Gravel bikes explained: what they can do – and why they are so popular

The most important points at a glance

Gravel bikes are versatile bicycles that combine the typical characteristics of road bikes and mountain bikes.
Thanks to their knobby tyres, comfortable geometry and robust equipment, they are suitable for asphalt as well as gravel and forest trails.
There are different types of gravel bikes – for touring, bikepacking, cycling holidays, racing or commuting to work.
This means they appeal to a wide target group – athletes, touring enthusiasts, everyday cyclists and cycle tourists.
You can also lease gravel bikes through providers such as Lease a Bike – and thus enjoy the same tax and service benefits as with other bicycles.

Asphalt, gravel, forest trails – if you don't want to commit to one type of terrain, a gravel bike is the way to go. This versatile all-rounder combines the speed of a road bike with the robustness of a mountain bike, making it very much on trend. More and more people are looking for a bike that can handle their daily commute to work as well as weekend adventures off-road. Even ambitious road cyclists are increasingly riding on gravel so they can train undisturbed, away from traffic.

But what exactly is a gravel bike? How does it differ from a road bike? And how can you use it without breaking the bank? This article provides answers – and also shows you how attractive gravel bike leasing can be.

What is a gravel bike?

But let's start at the beginning: as mentioned above, a gravel bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Originally from the USA, it was developed for long rides on unpaved roads – known as ‘gravel roads’. Today, the concept has also established itself in Europe: as a sporty but comfortable bike for a wide variety of surfaces.

Typical features of a gravel bike are the slightly elongated, road bike-like frame, wide tread tyres, a comfortable but still road bike-like seating position and robust equipment that can handle gravel, forest paths or cobblestones.

The key feature: unlike a road bike, a gravel bike is not primarily designed for speed. Instead, it is all about versatility and control. Compared to a road bike, a gravel bike is lighter than a trekking bike, more agile than a mountain bike – and significantly more suitable for off-road use than a classic road bike. This makes it the perfect choice for many cyclists who are looking for a sporty bike that is also suitable for everyday use.

Gravel bike vs. road bike: here are the differences

Gravel bike

Area of use: Asphalt, gravel, forest trails, easy terrain
Frame geometry: Comfortable, upright, stable
Tyre width: 35–50 mm, treaded
Riding comfort: High, even on uneven surfaces
Handlebar shape: Mostly road bike handlebars with flare (flared lower handlebars)
Gear ratio: Wide range, also suitable for steep climbs
Load capacity/luggage options: Eyelets for luggage racks, suitable for bikepacking
Weight: Somewhat heavier (frame & tyres)
Versatility: Very high – also suitable for everyday use and travelling
Maintenance & load: Robust, designed for changing conditions

Road bike

Area of use: Asphalt, cycle paths, race tracks
Frame geometry: Sporty, stretched, aerodynamic
Tyre width: 25–32 mm, smooth
Riding comfort: Low, designed for smooth roads
Handlebar shape: Classic road bike handlebars
Gear ratio: Closely spaced for high cadence on the road
Load capacity/luggage options: None or minimal luggage options
Weight: Light, designed for maximum efficiency
Versatility: Low – primarily for sporty rides on asphalt
Maintenance & stress: More sensitive to heavy loads or dirt

These types of gravel bikes and areas of use are available

All-round gravel bike

The classic all-round gravel bike is the most versatile option – ideal for commuting, weekend tours and sporty rides. It combines balanced geometry with moderate tyre width (around 38–45 mm). Perfect for anyone looking for a “one bike for everything”.

Adventure gravel bike

This variant is built for rougher terrain: with greater tyre clearance, sometimes with suspension forks or suspension seat posts, often with numerous attachment options for luggage. An adventure gravel bike is the right choice for demanding tours, poor roads or multi-day off-road excursions.

Bikepacking gravel bike

Specially designed for multi-day tours with light luggage. It offers mounting options for frame bags, handlebar bags and saddle bags, but mostly deliberately dispenses with classic luggage racks. The geometry is comfortable, with a focus on reliability and versatility.

Randonneur (long-distance gravel cyclist)

A randonneur is the long-distance version of a gravel bike: with a relaxed riding position, mudguards and luggage rack. The ideal bike for longer cycling trips. It is also a comfortable choice for everyday use or as a commuter bike.

