The 28 best gravel brands
Shimano, Specialized and RockBros lead our ranking of 28 gravel brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Gravel brands, ranked
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1
Shimano
GRX groupsets and derailleurs lead the gravel market, with SLX and 105 options at more accessible price points.
Top products: GRX RD-RX812· SLX SM-RT70· 105 CS-R7101
Website: shimano.com |Brands like Shimano
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Specialized
Complete adventure bikes and tyres from Specialized suit tarmac-to-trail riding, backed by a large dealer network.
Top products: Tracer Gravel
Website: specialized.com |Brands like Specialized
Popularity 3.0/10
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3
RockBros
Budget frame bags and handlebar bags with waterproof fabric, aimed at riders carrying kit on gravel and touring rides.
Top products: Front Handlebar Bag· Bike Frame Bag
Website: rockbros.pro |Brands like RockBros
Popularity 2.7/10
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4
Race Face
Canadian mountain bike cranks, wheels and cockpit parts, built more for trail and enduro riding than gravel.
Website: raceface.com |Brands like Race Face
Popularity 2.6/10
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5
Campagnolo
Italian groupsets and carbon wheels, with Ekar options aimed at gravel riders wanting a premium drivetrain.
Website: campagnolo.com |Brands like Campagnolo
Popularity 2.5/10
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6
Maxxis
Rambler and Re-Fuse gravel tyres, with puncture protection and dual-compound rubber for loose or mixed surfaces.
Top products: Aspen ST· Reaver
Website: maxxis.com |Brands like Maxxis
Popularity 2.5/10
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7
Ritchey
Californian-designed WCS bars and posts, with carbon options for riders wanting a stiffer, lighter cockpit.
Top products: WCS Carbon Fiber Setback Seatpost
Website: us.ritcheylogic.com |Brands like Ritchey
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
Origin8
ORIGIN 8 is a manufacturer of the best quality, low-cost cycling components. They continue to create parts for the main groups of road, mountain, and gravel bikes and accessories that enhance the usefulness of your bike, whether you're riding one of the major disciplines or want to get more out of your rides. With the end-user in mind, they design and develop their components in-house. They don't simply make components that look excellent; they make parts that perform above and beyond your expectations. Because they have done it before, they know what works best.
Website: origin8.bike |Brands like Origin8
Popularity 2.2/10
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9
Vittoria
Folding tubeless tyres from an Italian maker, with the Terreno range popular for mixed gravel and dry-surface riding.
Top products: Terreno Zero· Terreno T60
Website: vittoria.com |Brands like Vittoria
Popularity 2.0/10
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10
Easton
Easton builds sporting equipment, with baseball bats and cycling parts among its main products. Its bats come in aluminum and composite versions for different levels of play. Bike components such as handlebars and seat posts are made for road and...
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Suntour
Taiwanese derailleurs, shifters and suspension forks, often fitted as affordable original equipment on mid-range bikes.
Website: srsuntour.com |Brands like Suntour
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
Selle Italia
Saddles with a long Italian pedigree, the X3 gravel and road saddle suits riders wanting a lightweight shape.
Top products: X3
Website: selleitalia.com |Brands like Selle Italia
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
crankbrothers
Clip-in pedals with a hybrid platform option, the Candy line is aimed at gravel and trail riders.
Top products: Candy
Website: crankbrothers.com |Brands like crankbrothers
Popularity 1.8/10
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14
Cannondale
Topstone frames and complete gravel bikes, with aluminium and carbon builds sitting across mid to premium price levels.
Top products: Topstone Disc SE
Website: cannondale.com |Brands like Cannondale
Popularity 1.4/10
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15
Sapim
Hand-pounded steel spokes made in the Netherlands, prized by wheelbuilders for consistent strength and tension.
Website: sapim.be |Brands like Sapim
Popularity 1.4/10
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16
Kool-Stop
Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
Website: koolstop.com |Brands like Kool-Stop
Popularity 1.4/10
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17
Giant
Giant is the place to go if you love the thrill and adventure of bike riding! Giant is a leader in making professional bicycles widely used in racing and triathlons. They sell Road and Mountain bikes made for riding on...
