We can think of a thousand reasons to explain the enormous popularity that the gravel has experienced in recent times. And it's no surprise, since this type combines the best of mountain bikes with many of the virtues of road bikes. The gravel bikes let you explore dirt roads, forest trails, and mixed routes with the comfort of a versatile bike ready for all kinds of terrain.
If you’re still not convinced that the gravel is right for you, here are ten good reasons to clear up any doubts.
>>>>>>>gravel bike buying guide
1.- They adapt to any terrain
A gravel bike handles any terrain with confidence. It has the dual ability to roll smoothly on asphalt and devour any trail or path ahead. Up to a point, of course. If you're aiming to break the clock or ride down technical trails, it might not be your best option. Obviously. But the truth is, a mid-range gravel bike can cross tough terrain more easily than it seems at first glance. Ultimately, it's an incredible all-terrain. Wide tires, a robust geometry, and excellent handling are common elements in these machines. It may not be as fast and agile as a racing bike, nor as tough as a mountain bike, but it's undoubtedly the bike that handles the widest range of terrains. Let's say these are bikes ready for almost anything. They’re reminiscent of the first mountain bikes, but with the advantage of a geometry entirely focused on balancing performance and comfort. 
2. They can use all kinds of tires
The bikes from gravel feature a more than generous tire clearance that you won't find on other road or even cyclocross models. You can fit almost any type of tire, no matter how large the volume is. A large tire is crucial in terms of comfort. Let’s say it acts as a kind of small shock absorber. In fact, knowing how to manage air pressure is particularly important in this cycling discipline. Want to ride on the road? No problem. You can fit slick tires on a 700c wheel for fast riding, and you’re set. Prefer getting lost on paths and trails? Try smaller diameter wheels (650b) and some MTB tires to have plenty of traction on loose terrain. Since bikes from gravel can adapt to almost any tire, you won't need a different bike for different types of routes. Just having a couple of wheelsets is enough. It will always be more economical than buying different bikes for every use.
3. Comfortable geometry
Road bikes are fundamentally designed to go fast. That’s why their geometry forces you to adopt an aerodynamic position, to a greater or lesser extent. Not everyone finds it easy to maintain that posture for a long time. Maybe you’re not flexible, or you simply prefer to ride more upright. For this reason, a gravel bike might suit your pedaling style better. In general, the geometry of a gravel bike is a bit more upright, which requires less flexibility in your back. The wheelbase is usually a bit longer than that of road bikes. This translates into a bit more stability when riding over rough terrain. A steeper head tube angle also contributes to safety. The more open it is, the less trail the front wheel has and the twitchier the bike becomes. On the other hand, the frame of a gravel bike is set up to absorb vibrations from the ground, making the ride more comfortable.
4. Versatile gearing
The specific transmissions of gravel are extremely versatile, as they combine features of road groups and groups designed for MTB. The possibilities are enormous and everything depends on the terrain you want to venture into. Major manufacturers have long offered their own gravel groups, such as Shimano's GRX series, Campagnolo Ekar, SRAM XPLR, etc. But the assembly options go further, and the configuration possibilities are endless. For a lighter gravel bike, you might prefer a single chainring setup, with a wider range of gears at the rear. A single chainring makes maintenance easier and minimizes the risk of the chain dropping when riding on rough terrain. If your cycling DNA is more road-oriented and perfect cadence is an obsession for you, then a double chainring group may be more suitable. You could even consider mounting a road group. In fact, if your routes don't go beyond well-maintained tracks and asphalt, a classic compact 50/34, combined with a cassette that allows up to a 1:1 ratio, could be the ideal option. In any case, make sure you have a gear setup that allows you to tackle much steeper slopes than those you usually find on the road. You never know how far you can go. 
5.- A tougher bike
If you are one of those road cyclists who pamper their bikes and suffer with the slightest scratch, you’ll be glad to know that a gravel bike is ready to take some extra abuse on trails and paths. Therefore, although it’s good to treat it with care (especially regarding the transmission), you can be sure your gravel bike will come out victorious against mud and dirt, as well as any terrain, no matter how bumpy or rough. gravel bikes can be handled on terrain similar to that of an XC MTB. Of course, some skills and awareness of certain limitations will be necessary, especially those derived from the lack of suspension, although there are some models that now include it as standard. You won’t feel the bike as smooth as silk, but you’ll be able to put it to the test.
6.- Comfort and good handling
Road bikes are fast and responsive. This also makes them more nervous, partly due to a slack head angle and a short wheelbase. A gravel bike is different. It has a longer wheelbase than a road bike and the head angle is steeper, which means the front wheel is more raked out. The seat stays are usually curved and have more distance between them, which provides a certain degree of flex to the whole. This is also helped by a longer chainstay length. All this, combined with the possibility of mounting wide tires, allows for stable handling that conveys a sense of security. While the tires of an aero road bike they are around 25 mm, the standard on a gravel is usually set at 40 mm, allowing for wider widths. On the other hand, gravel bicycles usually have handlebars with a flare or a more open curve angle. The flare is the difference in width of the superior bar compared to the ends or tips. This configuration allows the cyclist a wider grip, which provides greater stability on rough terrain.
7.- Ideal for a cycling adventure
If you're looking for a bike adventure, a gravel model is the ideal solution. An upright position, the comfortable frame geometry, and all-terrain tires make it the perfect companion for long days of pedaling, without worrying about the type of terrain you'll have to cross. Its more stable handling makes them perfect for carrying luggage. In this sense, many come equipped with mounting points for racks and travel bags. You can find them at different points on the frame. You can load your bike with a handlebar bag, a superior tube bag, a down tube bag, fork bags, panniers, and even a trailer. In short, you can carry whatever you want for your trip, and safely.
8.- Endless extra options
Currently, brands offer gravel bikes with endless configuration options. Are you coming from MTB and want a gravel with a dropper post to put it to the test on the most demanding terrain? No problem, there are models that come with this component as standard. Are you looking for the most versatile electric bike? Don't worry. The gravel e-bike catalog keeps growing, so you'll have that extra assistance if you want it. Would you like some extra suspension to tackle tough terrain? You can also find it in some models. In short, you can adapt your gravel bike to the riding style that best matches your way of understanding cycling. 
9.- It makes you a better cyclist
One of the best things about riding off-road is that it allows you to develop a completely new set of skills: getting out of the saddle to let the bike flow better over rough terrain, shifting your center of gravity over the rear wheel to improve stability on steep descents, anticipating braking and the bike's lean on loose ground... Initially, these skills may not come naturally. Don't worry: as you rack up off-road kilometers, you'll be surprised at your progress and technical improvement. You'll become a better cyclist.
10.- gravel bikes are fun
Beyond what we have told you, the main reason to get yourself a gravel bike is that it promises you loads of fun. With a gravel bicycle you can go anywhere, ride on any path, and enjoy almost any adventure you can imagine. This enjoyment is, of course, not at odds with the possibility of riding fast. In fact, more and more brands are launching gravel bicycles with a strong aerodynamic component. You can race with it, use it for your commutes to work in the city, or use it as a way to discover new places. Possibly, the type of bicycle that best defines the word freedom when it comes to cycling.