Best Gravel Bikes Under $1,000 In 2023

Welcome to the realm of top-notch gravel bikes that won’t cost you a fortune. Here, I’ve cataloged the best gravel bikes for under $1000, tailored for various riding preferences.

My selections are based on in-depth research – testing them myself, pouring over user feedback, and chatting with fellow gravel riders.

TL;DR – My top pick is the Trek Domane AL 2 Rim. It’s a great entry-level gravel bike for anyone who wants a comfortable, speedy, versatile gravel bike without breaking the bank.

Read on to discover what these budget-friendly gravel bikes have in store for you and how to choose the right fit for your adventures.

Let’s ride on!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Gravel Bikes Under $1,000

Best Gravel Bikes Under $1,000 On The Market Today

I was excited to test the Trek Domane AL 2 Rim, a gravel bike that promises comfort, speed, and versatility. I took it for a spin on various terrains and conditions, and here’s what I found out.

The lightweight aluminum frame and relaxed riding geometry are great for absorbing shocks and reducing fatigue during long rides. The bike also features an IsoSpeed carbon fork, which is shaped to dampen vibrations from the road and improve steering stability.

The bike has a 16-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain, providing smooth and reliable shifting to tackle hills. The shifters are integrated into the brake levers, which makes shifting easy and intuitive.

The brakes are rim brakes, which are reliable and easy to maintain. These provide enough stopping power in dry conditions but are less effective in wet or muddy conditions.

The wheels are durable Bontrager tubeless-ready rims, which can be converted to tubeless tires for better puncture resistance. The tires are Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 28mm wide, and offer a smooth and grippy ride.

The other feature I wasn’t impressed with was the stock saddle, which is not the most comfortable, especially for longer riders. Easy enough to replace!

Overall, the Trek Domane AL 2 Rim is great for beginners or intermediate riders who want a comfortable, reliable gravel bike that can handle long distances and varied terrains.

The bike is designed for long rides and is perfect for those who want to explore the countryside or go on an adventure.

The frame has plenty of mounts for water bottles, luggage, and mudguards, making it ideal for long-distance adventures or commuting. The sleek and sturdy aluminum frame is paired with a carbon fork for comfort and vibration damping.

The bike rolls on Tubeless Ready WTB ST i23 TSC rims wrapped in Vee Rail Sport tires. These tires have a fast-rolling center tread and grippy side knobs, giving you confidence on various surfaces.

The bike also features Tektro mechanical disc brakes, which provide consistent and powerful braking in all weather conditions.

However, the bike is heavy and can take some time to get used to the weight. This might make it harder to carry or lift over obstacles or to accelerate quickly.

The bike is also not very aerodynamic, which might matter if you are looking for speed or efficiency.

I recommend this bike for gravel riders who value versatility, durability, and adventure over speed, weight, or performance.

Firstly, let’s talk about the design. The bike has a sleek, modern look that will turn heads. The frame is made of aluminum and is lightweight, ensuring the bike can withstand the challenges of rough and gravel roads. 

With its wide and supple tires, there’s more than enough grip and control when riding on dirt and rocky trails.

The bike has a 2×9 drivetrain that provides a wide range of gears for different riding conditions. The Shimano Sora shifters are easy to use and deliver smooth gear changes.

One minor drawback noted was the cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes; they might need periodic adjustments to maintain optimal performance. However, they provide adequate stopping power for various riding conditions once you get them dialed in.

The bike has a limited size range that may only fit some riders. Check the geometry chart carefully before ordering the bike to ensure it fits you well.

Given that this is the budget pick, the bike does come with a basic saddle, pedals, and grips that may not suit everyone’s preferences or needs. You may want to upgrade these parts to improve your comfort or performance on long rides or rough terrain.
If you’re looking for a bike that can handle different riding conditions and provide excellent value for money, this bike is for you.

When I first got my hands on the Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Bike, I was immediately impressed by the quality of construction. The premium aluminum frame feels durable, and the blend of Shimano components provides a reliable and smooth ride.

Exploring off-road trails was a breeze, thanks to the 700x40c tires designed to handle various terrains. The bike has a great suspension system that absorbs shocks and vibrations, making it perfect for rough terrains.

