A road bike, a gravel bike, or something in between: anyone looking for a new sport bike soon gets this question. The differences may seem small, but they determine where and how you ride. In this guide, we put the three types side by side so you know which one suits you best.
The race bike
A race bike is built for speed on asphalt. It is light, has narrow tires from 25 to 32 millimeters and a sporty seating position. On good roads and in the mountains, there is nothing more beautiful.
- For: Fast, light, maneuverable, ideal for climbing and group rides.
- Against: less comfortable on bad roads, not suitable for unpaved paths.
- Ideal for: who mainly rides on the road, does tours and granfondos, or wants to climb mountains.
The gravel bike
A gravel bike looks like a road bike, but has wider tires with a profile (usually 38 to 50 millimeters), a slightly straighter seating position, and often a lighter gear ratio. You can use it on gravel roads, forest paths, and dirt tracks, and it’s also great on asphalt.
- For: Versatile, comfortable, suitable for unpaved roads and bikepacking, plenty of mounting points for bags.
- Against: heavier and slower on asphalt than a race bike.
- Ideal forFor those who want to avoid the crowds on the road, want to explore forests and nature, or want to go mountain biking.
The allroad or endurance race bike
In between is the allroad or endurance bike: a race bike with space for wider tires (up to about 35 millimeters) and a comfortable geometry. With fast tires, it almost rides like a race bike; with slightly wider tires, you can ride over a bit of gravel road.
- For: Comfortable on long rides, fast on asphalt, occasionally on unpaved roads.
- Against: not a real off-road bike.
- Ideal for: long trips, bad roads and anyone who wants a bike for almost everything.
Which one do you choose?
- If you drive 90 percent on asphalt and want to be fast? Choose a race bike.
- Do you want to go into the forest, on an adventure or mountain biking? Choose one gravel bike.
- Do you want one bike for long rides on bad roads, with occasional gravel paths? Choose one allroad.
Tip: With a second set of wheels and tires, you can make a gravel bike much faster on the road. That way, you have two bikes with one bike.
Where do you ride it?
On our destination pages, it is specified per region whether it is suitable for a race bike, gravel bike, or both, and in our routedatabase Can you filter by type of ride? For gravel in the Netherlands, read here. tips for your first gravel ride, and who just started riding a race bike Starting with cycling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I participate in a tour with a gravel bike?
Yes, that's fine. With fast tires you hardly notice the difference compared to a road bike.
Which is better for a beginner?
A gravel bike or allroad is a smart first choice for many beginners: they are comfortable and versatile. If you are sure that you mainly ride on the road, choose a race bike.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.