road.cc Recommends Bikes of the Year 2025/26: the best gravel and adventure bikes

It’s time to unclip, take a deep breath, and reveal the very best gravel and adventure bikes that we’ve reviewed over the past 12 months.

Each year we put hundreds and hundreds of bikes, components, accessories, and items of clothing through the wringer, and only a select few earn a place in road.cc Recommends, our shrine to the best cycling stuff around. We’ve now gone back and hand-picked the absolute standouts for our annual awards.

Every gravel and adventure bike below has been fully reviewed by road.cc or our dirt-loving friends over at off.road.cc during 2025. No review bike? No party. Them’s the rules. If a brand didn’t send us a particular model for review, it simply can’t make the list. We’re not recommending anything we’ve not thoroughly ridden and rated.

A model doesn’t need to have been launched in 2025 to be eligible here. Existing bikes are entirely welcome. If a bike was on sale at any point in the past 12 months, it’s up for consideration.

We judge everything on merit, with price firmly in the mix. A budget bike won’t come dripping with the same level of components as boutique options, but if it offers high value for money, we recognise that. Likewise, an expensive bike has to justify its price. Value matters at every level.

While gravel prices are often higher than those of budget road bikes, our line-up this year spans a surprisingly wide range, starting at £1,650. Most are £2,500 or below.

Something else to note is that our top 10 shows just how diverse the gravel universe has become. Want a featherweight racer? Sorted. Something ready to lug half your worldly possessions across a continent? Also here. Electric assistance? Not a problem. Whatever your style, there’s a bike with your name on it.

One last housekeeping note: all prices quoted here were correct when we published our reviews. In some cases, that was a few months ago. They may have altered since, but we’ve stuck with the original figures because they’re what we based our comments and scores on.

Right then. Shoes tightened. Snacks squirrelled away. Let’s get cracking.

10. Genesis Croix De Fer 30 £2,299.99

The Genesis Croix De Fer 30 isn’t here to set KOMs, but it is highly capable, tough enough to handle all kinds of abuse, and hugely versatile. It’s a great bike.

Built from trusty Reynolds 725 steel, the Croix De Fer isn’t the lightest bike out there, but it’s a lot of fun and feels reassuringly planted. On descents, especially the loose gravelly sort, its heft becomes a strength.

Handling is relaxed without ever feeling lazy. That 71-degree head angle and 50mm fork offset give a calm, neutral front end, whether you’re noodling along bridleways, grinding up chalky climbs or bouncing over tree roots. The 45mm Maxxis Rambler tyres help, but it’s the steel frame’s composure that invites you to take questionable lines, just to see what happens.

Comfort is a highlight. The semi-upright position, steel flex and general vibe of the Croix de Fer encourage you out on long rides, even if you only intended going for a quick blast. Just upgrade the bar tape unless for something plusher, suggested our man Stu Kerton.

Swap in some road-friendly tyres and the Croix De Fer transforms into a smooth, willing commuter or tourer. The Shimano GRX 10-speed groupset performs well, the wheels stand up to abuse, and the frame and fork bristle with mounts for racks and bags.

As a do-everything, go-anywhere companion, the Croix De Fer 30 is a cracking N+1 candidate that delivers character, capability and a whole lot of fun.

Why it’s here Versatile and capable adventure gravel machine that’s still nimble enough for some fun
Read the review

9. Canyon Grizl CF 7 £2,500

Canyon released its second-generation Grizl platform last year, and this Grizl CF 7 is part of the Grizl OG (or Original Graveller) line, designed to be “the Swiss Army knife of gravel bikes, now even more versatile than before”, as opposed to the Grizl Escape, which is aimed more at multi-day, long-distance bikepacking.

Canyon hasn’t ripped up the rulebook, but the tweaks are smart. A slacker 71-degree head angle, longer wheelbase and room for 54mm tyres mean the Grizl CF 7 rolls along rough trails with the confidence of a bike that knows it’s built tough. The raised top tube and expanded the front frame triangle, making more space for frame bags and bottles, and the magnetic FidLock mounts for securing Canyon’s Load FidLock MidLoader bag are a clever touch.

The spec is solid for the money: full-carbon frame and fork, mechanical Shimano GRX 12-speed groupset and a famously comfy S15 VCLS leaf-spring seatpost. Aluminium components elsewhere add weight, though, and at 9.95kg without pedals, the Grizl isn’t pretending to be a racer. But load it up with bottles and bags and it barrels on with surprising calm.

On the trail, the wide, flared bars and 45mm Schwalbe G-One RX Performance tyres deliver the grip and composure that make technical descents feel easy. Straightline speed isn’t bad, but the Grizl CF 7 really scores when it comes to comfort and stability, giving you the confidence to explore that horrible washed-out path just to see what’s down there.

If you want a tough, versatile companion for big days out, the Grizl CF 7 is an absolute joy, and it offers a lot of value too.

Why it’s here An adventure-focused gravel bike with enough speed to satisfy even the most ardent of drop-bar gravel-racing aficionados
Read the review

8. Merida Silex 400 £1,650

The Merida Silex 400 is another of those bikes that’s difficult to categorise, combining mountain bike geometry with drop bars and space for 45mm tyres (47mm up front). It’s one of the aluminium models in Merida’s gravel and adventure range, but it’s also an all-road machine, commuter, light tourer, winter trainer… It’s versatile, then. With a 2x Shimano GRX drivetrain, lots of mounts, and handling that flatters rather than flusters, it’s a bike that roadies can adopt easily.

Yes, the geometry numbers look strange if you’re coming from a traditional gravel bike or an endurance road bike. The head tube and fork are tall and the reach is long, but the Silex settles into a calm, confident rhythm on the road, steering smoothly and cornering with the sort of composure that makes fast descents feel relaxed. Off-road, that stability comes into its own: loose gravel, chalk, hardpack, even singletrack – the Silex just shrugs and asks what’s next.

Fit some slick 38mm tyres and it cruises happily on tarmac; bolt on bags and it morphs into a light tourer; add winter tyres and it becomes a reliable commuter. However you run it, the Silex 400 feels punchy when you dig in despite not being featherweight, helped by a stiff frame that also copes admirably with luggage.

The latest Silex frame offers internal routing and a sensible threaded bottom bracket, plus lots of mounts (although there’s no option for a rear rack). Value is solid, the spec is reliable, and the ride is impressive.

All in all, the Silex 400 is a brilliantly capable all-rounder that’s easy to recommend.

Why it’s here Very capable machine blending mountain bike geometry with drop bars and a rigid setup, an all-road bike on steroids!
Read the review

7. Merida Mission 9000 £5,000

The Merida Mission 9000 sits in that grey area between gravel race bike and fast endurance road machine – and it’s all the better for it. Billed as a gravel racer/all-road bike, the Mission harks back to the early days of gravel with a focus on speed but with tyre widths that make it capable of riding mixed terrain, while keeping the frame sleek and aero.

From the moment you see it, the Mission’s intentions are clear. Deep-section Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels, an integrated one-piece cockpit and plenty of aero shaping make it look more like it’s heading for a road race rather than a bikepacking adventure. Swing a leg over, though, and those gravel credentials quickly become apparent. Clearance for tyres up to 40mm wide is modest by today’s gravel standards, but a stable but sharp geometry and a durable CF4 carbon frame give it mixed-terrain capability without dulling the ride.

On the road, the Mission 9000 feels lively and urgent, helped by a relatively low stack, long reach and a stiff bottom bracket area and lower half of the frame. It’s fast, responsive and confidence-inspiring on descents – very much a road rider’s gravel bike. Fit chunky tyres and head off-piste, and the Mission remains planted and talkative, delivering loads of feedback and control on loose surfaces while encouraging you to push harder than you probably should.

The 1x SRAM Force XPLR AXS groupset, power meter included, offers a gear range that’s wide enough for both riding fast and tackling steep gravel climbs, while the Zipp wheels and Goodyear XPLR Slick tyres strike an excellent balance between speed and durability. Add thoughtful touches like in-frame storage, UDH compatibility and mudguard mounts, and the Mission 9000 is a genuinely versatile gravel race bike.

If you want gravel credentials without sacrificing road-bike pace and feel, the Merida Mission 9000 is fast, focused and ridiculously fun.

Why it’s here A road racer’s gravel machine – versatile, fun and extremely capable
Read the review

6. Orbea Denna M20i e-gravel bike £7,299

Orbea’s Denna M20i is an awesome gravel bike with an intuitive, powerful, efficient, responsive and impressively smooth motor system.

The Shimano EP8 motor, which Orbea has tuned using its own Rider Synergy firmware, is the star of the show, delivering a maximum of 85 Nm of torque. UK law limits it to a ‘continuous’ 250 watts of power, but it can push out up to 350 watts for short bursts. It’s smooth, it’s intuitive, and it sips battery power frugally. Range anxiety? Forget it.

You get two ride modes straight out of the box, Gravel and Gravel+, and both deliver usable, natural-feeling power. Reviewer Stu Kerton found the standard Gravel setting spot on: subtle in Eco, punchy in Boost, and customisable via Shimano’s app if you fancy tinkering. The 420Wh battery cheerfully churned out big miles, and charging costs little more than rummaging down the back of the sofa.