Top products: CONTACT Aerolight
Website: giant-bicycles.com |Brands like Giant
Popularity 1.3/10
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18
Sun Race
Sunrace is a significant competitor in the bike industry worldwide and is also one of the world's leading bicycle manufacturers. It was established in 1972 in Taiwan and initially only provided entry-level products to North and South America. The business...
Website: sunrace.com |Brands like Sun Race
Popularity 1.3/10
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19
Rotor
Rotor makes bike components, most notably disc brake rotors and hydraulic brake parts. The Spanish brand supplies cycling parts for road, mountain and gravel bikes. Its products are made to meet strict performance standards for everyday riding and racing.
Website: rotoramerica.com |Brands like Rotor
Popularity 1.3/10
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20
Trek
Trek comes from Waterloo, Wisconsin, and builds mountain bikes, road bikes, and other bicycles. Its cycling clothing includes mountain bike jerseys and full cycling kits for riders who want matching gear on the trail. The brand is recognized for its...
Website: trekbikes.com |Brands like Trek
Popularity 1.2/10
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21
Brooks England
Brooks develops and manufactures premium quality leather products. Since its inception more than a hundred fifty years ago, the company has offered intricate and fine craftsmanship and genuine leather products. From timeless saddles to chic and rugged-looking bags, Brooks offers...
Website: brooksengland.com |Brands like Brooks England
Popularity 1.0/10
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22
absoluteBlack
absoluteBlack makes oval and narrow-wide chainrings for cyclists who want a different pedal stroke. The chainrings are made from selected aluminum alloy. Oval rings change the pedal stroke compared with round chainrings.
Website: absoluteblack.cc |Brands like absoluteBlack
Popularity 1.0/10
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23
Cinelli
From Italy, Cinelli makes bicycles, bike parts, handlebar tape and cycling caps with a racing background. The brand's road and track bikes were designed for professional racers, and that heritage still shapes its frames and components. Its handlebar tape and...
Popularity 1.0/10
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24
GT
GT Bicycles is a top maker of top-quality bicycles for beginners and avid riders. They provide bikes for every rider in various materials, including titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. GT believes that no detail is too little for having fun...
Website: gtbicycles.com |Brands like GT
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Oval Concepts
Cycling is a loved activity around the globe, and maintaining the cycle can cause a headache if the required parts are unavailable. Oval Concepts is among the leading companies that offer aftermarket products ranging from handlebars to seat posts. They...
Website: ovalconcepts.com |Brands like Oval Concepts
Popularity 0.9/10
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26
TIME
We consider cycling as one of the alternatives to burning fuel which helps conserve the natural balance of gases in the atmosphere. Cycles are significant vehicles, so they need to be perfect in design and technicality. Time Bicycles has been...
Website: timebicycles.com |Brands like TIME
Popularity 0.9/10
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27
Serfas
Ray and Domino decided to bring Serfas to life more than 20 years ago. Serfas is a general bicycle accessories company. The general outlook of the company is to make more people take up on the eco-friendly means of transport...
Website: serfas.com |Brands like Serfas
Popularity 0.8/10
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28
MKS
MKS makes cycling pedals and other bicycle parts in Japan through cold and hot forging, cutting, heat treatment and assembly. The company's pedal line includes the Seahorse and Aero bell models. Its website includes a question and answer section that...
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano | shimano.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| Specialized | specialized.com | – | – | – | – |
| RockBros | rockbros.pro | – | – | – | – |
| Race Face | raceface.com | /RacefacePerformance | raceface | @raceface604 | Race Face MTB |
| Campagnolo | campagnolo.com | /CampagnoloOfficial | campagnolosrl | @campagnolosrl | CampagnoloSrl |
| Maxxis | maxxis.com | /maxxis | maxxistires | @maxxistires | MaxxisTiresUSA |
| Ritchey | us.ritcheylogic.com | /RitcheyInternational | ritcheylogic | @RitcheyLogic | RitcheyDesign |
| Origin8 | origin8.bike | /origin8cycling | origin8cycling | @origin8cycling | Origin8 Cycling |
| Vittoria | vittoria.com | – | – | – | – |
Gravel Buying Guide
Gravel is an essential landscaping material that can help you transform your property. It can be used for driveways, walkways, patios, garden beds, and more. However, buying gravel can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. In this buying guide, we will discuss different types of gravel, their uses, and factors to consider when buying gravel.
