a cyclocross bike, which UCI regulations limit to tyres with a maximum width of 33mm, gravel bikes NZ can accommodate much wider tyres for enhanced comfort and performance.
They’re versatile
With wider tyre clearance and relaxed geometry, gravel bikes are built to take you on adventures. They can tackle anything from chunky cobbles to rough dirt roads and bridleways. They’re excellent for exploring your local area or bike-packing across distant wilderness trails.
While not as capable on challenging off-road terrain as a mountain bike, gravel bikes do the trick. They are also a perfect choice for New Zealand’s spectacular Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, which runs between the snow-capped mountains of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the coastal town of Oamaru. The trail is a mix of loose slate, packed gravel and some short sections on sealed roads. The gravel bikes we tested handled the varied terrain quickly and efficiently, especially those with rigid frames or at least fixed rear ends.
Some gravel bikes are also designed to be durable and comfortable for long distances. The Jamis Gradient, for example, has a carbon frame and fork that delivers a sublime balance of stiffness and comfort. With room for a wide tyre and a dropper post, the Gradient can be fitted with mudguards or racks to become a workhorse commuter, a winter training bike or a touring companion for week-long rides.
The J. Guillem Atalaya Gravel is another premium gravel bike with a stunning build and design. The Atalaya is an enticing option for those who want to explore what’s around them or even backpack far beyond their urban boundaries. With room for oversized tyres and a comfortable riding position, the Atalaya can easily handle a range of surfaces, from rough bridleways to forest tracks and gravel roads. With mounts for a rack and cages, the Atalaya can also carry all the gear you’ll need on a multi-day expedition.
They’re fun
The new breed of gravel bikes NZ is a biker’s dream. With a mix of road and mountain bike components, these machines allow riders to conquer almost any terrain or surface. Whether you’re looking to tackle a gravel race or ride in your local community, these bikes are the perfect solution. With disc brakes and larger tyres, they can handle the rougher surfaces joint in rural areas. Plus, they are comfortable enough to ride all day.