▷10 Best Gravel Bikes Under $3000 (2023)

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These are the best gravel bikes under $3000, suitable for enthusiasts, bikepackers, racers, men, and women.

They will allow you to ride on paved, dirt, and forest roads and, with wider tires, rougher terrain, singletrack, etc.

I’ve been following the gravel bike market for a while now, so I’ll share my experiences and findings from my market research to save you some time searching.

You will also learn how to choose a gravel bike under $3000 and what to expect in this price range.

Let’s get to it.

What Are the Best Gravel Bikes Under $3000?

Best Overall

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Best with Suspension

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Skip to the comparison table…

The best gravel bikes under $3,000 have carbon (sometimes aluminum) frames and gravel/road groupsets (1X or 2X), like the Shimano GRX400/600/810 or SRAM Apex.

They have hydraulic disc brakes and are often compatible with accessories thanks to additional mounting points.

Consider your riding style and the terrain you prefer. Then choose a gravel bike with a wide enough tire clearance and appropriate geometry.

More relaxed (upright) geometry is suitable for longer rides and bikepacking, while a more aggressive one is ideal for fast-paced rides or racing.

Read this buyer’s guide for more info.

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless (Best Gravel Bike Under $3000 Overall)

The Checkpoint is Trek’s gravel bike line. It’s similar to the Domane road bikes but has much wider tire clearance and different geometry.

Individual Checkpoints differ in components (marked with a different number) and frame material. ALR means aluminum frame, while SL and SLR mean carbon.

Unlike the carbon versions (which are significantly more expensive), Checkpoint ALR has no IsoSpeed decoupler or hidden compartments.

On the other hand, it belongs among the lighter aluminum gravel bikes and it has a dropper post.

The dropper post is a cool feature for those who love riding technical sections off-road where they need a lower center of gravity.

It also features gearing suitable for demanding terrain and additional mounting points.

Its geometry is fairly aggressive, making it ideal for fast-paced rides and performance-oriented riders.

And the last thing, Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless comes with a frame bag where you can store (almost) anything you will need for long rides.

Will this be your new bike?

Salsa Journeyer GRX (Best Budget)

Salsa is a well-known brand in the gravel and mountain bike industry. Choosing from their offer is not easy because it’s rich.

Their gravel bike range includes several lines. Journeyer is like a road bike but with wider tire clearance and better accessories compatibility.

The Journeyer, as its name suggests, has been designed for long rides where you can discover places you’ve never explored before.

The fact that it has an aluminum frame means it has a higher-end Shimano GRX RX810 groupset, which is quite rare in this price range.

Journeyer GRX is the top model in this range and it has gears similar to those we know from road bikes. So it’s not too suitable for very steep gradients in terrain.

The last thing worth mentioning is the carbon fork. It can better absorb minor vibrations for a more comfortable ride.

Cannondale Topstone 4 (Best with Suspension)

Topstone 4 differs from Topstone 1 and other bikes on this list. It has a Kingpin rear suspension, providing a higher level of comfort. 

It is also more suitable for challenging terrain because it can absorb bumps, similar to full-suspension mountain bikes. But, of course, it doesn’t have as much suspension travel.

The higher the number in the Topstone naming, the lower-end bike. Topstone 4 has a carbon frame but only Shimano GRX RX600. The gear ratios, however, are the same as on Topstone 1.

This bike is more suitable for terrain also thanks to the down tube protector, which will protect it against rocks and dirt.

The main disadvantage of Topstone 4 is its high weight.

Cervélo Aspero Apex

Cervélo Aspero Apex can be an alternative for those who don’t like Salsa Journeyer GRX or Cannondale Topstone 1.

The Aspero is a similarly tuned bike with one significant difference. It has a 1X drivetrain with more gravel-specific gearing. It’s, therefore, more suitable for steeper off-road gradients.

Thanks to the wide tires, you will have enough grip so you can rip through climbs with ease.

The main disadvantage of the Aspero includes the limited mounting points, for example, for bags or bottle cages.

It is, therefore, not ideal for bikepackers and people who can’t live without them. It also costs slightly over $3000.

Also available at mikesbikes.com

Niner RLT 2-Star

Niner offers a wide range of gravel bikes. From the more affordable aluminum or steel to carbon and full suspension ones.

The RLT 2-Star is Niner’s lowest-end aluminum gravel bike suitable for bikepacking and adventures, thanks to the additional mounts for racks and bottle cages.

Its gear range is limited, and the jumps between gears are larger because of the SRAM Apex 1×11spd groupset, but the gear ratios are suitable for flat sections or descents.

By the way, Niner RLT also comes with other groupsets, including 1- or 2×11(12)spd (both SRAM and Shimano).

Of course, the wide tire clearance allows you to put on wide tires and explore uncharted terrain.

