8 Best Steel Gravel Bikes: Your Most Durable Companion

From most comfortable seats to a sleek design, we have picked out this year’s top steel gravel bikes.
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
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Are you in the market for a new gravel bike and have no idea where to start? Gravel bikes have a lot of features to look out for, and we have done all the work for you in finding the best steel frame gravel bikes. Here, we are looking at what features make the best steel gravel bike to have and which model has those features.

We are looking out for steel gravel bikes with the best value because everyone needs some extra value in their life. Our standards include bikes that are under 2000. We are also looking out for which bikes are speedy, easy to ride, and are the most comfortable because everyone deserves a good riding experience.

Quick Summary

  • "This steel frame gravel bike is super sleek that is lightweight and surpasses our standards with being multi-use"
  • "This gravel steel cross bike is fast and agile, great for the urban city adventure. We also find this bike to be a beautiful blue"
  • Best Value: Mongoose Aztec
    "We have found this bike to be great for the taller riders out there. This bike supports riders 64-74 inches tall"
  • "This cruiser is by far the cutest, in our opinion. This bike has a quilted and spring-filled seat along with sweptback cushioned handlebars"
  • Best for Long Rides: Micargi Mixe V7 City Bike
    "We find this gravel steel cross bike to have a vintage flair with modern quality. It also has a laid-back seat great for long rides"
  • "This bike is great for our younger riders out there, and the Kolo 1200 suspension fork handles give for a smoother ride"
  • Best for Tall People: Schwinn High Timber
    "We find this bike great for both the gravel trails and for neighborhood streets with its 27.5-wheel size and great twist shifters"
  • Best All-Terrain: Viribus Adult Gravel Bike
    "We are impressed with this gravel bike’s drop-style handlebars for gravel roads of all elevations. The dirt tires also give great traction"

Top 8 Steel Gravel Bikes Reviewed in 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8545 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
Features
  • Size: small, medium, large
  • Wheel size: 29 inches
  • Number of speeds: 16
  • Brakes: mechanical
  • Material: steel

More features: lightweight, steel fork

The Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike has a Chromoly steel frame with mechanical disk brakes. We chose this bike for its sleek design paired with its ability to go on almost any terrain while still giving a smooth ride.

We gave this bike the editor’s choice nomination for its high-quality design. This bike has 30mm wide tires that make sure the rider has a super smooth ride, even on the bumpiest of paths. The mechanical breaks on this bike make it a very safe option. This bike is also versatile because it combines the feel of a road bike with the ability to soar across mixed terrain.

We have found the Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike to be similar to the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike. They both have a sleek design, combining the feel of a road or city bike with the ability to go on many kinds of terrain.

    What are its best features?
  • That this bike has the feel of a road bike with the same power as other gravel bikes
  • It’s mid-priced
  • The front drop bars make riding a more comfortable experience
    What could be improved?
  • Requires self-assembly if you don’t want to pay the extra assembly fee
  • Even though this bike is lightweight-some have struggled with its heft
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8781 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • Size: small, medium, large, x-large
  • Wheel size: not specified
  • Number of speeds: not specified
  • Brakes: Front and rear V-brake studs
  • Material: COLUMBUS Cromor steel tubeset

More features: external cable routing, rear rack mounts

The Cinelli Tutto Plus Flat Bar Bike is very sleek and a beautiful blue. We are impressed with the flat bars on this bike and the urban steel frame it has. It weighs 10.2kg and is very stylish.

We gave this bike the nomination being the premium pick due to its sleek design yet high price. Many steel gravel bikes out there are either darker colors or red which doesn’t give us many options to those who like an elegant touch. The flat bars, 700x wheels, and blue finishing give the rider an elegant ride as they take on the city or the trails.

The style of this bike is most similar to the Huffy Stone Mountain Bike. They both have a similar flat bar and sleek design. While the Huffy Stone Mountain Bike has a traditional red color, the finishing and wheel design makes up for its uniqueness.

