If you are an adventurist and love exploring while riding bikes, then reading this article on the best gravel bikes under 1500 is going to be worth it.
Gravel bikes are the type of bikes that have some basic alterations to make them versatile. These features make them good for not only on roads tracks but also off-road beaten-up ones.
It has a drop handlebar and traditional design to perform all the bike activities with ease. You can take it to a race, explore bike roads and make group cycling with all the glory and charm.
Whereas for tricky roads, the bike has wide tires, low gears, and flexible handling, to make the trip damage-free.
Context
- Introduction
- Best Gravel Bike Under 1500
- Giordano Trieste 92730 Gravel Bike
- Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Adventure Bike
- Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike
- Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike
- Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
- Raleigh Bikes Cadent Hybrid Bike
- Hiland 29 inch Aluminum Mountain Bike
- Tommaso Siena Shimano Tourney Gravel Adventure Bike
- Viribus Adult Gravel Bike
- Schwinn Bonafide Men's Mountain Bike
- Buying Guide for the best gravel bike under 1500
- Conclusions
- FAQs
Introduction
Biking in forest tracks, trails, byways, gravel paths, and camping trips have their adventure with breathtaking views and unexplored terrains. Also, the gravel off-road racing is the basic reason these bikes are so famous now.
The growing industries have produced hundreds of options that range from less expensive to high-cost ones. The more features the bikes have the more is its price. Here we will discuss the best gravel bikes under 1500.
Best Gravel Bike Under 1500
As the options and features of the bikes increased, their cost also skyrocketed. So6, finding a suitable bike with fewer budget may be a tedious task. But don’t worry we are here to help you narrow down the best gravel bike under $1500, with all their pros and cons.
1. Giordano Trieste 92730 Gravel Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Chromoly steel
- Tire: 30mm
- Brakes: mechanical
- No. of speeds: 16
The Giordano Trieste 92730 Gravel Bike is one of the best budget gravel bikes available on the market. The wheel size is 700cc which is good for accommodating types of 30 mm making it an excellent on-road as well as off-road bike.
The frame of the bike is made up of Chromoly steel which makes it an extremely lightweight and good-quality product. You can easily live your dream of adventurous biking with this bike without paying a hefty amount. The biking is amazingly smooth and comfortable with great control and stability.
This Gravel Bike also has a Shimano Claris 16-speed drive train that makes it an ideal candidate for not only smoothly paved roads but also bumpy and rocky trails. This results in a smooth and amazing experience of the unexplored dirt roads.
The brakes of the bike are powerful mechanical disc brakes, which are quite strong. They provide excellent control over the bike, stopping it quickly and effectively. No matter what the weather is or how harsh the terrain is, you will always have your bike in full control.
The best thing about this bike is that it comes in different sizes for riders of different heights. Thus, you can choose the one that fits best for your height and comfort. For a low price, this is the best bike under 1500.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Good gears
- Good brakes
- Strong body
Cons
- More on the heavier side of weight
- Handlebars material is not good quality
- The seats are not so comfortable.
2. Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Adventure Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 30mm
- Brakes: disc brakes
- No. of speeds: 24
The Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Adventure Bike has a solid aluminum compact frame making it highly durable. The fork is made of Carbon Fiber resulting in a strong body that can withstand all the bumps and rocks.
The aluminum and carbon fiber body make the bike very reliable and it decreases the bumpiness, vibrations, and discomfort of the gravel roads to a great deal.
The Frame of the bike is also equipped with all types of mounts so that you can carry all your essentials without worrying about them getting lost. This makes the bike ideal for planning long days of camping and adventures.
The bike comes with a wide range of gears and cranksets resulting in a variety of speeds and control over the tricky and rocky terrains.
Tommaso strata are also equipped with wide 40c tires along with 700cc wheels. This makes it the best in terms of stability and grip. Where the roads are unpredictable and unexplored you need all the control you get for experiencing the larger-than-life adventure.
