Well, I've already written a few posts about budget gravel bikes, so it's time for something a little more lighthearted. Gravel bikes under 10,000 PLN don't involve such awkward maneuvering and meticulously searching for pitfalls. On the other hand, it's a significant sum, and I don't think anyone wants to accidentally spend it on something that will later irritate them. Equipment in this budget is usually decent, but bikes differ in terms of technical solutions and often their intended use. I'll try to suggest what to look for to choose the perfect bike.
Frame material
Most gravel bikes in the 8,000-10,000 PLN range are based on an aluminum frame and carbon fork. This is a versatile setup. Light and stiff, but not too stiff – your grips won't hurt as much as with an aluminum fork. However, there are other options. Several companies in this price range offer a full carbon frameset. This translates to improved comfort and, above all, a significant weight reduction. Just make sure this doesn't come at the expense of other components, such as wheels. And if you plan to ride around town year-round, remember that carbon fiber, or more specifically, resin, doesn't like road salt.
Gravel bikes up to 10,000 Cebulion can also be made of steel, like ours. Unlike the cheapest models, these bikes feature butted tubing paired with a carbon fork. This bike will be incredibly comfortable – steel absorbs vibrations like nothing else. It also looks great.
Don't forget about geometry. If you're interested in long rides, look for models with a high head tube and a slightly longer wheelbase—similar to an endurance road bike. For efficient cruising around town or the forest, something more aggressive with cyclocross roots will be better suited—lower ground clearance and fork offset ensure quick response to handlebar movements.
See also: Endurance or gravel road bike - which bike to choose?
What gravel bike for under 10,000 PLN? The key issue is the hardware.
The basic setup is a Shimano GRX groupset. But GRX and GRX are two different things. Look for versions with 600 and 800 series components. The difference is especially noticeable in the shifters, which are better profiled and easier to bleed and adjust. Another consideration is the presence of a front derailleur. In my opinion, for typical gravel riding, it's better without one. The lighter weight and simplicity are great. In the city, there's no doubt about it, and it's also suitable for sporty and recreational riding, unless you live in a particularly mountainous area. However, if you want to use your gravel bike for road training or just mountain riding, then an additional front derailleur is highly recommended.
SRAM has been relatively under-represented in this segment lately – I'm betting on the Japanese dominating distribution. The American company's quality issues, particularly leaky brakes, haven't helped either. Nevertheless, gravel bikes up to 10,000 PLN on Apex or even Rival are definitely worth considering. The build quality and the option of installing a 10-50mm cassette (after replacing the freehub) are, in my opinion, sufficient arguments, although bleeding the brakes may be more tedious and expensive.
Pay attention to the details
For example, disc brakes. Shimano GRX brakes are great, but they'll be a pain with the cheapest rotors. The RT-66 is the minimum. Make sure your stems fit. Contrary to popular belief, buying a road handlebar, stem, and re-rigging your bike can cost a few hundred. In fact, any gravel bike under 10,000 PLN should be equipped with wheels with durable cartridge bearings and thru-axles. Tubeless- ready wheels are a major advantage. I wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade – reliability, lighter wheels, greater comfort – nothing but advantages.
You may be interested in: Gravel and cyclocross - a new category or just marketing?
Gravel up to PLN 10,000 - there's plenty to choose from
Which gravel bike under 10,000 PLN is best? The one perfectly suited to your needs. You'll find boring bikes from Romet or Kross, quite reasonable offerings from premium brands, interesting innovations, and even less typical solutions from small manufacturers (that's us! that's us!). I recommend starting by testing a few models with as many different options as possible. This way, you'll learn your preferences, for example, regarding geometry or Shimano and SRAM components (they work completely differently). But what if you don't end up buying the right one? The good news is that demand is constantly growing, so you can easily resell your bike. ;)
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