Gravel Bike Buyer's Guide

Gravel bikes have rapidly gained popularity in recent years and have become one of the most frequently purchased types of bikes on the market.

A gravel bike is perfect for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Due to its versatility, it allows you to ride faster than an MTB bike while maintaining comfort on both city and country roads.

Numerous mounting points allow you to attach luggage racks, mudguards, or water bottle holders, making gravel bikes ideal for long trips and everyday use.

Cyclocross or gravel bikes – how do they differ?

Cyclocross and gravel bikes look similar, but their purpose and construction differ.

Cross bikes are designed for short, intense races on foresty or muddy trails. They have a more aggressive geometry, a shorter wheelbase, and often narrower tires (around 33 mm), which allow for fast and agile riding, easy acceleration, and smooth cornering.
Gravel bikes are designed for longer, comfortable rides on a variety of roads, from paved to gravel or even light forest trails. Their frames and geometry are more comfortable, allowing for wider tires (40–45 mm and more), and the frames often have numerous mounting points for luggage, mudguards, or water bottle holders.
In short: cross-country bikes are fast and technically suited to trails, while gravel bikes are versatile and suitable for longer adventures.

Aluminum or carbon fiber gravel bike?

The choice of material has a significant impact on the weight, comfort, and price of a bicycle.

Aluminum is a strong, durable, and less expensive material. Aluminum frames are often slightly stiffer, which can make them feel less comfortable on longer rides. However, they are ideal for beginners or those looking for quality at an affordable price.

Carbon is lightweight and absorbs vibrations well, providing more comfort, especially on longer and more technical rides. However, bikes with carbon fiber frames are more expensive.

In summary: if you ride a lot and seriously, a carbon fiber bike will bring you more pleasure. If you are looking for durability and a budget option, aluminum is a great choice.

Choosing the right frame size for a gravel bike

The right frame size is the basis for comfort and control.

The frame size depends on your height and leg length.
Manufacturers usually provide size charts, but it is best to try the bike in person.
A frame that is too small can cause discomfort and poor handling, while one that is too large can make it difficult to reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably.
Both a frame that is too small and one that is too large will be uncomfortable and may cause health problems.
Gravel bikes have a slightly longer geometry, so the frame size of a road bike may differ from that of a gravel bike.

Which manufacturer's bicycle should I choose? (Trek, Superior, KTM)

The choice depends on your budget, needs, and the purpose of the bicycle.

Trek – One of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers, known for its high-quality carbon and aluminum frames and advanced technology (IsoSpeed, OCLV carbon). Perfect for both beginners and professionals.
Superior – A Czech manufacturer offering well-balanced, durable, and often cheaper gravel models. Very popular in Central Europe due to its price-quality ratio.
KTM – An Austrian manufacturer known for its high-quality and reliable bikes with aluminum and carbon frames. KTM gravel models often have sporty geometry and are suitable for serious enthusiasts.

Trek is considered the most well-known and respected brand in the world, while Superior and KTM are popular among those looking for value for money.

How to choose the right tires for a gravel bike?

The choice of tires depends on where you will be driving and what level of comfort or speed you want to achieve.

Width: Gravel tires are usually 35–45 mm wide. Wider tires absorb shocks better and provide better traction on mud and gravel, but are slightly slower on asphalt.
Tread: If you ride mainly on asphalt, choose tires with a smoother tread (e.g., Pirelli Gravel H). If the roads are often gravel or muddy, look for a more aggressive tread, such as Pirelli Gravel M..
Puncture resistance and rolling properties: Puncture-resistant tires last longer, but are harder to roll. If you drive over loose stones and roots every day, puncture resistance can be an important factor.
Pressure: Lower pressure improves comfort and grip, but slightly increases rolling resistance. Tubeless ready tires provide more comfort, reduce the likelihood of punctures, and allow you to ride at lower pressures.

Trek Gravel Bikes: Checkmate, Checkpoint, Domane – which model to choose?

Trek offers three distinctive gravel bikes, each designed for a different riding style and terrain. Understanding their strengths will help you choose the best partner for your gravel adventures.

1. Trek Checkpoint – Universal Gravel Bike

Best: For true gravel enthusiasts and bikepacking enthusiasts looking for a versatile, comfortable bike for long and uneven marathons.

Frame: carbon fiber The frames feature IsoSpeed technology, which absorbs vertical shocks and provides comfort on uneven road surfaces.
Geometry: Balanced, ensuring stability and good handling, with a gentler steering angle and lower pedal position.
Tyres: Fits tires up to 50 mm wide with 700c wheels.

Checkpoint is the gold standard for gravel bikes that want versatility—to race, travel, or explore trails with confidence and comfort.

2. Trek Domane – Long-distance road bike with gravel capabilities

Best: For cyclists who want a fast road bike but can afford a light gravel or uneven asphalt bike without compromising on speed.

Frame: carbon fiber The frames feature IsoSpeed technology, which absorbs vertical shocks and provides comfort on uneven road surfaces.
Geometry: More road-oriented, slightly more aggressive, but still comfortable.
Tyres: Fits tires up to 38 mm wide – suitable for light hard gravel roads.
Features: Integrated mounts for mudguards and luggage rack, neat internal cable routing.

Domane is perfect if your gravel rides are less technical or often mixed with asphalt. It is a comfortable road bike that easily handles flat gravel roads.

3. Trek Checkmate – For gravel races

Best: For gravel racers and aggressive riders who seek speed on a variety of trails.

Frame: High-grade OCLV carbon, stiff and designed for fast riding.
Geometry: Aggressive, race-tuned, for quick handling and efficient power transfer.
Tire space: Fits up to 45 mm tires for fast traction on gravel.
Features: Lightweight frame, aerodynamic, few mounting points.

Checkmate - light, fast, extremely precise control for those who like to push the limits. Ideal for racing.

Quick comparison of Checkmate, Domane, and Checkpoint gravel bikes

Quick comparison

Trek bicycle model	Main purpose	Max tire width	Geometry	Key features
Checkpoint	Versatile, suitable for bikepacking	Up to 50 mm	Stable and comfortable	Multiple attachment points and designed for comfort
Domane	Long-distance road riding + light gravel	Up to 38 mm	Road-oriented with gravel riding capabilities	Comfortable and fast
Checkmate	Gravel races	Up to 45 mm	Aggressive racing geometry	Lightweight, fast, and designed for shelves

Which one best suits your gravel style?

If you want the freedom to ride anywhere—from wild trails to long bikepacking trips—Checkpoint will be your most reliable companion.
If you ride mostly on asphalt with occasional gravel sections, and speed and comfort are important to you, the Domane is the best choice.
If you enjoy gravel racing and aggressive riding on challenging trails, Checkmate will give you the speed and control you need.

Can't find the model you want in stock?

Don't worry if you can't find the bike you want in the store right now – we can order most models directly from the manufacturer or from our warehouse in Latvia. Delivery usually takes from a few days to a few weeks, and our team is always ready to help you and keep you informed about the progress of your order.