The Avid BB5 disc brakes provide excellent power to stop the bike whenever you want. The brakes have high efficiency and better control over the wheels withstanding any weather conditions. Therefore, the muddy gravel roads or dry slippery tracks cannot stand in your way to have fun on your bikes.
for added stopping power in adverse weather conditions, making this bike the best gravel bike under 1500 dollars, which is perfect for all weather and terrain conditions.
Pros
- Durable and strong frame and forks
- Best bike under budget
- Complete Shimano Claris drive train makes it great in performance.
- Wider wheels give more stability
Cons
- Require professional help for fitting.
- A little heavier in weight.
Related: Top 10 Best Road Bike Under 2000
3. Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike
Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 28 in
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- No. of speeds: 14
The Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Adult Gravel Bike is the ultimate modern bike that can surely engulf you to love biking. Schwinn's aluminum frame and steel fork make it highly suitable for biking on different surfaces without getting any pushbacks.
The bike is also equipped with a Shimano shifter/brake lever combo giving it fast and versatile gear-changing capabilities. Whereas the Shimano rear derailleur and Schwinn alloy double cranks assist in managing gears easily.
The brakes of the bike are alloy mechanical disc brakes that are very efficient and reliable. Hence, no matter how tricky the track is or how fast your speed is you will always get the bike to stop in no time.
The best feature about the bike is its adjustable seats that can be raised or lowered as per the comfort of the biker. The 700cc wheels with 28 inches tires give the bike excellent stability and control over bumpy roads and steep slopes.
The bike has 14 speeds making it almost as good as any best road bike under 1500 dollars. Thus, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a long life span and lightweight body this is the best fit for you.
Pros
- Good body
- Reliable brakes
- Seat adjustment option
- Great gears and shifters.
Cons
- Not ideal for short height people
- May have some technical issues.
4. Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: alloy and steel fork
- Tire: 54cm
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- No. of speeds: 14
Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike offers more amazing mounting features than any other brand available in the market. Off-road biking with fun and adventurous terrains can never be as easy as with these bikes.
The 700c Elroy wheels with the flexible adventure geometry of the bike give it the smooth ride privilege. As many adventurous journeys take days these bikes are equipped with a large frame bag to carry all that you need without any hassle.
There is also the front rack with a bottle opener and a convenient rear rack mount for carrying sleepers and bags. In addition to these, there are three water bottle mounts on the frame and two on the fork ensuring that you never run out of water for those hot days' adventures.
The smart frame is made of alloy along with a steel fork, giving it strength and durability. Thus, enjoy the bumps and rocks without stressing over the damage to the bikes.
The 2x7 drivetrain is of great quality as it is made of Shimano Tourney derailleurs making gear shifting easy and providing great speed. Also, the 14-speed shifters/brake lever combo results in driving through the difficult dirt tracks as smooth as flat surfaces with speed and control.
The brakes of the bike are mechanical disc brakes that give the biker control to stop the bike in an instant no matter what the speed and weather condition is. So, don’t let the bad weather hold you back on your adventure just let your inner self loose and enjoy.
The 700c alloy rims are strong enough to accommodate wide 40c tires resulting in instability and capability to drive through all the bumps and rocks.
The cables are all internal preventing them from all the harsh external environmental damages. Thus, it is the best road bike for under $1500 with many mounting options for long journeys.
Pros
- Many mounting options
- Wide tires
- Good brakes
- Strong body
Cons
- A little heavier due to the steel body
- Many carry bags can reduce speed and control
- The tires are not good quality
Related: Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Under 500
5. Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 49cm
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- No. of speeds: 24
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike is an excellent hybrid bike. It is not only good for intercity paved roads but also for camping and off-road funs.
The amazing 24-speed system gives it a versatility that is much needed for gravel biking. Thus, no matter where you take it, you won’t regret the trip.
The awesome disc brakes are powerful and efficient in providing control and stopping the wheels whenever you command them. Whatever the weather conditions throw at it they won’t disappoint in performance. Thus, not only flat, smooth, and slippery surfaces are not a problem but also steep slopes will cause no hurdles. The brakes will always perform with commitment.