    Why is it special?
  • This bike works very well very inner-city commuting and crit racing
  • It has a street-ready aesthetic
  • Its heavy load compatible with steel forks
    What are the flaws?
  • By far the most expensive option at $1,299.99
  • We would like for the tires to have more “grit” to make it easier for rougher terrains
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5350 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
3
Best Value

Mongoose Aztec

Features
  • Size: medium
  • Wheel size: 26 inches
  • Number of speeds: 7
  • Brakes: rear disc
  • Material: alloy steel

More features: front suspension

The Mongoose Aztec Men’s and Women’s Fat Tire Bike is true to its name. This steel gravel bike has insanely big tires, which are both great for the rider’s balance and for getting through rough terrains. There’s also a 7-speed twist-shift for precise gear changes.

We declared this bike to be the best value. This bike is much cheaper than other options yet has good quality. This bike has wide tires that give added traction, tire clearance, and riding stability. The added features make this bike good for sandy or snowy trials, where many other bikes would struggle to find traction. With this bike, we can ride smoothly on even beach trails while not breaking the bank.

For more information on finding the best tires, check out this article that goes in-depth on tires along with general information on gravel bikes.

The Mongoose gravel bike is similar to the Schwinn High Timber Mountain bike. They share flat bars and tires with lots of traction. The Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike may not have as fat as tires as this bike, but the traction added to the bike is highly visible.

    What stands out?
  • This bike has lots of added traction, making it great for any trial of any shape
  • This bike has a super smooth riding experience
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The grips on the handlebars aren't the most comfortable, as many people opt to replace them with more comfortable bars
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2458 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Size: medium
  • Wheel size: 26 inches
  • Number of speeds: 7
  • Brakes: linear pull
  • Material: steel

More features: rigid suspension, step-thru cruiser style, sweptback handlebars, cushy quilted seat

The Schwinn Perla Cruiser Bicycle gives a more feminine touch to gravel bikes, perfect for those who love a pastel aesthetic. We love that this bike has some height adjustment that makes it great for those who may still be growing or sharing their bike. With the cruiser frame, this bike is great for relaxing rides through trails.

We gave this bike the nomination of being the most comfortable for very simple reasons. The sweptback handlebars have a squishy grip that makes long rides comfortable, along with a comfortable quilted seat. This bike really puts the “cruise” in a cruiser.

For more information on what makes a good saddle, check out this article that discusses the best saddles of Spring 2022. And for the readers who want more bikes that are structured for women or have a feminine flair, check out this article discussing the best gravel bikes for women.

We believe that this bike is similar to Cinelli Tutto Plus Flat Bar Bike. Both of these bikes break out of the traditional colors and rougher styles of other steel gravel cross bikes. Instead, they go for style and comfort, even if their styles are a little different.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We love the style of this bike, how it’s great for those who don’t want the traditional rougher look
  • We love that this bike prioritizes comfort to make long rides more enjoyable
  • The wheels help give the rider a smooth ride
    What could be better?
  • The bike may take some adjusting to make it perfect for the rider
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5337 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
5
Best for Long Rides

Micargi Mixe V7 City Bike

Features
  • Size: medium
  • Wheel size: not specified
  • Number of speeds: 7
  • Brakes: alloy V-brake silver
  • Material: steel chrome

More features: step-thru frame, perfect for long-distance rides

This bike brings a vintage flair to modern quality. This beach cruiser is perfect for the everyday ride or a ride through tougher terrains. The stature of this bike is shorter than some other bikes, making it easier to get on and off for those who struggle with mounting bikes. To learn more about wheels that are great for all sorts of terrains, check out this article about the best gravel bike wheels of Spring 2022.

We gave the Micargi Mixe V7 City Bike the nomination for being the best combination of benefits for all the great things that this bike has to offer. To start, this bike has a step-thru frame, great for those who are shorter or have flexibility problems that make getting on and off a bike harder. This bike also has a laid-back seat that makes long rides super comfortable. The 44T Steel chainring makes the riding experience feel like flying. This bike has a 7-speed ability which makes riding on any terrain much easier.

