Differences between gravel bikes and mountain bikes

Differences between a gravel bike and a mountain bike (MTB)

For beginner cyclists, telling the difference between a gravel bike and a mountain bike (MTB) can be a bit confusing. At first glance, both share certain features: wide tires, the ability to go off-road, and a robust look. However, they are designed with very different goals and philosophies.

The gravel bikes are designed to offer balanced performance both on the road and off it, as long as the terrain is not too technical or extreme. They are perfect for those seeking versatility: they can ride on dirt roads, forest trails, and even on paved sections with no problem. Their strength lies in combining the best of road cycling with an adventurous touch.

On the other hand, mountain bikes — or MTB — are built to tackle demanding routes in nature: trails with roots, rocky descents, technical sections, and very rough terrain. They feature front suspension (or full suspension), flat handlebars, and a geometry designed to provide greater stability and control on technical descents or very rugged areas.

Although some of the more recent gravel bikes are starting to include light suspension systems and slightly wider tires, they are still less suitable for extreme mountain biking. Their design prioritizes efficiency over long distances and mixed surfaces, making them ideal for bikepacking or exploration routes where asphalt and dirt are mixed.

The gravel bikes have other strengths. They are fast. With low-tread tires inflated to about 3 kg, most gravel bikes can roll almost as fast as a road bike. Their frames are lightweight and agile, and the feel on asphalt is very similar. The drop handlebars and a geometry with a certain racing touch help in this regard.

It's a really fun feeling to fly down a trail at full speed on a gravel and, at the same time, feel grip reminiscent of a mountain bike. When it comes to competition, mountain biking is much more established than gravel racing, which is still taking its first steps. International MTB competitions exist

The most popular competitions in the world usually last between 5 and 10 hours, with routes over 300 km and 3,000 m of elevation gain. Many of the best gravel cyclists in the world, at least for now, have been—or are—WorldTour professionals: Laurens ten Dam, Thomas Dekker, Peter Stetina, Ted King... Competition aside, the popularity of gravel skyrocketed just a few years ago.

Millions of cyclists from all over the world rushed to buy bikes, but in many cases without really knowing what they were looking for. Here we present some similarities and differences between gravel bikes and mountain bikes.

Wheels and tires

• Gravel: 700c or 650b wheels with tires between 35 and 50 mm, without aggressive knobs.
  
  

• MTB: 29” or 27.5” wheels with wider tires (2.1” to 2.4”) and deep tread for maximum traction.

One of the defining features of gravel bikes is the wide tire clearance, which in many cases allows for tires up to 50 mm. This way, they can use a huge variety of tires. In fact, it’s common for elite gravel cyclists to change one set or another depending on the terrain and technical difficulty of the races. In any case, mountain bike tires play in another league compared to high-performance gravel tires. The former are designed to handle bumpy trails, roots, stones and rocks, etc. MTB tires are significantly wider (from 2.2" is usually the norm) and often use more pronounced treads for traction in mud. In addition, they are much thicker and may include sidewalls with puncture protection.

Mountain bike tires play in another league compared to high-performance gravel tires.

Although it may seem that a gravel bike with wide, knobby tires is able to tackle tight trails, it is actually much less protected against punctures than a mountain bike tire.

Gears and brakes

In reality, there are quite a few similarities between gravel bikes and mountain bikes when it comes to gears and brakes. In fact, the bikes of gravel have increasingly adopted technologies that were once exclusive territory of MTB. Single chainring drivetrains or disc brakes are two classic examples.

There are countless gear options for both gravel bikes and mountain bikes, and you can find setups that include one, two, or even three chainrings. The world of gravel is still quite divided when it comes to 1x or 2x configurations. Usually, the choice depends on where you ride. If you live on flat terrain, you probably don’t need a 2x setup with a massive cassette. But if you like to push yourself on 20% climbs, you’ll want the widest gear range possible. On mountain bikes, the 1x configuration is already a standard. Component manufacturers have been able to design a huge range of cogs in the cassette (from 10 to 50 teeth, for example), which always allows you to select the correct gear; it doesn’t matter if you’re going 8 km/h or 35 km/h. Long before road cycling decided on the issue of hydraulic disc brakes, these were already the preferred option in MTB. They offer much greater power, modulation, and durability on paths and trails. gravel bikes picked up the baton from the very beginning.

Frame Geometry

• Gravel: more stretched-out posture, inspired by road bikes, focused on efficiency and comfort over long distances.
  
  

• MTB: more relaxed and stable geometry, with a slacker head angle to improve control on descents.

At first glance (and only at first glance), gravel bikes are designed very similarly to road bikes.

The rider adopts a position on them that strikes a balance between aerodynamics and comfort: neither too upright, nor too aero. In general, gravel bikes are shorter than mountain bikes, which have slacker head angles and longer wheelbases.