Giant Revolt Advanced 2 & Liv Devote Advanced 2

Giant is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. So it’s no surprise that they are also represented among gravel bikes. They also own the women’s bike brand Liv.

Their Revolt and Devote ranges resemble the Defy (Avail) endurance road bikes. However, they have much wider tire clearance and are designed for off-road use.

Giant’s Flip-chip dropout is definitely worth mentioning. It allows you to adjust the wheelbase length and, therefore, how the bike behaves quite easily and quickly.

In the short position, the steering is more agile, ideal for mixed terrain. On the other hand, the long position is good for more stability in more demanding terrain.

You’ll also appreciate the overall low weight of the bike and the D-Fuse seatpost, which springs to absorb vibrations.

The handlebars are also made to flex slightly to increase your riding comfort.

Canyon Grail CF SL 7

This list would not be complete without Canyon Grail or Grizl. These two gravel bike lines are similar. What’s the difference?

The Grail uses double-decker handlebars, which are a thorn in some people’s side and others like. I don’t like them, but they allow for more hand positions, making long trips more bearable.

On the other hand, Grail doesn’t have the VCLS patented seatpost for improved comfort.

Grizl is more off-road focused and has wider tire clearance and more mounting points.

As is well known with Canyon, because of the direct-to-consumer model, they can offer better products at the same or lower prices than the competition.

The Canyon Grail CF SL 7 has quality components like the Shimano GRX RX810 groupset, DT Swiss wheels, and carbon frame.

Unfortunately, Canyon bikes are in high demand and often sold out or have delivery times in the range of months.

Cannondale Topstone AL 1

Topstone Aluminum 1 gravel bikes are slightly different from carbon ones from the same family. They don’t have the Kingpin rear suspension (like the Topstone 4).

This means they are not as comfortable in terrain. On the other hand, you won’t lose as much energy when pedaling, so you will ride faster.

The Topstone 1 also has similar gearing to the Salsa Journeyer GRX or road bikes. Therefore, I recommend this bike for longer rides on paved roads and light terrain.

The geometry, which is more aggressive than more terrain gravel bikes, will have you sitting in a more aerodynamic and faster position.

Given the price of this bike, you’ll also have plenty of money left over to buy accessories like backpacks and panniers.

The trade-off, however, is an aluminum frame and a worse setup than the aforementioned Journeyer GRX.

List of the best gravel bikes under $3000 with the info about their type, tire clearance, weight, and groupset,

My Verdict

The following three gravel bikes stand out from the rest:

Salsa Journeyrer is the best budget gravel bike for under $3,000. That’s because it has a cheaper aluminum frame and carbon fork and uses Shimano GRX RX400/600/810 2×11spd groupset. It’s a classic gravel bike for new adventures. And you will still have money left for other accessories.

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is the best gravel bike for under $3,000 overall. It’s a beautifully designed gravel bike with high attention to detail. You will appreciate additional mounting points, the included frame bag, dropper post, and Shimano GRX RX600 groupset. If you don’t mind the aluminum frame and prefer better components, this bike is the one to consider.

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 is the best gravel bike for under $3,000 with suspension. As the only bike on this list, it has Kingpin rear suspension technology for a more comfortable ride. You also get a carbon frame and Shimano GRX RX400/600 groupset.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike for Under $3000?

The following buyer’s guide is the shortened version of my fully dedicated guide to gravel bikes. I shortened it to fit the sub-$3000 price range.

Gravel Bike Type

Gravel bikes differ from each other in their geometry, tire clearance, wheel size, etc. There are 3 main categories of gravel/adventure bikes.

All-Road gravel bikes have 700c wheels, narrow tires, and more aggressive, sporty geometry. They are perfect for paved & dirt road sections, maintaining your fitness level, gravel races, etc. Simply said, ideal for fast-paced rides.

Standard gravel bikes have slightly more relaxed geometry than All-Road gravel bikes and more mounting points for accessories. They are all about riding comfort and stability. Many people use them for bikepacking adventures.

MTB-like gravel bikes usually have slack geometry, wide tires, and fancy features like suspension. They are suitable for rough terrain. Their versatility makes them perfect for adventures through unpredictable terrain.

NOTE: Many gravel bikes are compatible with 650b and 700c wheel sizes. Just make sure the bike offers wide enough tire clearance for wider tires.

The sub-$3000 price range mainly includes all-road and standard gravel bikes, but MTB-like gravel bikes also start to appear.

Choose the gravel bike type based on your riding style and the terrain you want to ride.

The general rule is that wider tires and more relaxed geometry are more suitable for rougher terrain with steep sections.

Gravel bikes with more aggressive (racing) geometry and narrower tires are suitable for fast-paced riding.

Frame Material

Visit my comparison of bike frame materials to learn more.

The general rule is that aluminum gravel bikes at this price range have better components (mostly higher-end groupset) than carbon ones.

The following table summarizes the estimated bike weights based on frame material.