The bike comes in various sizes to choose from and you should always check it to get the perfect fit. This ensures comfortable rides and an amazing journey wherever you take it.
The body is aluminum hence it may not be lightweight but strong and durable. It is also equipped with wide tires and 700cc wheels that are amazing in providing grip on multiple surfaces and difficult terrains. All in all, it is the Best budget gravel bike available on the market.
Pros
- Aluminum strong body
- Wide tires
- Sturdy brakes.
Cons
- Gears are not powerful enough for climbing.
- No shock absorption pads.
6. Raleigh Bikes Cadent Hybrid Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 24 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 24x1.75 inch
- Brakes: alloy V brakes
- No. of speeds: 7
When planning long weekends or camping trips, kids are a great part of these adventures. If you have teens who are just as much into the adventures as you are then here is a bike for them.
Raleigh Bikes Cadent Hybrid Bike AKA best gravel bike under 1500 is just the right bike for kids that love going off-road and adrenaline drives.
The body is aluminum giving it the durable and strong trait. The wheels are designed to fit the size of your teens. They are good for providing stability and control and are capable to withhold difficult terrains.
The flat bars and Shimano parts give it speed and reliability so that you have peace of mind. Also, the rubbers on the handlebars and the soft seats provide great comfort and ease of biking. They can absorb all the bumps and make the ride smooth and enjoyable.
The 7-speed gear shifting is easy to learn and operate. The best feature about this bike is the adjustable saddle height with just a tube clamp thus you can match the height according to your comfort without using any tools.
There are also multiple mounting holes for anything your kids want. Thus, they can custom-made the bike with all their favourite gear for the trip.
The bike is not just good for activities but can also be great for traveling to schools. Thus, it is the best bike under 1500 for young kids.
Pros
- Good reliable brakes
- Strong body
- Adjustable saddle heights
- Comfortable grip and seats
Cons
- No kickstand
- The tires may need some touchups.
Related: Top 10 Best Exercise Bike For Small Spaces
7. Hiland 29-inch Aluminum Mountain Bike
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Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Brakes: disc hydraulic brakes
- No. of speeds: 16
The Hiland 29 inch Aluminum Mountain Bike is the best bike for all your off-road adventures. The frame is made up of excellent quality aluminum material making it light and durable with a strong body.
The bike is equipped with an internal shift cable that is protected from any external damage and thus results in an increased life span.
The best feature about this mountain bike is its powerful hydraulic disc brakes. They are the best disc brakes with much more efficiency and strength than any other type of brakes present in the market. They are strong brakes and can instantly stop the bike when needed. Hence no matter how difficult the tracks are you are in full control of your ride.
There is a 2*8 drivetrain that provides variety in gears resulting in smooth rides up and down the rocky terrains.
The bike has also an advanced lockout fork that is interchangeable between rigid and flexible settings. You can easily switch the fork to match the uphill or down ride. Thus, it makes biking more stable and in control of ridding multiple surfaces.
Hence the amazing features and design result in enhanced durability and performance, making the bike the best gravel bike under $1500.
Also, the front suspension, large knobby tires, straight handlebars, and good wheel size provide the best control for riding rugged tracks.
Pros
- Hydraulic powerful brakes
- Lockout fork to increase versatility
- Aluminum strong body
Cons
- The breaks need to be adjusted properly
- Fewer speed levels.
8. Tommaso Siena Shimano Tourney Gravel Adventure Bike
Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire : 40cm
- Brakes: disc brakes
- No. of speeds: 21
This is another one of the Tommaso bikes that is great for off-road biking. You don’t want to miss out on any of the adventurous journeys because you don’t have the best bike. The Tommaso Siena Shimano Tourney Gravel Adventure Bike is designed for you to have all the fun rides and camping trips with ease.
