That's a pretty decent budget for a pretty decent bike. There won't be dropper posts, extra levers, or suspension, but you can get a lightweight speedster with good components. Although, as is often the case with bikes, there are some minor hiccups that are easy to miss. If you're wondering which gravel bike under 8,000 is best, you need to know what to look for when buying. There's no point in creating a specific list here—the market is changing too quickly. However, I guarantee that with the knowledge you'll find below, you won't go wrong.
Frames without major changes
As in lower price ranges, the aluminum frame + carbon fork setup reigns supreme. It's a stiff, lightweight setup, especially since manufacturers in this price range are pushing the limits of aluminum. A carbon fork also absorbs vibrations. It's a good setup, and the bike can easily weigh less than 10 kg. If you're looking for comfort, I recommend adding a carbon seatpost after purchase. Pay attention to the tires your frame can accommodate. 42c is the minimum, but the option of pushing 45c will definitely be noticeable. If you're looking for a used bike with this budget, a gravel bike under 8000 PLN may already have a carbon frame. In this case, it's important to carefully inspect it for cracks and damage.
Gravel bikes come in a variety of geometries. If you're interested in sporty riding, look for shorter ones with a slacker head angle. For long-distance riding, however, slightly more slack bikes with a higher head tube are better, providing more comfort.
How about a gravel bike for under 8,000 PLN? With good components!
The foundation here is the Shimano GRX . But not all GRXs are created equal. Many bikes have a lower, ten-speed version of the RX400. I recommend looking for those with eleven-speed RX600 and RX800 components, which not only have one more gear but also perform much better. This applies to both the drivetrain and the brakes. You can also find versions without a front derailleur, which I highly recommend. The simplicity of a single-chainring drivetrain is wonderful, plus it saves weight and reduces the risk of failure. Unless, of course, you want to use your gravel bike as a group training bike, in which case two chainrings will be useful.
Gravel bikes up to 8,000 PLN often have a SRAM Apex 1x11 drivetrain. This is a good alternative. Gear shifts are precise and crisp, and the system works well in all conditions. SRAM brakes have also been improving in recent years, and in terms of modulation, they're not far behind Shimano's. However, bleeding is more fiddly (and therefore more expensive). The American company's cassettes and chains also cost more, although they can easily be replaced with components from other companies.
Pay attention to the details
Manufacturers sometimes like to skimp on less visible components. For example, bikes with SRAM components sometimes have Shimano disc brakes. This won't work well and is practically a replacement. Therefore, it's always worth checking if all the components are included – very often they aren't. Because, well, it will work somehow. But that's probably not the point of an eight-brake bike. It would be nice if the components you pay for could be used 100%. Among the noteworthy features, a significant advantage is the ability to install a tubeless system. It's perfect for gravel riding – greater comfort, less chance of a flat tire, and you can shave several hundred grams off the weight.
A gravel bike under 8,000 PLN can be a bike you'll enjoy for years to come, so it's worth taking your time choosing one, or even waiting for a bargain. And if you're ready to spend a little more on something extraordinary, we recommend our steel gravel bike. It's a custom-made bike that we'll build to your exact specifications. Regardless of your choice, I guarantee gravel riding is a ton of fun. After all, that's what a bike is for, even if it's just your commute!
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