For those looking to broaden their horizons, get out of the city more often, and travel by bike, a gravel bike is an option worth considering. It allows you to ride on asphalt as well as dirt roads and forest paths in Paris and the Île-de-France region, without having to limit yourself to just one type of terrain.
Table of contents:
Orbea Terra H45 Bike
Welt Voyager 2 Bike
Welt G100 Bike
Kona Rove Bike
SUNN Venture Air S2 Bike
Superior GA 9.1 Bike
Conclusion
To get started with gravel riding, several criteria are particularly important: predictable handling, a comfortable position, a wide gear range, and effective braking on different types of terrain. We have also taken into account tire width, tubeless compatibility, luggage mounting points, and the bike's upgrade potential. The goal: to be able to embark on longer and more demanding rides over time without having to change bikes.
This selection brings together models with different characteristics: practical options for the city, bikes designed for long-distance travel and bikepacking, as well as sporty and lightweight models. Everything you need to choose a gravel bike based on your needs, from daily commutes in Paris and the Île-de-France region to rides out of the city and your first multi-day trips.
Gravel bikes allow you to significantly vary your routes
Orbea Terra H45 Bike
The most versatile gravel bike for beginners
The Orbea Terra H45 is particularly well-suited for discovering gravel riding thanks to its predictable handling and practical equipment. Its aluminum frame is paired with a carbon fork that helps filter out small vibrations transmitted to the handlebars. The frame accepts tires up to 50 mm wide, while the stock Vittoria Terreno T30 700×40C tires already offer sufficient volume for asphalt, dirt roads, and gravel.
The Shimano CUES 1×11 drivetrain features a single 40T chainring and an 11–50 cassette. This setup is very practical for a beginner: gear changes are performed only at the rear, with a wide enough range for both climbs and fast, flat sections. The Shimano RS405 hydraulic brakes allow for precise braking modulation, providing more control on loose or wet terrain.
The frame features mounting points for luggage and accessories. The Terra can thus progressively evolve toward a bikepacking and long-distance travel setup. It is a good choice for those looking for a single gravel bike for daily commutes and regular rides outside the city.
Orbea Terra H45: a versatile gravel bike for mixed routes
Welt Voyager 2 Bike
Comfortable gravel bike for long rides with luggage
The Welt Voyager 2 is designed for daily commutes, routes alternating between asphalt and dirt paths, and travel with luggage. The geometry of its aluminum frame prioritizes stability: the bike easily maintains its trajectory and requires fewer minor handlebar corrections on uneven terrain. For a beginner, this behavior makes approaching gravel more reassuring.
The Shimano CUES 2×10 drivetrain features two chainrings of 46T and 30T. This configuration allows you to choose a lower gear on climbs and a higher gear on flat terrain. The relatively small gaps between gears make it easier to maintain a comfortable cadence. The Shimano CUES BR-6030 hydraulic brakes offer predictable braking in both dry and wet conditions.
The WTB Riddler 700×45C tires provide more grip and comfort on dirt paths, while the wheels allow for a tubeless conversion. The included mudguards and rack make the Voyager 2 ready for daily commutes in Paris, rides in the Île-de-France region, and weekend trips.
Welt Voyager 2: a practical gravel bike for travel and bikepacking
Welt G100 Bike
Dynamic model for mixed routes
The Welt G100 is aimed at cyclists who plan to regularly alternate between asphalt, dirt roads, and gravel. Its aluminum frame is paired with a carbon fork, while its geometry prioritizes both handling precision and stability: the model easily maintains its trajectory at high speeds and remains predictable on uneven sections.
The Shimano GRX 2×10 drivetrain with its two chainrings offers a wide range of gears with relatively small steps. This makes it easier to keep a comfortable cadence on flat roads, climbs, and gravel. The Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes ensure progressive, well-modulated braking on wet roads as well as loose surfaces.
The G100 is suitable for cyclists who want to quickly transition from short rides to regular training and longer routes, where good efficiency on asphalt and good handling on paths are important.
Welt G100: an accessible gravel bike for asphalt and dirt roads
Kona Rove Bike
Ideal bike for long rides
The Kona Rove stands out for its balanced and predictable character over long distances. Its Kona Butted Cromoly steel frame and revised geometry prioritize stability: the bike easily keeps its line on uneven roads, while the steel helps filter out some of the small vibrations. For a beginner, this behavior makes it easier to get used to drop handlebars with their various positions and feel more comfortable on gravel.
The Shimano CUES 1×10 drivetrain pairs a 40T chainring with an 11–48 cassette. Gear management is simple since the derailleur is only at the rear, and the gear range is wide enough for both climbs and fast sections. The Shimano CUES 6030 hydraulic brakes are equipped with 180 mm rotors at the front and rear, allowing for effective slowing on long descents and during rides with luggage.
The Maxxis Rambler 700×40 mm tires are suitable for asphalt, dirt roads, and gravel, while the WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 wheels allow for tubeless conversion. The Rove is a logical choice for those who prioritize comfort and plan to spend several hours at a time in the saddle.
Kona Rove: a versatile bike for the city and gravel
SUNN Venture Air S2 Bike
Technical gravel bike for dynamic riding and demanding courses
The SUNN Venture Air S2 is aimed at cyclists choosing their first gravel bike with their future progression in mind: more speed, longer distances, and participation in amateur events. Its full Toray HM carbon frame maintains high rigidity for pedaling while filtering out some of the small vibrations on uneven roads. The bike thus reacts quickly to accelerations while remaining comfortable during prolonged rides.
The SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 1×12 electronic drivetrain pairs a 40T chainring with an 11–44 cassette. Gear changes are made with the simple push of a button, and the system has no mechanical derailleur cables. The SRAM Apex XPLR hydraulic disc brakes, with 160 mm rotors, allow for precise speed control on both asphalt and gravel.
The Schwalbe G-One R Pro 700×45 tires offer good volume on loose surfaces, while the Mach1 Wookx 25 wheels are tubeless-compatible. The BRUTE CARBON COMBO handlebar and stem form a single piece, while the carbon seatpost completes this sporty configuration.
SUNN Venture Air S2: a lightweight gravel bike for long, dynamic rides
Superior GA 9.1 Bike
Comfortable gravel bike for bike travel and bikepacking
The Superior GA 9.1 was designed for prolonged rides and travel with luggage. Its carbon frame geometry prioritizes stability and comfort: the bike maintains its trajectory when loaded and remains predictable on uneven surfaces. Over long distances, this allows for more control when bags and gear are added to the bike's weight.
The Shimano CUES 2×11 drivetrain pairs two chainrings of 46T and 32T with an 11–36 cassette. This setup offers a wide gear range with small steps between ratios, making it easier to maintain a comfortable cadence on asphalt, gravel, and long climbs. The Shimano CUES U6030 hydraulic brakes, equipped with 160 mm rotors, ensure progressive, well-modulated braking on descents and wet ground.
The Schwalbe G-One Comp 700×45 tires provide grip and comfort, while the wheels allow for tubeless conversion. The numerous mounting points for luggage make the GA 9.1 the model in this selection most oriented toward bikepacking and multi-day bike travel.
Superior GA 9.1: a sporty gravel bike for fast routes
Conclusion
At Routes and Roads, you can compare gravel bikes, choose the right size, and evaluate your riding position before purchasing. The store team will help you choose a model based on your usual routes, the terrain, and the distances you plan to cover.
The experienced mechanics at the Routes and Roads workshop can prepare your bike for your rides, check the main components, and perform the necessary adjustments. Once the bike is tuned, you can head out on urban routes in Paris, gravel paths in the Île-de-France region, or prepare for your first long-distance trips.