The Micargi Mixe Bike is similar to the Schwinn Perla Beach Cruiser Bike as they both put emphasis on comfort. Their styles make long rides more comfortable no matter what terrain they ride on.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We love that this bike makes getting on and off easier for those who normally struggle with mounting a bike
  • The laid-back seat is great for long rides, which we can all appreciate
  • We love the vintage flair that this bike has
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The color options of this bike can take away from the vintage style this bike tries to give
  • The step-thru frame isn’t good for taller riders
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9687 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.2
Features
  • Size: medium (14 inches)
  • Wheel size: 24 inches
  • Number of speeds: 21
  • Brakes: linear pull
  • Material: steel

More features: lightweight, front suspension, easy assembly

The Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike is another one of the sleek and stylish bikes that this list has to offer. This bike has 21 speeds that make going on any trail super easy to do. The slight-rise handlebars that this gravel bike has prevents back pain by encouraging good posture. Also, this is another one of our bike options that have an adjustable seat height.

We nominated this bike to be the best for mountain trails for its ability to easily ascend and descend any kind of trail. The Huffy Stone Steel Gravel Bike is similar to the Mongoose Aztec Bike. Their biggest similarity is their style. They both are red with black, flat bar handlebars with a similar stitched saddle. Not taking their wheels into consideration, these two gravel bikes would give a similar riding feel.

    Why is it special?
  • Having an adjustable seat makes the bike available to more riders
  • The durable steel frame is protected by a lifetime warranty
  • The higher up handlebars help improve riding posture and prevent back and shoulder pain
    What are the flaws?
  • People have stated that some of the parts on the bike tend to come loose, such as the gears and handlebars
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7796 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
7
Best for Tall People

Schwinn High Timber

Features
  • Size: medium
  • Wheel size: 27.5 inches
  • Number of speeds: 7-21
  • Brakes: linear pull
  • Material: aluminum and steel

More features: available in multiple colors, dual suspension, durable, twist shifters

The Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike has flat bar handlebars with a tall saddle. Its tires provide the bike with a lot of traction that can handle many kinds of terrain, including tough gravel. These tires also have light-alloy wheels that give added stability and a flying feel while riding.

We nominated this bike to be the best steel gravel cross bike for riders of all heights. While a few of the other mentioned bikes have adjustable seats, this bike makes the adjustment process the easiest. The saddle of this bike has a quick-release option that makes adjusting the height of the seat super easy.

This bike is super similar to the Schwinn High Timber Bike. They both have adjustable seats that make riding easy for tall and shorter riders. Also, they both have a similar style, especially with their flat bar handlebars.

    What stands out?
  • The quick-release seat makes adjusting the seat height very easy
  • The traction the grips on the tires give
  • Alloy crank makes this bike require less maintenance
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Some have had problems with the gear quality
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9255 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.8
8
Best All-Terrain

Viribus Adult Gravel Bike

Features
  • Size: small, medium, or large
  • Wheel size: 27.5 inches
  • Number of speeds: 21
  • Brakes: dual
  • Material: carbon steel

More features: all-terrain, adjustable seat, rear, and front suspension, lightweight

The Viribus Adult Gravel Bike is a carbon steel framed bike that makes it a lightweight option yet can still support up to 330 pounds. The front drop handlebars add extra riding comfort and make it easier to ride uphill or when facing harsh winds.

We gave this bike the nomination of the lowest price because out of this list, and this bike is at the lowest price of $249.99. For that price, you still get really good quality with 21 speeds and front and rear brakes. Between the drop handlebars, front and rear brakes, and added reflectors, this bike prioritizes safety.

This steel gravel cross bike is similar to the Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike. These two bikes both have drop handlebars for riding uphill or through strong winds. They also have a similar wheel style.