The Avid BB5 disc brakes were a standout feature, providing ample stopping power in challenging weather and trail conditions. However, I found they squeaked quite a bit, which was annoying and distracting.

One of the drawbacks of this bike is its weight. The bike weighs about 26 lbs, which is quite heavy for a gravel bike. This can make it harder to climb hills and accelerate quickly, especially on rough terrain.

Also, the lack of assembly instructions can be frustrating, and it’s essential to note that professional assembly is required to validate the bike’s warranty.

Last but not least, the Marin DSX 700C is a flat bar gravel bike that promises to be the mountain biker’s gravel bike.

The Marin DSX 700C Gravel Bike has everything you need to tackle the most challenging gravel roads and fire trails while offering a comfortable ride.

The Marin DSX 700C is built around an aluminum frame with internal cable routing, mudguard and rack mounts, and flat-mount disc brakes. The frame has a low standover height and a short reach, which makes it easy to hop on and off.

The bike comes with 700 x 45mm WTB Riddler tires, which offer a good balance of speed and grip on different surfaces. The bike also has clearance for up to 29 x 2.1″ tires, making it even more capable off-road.

The brakes are Tektro hydraulic discs, with 160mm rotors front and rear. They provide ample stopping power and modulation, even in wet or muddy conditions.

However, there are some drawbacks to the Marin DSX 700C. The bike has no suspension or damping features, so it transfers every bump and vibration to the rider. The aluminum fork is incredibly stiff and unforgiving, which can be tiring on rough terrain.

If you’re looking for a flat bar gravel bike that can take you from asphalt to off-road without breaking the bank, then the Marin DSX 700C might be a good option.

However, if you’re looking for a smoother or more aggressive ride, you might want to look elsewhere or consider some upgrades.

What To Expect In A Gravel Bike – The Jack Of All Trades

You probably wouldn’t get far if you took your cyclocross bike off-road and tried navigating rocky or uneven terrain. Indeed, you’d have an uncomfortable ride and have to push your bike on foot at certain moments.

At the same time, using your mountain bike for on-road racing events or daily commutes could lead to dismal performance. You’d never pick up the speed others achieve, and the wide tires would make turning difficult and slow.

This is where gravel bikes come in. Benefits include:

• Versatility – Tackle different terrains in different seasons with a gravel bike
• Low-gear ratios – Climb challenging hills, even with the added weight of your travel essentials onboard
• Adaptability – Easy to customize your bike, including adding tubeless tires
• Comfortable ride – Most gravel bikes feature endurance-style geometry or dimensions. It provides better stability and comfort when riding for long periods

Features To Look for in a Gravel Bike Under $1,000

Thankfully, scoring a quality gravel bike for under $1,000 is relatively easy. Knowing what to look for is half the battle. Here are some features to keep in mind:

Wheels

An excellent gravel bike gives the space allowance to fit multiple wheel sizes. For example, you should be able to change out 700c with 650b MTB tires.

This compatibility enables you to switch tires depending on the route you take on a particular day, whether on or off-road.

Brakes

Disc brakes are my top pick for gravel bikes because they offer reliable, quick stops and are safer because they rarely fail.

You’ll generally want a gravel bike with a super-efficient braking system. This will allow you to achieve your chosen speed, regardless of terrain, without worrying about a less-than-smooth stop at a moment’s notice!

Weight

Weight is critical because you don’t want to feel like you’re lugging around bricks. At the same time, a bike that’s too light may not offer the stability and force you need.

A standard gravel bike weighs 25 to 30 pounds, give or take. Remember that sturdier materials are usually heavier, so finding a bike in the middle range is a good choice.

Frame and Fork Material

The frame and the fork should be solid and shock-resistant to prevent bending and breaking.

These parts are responsible for steering and control and should also be light for easier handling. Aim for a gravel bike with high-quality steel, aluminum alloy, or carbon material construction. 

Groupset and Drivetrain

Gravel bikes require gearing systems that adapt to changing slopes and terrains.  You should make sure that the drivetrains match these specs.

1x or 2x drivetrains are a common option here, and they can shift gears quickly to allow for fast speed transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions