The modern gravel bikes were born out in the American Midwest due to the races that took place on the gravel roads. Today, these bikes have gained popularity.
Gravel bikes (or adventure bikes) are basically road bikes that can handle traveling on a wider range of terrains. They carry more gear than your average bicycle and are ideal for cycling for long hours on unpaved roads.
Just like shopping for cereals in a grocery shop, finding the best gravel bike Malaysia can be overwhelming. To help you invest in the right bike, we’ve put together a list of the best gravel bikes in Malaysia.
10 Best Gravel Bikes in Malaysia
These are the 10 best gravel bikes Malaysia available to buy.
Twitter Gravel Bike V2
With a geometric optimization design for competitive sports, this Twitter gravel bike is one of the most affordable gravel bikes available. It gives the rider enough edge to deal with the diverse road conditions encountered throughout the cruise, climb, dash, and other track periods! This bike features a carbon fibre frame for increased durability on different terrain types. It also comes with a zoom hydraulic disc for superior downhill stopping power.
Pros
- It has a Zoom hydraulic disc brake
- It is affordable
- Comes in 8 different colors
Cons
- It uses a Shimano Tiagra 2×10 drivetrain, meant for mid-level road biking
Marin Gestalt 2
Marin Gestalt 2 is designed for the drop bar rider who can’t manage to remain clean and off the pavement. Marin picked a fully equipped 6061 aluminium frame and a full carbon fork for this bike. The aluminium is designed to help riders merge speed and comfort due to its strong frame for when you’re laying down the power. All-weather riders who ride long distances will enjoy using the fender and rack attachments. The ride gets more fun as you use the larger-volume tires and the reliable brakes.
Pros
- Feature internal cable routing
- Comfortable for long rides
- It is affordable
Cons
- It’s a bit stiff
Polygon Bend R2 Gravel Bike
The Polygon Bend R is the right combination of comfort and mobility for exploring new areas. This gravel bike boasts a longer head tube that allows for a more comfortable and upright riding stance. It features disc brakes and a compact ALX framework with off-road-specific construction. Its larger tires with increased tire clearance allow users to ride on asphalt, in the woods, or on miles of gravel rural roads.
Pros
- Offers comfort on rougher surfaces
- Quite affordable considering its build
- Includes accessories like a water bottle and its holder
Cons
- Gears need heavy adjustments
Cervélo Áspero 5 Gravel Bike
This type of bike challenges riders to push their limits by being swift, stiff, and nipping at their heels. The carbon frame of the new Cervélo Spero-5 is 10% lighter than its predecessor, according to the manufacturer, resulting in a 3 percent reduction in wind resistance. The Spero-5’s improved aerodynamics lets you blast through challenging courses and punish elements with less drag and greater efficiency. It has very precise handling makes for smooth and efficient power transfer.
Pros
- Premium gravel bike with beautiful looks
- Ultra-lightweight
- Comes with improved aerodynamics
Cons
- It is expensive
Canyon Grizl 6
The Canyon Grizl 6 is a bike that can be used in any season and for any type of riding. This bike has more tire clearance and cargo mounts than typical gravel bikes, allowing it to go off-road and provide a sense of movement. This Canyon bike comes with a Selle Italia seat and DT Swiss gravel-specific wheels for better comfort and shock absorption on long, curving roads. For a practical and versatile design, a flared aluminium gravel handlebar is coupled with a Canyon V13 stem.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Equipped to tackle rougher terrain
- Available in 5 different colors
Cons
- Its low-pressure tires can make it feel a bit sluggish
Polygon Heist X2
The Polygon Heist X2 will be your perfect partner if you want to move between urban and mountain bike riding. It has a front suspension fork that absorbs impacts as you ride over potholes in the road, making it lightweight and sturdy. This gravel bike’s Urban Cross Hybrid frame is the right balance of strength and comfort. This frame also has a lot of ground clearance at the bottom bracket, so you can ride over curbs without worrying about the frame getting impacted by the surface below.
Pros
- It comes with a front suspension fork
- Durable and perfect for commuting
- Can handle light off-trail single-tracks
Cons
- Uncomfortable for long rides
Geometric Escape Apex 1 Gravel Bike
The Geometric Escape Apex 1 Gravel Bike is a fantastic all-around bike in the upper-middle pricing range. The Sram Apex groupset offers you a more straightforward, quieter, and safer powertrain and a very simple-shifting mechanism. It weighs 9.7kg, which is helpful when hiking steep hills. This gravel bike is one of the lightest, with a basic design and a clean finish that allows riders to relax and enjoy their ride. It has a remarkably efficient power transfer which reinforces how light it feels under you. The performance balance between slopes and roads allows you to travel on most tough trails.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Perfect for hilly terrains
- Clean finish for the bike frame
Cons
- It only has 11-speed options
Marin San Anselmo DS1 Bike
The Marin San Anselmo DS1 Bike is geared similarly to other bikes for climbing hills. It has a women’s fit geometry that makes it more comfortable for female riders. It’s constructed around a light in weight Series 2 aluminium frame, rack, fender mount, a suspension fork, and Shimano drivetrains. It also has large-volume mixed-terrain tires, disc brakes, and a dynamic pedaling position with an upright seated position for fitness riding across various trails.
Pros
- Ideal for fitness riding
- Specific women geometry
- Budget-saving
Cons
- It is quite expensive
Cervélo R5-CX
In terms of performance and design, the Cervélo R5-CX is comparable to the R5; however, there are a few key differences. Wout and Marianne collaborated on the precise handling and fit of this model, which is unique. It has a D-shaped seat post that provides comfort while also helping to maintain the saddle facing forward in the event of a crash. All wires are routed internally to keep grit and water out, and the frame is only compatible with electronic drivetrains. The head tubes on these bikes are likewise shorter, resulting in lower stack heights.