Groupset

Gravel bikes for under $3000 use 1X or 2X mechanical groupsets.

1X shifting (1 chainring) offers fewer gears (1×10, 1×11, or 1×12) with larger jumps between them. These gravel bikes are ideal for quick changes in gradients.

1X groupsets are also lighter and easier to maintain thanks to fewer parts and easier to get used to (you only shift the rear gears).

2X shifting (2 chainrings) is more popular in this price range. It gives you a wider gear range, making it more suitable for longer rides or flats and descents where you appreciate more gears.

Its downside is possible cross-chaining, higher weight, susceptibility to failure, and higher maintenance requirements due to more parts.

Shimano and SRAM are among the most popular groupsets manufacturers for most bike types.

You can find gravel-specific or road* groupsets on these bikes. Gravel-specific ones have different gear ratios, which are more suitable for off-road riding.

*Common on gravel bikes with SRAM groupsets.

ShimanoSRAMCampagnoloType

Entry levelGRX 10spdMechanical

Mid rangeGRX 11spdForce XPLR eTap*EkarMechanical

ProGRX Di2 11spdRED XPLR eTapElectronic

A comparison of gravel bike groupsets (from entry-level to pro) of the major manufacturers (Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo) and their type.*Force XPLR eTap is electronic.

Aim for Shimano GRX400/600/810 or SRAM Apex.

At this price range, you probably won’t find a bike with an electronic groupset. Those are more common on gravel bikes under $5000.

Also, remember, the easier gears you will need, the more teeth the cassette has to have (and the smaller the chainrings). For example, a 10-36T cassette has harder gears than a 10-50T cassette.

Wheel Size

Most gravel bikes have 700c wheels; only those for rough terrain come with 650b wheels and wide, high-volume tires.

Compared to 650b wheels, 700c wheels feature a larger diameter and narrower tires. Because they enable you to ride faster while using less energy, they are excellent for flat terrain and paved surfaces like the tarmac.

According to La Velocita, 700c wheels combine the best weight, grip, and rolling resistance ratio.

The tires on 650b wheels are wider and have a smaller diameter. They are, therefore, ideal for more difficult terrain, such as muddy, hilly, forest, single-track, etc. The knobby tires also guarantee that you’ll have sufficient adhesion and grip.

Wider tires inflated to lower pressures better absorb bumps and other vibrations. They will make your ride more comfortable.

So, use 700c wheels with narrower tires for long-distance trips through lighter terrain and 650b wheels for more demanding terrain.

The following table should help you decide what tire width to choose.

GradeDefinitionSuggested Tire Size

1Tarmac, bad paved roads with cobbles700×25 – 700×32

2Dirt roads700×28 – 700×35

3Light gravel 700×32 – 700×38

4Rough gravel700×35 – 700×40+

5MTB terrain700×38+ / 650b

Gravel gradients, their definition, and the recommended tire size according to Cycling TipsSource: cyclingtips.com

Brakes

Gravel bikes in this price range use mostly hydraulic disc brakes, but some still have only mechanical ones. Below, I shortly explain the difference between them.

Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid filled in the system. As CyclingAbout explains, when you pull the brake lever, the fluid rushes down to the caliper, closing the brake pads. This type of disc brake provides braking consistency in any riding condition. On the other hand, they are more difficult to maintain at home due to their complexity.

Mechanical disc brakes work similarly to rim brakes – a steel cable moves the pistons, creating friction that slows the bike. The advantage is that they are compatible with standard rim shifters and are easier to maintain at home. Their disadvantage is that the steel cable can wear out more easily and break when you don’t expect it.

Accessories Compatibility

If you are looking for a gravel bike for bike touring, make sure it is compatible with additional accessories thanks to the additional mounts.

They will allow you to equip the bike with panniers, bags, fenders, and water bottles to support you on your bike journeys.

Feel free to watch the following video by bikepacking.com. They explain what should be on your bikepacking gear list.

Bike Size and Geometry

It may be tricky to choose the bike size if you can’t try it in person, and geometry also plays a role.

Choosing the right size is important for your riding comfort and preventing injuries. So I recommend spending the necessary time choosing.

Geometry-wise, things are a little more complicated. Simply put, all-road gravel bikes will push you into a more aggressive position, while normal and MTB-like gravel bikes have more relaxed geometry that contributes to better riding comfort and stability.

Other Features to Consider

Some gravel bikes have front and rear suspensions. For example, a more compliant seatpost, an active rear suspension, or a suspended fork. These are more suitable for demanding terrain and improve riding comfort.

If you’re a fan of rougher bike handling, I recommend preferring bikes with a downtube protector to maintain longer frame life.

I also noticed some gravel bikes have dropper posts. This feature is great for singletracks, for example. It allows you to lower your center of gravity for more stability and better handling.

Gravel Bikes Under $3000 FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.

Preview picture source: Canyon