Gravel Bike vs Hybrid Bike: Gravel Bikes Are Hybrid Bikes on Steroids?

Things every cyclist needs to know before buying a gravel bike or a hybrid bike.

Gravel bikes and hybrid bikes have a lot in common. Specifically, they are designed to offer comfortability and versatility. These bikes are to choose if you want a bike that traverses through any type of field. They are both useful for treading on off-road terrain and smooth pavements. 

Here we will discuss the differences between a gravel bike and a hybrid bike so that in the future, you can choose the right bike for you.

1. Function

As stated above, it can tread on both mountainous terrain and smooth pavements. Primarily, however, hybrid bikes are designed for use on paved roads with a little gravel. While it can be used for off-road trails, it is mainly designed to be ridden leisurely. So you won’t be using these bikes for extreme off-road trails. 

Gravel bikes, like hybrid bikes, can be ridden through many surfaces, rocky, mountainous, smooth, and more. Unlike hybrid bikes that are equipped with flat-bar handles, gravel bikes use a drop-bar handle. This way, the rider is more optimized for speed and agility. 

2. Characteristics

Hybrid Bikes

For this type of bike, you can ride on paved surfaces and smooth off-roads. In other words, this bike is perfect for commuting to work and riding around town. Hybrid bikes have a flat-bar grip, making riders stay upright when they ride. Through this position, riders sacrifice speed and agility for a more comfortable feel. 

Hybrid bikes also include tires that are narrower and slicker than that of mountain bikes. Also, they have tougher casings and compounds to avoid punctures on off-road trails. These tires offer a great balance between speed and grip on various terrain. Not only that, they also reduce traction and offer greater than a mountain bike. 

The hybrid bike has robust components and mild frame geometry that does not require much maintenance. It is important to note that hybrid bikes are created to last; tough cassettes, chainrings, and durable tires are used so that the product will last a long time. 

The gearing is more inclined towards giving the rider more options while riding at a slower speed. So, there are more gear options and the gears would be lower to make pedaling easier. The suspensions used on hybrid bikes are located on their forks and are relatively short, quite unlike the ones on mountain bikes. Depending on your budget, you can improve the quality of these forks to provide comfort for light off-road riding. 

Gravel Bikes

Now that we have finished talking about the characteristics of the hybrid bike, time for us to talk about gravel bikes. These bikes are designed for on or off-road exploration over long distances. As these bikes would be primarily used on gravelly roads, it is important to note that the wheels of the gravel bikes are quite wide. This is done to ensure stability and grip when riding on off-road terrain. Naturally, the wheels have a tough casing to avoid punctures. Gravel bikes use the drop bar grip position. This way, riders have plenty of hand positions to choose from. There’s gripping it on the hood, on the bars, and in the drops. Multiple hand positions offer rider comfort and versatility. The drop bar handle causes the rider to lean forward while biking thus reducing drag and offering aerodynamic position. 

For off-road purposes, gravel bikes use disc brakes. Having a disc brake is very important for a gravel bike because disc brakes are very versatile, showing great performance regardless of weather. This is especially true if you’re going through potentially wet and dirty places. 

The gearing is also lowered on gravel bikes to accommodate steep climbs. The wheels of the gravel bikes usually have medium-width tires, typically 700c. Wider tires offer better traction, stability, and shock absorption on roads like gravel or dirt. So, gravel bikes are great to bring along if you want to go touring or backpacking. This bike is made for long travels and can be equipped with extra mounting to carry a cyclist’s equipment. 

3. Experience

 

Seeing as hybrid bikes are designed for comfort, we know that anyone can ride them without any problems. The flat handle of the bike provides comfort to the rider as they can sit upright when biking. It does not matter if you have ridden a bike before or if you have never ridden a bicycle before, the comfortability makes it perfect for anyone who wishes to ride it. 

Riding a gravel bike offers an adventure-filled experience that allows you to explore diverse terrains, improve your riding skills, and connect with nature. Whether you're seeking a challenging workout, a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes, or the thrill of exploration, a gravel bike opens up a world of possibilities.

Cost

Depending on the quality of the components and materials, the prices of hybrid bikes and gravel bikes may vary. You can get a hybrid bike with an alloy frame and a Shimano Deore Mix component with the Polygon Heist X7 priced at RM 2999. For a gravel bike, you can also get an alloy bike with a Shimano GRX Mix with the Marin Headlands 2 priced at RM 9899. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, each bike has its uses. Hybrid bikes are more inclined toward comfortable and leisurely strolls. The body of the bike accommodates a leisurely ride as well, from the flat-bar grip that ensures the rider remains upright when biking, to the narrow wheels that give comfortability for use on paved roads, even to the gears that promote easier pedaling when riding slowly. 

Gravel bikes, on the other hand, the drop bar position gives the rider plenty of hand position to choose from, thus granting rider versatility and comfortability. When using drop bars, the riders go into a crouched position. This position reduces drag and can increase speed and efficiency. This is particularly useful for descending down hills and riding along flat surfaces.