Types of Gravel
Gravel comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors. The most common types of gravel include:
- Crushed stone: This is the most popular type of gravel. It is made from crushed limestone, granite, or trap rock. Crushed stone comes in different sizes, from small pea gravel to large stones. It is ideal for use in driveways, walkways, and as a base for patios and retaining walls.
- Pea gravel: This type of gravel is small and round. It is often used for pathways, playgrounds, and as a decorative feature in gardens. However, it is not recommended for use in driveways and heavy traffic areas as it does not compact well.
- River rock: This type of gravel is smooth and round. It is commonly used in dry creek beds, around ponds, and as a decorative feature in gardens. River rock comes in different sizes, from small pebbles to large stones.
- Decomposed granite: This type of gravel is finely crushed and compactible. It is ideal for use in pathways, patios, and as a base for outdoor kitchens and fireplace hearths.
Uses of Gravel
Gravel can be used for different landscaping purposes, including:
- Driveways: Gravel is an excellent material for driveways as it is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. Crushed stone is the preferred gravel type for driveways.
- Walkways: Gravel is a popular choice for walkways as it provides excellent traction and is easy to install. Pea gravel and decomposed granite are commonly used for walkways.
- Patios: Gravel is an affordable alternative to concrete and pavers for patios. Decomposed granite and crushed stone are ideal for patios.
- Garden beds: Gravel can be used to improve drainage in garden beds. River rock and pea gravel are common materials for garden beds.
- Decorative features: Gravel can be used as a decorative feature in gardens, around ponds, and in dry creek beds. River rock and pea gravel are ideal for decorative purposes.
Factors to Consider When Buying Gravel
Before buying gravel, there are several factors you need to consider, including:
- Size and type of project: The size and type of project will determine the type and amount of gravel you need. If you're working on a large project like a driveway, you'll need more gravel than for a smaller project like a garden bed.
- Type of soil: The type of soil in your area will determine the type of gravel you need. If you have sandy soil, you'll need a denser gravel type like crushed stone to prevent it from sinking. If you have clay soil, you'll need a gravel type that provides good drainage.
- Climate: The climate in your area will affect the durability of the gravel you choose. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, like heavy rainfall or snow, you'll need a gravel type that is durable and can withstand the elements.
- Budget: Gravel comes in different price ranges. You need to choose a gravel type that fits your budget.
- Aesthetics: Gravel comes in different colors and shapes. You need to choose a gravel type that complements the style and colors of your property.
How Much Gravel Do You Need?
Calculating how much gravel you need for your project can be a bit challenging. However, with these simple steps, you can determine the amount of gravel you need:
- Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with gravel.
- Multiply the length and width measurements to determine the area's square footage.
- Decide how thick you want the layer of gravel to be. The recommended thickness for driveways is 4 inches, while for walkways and patios, the suggested thickness is 2 inches.
- Multiply the area's square footage by the thickness you want. The resulting number will be the cubic feet of gravel you need.
- Divide the cubic feet by 27 to determine the number of cubic yards of gravel you need.
Tips for Buying Gravel
When buying gravel, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Buy more than you need: It's always a good idea to buy more gravel than you need. This will ensure that you have enough material to complete your project and make it easier to match the color and size of the gravel in case you need more later.
- Ask about transportation and delivery: If you're buying a large amount of gravel, you need to ask how the material will be transported and delivered to your property. You may need to rent a truck or have the gravel delivered by the supplier.
- Check for quality: Before buying the gravel, ensure that it is of good quality. You can do this by inspecting the material for consistency, color, shape, and size.
- Ask for help: If you're not sure what type of gravel you need for your project, don't be afraid to ask for help from the supplier or a landscaping professional.
Conclusion
Gravel is an excellent material for landscaping projects. It's affordable, easy to maintain, and provides a natural look to your property. When buying gravel, consider the type and amount of material you need, the type of soil in your area, climate, budget, and aesthetics. Use the tips outlined in this guide to ensure that you get the best quality gravel for your project.
