This is the second season our gravel bike has been available as a permanent part of our product range. Over the past two years, gravel bikes (the term probably didn't catch on) have become a permanent fixture in bike shops and on the streets. We've written about why this is so many times. Suffice it to say, they offer exceptional versatility and a combination of high dynamics and comfort. It's an endurance road bike with trekking tires. And you can even mount racks. Which gravel bike should you choose to maximize the bike's advantages?
Gravel for everything
Gravel bikes are often associated with SUVs, or at least their underlying assumptions. A versatile bike, perhaps not the best in everything, but offering a very satisfying compromise. And like SUVs, gravel bikes seem to have gained the most popularity in cities. Due to the deluge of models and frequent questions, we decided to compile a short list of the most searched gravel bikes online and compare them to ours. The bikes come from various manufacturers and range in price. Interestingly, four of the items on this list (besides ours) are from Polish manufacturers, and they're popular not only in Poland. That's encouraging. Of course, it's difficult to be objective here—after all, we're comparing the competition with a bike we designed and assembled ourselves. However, we'll try to be fair and, above all, present the advantages of the gravel bikes in question. Remember, often one bike isn't simply "better" than another, but simply better suited for different purposes. And to be clear, this isn't a gravel ranking, but rather subjective opinions on popular models.
Kross Esker
First up, the most popular brand in our market. Kross has come a long way from producing bikes sold at Auchan to international success. This is largely due to effective marketing efforts and an efficient sales network. The contract with Maja Włoszczowska and their success in the MTB industry likely played a significant role. The huge price range and quality differences mean these bikes have received mixed reviews. It's no surprise, then, that the Kross gravel bike comes in several variants. Currently (July 2020), the Kross Esker costs between PLN 3,499 and PLN 5,999, depending on the version, and appears in every gravel bike ranking. So, for the gravel bike market, we're looking at a budget-friendly option at its cheapest, and a mid-range option at its most expensive. The entry-level Kross Esker 2.0 weighs 12 kg, which is less than our bike. However, it's made entirely of aluminum, so ride comfort will be significantly lower compared to a steel frame and carbon fork. The Shimano Sora groupset is also worth mentioning. At this price point, it's definitely above-average equipment. Unfortunately, this forced cost savings – the Tektro mechanical brakes aren't an effective solution, and they're paired with third-party disc brakes. Kross also doesn't disclose the manufacturer of the bike's brackets.
A little higher
The 4.0 model costs 1000 PLN more, offering better Tiagra hubs, rims, and components. The biggest difference, however, is the steel frame and fork. This also adds 2 kg (including the lighter components!). The frame doesn't even have a tapered headtube, which is odd, if not laughable, in 2020.
The Esker 6.0 looks decent; it's a shame someone put a fake steering wheel and door handles on it. Photo from the manufacturer's website.The Kross Esker 6.0, the top-of-the-line version, has an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. The weight returns to the base model at 10 kg. For PLN 5,999, you also get a full Shimano GRX groupset with hydraulic brakes and DT Swiss R500 rims. For the price, it's a very good deal – probably the best value for money in the 2022 gravel category. The weight is likely due to the frame – Kross isn't known for its aluminum manufacturing finesse, although third-party brackets probably add their weight. By the way, if you'd like to read about different drivetrains, we've written a separate post describing the most popular gravel components from Shimano and Sram . The Esker's geometry is a bit more relaxed than ours, mainly due to the tall head tube. It's hard for us to compete with such prices, but we don't compromise on component quality, especially the frame. It's a win-win situation.
Romet Gravel - the cheapest brand gravel bike 2022
The Romet brand is primarily known for its affordable bikes. Not necessarily good ones, but unbeatable price-wise. Although the manufacturer is trying to expand its offerings to include mid-range offerings, it still retains the same quality as its predecessor. It offers five gravel bikes, and despite its gritty nature (if you'd modified a few Romets at a repair shop, you'd be averse to this brand too), I must admit that the cheapest one intrigued me. The Romet Aspre 1 costs 2999 PLN, making it very affordable. Surprisingly, for this price, you get an aluminum frame and carbon fork, and decent Mach rims. The hubs, brakes, and discs are entry-level Shimano models, and the components are Claris. Overall, none of the components are a mystery or a source of surprise, unlike the cheapest Kross. The 2x8 drivetrain isn't as bad as it's made out to be, or at least it has cheap chains. The Claris itself is a bit rubbery and dull, but it works reliably, so I don't consider it a drawback, especially at this price. If I were ranking gravel bikes, it would definitely deserve a place of honor for its well-balanced components at a low price.
A surprisingly well-thought-out offering for such a low budget. Photo from the manufacturer's website.There has to be a catch, right? Of course there is. The Romet Aspre 1 weighs 10.9 kg. It's not a huge number, and then there's the "legendary" build quality of Romets. Nevertheless, a big plus is the balanced selection of parts. At this price, the Romet Aspre 1 seems unrivaled. Incidentally, Romet doesn't disclose the geometry of its bikes, but at first glance, it's similar to Kross – a high head tube and a wide wheelbase, but nothing too extreme.
Which Romet gravel bike is better?
The Romet Aspre 2 is a bit odd. It's essentially a Romet 1 with a full Shimano GRX groupset thrown in. So, we have a heavy, budget bike with cheap components and, without good reason, a mid-range/high-end componentry crammed in. And yet, it costs 4,500 PLN. The two-model lineup, consisting of the Romet Boreas 1 and Romet Boreas 2, is slightly lighter and features a 1x11 Sram drivetrain. The latter weighs in at 10 kg and is equipped with hydraulic brakes and a full Sram Apex groupset. Admittedly, at this price, it's a pretty good deal. For many, this is the answer to the question of which gravel bike to choose as a beginner.
Gravel Romet NYK, or a bit more sensible
The top-of-the-line Romet NYK boasts a carbon frame and thru-axles. It's worth noting the DT system wheels and a set of Fizik brackets. Finally, something sensible. The components are Sram Apex, so it's a bit of a contrast to the Aspre 2 – for a carbon frame, it's a bit underpowered. At 8,499 PLN, this is understandable. It's actually the only Romet gravel bike we can consider our direct competition. At this price, however, we can offer you a bike of your choice, which will be a bit heavier (steel vs. carbon), but more comfortable. And we'll choose better components. It's worth noting that our 2022 gravel bike also has a slightly more relaxed geometry and is better suited for expeditions.
Fuji Jari
This American manufacturer (despite the name) has enjoyed the trust of riders for years. They offer excellent quality frames and excellent design, sensibly assembled bikes, and... average prices. Plus, there's the quite decent in-house brand Oval, which provides most of the brackets, and sometimes wheels and cranks as well. You won't find these bikes in every store, but their presence speaks volumes about the seller's experience and commitment to quality. However, as the first model we've reviewed will demonstrate, they don't always get it right. The entry-level gravel bike, the Fuji Jari 2.5, costs 3740 PLN and is steel. Unfortunately, the design of this bike is untenable. It weighs over 13 kg (using double-butted Reynolds tubing!), but that's not the biggest problem. The problem is the drivetrain. Not to mention the brandless square-cut crankset on a bike costing almost 4000 PLN. But why is an Altus rear derailleur connected to Claris shifters? Hello? That's an MTB derailleur (let's say), with a different number of gears and a different chainring! Manufacturers have been mixing incompatible components for ages, and it usually works, but surely there are limits? After years of building reputations thanks to very well-configured bikes, this proposition is a major disappointment. Despite this, it makes it to almost every gravel ranking.
Which Fuji gravel bike is better?
Fuji's most expensive aluminum gravel bike, the Jari 1.3, costs 6,800 PLN. For that price, you get a great aluminum frame with a carbon fork and thru-axles. This is definitely its main advantage over previous offerings. It also features a 1x11 Sram Apex drivetrain, unfortunately with mechanical brakes. And worse still, they're still from Tektro. These are notorious for their noise and low efficiency (we know this well, as our first test models had them).