The frame is pure Orbea: high-modulus carbon, clean lines, and a high-quality finish. Handling is quick and responsive, and Stu found this bike to be properly chuckable. Although it tips the scales north of 13kg, the Denna never feels like a lump thanks to the motor.

Equipment levels are solid too: a Shimano Di2 mash-up drivetrain, quality Oquo wheels, and a flared Easton EC90 AX carbon handlebar. The stock Vittoria Terreno Dry Gravel G2.0 TLR tyres are good for dry conditions, but choose something toothier for deep and loose gravel.

Aside from some wire rattling inside the frame, the Denna M20i is an absolute belter – fast on tarmac, confident on dirt, and fun everywhere in between. This is among the best all-around gravel e-bikes out there.

Why it’s here An incredibly responsive motor system paired with a high-performance gravel bike
Read the review

5. Pearson On & On Race £6,100

Into the top 5 and we have Pearson’s On & On Race – the kind of gravel bike that makes you want to get a shift on, even if you’re just planning a morning loop to the café and back. In a market where many gravel bikes are steadily morphing into drop-bar mountain bikes, the On & On Race swims confidently against the tide. With 45mm tyre clearance, racy geometry and a frameset that prioritises stiffness and speed, it feels a lot like a beefed-up road bike.

The On & On Race is properly fast on road and hard-packed gravel. The sub-8.5kg weight and impressively stiff bottom bracket give it a snappy, efficient feel, and out-of-the-saddle efforts are met with the eagerness of an endurance road bike. Point it downhill and it’s stable and composed, sweeping through bends without drama. Hauling on the anchors does little to unsettle it when things tighten up.

The handling remains direct and confidence-inspiring on loose surfaces, and the light weight makes it flickable enough for more technical trails. On the stock 40mm tyres, it’s an excellent all-road machine, but slot in something closer to the full 45mm that the frameset allows and it really comes alive on rougher ground. The wide-range 1x gearing helps too, taking the pain out of tougher climbs.

Ride comfort hasn’t been forgotten. There’s enough compliance in the frame to take the sting out of chatter, while still delivering plenty of feedback when you’re riding hard. Add in a well-chosen build kit and sensible pricing, and the On & On Race shapes up as a compelling option for anyone who wants their gravel bike fast, focused and fun.

Why it’s here Sweet handling gravel racer with loads of feedback and versatility.
Read the review

4. Vielo V+1 Race Edition SRAM Force XPLR AXS £5,999

The Vielo V+1 Race Edition doesn’t just live up to its name – it sprints straight past it, laughing as it goes. With its feathery weight and sleek silhouette, this is the sort of bike that makes you feel fast before you’ve even clipped in. The moment you do, though, the real magic happens…

Stamp on the pedals and the V+1 leaps forward, the super-stiff 1x-optimised frame turning every watt straight into speed. Yet Vielo hasn’t gone over the top here; the geometry is race-focused but not uncomfortable, and there’s enough compliance not to be harsh.

Point it at tracks and trails and the V+1’s handling hits a sweet spot: quick but not twitchy; stable but not sluggish. It responds beautifully to body adjustment and tweaks to the handlebar, allowing you to carve your way through tricky turns at speed, and it’ll shrug off muddy sketchiness with confidence as long as you have the right tyres fitted. Even on high-speed hardpack descents, the V+1 stays composed, controllable and reassuringly chuckable.

What really impresses, though, is how the Race Edition balances all this enthusiasm with long-ride comfort. Reviewer Stu Kerton said that even five-hour slogs didn’t leave him feeling too beat up. Despite its stiffness, the frame has just enough give to smooth out chatter without dulling the fun.

Stu said that the Vielo V+1 Race Edition blew his mind every time I rode it, “thanks to its balance of rider involvement, ease of control, planted feeling and general fun factor”. Fast, flickable and confidence-inspiring, this is an incredibly capable machine.

Why it’s here Race bike performance with the versatility of an adventure machine
Read the review

3. Curtis Bikes G.O.A.T. frameset £2,200

Curtis Bikes has been quietly brazing away in a small Somerset workshop since 1972, but its new G.O.A.T. gravel bike  – ‘Great Over All Terrain’ – is anything but shy. With big tyre clearance and geometry far removed from most road bike-based gravel bikes, the G.O.A.T. feels like a frame built by people who think gravel riding should be fun above all else. And they’re right.

Dismiss any preconceptions about sluggish steel: this thing is lively. The blend of Reynolds 853 and Columbus tubing gives it that classic springy feel, but with a surprising punch when you stamp on the pedals. Every frame is brazed by company founder Brian Curtis himself, who was brazing Yamaha motocross frames before most gravel riders were born. That heritage shows. The finish is immaculate, especially in the smoked clear coat that flaunts every neat fillet and logo-stamped detail.