The improved and reliable tubing and frame offer great stability and are much more durable. The frame is made of aluminum, making the bike lightweight and the steel fork gives it strength and flexibility.
With a Claris crankset and wide range Cassette, the bike is excellent for touring through difficult and versatile surfaces. This one of the best gravel bikes under 1500 is also equipped with 700 x 40 cc wheels that are good and stable for mountain riding.
The Shimano drivetrain is the best in providing easy-to-operate gears, hence whatever the surface is the switch of gears is just a click away. The bike has the best quality bb5-powered disk brakes give power to the biker to stop the bike at any speed and under weather conditions.
The ergonomic design and flat handlebar result in great comfort and make the tiresome journey smooth as a feather. So plan a journey with friends, camp at any off-road site, or take weekend trips with this bike on your side to ensure reliability and speed. All in all, it is the best budget gravel bike with great specs.
Pros
- Good brakes
- Strong body
- Variety of gears
Cons
- The tire spooks can pop
- The brakes need adjustment
Related: Top 10 Fastest Motorcycles in the world
9. Viribus Adult Gravel Bike
Features
- Wheel size: 650b
- Frame: carbon steel
- Tire : 40cm
- Brakes: linear pull
- No. of speeds: 21
Viribus Adult Gravel Bike has the awesomeness of both worlds. It is the best bike for smooth on-road biking as well as bumpy rugged paves.
The wheels are 650b which are excellent in accommodating wider tires. Thus, it provides more stability and control for the riders of dirt roads. The high-carbon steel frame results in the lowest possible weight making it extremely fit for performing all sorts of stunts on gravel roads.
Carbon fibre is the strongest and lightest material which makes it handy for petite riders and can also support heavy ones. It can withstand up to 330 pounds of weight. The bike's 21 speeds are amazing in providing great upward power and maintaining control during steep downfalls.
It is also equipped with rear V brakes that are quite strong and can stop the bike in an instant. Thus, whatever the speed and weather conditions are, there is no holding back the adventure of unexplored terrains.
The bike’s design is also extremely ergonomic with drop-style handlebars that ensure great stability while climbing upwards and efficient control on downhill rides.
Micro-grip shifters are present on each of the handles making the shifting easy for any type of rider. The speeds are indicated on dials for easy viewing. So, if you are searching for the best road bikes under $1500 in the USA this is the one for you.
Pros
- 650 b wheels support wider tires
- Strong rear V brakes
- Reflectors on tires
- Gear Shifting is easy
Cons
- Brakes need to be adjusted
10. Schwinn Bonafide Men's Mountain Bike
Features
- Wheel size: 700cc
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 29 in
- Brakes: mechanical brakes
- No. of speeds: 24
The Schwinn Bonafide Men's Mountain Bike is equipped with some out-of-box features. The aluminum frame makes this one of the best gravel bikes under 1500 and very durable, which results in many years of camping and gravel dirt adventures.
The powerful suspension fork is great for enduring all the nasty bumps and makes the journey amazing and less tiring.
The Schwinn 24-speed shifters give excellent speed and shift gears easy and under control. The derailleurs are present on the front as well as the back ensuring switching gears is smooth and quick.
The mechanical disc brakes are also present on the front and back wheels resulting in increased strength of stopping the bike. Thus, relax and enjoy the ride without thinking about safety and reliability.
The strong allow rims and 700cc wheels can support good-width tires and provide all the necessary torque you want.
Pros
- More variety of speed
- Reliable brakes
- Durable
Cons
- May require adjustment of gears
Buying Guide for the Best Gravel Bike Under 1500
To choose the best gravel bike, you should know what to look for. Below are some main features that make your biking experience fun and adventurous.
Frames
The frames should be durable and strong to endure the tricky bumps and twists. They can be made up of steel, iron, titanium, etc. But the best materials are aluminum and carbon.
Aluminum bikes are durable and cheap but have more weight. While the carbon frames are more lightweight and stronger. Hence, they are better than aluminum but also cost more than them. Also, the comfort and aerodynamic shapes make them good for off-road biking.