    What are its best features?
  • We love that there are two sets of brakes for added safety
  • We also love the reflectors that are already added on for night-time riding
  • With 21 speeds, riders can feel like they are flying
    What could be improved?
  • Being such a low-priced bike, it isn’t as good of quality as some of the other listed bikes
Read full review: viribus adult gravel bike

Things to Consider

There are many factors that go into buying the perfect steel gravel cross bike. We know it can be hard to know what you need in a bike. Refer to this buying guide to make sure you will buy a gravel bike that works the best for you.

Why Choosing a Steel Gravel Bike?

8 Best Steel Gravel Bikes: Your Most Durable Companion
Gravel bikes are the perfect option for riders who live in areas where the roads aren’t very pretty.

These bikes can handle tough gravel roads, bumpy dirt roads, and even stick-covered trails. These bikes also work for those who like to go on biking adventures on tough terrains.

Important Features

By making sure that the features on a gravel bike work best for the rider, a great riding experience will be guaranteed. Make sure to check the bike type, age range, size of the bike, wheel size, brakes, and the number of speeds before making the purchase.

Bike type

Finding the right bike type is the first crucial step in finding the best bike for you. There are bike types that are better for city riding, such as the Micargi Mixe bike with smoother wheels. On the other hand, there are bikes that are much better for trails that need a lot of grips, like the Mongoose Aztec bike.

You also must consider the frame—each kind of framework is better for different people. A cruiser bike is more laid back than an urban steel-framed bike.

Also, take into consideration how comfortable the bike will be. Some bikes have higher-up handlebars that prevent the typical hunching over that many bikes cause. Other bikes will have saddles in different shapes that can be more or less comfortable, depending on the person.

Age range

Obviously, an adult rider wouldn’t be wanting to ride on a bike made for a child. They would be too big for it. A great way to check if the bike is for adults or children (along with just generalized age ranges) is to see the name of the bike. An adult bike will be named “Men’s and Women’s,” or some variation of that. The age range of bikes correlates with the size of the bikes.

Along with looking at the name of the bike, many bike descriptions will have the age range listed. These age ranges tend to correspond with the height of the bike frame of the wheel diameter.

Size

Speaking of which, the size of a bike is super important to know. Not everyone is the same height. Shorter people will have a hard time getting on a bike meant for people 64-70” or vice versa. For example, the step-thru frame of the Micargi Mixe bike makes it easier for shorter people to get on and off the bike.

8 Best Steel Gravel Bikes: Your Most Durable Companion
However, note that the handlebar height typically will not be adjustable. Making the seat higher can cause the rider to have to hunch over more.

Having the ability to adjust the seat, like how the Schwinn High Timber bike can broaden the heights of people who can ride the bike. Usually, riders can find the correct height going off of the wheel diameter and age range alone. Cyclists will want to spend more time getting a bike that fits them perfectly.

Wheel size

The size of the bike’s wheels will also correlate to the overall height of the bike. Larger wheels will make the bike taller, while smaller wheels are better for shorter people. Additionally, the width of the wheels can change the riding experience. Thin bikes can give a smooth riding experience that feels like flying. Wider wheels can add stability and traction, making it easier to ride on tougher terrains. The Mongoose Aztec Fat Tire bike has larger wheels with lots of traction that make them good for snowy or sandy terrains.

Number of speeds

For gravel bikes, some people find them to be slower than road bikes. This can be because of the focus on traction on tougher terrains. However, some bikes have a lot more speeds that can make the bikeway faster. The number of speeds on a bike correlates to how fast they can end up going. Bikes with 21 speeds, like Viribus Adult Gravel Bike, can get up to faster speeds which can help with riding up mountains or slippery trails. 7-speed bikes are still good for those who don’t want to go super-fast.

Brakes

8 Best Steel Gravel Bikes: Your Most Durable Companion
Beginners on the bike may not realize that there are several types of brakes, each good for different kinds of terrains.