MTB models are designed for technical terrain. A longer reach makes them more stable at speed, especially on rough terrain. The steeper head angle helps keep the rider’s center of gravity balanced on steep descents, while short stems and wide handlebars improve leverage and maneuverability. These flat handlebars on mountain bikes also improve grip and stability on jumps or technical terrain, where greater leverage is beneficial.

Suspensions

• Gravel: most do not have suspension, although some include micro-shock absorbers or flexible seatposts.
  
  

• MTB: features a front fork (and rear on full-suspension bikes), adapted to more demanding terrains.
  

In general, a conventional gravel bike does not have suspension, although some do include it. However, even when equipped, the travel is much shorter than that of a mountain bike. There may be gravel models with 20-30 mm, which have little in common with mountain enduro models of 140 or 170 mm.

Unlike gravel bikes, most mountain bikes on the market are divided into two categories: hardtails (or semi-hardtails, to be more precise), with suspension in the fork, and full-suspension bikes, with a shock absorber also in the center of the bike. The former are more affordable, easier to maintain, and have lighter frames, which allows good performance in cross-country mode and in races where speed and reactivity are sought.

Handlebars

One of the biggest differences between gravel bikes and mountain bikes is their handlebars.

gravel bikes usually have curved handlebars similar to road bikes, while mountain bikes use flat handlebars, or ones with a slight curve.

This significantly affects the handling of each bike, as well as the position and comfort of the rider during long hours in the saddle. At the front, gravel bikes provide a sensation very similar to that of a road bike. The rider can choose between three main hand positions: on the hoods, on the superior part, or in the drop of the handlebar. The tendency is to spend most of the time with the hands on the rubber hoods. From there, it is easy to reach the brakes and shifters.

With the hands on the tops it is much more difficult to brake or shift gears quickly. Placing the hands on the drops of the handlebar provides security and easy access to the brake levers, so it is a very common position on descents. They also offer a more aerodynamic and aggressive riding position.

Mountain bikes, on the other hand, use flat handlebars instead of drop handlebars. Depending on the model, they may have a slight curve between the grips and the center of the handlebar, unlike gravel handlebars, which look like ram's horns. In the case of MTB riders, the hand position on the handlebar is usually always the same: resting on the grips at each end of the handlebar tube. Some advanced riders have the habit of placing their hands very close of the power, to narrow the shoulders and adopt an aerodynamic position. Perhaps during a flat and not very technical section of a route this might make sense.

Ergonomics and riding position

• Gravel: more aerodynamic, designed to maintain speed over long stretches.
  
  

• MTB: more upright, prioritizing maneuverability and control.

The handlebars of gravel provide the rider with more options to adapt their position on the bike. Unlike the more aggressive position adopted by a road cyclist, the gravel bikes have a geometry more oriented towards endurance, allowing them to pedal efficiently without leaning too far forward.

There are indeed times when a more aggressive posture is required. In fact, riding while holding the lower part of the handlebars of a gravel allows for better control of the bike, although it may compromise comfort and put excessive strain on the back, neck, or arm muscles.

A common position on a gravel bike is to rest the hands on the brake hoods. Access to the brakes is immediate. However, resting the hands on the tops can provide significant relief when the rider feels tired or experiences some discomfort in the lower back area.

On the other hand, with the hands in this position, control over the bike is reduced; especially on bumpy roads, sandy trails, or loose gravel. Therefore, it is not advisable to adopt this posture off the pavement or well-packed roads. Bikers tend to adopt a very different posture on their MTB bikes, especially conditioned by the flat handlebars and the frame geometry.

The handlebars are much wider than those mounted on gravel bikes. The most common measurement for an XC mountain bike ranges between 72 and 74 cm, while handlebars on gravel bikes usually range between 40 and 46 cm, with 44 cm being the most common. As a result, on a mountain bike you pedal with your elbows much more open.

Bikers tend to adopt a very different posture on their MTB bikes, especially conditioned by the flat handlebars and the frame geometry.

This type of handlebars has its advantages, but they also penalize when maneuvering: the longer they are, the slower the steering becomes. In addition, they are less aerodynamically efficient. In fact, there is a type of competition gravel bike specifically focused on speed.

Mountain bikes place the rider in a relaxed and upright position, which is best for cornering and controlling the bike more safely. However, on winding trails with vegetation, a wide handlebar can cause unexpected impacts. Flat handlebars are not designed for speed. On the other hand, gravel bikes place the rider in a somewhat more racing posture.

According to your cycling style

If you do mixed routes or long distances

The gravel is ideal. It allows you to cover kilometers on asphalt, tracks, and dirt roads with comfort and good average speed.

If you prioritize control and traction in the mountains

The MTB is the best option. Its suspension and wide tires guarantee stability and safety on descents and technical terrain.

If you are looking for speed and comfort on roads

The gravel wins. Its aerodynamic geometry and lighter weight allow you to maintain a steady pace without sacrificing comfort.

If you come from road cycling or MTB

• If you come from road, the gravel will be more familiar and versatile.
  
  

• If you come from MTB, it will be easier for you to adapt to its control and traction, but you might miss the agility of a road handlebar.