Geometry
The gravel bike has a modified shape that gives it more stability and comfort. The wheelbase is larger in length and the angles are more inclined to give an upright sitting position. This makes riding through gravel off-beat roads very controlled and relaxed, letting you enjoy the scenery. You should select bikes that have low handlebars and shorter distances to have maximum stability.
Tires
The main difference between a normal bike and a gravel bike is the width of its tires. The wheels are wider giving more flexible rides through bumps and rocks.
The best width of the tire is 40mm which makes them good to stabilize the journey.
Also, the tread pattern is different for different types of surfaces. Dry and rocky surfaces need less grip and thus less aggressive treads while wet and muddy tracks require more control and stability thus more grooves and patterns.
The tires are also tubeless and have good sealants that prevent damage caused by thorns, sharp rocks, etc.
Wheels base
There are two sizes of wheels for gravel bikes
- 650b
- 700c
650b wheels can accommodate wider wheels and have a small diameter resulting in more control and grip. They are good for off-road biking.
The 700c wheels can bear thinner tires and are good for both gravel paths and on-road biking. Usually, the bikes come with 700cc and can be interchanged to 650b.
Brakes
They are an important part of having safe dirt road biking. Two types of brakes are usually found on bikes.
- Rim Brakes
- Disc brakes
Rim brakes
They are the older version of brakes that works by applying resistance on the rim of the bike's wheel. It is present at the rim of your tires.
The road bikes are usually equipped with rim brakes. But they are not good for dirt biking as they are capable to control tires of a max 28mm width.
Disc Brakes
They are present in the middle of the wheel. Thus they can stop the moving bike more easily and efficiently. They are more effective for gravel bikes as they are very reliable and can accommodate tires of bigger widths.
Now a day’s disc brakes can be hydraulic or mechanical. The mechanical brakes use a cable that attaches the handle to the brakes and applies mechanical pressure to stop the bike. While the modern hydraulic brakes use fluid to perform the action.
Both are better than rim but hydraulic is the best type of brakes for performing adventurous gravel biking with difficult and dangerous terrains.
All of these features are very important when choosing the best gravel bike under $1500.
Gears
As the mountain off-road bikes have to endure different surfaces their gears are different from the road bikes. Their gears have to be small and the cassettes should be wide in range so they could perform well in unexpected sceneries. Usually, the gravel bikes have Cranksets with 50/34 or 48/32t gears.
Conclusion
The bikers looking for adventures should not spend too much on getting a good bike when there are so many budget-friendly options available in the market. The specs in an expensive bike may be better in performance and reliability, but you can easily find a decent trade-in at less price. You just have to find the best option and know what to look for. Thus, to buy the best road bikes under 1500 dollars, you should look for the following
- Wheel size
- Frame material
- Tire size
- Brakes
- Gears
With a durable frame body, efficient brakes, excellent gear, and good wide tires you will be able to get the best out of your bike without costing a leg and arm. Go for the bikes with disc brakes and a good drive train as it will be costly to replace them and will make a huge difference in your adventure.
There is a list of the best gravel bikes under 1500 dollars in this article with all their specs. All their pros and cons are also mentioned to help you choose the right one for you. So, sit back and relax and enjoy the fun and adrenaline-filled off-road biking.
FAQs
Are some disc brakes better than others?
The gravel bikes have two types of disc brakes. Although both of them are better than the rim ones. The hydraulic disc brakes are more powerful and reliable. However, the hydraulic brakes are expensive and a lot will be hard to find in budget-friendly bikes. They also require a lot of maintenance as the fluid needs to be changed, but they are the best brakes in terms of power and reliability, especially on difficult dirt roads.
Can the best gravel bikes under 1500 be used as road bikes?
Yes, the best gravel bikes under 1500 can be used as road bikes. However, as they have some differences in features from a normal road bike, the ride will definitely feel different. So, it may be not your no.1 choice, but it can work.
Related: Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $400