Top Gravel Bike Brands That Dominate the Trails

Gravel biking has surged in popularity, offering cyclists the versatility to explore both paved roads and rugged trails. With this rise, numerous brands have emerged, each boasting unique designs and features tailored for gravel enthusiasts. From big names in the industry to smaller boutique companies, the options for gravel bikes are vast and varied. To help you navigate this diverse landscape, we've compiled a list of the top brands renowned for their innovation and performance in gravel biking below.

Illustration of gravel bikes

Best brands of gravel bikes in 2025

Specialized

Specialized is a leading brand in the gravel bike market, known for its high-performance and versatile gravel bikes. Their Diverge model, for instance, is designed for all-day rides over rough roads, trails, and thick gravel, combining speed and traction for mixed surface performance. The gravel bike market, which includes brands like Specialized, has seen significant growth, with the 700c segment experiencing a 15% growth in the past year due to advancements in technology and materials. Specialized's gravel bikes cater to various needs, from gravel racing to bikepacking and bicycle touring. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a dominant force in the market.

Trek

Trek is a leading brand in the bicycle industry, particularly notable for its dominance in the gravel bike market. In 2023, Trek's road bikes, including their gravel offerings, remained highly popular, with the brand narrowly beating out Specialized in road bike sales. The gravel bike category has seen significant growth, with the 700c segment experiencing a 15% increase in the past year, driven by advancements in technology and materials. Trek's acquisition of Electra Bicycle Company in 2021 further solidified its position in the market, providing access to essential business support and resources. With a projected CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030 in the global gravel road bike market, Trek is well-positioned to continue its success. For more insights on the best-selling bikes of 2023, visit The Pro's Closet Blog.

Canyon

Canyon Bicycles is a leading manufacturer in the gravel bike market, renowned for its innovative and high-performance bicycles. In 2023, Canyon witnessed a remarkable 23% year-on-year increase in sales, emphasizing its robust growth trajectory despite industry challenges. The brand's athletes achieved significant victories, including 12 gold medals at the UCI World Championship events, showcasing the excellence of bikes like the Aeroad, Speedmax, and Lux World Cup models. Canyon's dedication to pioneering innovation and its direct-to-consumer business model are pivotal factors in its success. Moreover, the company stands as a significant contender in the carbon gravel bike market, which is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2031. For further insights into Canyon's business performance and achievements in 2023, visit their media center.

Giant

Giant Bicycles is a leading producer of gravel bikes, known for their high-performance and versatile designs. The company is part of the competitive landscape in the global Carbon Gravel Bike Market, which is projected to reach USD 691.2 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2029. Giant Bicycles, along with other major players like Canyon Bicycles and Trek Bikes, contributes to the market's growth driven by increasing outdoor recreational activities and the rising popularity of gravel riding. Their bikes are designed for comfort and stability, featuring longer wheelbases and lower bottom bracket heights, making them ideal for all-day riding on various terrains. The brand's commitment to innovative designs and quality has solidified its position in the market.

Cannondale

Cannondale is a renowned brand in the cycling industry, particularly notable for its innovative and high-performance gravel bikes. The brand has been a leader in using advanced materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, and its SystemIntegration design philosophy ensures a coherent and efficient bike system. In 2023, the gravel bike market, which includes brands like Cannondale, saw significant growth, with the global market size reaching USD 519.2 million and a projected CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030. Cannondale's gravel bikes, such as those with 700c wheels, have seen impressive growth, driven by their versatility and advancements in technology. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality makes it a favorite among gravel bike enthusiasts. For more details, check out an expert guide to Cannondale's road bikes.

Scott

Scott is a prominent brand in the gravel bike market, known for its high-performance and versatile bicycles. The Scott Addict Gravel 10, for instance, is praised for its superb handling on and off-road, making it a top choice for cyclists seeking a balance between road and gravel riding. This model, part of a vast range that includes options from PS2,299 to PS5,799, features a consistent frame construction across different models, with variations in components and paint jobs. The Addict Gravel series is recognized for its agility, smooth ride, and lightweight design, making it a favorite among gravel biking enthusiasts. With its robust cycling culture and significant participation in cycling events, Scott's gravel bikes are particularly popular in regions like North America and Europe.

BMC

BMC is a leading manufacturer in the gravel bike market, known for its innovative and performance-driven designs. The BMC Kaius, for instance, is a gravel bike that draws inspiration from the Teammachine SLR road bike, offering exceptional speed and efficiency on gravel terrains. With a frame weight of 910g for a 56cm frame and a max tire clearance of 700c x 44mm, BMC's gravel bikes are tailored for both performance and versatility. The company's designs, such as the Kaius and URS, have garnered significant attention for their unique geometry and features, contributing to the global gravel bike market's growth, which is expected to see a CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030.

Salsa

Salsa Cycles is renowned as one of the pioneers and leading producers of gravel bikes, having been at the forefront of the gravel cycling boom. Their models, such as the Journeyer and Cutthroat, offer versatility, comfort, and performance, with features like generous tyre clearance up to 50 mm and advanced vibration reduction systems. The Journeyer, Salsa's most affordable gravel bike, starts at $1,030 and is available in 18 different build kits, catering to a wide range of riders. The global gravel road bike market, which includes Salsa's offerings, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting the increasing popularity of gravel biking. Salsa's commitment to innovation and quality has made their bikes a favorite among gravel enthusiasts. For an in-depth review, check out the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C Gravel Bike Review.

Cervélo

Cervelo is a leading brand in the gravel bike market, known for its innovative and high-performance bicycles. The Cervelo Aspero, for instance, is a top choice for gravel riders, boasting a lightweight frame of about 1100g and the versatility to run both 700c and 650b wheels. This model features Cervelo's Trail Mixer fork, which adjusts the effective trail to ensure optimal handling regardless of the wheel size. Cervelo's commitment to stiffness and aerodynamics, as seen in their unique tube shapes and BBright bottom bracket, enhances the riding experience. The brand's market influence is significant, with major manufacturers like Cervelo holding a substantial market share in the global gravel bikes market.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is renowned as one of the top producers of gravel bikes, with a significant presence in the market. The brand has seen notable shifts in its sales, particularly with the decline of 27.5" mountain bikes, while their gravel and e-bike categories have experienced growth. For instance, the gravel road bike market, which includes brands like Santa Cruz, was valued at USD 519.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030. Santa Cruz's innovative products, such as the 2024 Santa Cruz Heckler SL eMTB, showcase their commitment to advanced technology and performance. The brand's attention to detail and quality have made it a favorite among cyclists. Learn more about Santa Cruz's innovative bike offerings.