If you live life on two wheels, but the thought of ripping backcountry gaps is a bit too extreme, then you’re the perfect candidate for a road/gravel bike. With endurance road geometry and generous tire clearance, these machines are built for versatility. If you’re looking for help picking the best road/gravel bike, these four bikes are durable enough to be taken off-road and comfortable enough to cruise for miles.
Giant Defy
The Giant Defy is built for comfortable, all-day endurance rides, and the carbon fiber D-Fuse technology takes the sting out of rough patches. Its hydraulic disc brakes allow for improved braking performance, even in wet weather. The steep 72.5° head angle will help keep you in control.
Ibis Hakka
When it comes to versatility, few bikes can compete with the Ibis Hakka MX. It features a drop handlebar and versatile geometry, so this bike easily handles tarmac, XC, and gravel. Its 1000g carbon fiber gives precise handling, but the added stiffness could lead to chatter on more intense rides.
Santa Cruz Stigmata
With spacious 45mm tire clearance, the Santa Cruz Stigmata offers a stable, forgiving ride. With a solid blend of vertical compliance and lateral stiffness, this bike gives the rider a pristine sense of handling. And you won’t have to compromise on speed. This well-balanced, high-performance bike provides an offroad feel, but also blends in with the pack for club rides.
Orbea Terra
The Orbea Terra is a blend of speed and maneuverability with handling that responds well on gravel descents. This bike is built with geometry that was engineered specifically for gravel to maximize your off-road comfort, stability, and agility. The Terra also features a hidden storage compartment built into the downtube where you can stash snacks, tools, or any other small items that you may need while out riding.
Consult Our Experts
Everybody’s preferences are unique. The only way to find out which bike is right for you is to experience it firsthand. If you know what types of terrain you will be riding on most frequently, or even if you only have an idea of what your riding goals are, the bike experts at Base Camp can help with picking the best road/gravel bike. We have locations in Denver and Castle Rock, and we are always excited to talk shop. You can also browse our online inventory to find the road/gravel bike that suits your