Race gravel bike

Lightweight, stiff, direct – the race gravel bike is designed for sporty riders who want to pick up speed. It is closer in design to a road bike, with a more aggressive riding position, carbon components, low weight and narrower but still profiled tyres. Ideal for fast gravel rides.

Endurance road bike

Not a classic gravel bike, but a popular hybrid: endurance road bikes offer a more comfortable geometry than classic racers and can often be fitted with lightly treaded tyres. They are suitable for long rides on varying road surfaces, mainly asphalt.

woman and man on gravel bikes in mountains

E-gravel bike: Off-road with electric assistance

All gravel bike types are also available as electric versions. The e-gravel bike combines the versatility of a classic gravel bike with the support of an electric motor, making it ideal for longer tours, challenging routes or altitude differences. Thanks to the integrated drive system, even steep climbs can be mastered effortlessly, significantly extending your range. The sporty geometry remains unchanged, with the additional weight compensated for by the motor assistance. The ideal solution for anyone who wants extra power on the road.

Where will I mainly be driving?

Consider whether you will mainly be riding on asphalt, gravel, forest paths or off-road. If you do a lot of mixed riding, choose an all-rounder. If you focus on touring or bikepacking, an adventure or touring bike is recommended.

What distance do I regularly travel?

For short commutes, a simple setup with mudguards is sufficient. If you regularly cycle more than 50 kilometres, you should pay attention to comfort, seating position and gear ratio – an endurance model or randonneur may be a good choice here.

How athletic am I when I'm out and about?

Do you want to pick up speed, race or train? Then a race gravel bike is probably the better choice. For more relaxed, versatile riding, comfort-oriented models with wider tyres and luggage options are more suitable.

Do I want to transport luggage?

If you want to use bags for touring, bikepacking or commuting, you should look for mounting options for luggage racks or frame bags. Not every gravel bike has eyelets or the necessary frame stability.

E-gravel bike or not?

If you want to cover longer distances, climb more hills or simply want a little more support, it's worth taking a look at e-gravel bikes. They offer additional range and comfort – especially for touring or older users.

What is the available budget?

Depending on their features, gravel bikes cost between €1,000 and €10,000 – electric models are generally more expensive than organic bikes. Leasing (see next section) can be an attractive alternative to buying outright: no large one-off payment, but with predictable monthly instalments and tax savings.

The right size

A gravel bike must be suited to your height, leg length and desired riding style. An incorrect frame size can quickly lead to tension or loss of control – this is particularly noticeable when riding off-road. Have yourself measured at a specialist shop or use an online size calculator. Also pay attention to handlebar width, stem length and saddle height – especially on longer rides, a well-fitting setup is crucial for comfort and riding enjoyment.

Lease a gravel bike with Lease a Bike: the smart alternative

A leasing model with a provider such as Lease a Bike offers numerous advantages for both employees and companies:

Up to 40% cheaper than buying: salary conversion saves you income tax and social security contributions – particularly worthwhile for high-quality gravel and e-gravel bikes.
No large one-off payment: instead of paying several thousand pounds at once, you make predictable monthly instalments – without any financial pressure.
Comprehensive cover included: inspections, repairs and theft protection can be included in the leasing package – for carefree riding at no extra cost.
Large selection of brands: Whether you're looking for a sporty race gravel bike or a comfortable e-gravel bike, at Lease a Bike you'll find models from top brands such as ROSE, Cannondale, Giant and Stevens.
Simple processing: Your company signs a leasing agreement – you select your desired bike online and start riding. Fast, digital and uncomplicated.
Flexible options at the end of the contract: After 36 months, you decide: purchase the bike if you wish and if possible, lease a new one or simply return it – whatever suits your needs.

Ready to break new ground?

Then it's time for the gravel bike

Our overview shows that gravel bikes combine speed, off-road capability and everyday practicality like no other bike. They are the answer to the desire for more freedom on two wheels – whether for commuting to work, a gravel ride after work or multi-day tours through the countryside. The great thing is that with different model variants – from sporty race gravel bikes to e-gravel bikes – everyone can find the right bike for their individual needs.

The whole thing is made even more attractive by bike leasing through Lease a Bike: you get access to high-quality brand-name bikes, benefit from tax savings and ride away worry-free with integrated all-round protection – without a high initial investment. So if you want to be flexible, sustainable and smart on the road, you should take a closer look at the leasing model. So why wait? Your next adventure begins on two wheels – maybe as early as tomorrow.