Pros
- Provides comfort
- Unique handling and fit
- Has internally routed wires
Cons
- The tires aren’t top-range
Marin Pine Mountain 1
The Marin Pine Mountain 1 gravel bike is a classic steel gravel bike with updated trail capabilities for hardtail enthusiasts seeking adventure and pushing the limits. Many riders consider this bike a good value buy since it combines trail speed with all-day comfort for bike hauling. This gravel bike has SRAM GX gears that shift smoothly and don’t slap the chain. It also includes cargo connection points brazed into the front triangle to carry all necessary water and supplies for a successful excursion. It offers an easy-to-repair outside cabling design, which is beneficial when traveling for long days.
Pros
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Durable
- Ideal for bike packing
Cons
- It is quite heavy
A Guide to Choosing the Right Gravel Bike
We want to help you pick the right gravel bike! This comprehensive guide will outline the most important features to consider when shopping for the best gravel bicycle.
- Set your Budget
Bike companies are producing more gravel bikes at affordable prices. The majority of mainstream bikes are priced between $1,500 and $3,500, with costs ranging from under $1,000 to over $10,000. More expensive bicycles are typically lighter and have superior wheels and components. Finding the right balance of features will get you a great bike at an affordable price if you know what you want.
- Riding Terrains
Riding on gravel roads has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy time as there are a lot of terrains to explore. These multi-surface bikes make it easy to transition from paved roads to gravel paths. Gravel bike geometry, tires, and gearing are all designed specifically to address the demands of off-road riding. A gravel bike enables riders to explore beyond where the tarmac ends and even sample some singletrack too.
- Riding Style
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a gravel bike is your riding style. Getting the right gravel riding technique will help you get the most out of your ride. This is because it is important to know the type of riding you will be doing to help you decide on the design, features, and durability of a bike. If you plan to use it frequently, then finding a high-quality, strong, and durable fit is ideal.
- Type of Gravel Bike
Catering to the different types of cycling needs, gravel bikes have diversified into two types; aggressive gravel bikes and relaxed gravel bikes. Aggressive gravel bikes are versatile and have a lower and more aggressive riding position, while relaxed ones come with a more comfortable geometry giving a more upright position.
- Look for a Cycling Group
Whether you’re interested in group riding or you just want to be guided on how to pick the right gravel bike, opinions and advice from other cyclists help you make the right decision as well as make you a safer cyclist on the road. By joining a cycling group and getting involved, you’ll learn useful skills that you might not be exposed to riding solo.
- Pick a Component Spec
Based on your preference, you may also feel like adding other components to your bike. Just like road and mountain bikes, gravel bikes are specked with a wide range of different components and build options to improve your riding experience. Getting a ready-built bike is often the quickest and most effective way of buying a complete bike, but other riders prefer to buy parts and customize them to their specifications.
- Size of Tires
To cope with the range of terrains, most gravel bicycles have wide, semi-slick tires. However, how you wish to spend the majority of your time will have a big impact on this. You’ll need wider tires on a gravel bike than you would on a road bike. The typical tire width on a gravel bike is 32-45mm, with some reaching up to 50mm. Wide tires provide more traction on loose gravel and allow for a more aggressive tread pattern, which is especially useful on wet, slick gravel.
- Frame Material & Size
You will notice that different gravel bikes have frames made of carbon, aluminium, and steel. The build material of the bike can impact its weight. The majority of gravel bikes are made from carbon and aluminium. Carbon is the lightest material and often the choice among most riders because it offers extra suppleness and comfort on rough roads. Although steel can be a little heavier, it depends on the design of the steel frame and grading.
- Brakes
As you shop for gravel bikes, you will notice two choices regarding the brake system; mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic brakes. Mechanical disc brakes use a cable system to slow your bike, while hydraulic use fluid. Even though gravel bikes with hydraulic brakes are quite expensive when compared to mechanical ones, most riders prefer them due to their superior performance. They are not affected by trail debris or mud and give you more stopping power with less effort.
- Test Ride
Before buying a gravel bike, you should do further research, but most of the time, a single test will help. Taking a ride on your gravel bike will give you an idea of its comfort, durability, and efficiency. A test ride will help you find a test ride that can help you find the one that’s right for you and check the reliability of the suspension and brake systems.
Conclusion
Picking the right gravel bike should be a fun activity. We hope you found this guide helpful and that you’re confident when it comes to buying the best gravel bike Malaysia you want. Just remember to start by jotting down the types, features, and qualities you’re looking for in the bike. Consider the type of rider you are and what riding technique you love. Without that, you’ll end up with the wrong bike.
Women should consider the Marin San Anselmo DS1 bike because it was developed exclusively for them and will make cycling more fun. The Cervelo Aspero 5 gravel bike is a superb alternative if you’re prepared to spend a bit more on the gravel bike that can offer the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth getting a gravel bike?
Yes, gravel bikes are totally worth it! This is because when using this type of bike, you can go anywhere you want and ride on any road or terrain you want. They offer great value for adventure biking or racing.
- Why are gravel bikes slower?
Most riders feel that gravel bikes are slower when compared to road bikes. The slowness of gravel bikes is caused by the size of the tires, riding positions, and the lower gearing.
- What is the advantage of a gravel bike?
The main advantage of buying a gravel bicycle is its ability to ride on all roads. You can ride on tarmac roads, gravel roads, or even singletrack trails.