At first glance, gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes look similar. Both combine features from road cycling and mountain biking and have a very similar aesthetic. But each of them also has particular elements that ultimately give them a very different use than we might initially think. While gravel is a cycling discipline that took off just five years ago and is mainly focused on touring on unpaved, not very technical terrain, cyclocross is a discipline that originated long before gravel and is intended for competition on high-performance circuits. This means that gravel and cyclocross bikes have features that favor one type of cycling or the other depending on their use. These are the main differences.
Geometry
The first substantial difference between a gravel bike and a cyclocross bike is in their geometry. That is, what are the measurements of the tubes and the angles of their junctions. In a gravel bike, the geometry aims to provide greater comfort and stability for the cyclist to complete long-distance routes, with a longer wheelbase and a more relaxed seat tube angle. This last feature allows the cyclist to pedal in a more upright and therefore more comfortable position. In addition, the height from the bottom bracket to the ground is lower than in the cyclocross bike, bringing the bike's center of gravity closer to the ground to add stability for the rider. In cyclocross, however, the center of gravity is higher, which means greater instability, but also more agility and ease in overcoming obstacles. Remember that the cyclocross bike is designed to be fast, to be used on short but demanding circuits. On the other hand, its shorter chainstays and lower head tube height increase agility and contribute to an aggressive position that favors changes in pace and higher speed peaks.
The frame
Regarding the type of frame construction and materials used, the gravel bike is heavier (on average between 1 and 2 kg more). They are usually made with materials that are more resistant than light, such as aluminum or even steel (although there are also carbon models). American brands like Kona offer bikes made with chromoly steel.
, seeking that romantic side of gravel, pedaling just for pleasure, without worrying too much about the weight and stiffness benefits of carbon frames. In cyclocross bike ranges, however, carbon prevails, which lightens the weight to give the rider a greater feeling of stiffness, lightness, and agility, essential for shaving seconds off the clock. In addition, both wheel clearances (the distance between the fork blade at the front or rear stay and the tire) are somewhat smaller on the cyclocross bike, due to the narrower tires (a maximum of 33 mm). Finally, another outstanding feature of cyclocross frames is the straight or flattened section of the top tube, which allows the bike to be carried on the shoulder on the steep ramps and steps so common in the circuits. The gravel, on the other hand, opts for a more classic design with rounder, thicker tubes, as well as reinforcement elements at the tube joints to increase their strength, with solutions imported from mountain bike.The tires
Let's move on to the components chapter, in which tires play a major role when it comes to establishing differences between a gravel bike and a cyclocross bike. The former usually comes equipped with wider tires and less pronounced knobs. This combination provides greater stability and adaptation to different terrains on the same route (gravel, cobblestones, asphalt, or dirt). The tires on gravel bikes are more versatile and there is a greater variety of sizes and widths, from classic 700c road wheels to mountain biking standards like 650B (27.5"). Widths usually vary between 30 and 42 mm, to suit routes of any technical level. On the other hand, cyclocross tires, mainly 700c tubulars due to their lower weight, have a smaller width, up to 33 mm, and a more pronounced tread, with more prominent knobs that increase grip, as well as wide channels between them to quickly shed mud. These are tires designed for cyclists with a high technical level, who know how to control the bike on slippery mud or sand terrain.
The drivetrain
Another fundamental difference between gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes is in the gearing used. gravel bikes opt for a wide range of gears, with double chainring options (50/34) or single chainring (from 38 to 42 teeth) and 11-42 or 11-36 11-speed cassettes. Cyclocross bikes use less versatile groupsets, with double chainring 46/36 or single 40-tooth chainring and cassettes with a smaller range of gears (11-32, 11-34, or 11-36). It is therefore a combination for competition, aimed at cyclists in great shape. In addition, in recent years, with the successful introduction of single chainring drivetrains in cyclocross, bikes have inherited elements from more radical mountain bike such as chain guides to prevent chain drops and derailments.
If you are an adventurous cyclist, who doesn't think about average speeds or watts, who likes long bike rides or even stage routes, without a doubt the gravel will meet your needs.
The components
On the other hand, there are also differences between gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes in other components and peripherals, such as handlebars. On the former, the handlebars are wider (20 mm more with 440 mm models) and have a flared drop that favors handling on descents and technical sections. In contrast, on cyclocross bikes, the handlebars are narrower and have straight ends, similar to road bikes. Other parts, such as seatposts, are thicker and heavier for gravel bikes, just like the stems, which are longer and have negative angles in the case of cyclocross bikes. As for the rims, the gravel will have larger internal widths, 25 or 28 mm, a necessary measurement to fit wider tires. Finally, when it comes to brakes, there are more similarities between both, with almost all new models opting for disc brakes, although with a larger diameter in the case of the gravel (160 mm).
Accessories
In this comparison, the touring essence of the gravel cannot be overlooked, which is reflected in the design of its bikes. The frames come standard prepared to install one or two bottle cages, and some brands even include the accessory itself in the build, while cyclocross bikes usually only have the bolts to attach one. In addition, on the seat stays and seat tube of entry-level or mid-range gravel, it is common to have mounts to install a rack and carry panniers with luggage.
Gravel or cyclocross, which to choose?
Taking all these aspects into account, if you have finally decided to venture into the wide world of cycling off the asphalt, without completely leaving the road behind, acquiring a gravel or cyclocross bike will be the best option. But you should first reflect on what kind of rides you want to do and what your level is before making the purchase. If you are an adventurous cyclist, who doesn't care about average speeds or watts, likes long bike routes or even multi-stage journeys, without a doubt the gravel will meet your needs. On the other hand, if what you want is to push yourself on trails, on short but intense routes, a cyclocross bike is the most suitable choice. It will allow you to complete your training with maximum efficiency, although it will also require you to be in great physical shape.