Gravel Bikes vs. Road Bikes: What's the Difference?

What Is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is designed to be used on mixed terrain, both pavement and gravel. They are a versatile choice because of their more comfortable geometry, wider tires, and ability to customize with different accessories for commuting, bikepacking, or extended rides.

Features of Gravel Bikes

• Geometry: Compared to road bikes, gravel bikes offer a more relaxed geometry, creating a more upright riding position for comfort, stability, and control.

• Speed: Gravel bikes are slightly slower than road bikes on pavement because of the rider's position and tire setup.

• Tire Width: Gravel bikes are designed to accommodate wider tires, typically between 35mm and 50mm. This extra width provides better shock absorption, traction, and stability on loose or uneven terrain.

• Mounts: There are usually a variety of different mounts on a gravel bike including racks, fenders, and water bottle holders to easily carry gear for daily commutes or multi-day bikepacking trips.

• Drivetrain (Gears): Most gravel bikes offer a simple, durable 1x drivetrain.

Considerations of Choosing a Gravel Bike

• Slower on Pavement: Gravel bikes do perform well on pavement, but they are typically not as fast as traditional road bikes.

• Technical Terrain: They are not designed to handle technical trails with large rocks, roots, and steep descents as well as traditional mountain bikes.

• Weight: Because of their tires and added features, gravel bikes are typically heavier than road bikes.

Featured Expert Advice: How to Choose a Gravel Bike

What is a Road Bike?

A road bike is a lightweight bicycle designed specifically for speed and efficiency on pavement. This type of bike is excellent for fitness, long-distances, and road racing because of its narrow tires, lightweight frames, and aerodynamic positioning.

Features of Road Bikes

• Geometry: There are typically two main geometries for road bikes: endurance and race. Endurance provides a more upright position for comfort and stability, while race geometry is designed for maximum aerodynamics and speed.

• Tire Width: Unlike gravel bikes, road bikes feature narrow tires that are designed to reduce rolling resistance to maximize speed on pavement.

• Handlebars: These bikes feature drop handlebars, allowing riders to switch between multiple hand positions.

• Frame Material: Made for either aluminum or carbon fiber, road bikes are built from incredibly lightweight materials.

• Drivetrain (Gears): There is a range of drivetrain options available from beginner to advanced riders depending on goals and level. Beginner bikes feature smooth, simple gearing, while advanced models use highly responsive, lightweight setups built for racing.

Considerations of Choosing a Road Bike

• Terrain Limitations: Road bikes are built for smooth pavement as they don't provide the stability needed to take on dirt paths, crushed gravel, or other varied terrains.

• Comfort: The forward-leaning position can put more strain on the rider and be less comfortable for long rides.

Featured Expert Advice: How to Choose a Road Bike | Best Road Bikes

What's the Difference between Gravel and Road Bikes?

Each type of bike, gravel and road, is designed for its intended terrain and riding style. Our Bike Experts highlight the main differences between the two along with a few frequently asked questions from our customers.

Gravel Bikes vs. Road Bikes Chart

Frequently Asked Questions about Gravel & Road Bikes

Whether you're chasing speed on smooth pavement or exploring backroads and gravel paths, choosing the right bike comes down to how and where you plan to ride. Road bikes are built for efficiency, speed, and performance on pavement, while gravel bikes offer versatility, comfort, and confidence across a wider range of terrain. If you're still deciding which bike is right for you, stop by your local SCHEELS and talk with one of our Bike Experts.