Disc brakes are more reliable in gravel bikes as they work on harsher terrains and can brake almost instantly. The Giordano Trieste bike has these kinds of breaks. Most breaks are at the handlebars. The rider must make sure they can easily wrap their hand around the brake for proper usage. Having a brake that is easy to get to makes for safer riding. Some gravel bikes can have more than one kind of break. The Viribus Gravel Bike has both front and rear brakes, which makes sure that even if one set of brakes breaks, there won’t be a crash happening.

FAQ

How to take care of a steel bike?

To take care of a steel bike, the main concern for bike owners is keeping rust off the frame. Rust can occur from humidity, long exposure to road salt, and exposure to saltwater air. Keep your bike out of the rain, and make sure to clean it regularly if you are taking it out in places where salt will get on the bike. You can also purchase specific rust inhibitors to prevent rust from forming. The best times to apply this inhibitor is in November and April.

Another thing to remember is to keep your bike components greased. By making sure the bike is greased, including all bolts and threads, these parts won’t grind against each other and wear down.

Finally, always make sure that your wheels are hole free and are correctly filled up. There are tools to check how much air is in your bike tires. Riding with incorrectly filled tires can be unsafe and can lead to other damages to the bike. In order to take care of a steel bike, make sure that all components are in top shape.

How to clean a steel bike?

Cleaning a steel bike is a lot simpler than it may seem. The best way to clean your steel bike is by getting a bucket with warm water, mixing in some dish soap, and using a rag or sponge to wipe down the bike frame. A mild dish soap is best to protect the paint/exterior of the frame.

After that, wipe down the bike using clean water and wipe dry. Make sure the bike frame can quickly air dry, so rust doesn’t form. Putting it in the sun is a good method. Adding polish will continue to protect the paint. If there are any paint chips, simply cover them with clear nail polish.

How to choose the right wheels size?

Choosing the right wheel size depends on where you are going to be riding the gravel bike. Those who like speed should go with 700c wheels while 650b is more common.

You’ll also want to check the diameter of the wheel. The larger the diameter, the taller the rider will have to be. For example, 26” wheels can be good for those who are 64-74” tall. Each size of wheel will have a height range that it works with.

Take into consideration the thickness (for stability,) diameter (for height,) and 700c vs 650b for a combination of size and speed to find the wheel best for you.

Our verdict

Overall, the best gravel bikes have a similar set of traits. They all have tires that work well with a variety of terrains, from city roads to bumpy gravel roads. Our editor’s choice, the Giordano Trieste bike, is incredibly versatile. It can ride smoothly on almost any terrain. Our premium choice, the Cinelli Tutto bike, has quality that matches its high price. It is a beautiful bike that makes anyone riding through the city streets with it stylish.

The Mongoose Aztec bike is the best value. It’s a lot cheaper than our premium pick but still has great quality. The tires are great for people who want more stability and traction. It can ride through sand and snow! The bike that we like the most is the Schwinn Perla Adult bike. It is the most comfortable option while also having a similar stylishness to the Cinelli Tutto bike. We’ve gone through the best steel gravel bikes, each having its unique qualities that make them great bikes. It’s now up to the rider to find the best choice for their riding journey.

References

1.
The man challenging anti-cycling trolls to change their ways | Cycling | The Guardian
Andrew Tierney is part of a new breed of cycling activists tackling a rise in online abuse head-on.
2.
Schwinn Product Manuals | Schwinn
Misplace your owner's manual? Look no further. Assembly instructions, owners manuals and quick-start guides for Schwinn exercise machines.
3.
Bikepacking and gravel bikes: new concepts in off-road cycling, or marketing fad? | Cycling | The Guardian
You can bikepack on any bike you want, including a road machine for high-speed tarmac touring. But straying too long on to rough, slippery surfaces calls out for wider, grippy tyres and probably disc brakes. Mountain bikes have, of course, had this area covered for decades.
9,9
Total Score
Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike, Large - Editor’s Choice
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