First-class appearance. Photo from the manufacturer's website.And what about the carbon? Here we've seen a significant leap in quality. The Jari Carbon 1.3 and 1.1 weigh 9.6 and 9.25 kg, respectively. The build quality is top-notch, and there are no duds like in lower-end models. The bikes are quite compact, though still a bit longer than ours. And, it must be admitted, they look good. Unfortunately, they also cost accordingly. PLN 11,500 for a bike with Rival and PLN 12,700 for an Ultegra (mechanical) are already considerable sums. Furthermore, there's no Shimano GRX model! I like this brand, but the 2022 Fuji gravel bike isn't the bargain of a lifetime.
Accent Furious - gravel bike ranking, or rather a list
This Polish brand, part of the Velo group, has been providing not only affordable components but also decent-quality bikes for several years now. The author of this article had a Peak 29 frame and was very pleased. It may not have been the prettiest, but it had excellent geometry, was relatively light, and cost a fortune. Thanks to products like these, Accent has cemented its position as a manufacturer with a good price-to-quality ratio. Although, unfortunately, it still occasionally suffers from duds. It's no wonder the Accent Furious quickly conquered the market. This year's Accent Furious looks better than its predecessor. It's clear that the paint and detailing have been improved, so the bike no longer looks like a bargain from Aliexpress. Unfortunately, the updated frame isn't the lightest, and they decided to pair it with very high-profile wheels. The result is 11.3 kg with a carbon fork and aluminum frame. Nothing special, to put it mildly. However, it does have a Sram Apex groupset with Hayes mechanical brakes and a price of 4949 PLN. It's also relatively compact. For the price, everything would be fine, except the weight...
Rondo Ruut - gravel 2022 ranking
Rondo is a domestic brand that not only revolutionized the gravel market but also discovered the potential of this segment long before the more experienced players. Their hallmark is a unique fork that allows for a radically different bike feel by adjusting the rake angle. Therefore, each Rondo Ruut gravel bike from their most popular series has two faces – sporty and expedition-oriented. Add to this the unique design and meticulous attention to detail, and you have a distinctive brand with excellent products. Every "gravel bike ranking" article includes at least one product from this brand, which is no surprise.
The Rondo Ruut is unmistakable from any other gravel bike. Photo from the manufacturer's website.The Rondo Ruut comes in many versions and configurations, with prices ranging from 6,299 for the basic aluminum model to 19,999 for a carbon bike weighing less than 8 kg. Classy! They also offer a steel frame with Tange tubes weighing around 10 kg, and we have to admit, it's impressive. And that's not all, the Rondo Ruut is also available in a titanium version! We appreciate this versatility. It's worth noting that their steel gravel bikes are priced comparable to ours. They give you variable geometry, we give you full customization. Something for everyone!
Gravel Antymateria
Our bike won't make it into any gravel bike rankings; it's too niche for that. So what do we offer? Double-butted steel tubes combined with a carbon fork, thru-axles, and a bike build to your liking. We think the Shimano GRX drivetrain works perfectly, but we'll fit whatever you dream up. You can learn more about gravel bike groups in this post. We discuss each component with the customer and advise on the optimal choice. We prefer to create a bike that's less flashy but balanced, so you won't find any confusing gears or skimping on bearings. A 2022 gravel bike must be durable, so there's no room for compromise on quality. The icing on the cake is the paint. Choose from hundreds of shades and finishes (matte, metallic, glitter, and many more), and we'll powder-coat it. Create your dream gravel bike with us! We hand-assemble our bikes in our workshop on Skolimowska Street, and we weave the wheels ourselves. What kind of gravel bike will we build for you? A perfect fit for you! Come and test it out!
Elegant steel combined with a carbon fork is the best choice in our opinion
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