Gravel race bikes are built for speed on mixed terrain. They use light carbon frames, fast geometry and aero shaping to help you ride harder on rough ground. These bikes suit riders who want road‑bike pace when riding off road.
Perfect for events like Dirty Reiver, The Gralloch and fast local loops. If you want sharp handling, quick acceleration and a bike made for racing, this is the right place to start.
Our range includes top models from Cervelo, Cannondale, Cube, Merida and Trek. Each brand brings its own approach to speed, stability and race‑ready performance. Whether you want Cervelo’s precision, Cannondale’s innovation, Cube’s value, Merida’s efficiency or Trek’s proven race pedigree, you’ll find a gravel bike built to go fast when the terrain gets rough.
Gravel race bikes are designed for riders who prioritise speed, efficiency and responsive handling across mixed terrain. They combine the off-road capability and tyre clearance of a gravel bike with a more performance-focused approach to frame geometry, weight and components.
Compared with more adventure-focused gravel bikes, race models typically place greater emphasis on efficient power transfer, faster handling and an aerodynamic riding position. They’re ideal for gravel racing, fast mixed-surface rides and riders who want road-bike-like performance with the capability to tackle gravel and rougher surfaces.
What is the difference between a gravel race bike and an adventure gravel bike?
Gravel race bikes prioritise speed, efficiency and responsive handling, while adventure gravel bikes generally place greater emphasis on comfort, stability and versatility.
Race-focused bikes may use lighter frames, more aggressive geometry and components selected for performance. Adventure bikes tend to offer a more relaxed riding position and may include additional mounting points for luggage and equipment.
If speed and performance are your priorities, explore our Gravel Race Bikes. If you’re more interested in exploring, longer adventures or carrying equipment, take a look at our Gravel Adventure Bikes.
For everything in between, you can browse our complete Gravel Bikes range.
Yes. Gravel race bikes can be very capable on tarmac thanks to their efficient riding positions, lightweight construction and fast-rolling tyres.
Compared with more adventure-focused gravel bikes, their performance-orientated geometry can also make them feel closer to a road bike when riding quickly on smoother surfaces.
However, if almost all of your riding is on tarmac and outright road performance is your priority, a dedicated Road Race Bike may be the better choice. A gravel race bike makes most sense for riders who want speed across a mixture of road and off-road surfaces.
What tyre width is best for gravel racing?
The best tyre width for gravel racing depends on the course, surface conditions and your priorities as a rider.
Smoother, faster courses may favour tyres that prioritise low rolling resistance, while rough, loose or technical terrain can benefit from greater tyre volume, grip and puncture protection.
Rather than focusing on one specific width, consider the bike’s available tyre clearance and the type of terrain you’re likely to race or ride. The right balance between speed, grip and comfort will vary depending on the conditions.
What gearing is best for gravel racing?
Both 1x and 2x drivetrains can work well for gravel racing.
A 1x drivetrain uses a single front chainring, creating a simpler setup with fewer components and a wide-range cassette. This can work particularly well on rough terrain where simplicity and chain retention are important.
A 2x drivetrain provides more gear ratios and smaller jumps between gears, which can be useful on faster courses and for riders who regularly combine gravel with road riding.
The best option depends on the terrain, gradients and how you prefer to ride rather than one system being universally better for gravel racing.
What should I look for in a gravel race bike?
Start with fit and geometry. A gravel race bike should put you in an efficient position while still providing enough stability and control for riding quickly on loose and uneven surfaces.
Frame weight, tyre clearance, wheel choice, gearing and braking performance are also important. Some race-focused gravel bikes incorporate aerodynamic features and components designed to reduce weight or improve efficiency.
Consider the type of gravel you ride most often rather than simply choosing the lightest or most aggressive bike. A race bike that’s well suited to your terrain and riding position will usually be faster and more enjoyable than one chosen purely from its specification.
How do I choose the right gravel race bike size?
Your height provides a useful starting point, but sizing and geometry vary between gravel bike brands and models. This can be particularly important with race-focused bikes, where differences in reach and riding position can noticeably affect comfort, handling and performance.
Every bike product page at WHEELBASE features our SmartFit sizing tool. Simply enter a few measurements and SmartFit will recommend a suitable size for the bike you’re viewing, using sizing and geometry data provided by the brand.
It’s a great place to start if you’re unsure which frame size to choose, and our team can also help with further sizing advice.
Why buy a gravel race bike from WHEELBASE?
WHEELBASE offers performance-focused gravel bikes from leading brands, with options for gravel racing, fast mixed-surface riding and riders looking for a lightweight, responsive gravel bike.
Our experienced team can help with bike choice, sizing and setup whether you’re shopping online or visiting us in store. We also offer workshop support to help keep your gravel bike performing at its best. We accept most leading Cycle To Work Vouchers and 0% Finance is available across the range (subject to status)