The off-the-shelf geometry (custom geometry is available too) features a long wheelbase, steep seat angle and a calm 70-degree head angle to create a bike that’s both playful and planted. On wet, root-strewn tracks, it flicks and hops with enthusiasm. On fast descents, it settles down and barrels ahead with confidence. And on tarmac? It’s surprisingly happy to cruise along.

The ride quality is superb – firm, but with a distinctive ‘steel feel’ that deadens any high-frequency buzz to smooth things out – and Curtis tailors it to your size and weight. Add clearance for 50mm tyres (or 2.1in on 29in wheels), external routing, and custom options galore, and the G.O.A.T. becomes an attractive long-term companion.

It isn’t cheap, but offering UK craftsmanship and big-smile handling, the G.O.A.T. is a very impressive all-rounder.

Why it’s here A versatile and practical handmade frame that is fun to ride
Read the review 

2. Genesis Vagabond 20 £2,300

Our runner-up is the Genesis Vagabond 20, a bike that can’t be pinned down by conventional categories. Part gravel bike and part mountain bike, we reckon it’s best described as a drop-bar adventure bike built for riding off the beaten track.

Okay, that’s a bit of a mouthful, but the Vagabond 20 is ready to tackle rough tracks, back lanes, and multi-day expeditions without complaint. Load it up with bags, bottles, and whatever else you need, and just get rolling.

The frame is made from double-butted Mjolnir chromoly steel with a matching cromo fork, offering mounts for racks and mudguards and internal routing for a dynamo hub and a dropper seatpost. Genesis has thought of everything.

The medium-sized bike that reviewer Matthew Page rode weighed in at 13.6kg – noticeable on climbs but hardly a dealbreaker when comfort and versatility are key. Wide Maxxis Ikon tyres absorb chatter and make long days in the saddle surprisingly smooth, while the tall, relaxed riding position encourages seated pedalling and keeps you comfortable during big rides.

The SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed drivetrain does its job well, though shifting can feel clunky and gear jumps are sometimes large. The wide drop bar offers multiple hand positions, and the powerful hydraulic brakes prove their worth on steep descents. Matthew found that handling took a little getting used to, with a distinct difference between low-speed and high-speed descending, but once you have that dialled, the Vagabond provides confidence on rough terrain.

At £2,300, the Genesis Vagabond 20 is a steal. This isn’t a bike for racing, it’s for exploration. It’s great for day rides or adventures on technical terrain, but it truly excels on multi-terrain rides covering long distances, especially when most of your route is over unpaved roads or rough back lanes. If your idea of fun involves big rides off the beaten path, carrying all your essentials and ending up with a big smile on your face, the Vagabond might be your perfect companion.

Why it’s here Capable and ready for whatever adventure you throw at it
Read the review

Whyte Verro £1,800

If your goal is to have fun, take on the occasional adventure, and ride a bike that feels confident across a wide range of terrain, the Whyte Verro is the best gravel option you can get at this price, and that’s why it tops our list.

Built around a 6061-T6 aluminium alloy frame and fork, the Verro excels on mixed-terrain rides, linking forest roads, bridleways, rougher byways, and the odd rock-strewn section. The “Total Geometry” borrowed from Whyte’s mountain bikes gives the Verro a calm, confidence-inspiring feel on descents, while remaining steady and direct uphill, climbing without the need to consciously load the front wheel.

If you have an accessory that fixes with bolts, chances are that it will fit, and the mounting points are neatly integrated. For example, the top tube bolts are positioned to allow the use of a 600ml Fidlock bottle, freeing up the frame’s main triangle for whatever else you want to carry.

In terms of spec, the SRAM Apex Eagle drivetrain – a 42-tooth chainring and 10-52-tooth cassette – gives the Verro a huge gear range, while the 50mm Maxxis Ravager tyres roll fast on durable WTB ST i30 rims, with the widely spaced shoulder knobs adding grip.

The Trans-X dropper seatpost might split opinion, but reviewer Matthew Page found that it boosted confidence on steeper descents. His only real wish list item? A suspension fork, to make the most of the Verro’s potential on rough tracks, although Whyte is right not to spec one as standard, because not every rider would benefit.

The Verro excels as an adaptable, go-anywhere gravel bike. Mountain bikers will feel at home right away, while general riders will enjoy a capable bike that lets you go where you want, carry what you need, and ride with a smile. For versatility, confidence, and that sheer grin factor, it can’t be beat under £2,000.

Why it wins Great value, and a good all-round option with confident handling
Read the review