1. WHAT EXACTLY IS A GRAVEL BIKE?
A gravel bike is a true all-rounder: it looks similar to a road bike but can go where traditional road bikes reach their limits. It's fast on tarmac, stable on gravel and comfortable for long-distance rides. Ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to be held back.
2. GRAVEL BIKE OR MOUNTAIN BIKE – WHICH ONE SUITS ME BETTER?
It depends on what you’re planning!
Want to commute in style, go touring or get into bikepacking? → Gravel bike
Love steep trails, rooty terrain and downhill action? → Mountain bike
Tip: If versatility is your goal, a gravel bike – like our GRID – is often the better choice.
3. CAN I USE A GRAVEL BIKE FOR EVERYDAY RIDING, LIKE COMMUTING?
Absolutely! Gravel bikes are true commuting champions: fast, robust and resilient to varying road conditions. Add mudguards and a pannier rack, and you’ve got a flexible everyday bike – without sacrificing fun.
4. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GRAVEL BIKE AND A ROAD BIKE?
Road bikes are built for pure speed on smooth tarmac. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, offer comfort, stability and off-road capability – thanks to wider tyres, a more relaxed geometry and extra space for gear like bags. In short: gravel bikes are the adventurous cousins of road bikes.
5. IS A GRAVEL BIKE SUITABLE FOR WINTER RIDING?
Yes, absolutely! With the right tyres and mudguards, a gravel bike becomes your perfect training partner during the colder months. It’s tough, agile and unfazed by icy patches or slush – ideal if you want to keep moving in winter.
6. CAN I USE A GRAVEL BIKE FOR TRAINING?
Definitely. A gravel bike strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Its balanced geometry and agile handling let you pick up speed – even on a casual lap around the lake.
7. WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A GRAVEL BIKE?
The most important things are the right frame size, suitable geometry and tyre width – depending on whether you ride more on tarmac or off the beaten track. Your choice of gearing should match the terrain. And if you’re planning to add bags, lights or mudguards, make sure everything is compatible. Best of all: with the SIMPLON configurator, you can build your gravel bike exactly the way you want it.
8. HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE DOES A GRAVEL BIKE REQUIRE?
No more than any other high-quality bike. It’s important to clean the chain regularly, check tyre pressure and keep an eye on your brakes – especially after off-road rides. A quick check after each tour can save you a lot in the long run.
9. CAN I USE A GRAVEL BIKE FOR TRAVELLING OR BIKEPACKING?
Absolutely! Gravel bikes are made for bikepacking adventures. They offer plenty of space for bags, are sturdy enough to carry heavy gear and roll confidently over all kinds of terrain – from forest tracks to alpine passes.
10. CAN I CUSTOMISE A GRAVEL BIKE?
Of course – that’s one of the biggest benefits. From handlebars to gearing to tyres: you decide what suits you and your riding style. With the SIMPLON configurator, you can tailor your gravel bike step by step – making it truly yours.
And if you’d rather get started with a fully equipped setup: our GRID 365 is good to go – perfectly outfitted for daily use, adventures and everything in between.