Gravel bikes give you more freedom over where you can ride during your commute. Whether you want to take the most direct road to work or follow a forest track away from all the traffic, one of these bikes can handle just about every part of the journey.

Also known as adventure bikes, gravel bikes combine the drop handlebars and efficient riding position of a road bike with wider tyres, strong disc brakes, and stable handling for rougher ground. These elements come together to form a bike that feels both fast on tarmac and steady on loose surfaces, while also being comfortable across longer distances.

Better still, Cyclescheme allows you to choose a gravel bike and eligible cycling accessories from more than 2,600 retailers across the UK. You can then spread the cost through tax-efficient salary sacrifice payments, with no upfront payment or credit check, and save up to 47% on your new gravel bike with the Cycle to Work Scheme.

So whether you’re new to cycling or already planning your next adventure, read on to learn more about gravel bikes and discover how Cyclescheme can help you find a gravel bike that fits your commute and budget.

What are gravel bikes?

A gravel bike is a versatile drop-bar bike designed for roads, tracks, towpaths, and light trails. Gravel bikes borrow the speed and riding position of road bikes while adding wider tyre clearance, stable geometry, and powerful disc brakes.

Most gravel bikes also include mounting points for useful equipment such as mudguards, bottle cages, frame bags, and pannier racks. These features make gravel bikes practical for daily commuting, long-distance riding, bikepacking, and weekend exploring.

The more relaxed riding position can also feel comfortable across longer journeys. Wider tyres absorb vibrations from cracked roads, potholes, and loose ground, helping you stay steady and in control when the surface changes.

Combined, these features make gravel bikes incredibly flexible and especially useful for cyclists who want to ride on routes with varied and changing surfaces.

Are gravel bikes good for commuting?

Gravel bikes make for strong and reliable commuter bikes because you don’t have to plan every journey around perfect tarmac or specific riding surfaces. The wider tyres can cope better with road damage, while the disc brakes deliver dependable stopping power even in wet or muddy conditions.

As mentioned, many gravel bikes also accept full-length mudguards, racks, and bags, giving you space to carry work clothes, a laptop, and other everyday essentials. This means you can use a gravel bike to not only arrive at work reliably on any route that works for you, but also with everything you need for the workday ahead.

Gravel bikes vs road bikes

Whether you choose a gravel bike or a road bike depends entirely on your route. A fast roadside commute may suit a road bike, but mixed routes, rough roads, and unpaved trails can make a gravel bike the stronger all-round choice.

This is because gravel bikes give you more comfort and grip across mixed surfaces and route choices. Meanwhile, road bikes work best for speed on smooth tarmac, which means they are more suited to reliably flat and straightforward commutes.

Beyond this, a gravel bike usually has wider tyres, lower gearing, and a more stable riding position than a traditional road bike. These features can help when you meet potholes, steep climbs, loose tracks, or poor weather. So again, a gravel bike is the wiser choice if your commute will include surfaces beyond smooth paving, flat roads, and unbroken tarmac.

Choosing the best gravel bike for you

The best gravel bikes for you depends not only on your route and your riding style, but also on your cycling plans beyond the commute. To choose your ideal gravel bike, look out for the following specs:

• Tyre clearance: Wider tyres add grip and comfort on loose or broken surfaces
• Gearing: Lower gears can make hills, luggage, and longer rides easier
• Mounting points: Choose frame mounts if you want mudguards, panniers, or bikepacking bags
• Brakes: Disc brakes provide controlled stopping power in changing conditions
• Frame fit: The correct size and riding position can improve comfort and confidence

Ultimately, the best thing to do is go into a bike shop in person, look at gravel bikes for yourself, test one if you’re able to, and choose one that has everything you’ll need for your specific commute.

With Cyclescheme, one of our many partner retailers can help you compare the best gravel bikes for your needs and choose a suitable size.

Which gravel bike frame is best?

Gravel bikes come in several frame materials:

• Aluminium gravel bikes provide a practical balance of strength, weight, and price
• Carbon models can reduce weight and absorb some trail vibration
• Steel frames have a reputation for durability and a smooth ride
• Titanium gravel bikes combine corrosion resistance, strength, and long-term comfort

The rising price of a gravel bike reflects these specialist materials, as well as the manufacturing process. Overall, your ideal frame will depend on your budget, the weight you want, and how you plan to use your adventure bike on your commute and beyond.

Are gravel bikes suitable for men and women?

The terms men’s gravel bikes and women’s gravel bikes may appear in product searches, but frame size and fit matter more than a gender label.

Your height, reach, flexibility, and preferred riding position can all affect which gravel bike feels right. For example, some riders prefer a shorter reach, narrower handlebars, or a different saddle. Fortunately, many components can be adjusted or changed to suit the feel and positioning that works for you.

A professional bike fitting or an in-store sizing session can help you find a comfortable setup for commuting and longer adventures. Regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, you’ll be able to find a gravel bike that works for you with a little research (and maybe a little tinkering too).

Save on a gravel bike with Cyclescheme

Taking the gravel bikes Cycle to Work Scheme route can help you access a suitable bike without paying the full price upfront.

With Cyclescheme, you choose a gravel bike and eligible accessories from more than 2,600 participating retailers. Your employer reviews the application and, once approved, you repay the package through salary sacrifice payments rather than paying the entire cost up front.

Not only does this make new gravel bikes more affordable, but you can save up to 47% on a new bike and cycling accessories through Cyclescheme too. This is because payments come from your gross salary before Income Tax and National Insurance deductions, which can reduce the overall cost. But of course, your exact savings depend on factors such as your tax band, your salary, and your chosen package.

If you want to estimate your potential savings before you apply, use the Cyclescheme calculator to calculate how much you can expect to save in advance.