Top 5 Best Gravel Bikes Under 1000 for Thrilling Rides
By Evander Nelson | Updated on June 4, 2023
| Best Feature | Chromoly steel frame for durability and comfort |
State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD
Evander’s Quick Summary 💭
I’ve thoroughly researched and found the best gravel bikes for under 1000.
I’ve tried quite a few gravel bikes in my time and after many adventures and misadventures, I’ve found that the #1 choice for the best gravel bike under $1000 is the State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD by a landslide. ✅
It’s a fantastic blend of quality, versatility, and affordability.
Plus, it has a great carbon fork and reliable mechanical disc brakes, which are essential features for me when looking for a gravel bike.
I review products independently but I might earn affiliate commissions if you decide to buy items through links on this page.
As a true Dutchman and a hardcore cyclist, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the world of biking.
From the bustling bike lanes of Amsterdam to the scenic countryside, it’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember.
My love for biking took on a new dimension when I had the opportunity to explore mountain biking during my time with the Army. 🪖
The thrill of conquering tough terrain and exploring the great outdoors left me craving more.
However, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of owning a high-end bike designed for off-road adventures.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help fellow biking enthusiasts find the perfect balance between performance, versatility, and affordability. ⚖️
Enter the world of gravel bikes – the ideal companion for those who want to break free from the confines of the road and experience the excitement of off-road riding without getting a mortgage.
In this post, I’ll share my top picks for the best gravel bikes under 1000, a price point that makes the dream of adventure biking accessible to everyone! 💪🏼
Top things I look for when reviewing a Gravel Bikes under 1000
| Quality | Well-build and of high-quality materials |
| Suspension | Able to manage off-road terrain |
| Breaks | Able to have a powerful break |
| Price/Value | Affordable without sacrificing on quality |
What is a Gravel Bike Anyway?
A gravel bike is a versatile bicycle designed to handle various terrains, including rough gravel roads, dirt trails, and smooth pavement.
So… What Are The Best Gravel Bikes under 1000?
My Top Rankings
#1 State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD – Best Overall
Quality
Suspension
Breaks
Price/Value
The State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD is the perfect gravel bike for those of us who want a reliable ride without spending tons of money.
It’s designed with a durable 4130 chromoly steel frame and a carbon fork that absorbs vibrations, making it comfortable for long rides on rough terrain. 🚧
The mechanical disc brakes provide excellent stopping power in all conditions, while the versatile tire clearance (up to 700x45c) lets you tackle various types of terrain with ease.
I also love the fact that it’s compatible with both 700c and 650b wheel sizes, which gives you more customization options.
And trust me, as someone who has ventured into the mountains with a mountain bike, the State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD can hold its own!
Pricing
The State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD comes at an affordable price of $899. And can be customized which comes at additional costs
Tech Specs
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Tires | 700c (Vittoria Terreno) |
| Frame material | Chromoly steel |
Evander’s take:
I absolutely love the State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD.
It’s durable, versatile, and well-priced. The carbon fork and mechanical disc brakes make a huge difference in my rides, and it’s been a great companion on many gravel adventures.
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
The State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD is a fantastic choice for gravel bikers seeking the most reliable and versatile gravel bike under $1000. 💰
Its durable construction, carbon fork, and mechanical disc brakes provide a comfortable and secure ride, making it perfect for both beginners and a solid choice for experienced bikers.
If you’re in the market for a gravel bike that can tackle various terrains without breaking the bank, the State Bicycle 4130 ALL-ROAD is a top choice.
#2 Voodoo Limba – Best for Beginners
Quality
Suspension
Breaks
Price/Value
Let me tell you about another great option in the world of gravel bikes: the Voodoo Limba.
It’s a versatile and agile gravel bike that’s one of the best gravel bikes if you want to venture off the beaten path.
With a lightweight (but sturdy) aluminum frame, it’s easy to maneuver, which is something I always appreciate in a bike.
The carbon fork does an excellent job of absorbing vibrations, making for a smoother ride on rough surfaces. ⛰
One of the things I like about the Voodoo Limba is its mechanical disc brakes, which offer reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.
It also comes with wide tires that provide excellent traction, perfect for those muddy trails I sometimes find myself on.
Pricing
I guess you are looking for gravel bikes under $1,000 so you are probably going to love the Voodoo Limba since it is priced at a wallet-friendly $600.
Tech Specs
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Tires | 700c (WTB Riddler comp, Wire Bead) |
| Frame material | 6061 alloy |
Evander’s take:
I am in the army reserves🎖️ and once a year, we go mountain biking and always use Voodooo Limba, which I genuinely enjoy riding.
Its lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork make it a pleasure to ride on challenging terrains, and the mechanical disc brakes have never let me down.
It’s a reliable and budget-friendly option for anyone looking to get into gravel biking.
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
The Voodoo Limba is an excellent choice for gravel bikers seeking a budget-friendly gravel bike that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Its lightweight aluminum frame, carbon fork, and reliable mechanical disc brakes make it a pleasure to ride on a variety of terrains.
If you’re looking for a gravel bike under $1000 that offers a great balance of performance, reliability, and value, the Voodoo Limba is definitely worth considering. 💯
#3 Vitus Substance 2 Microshift – Best Speed
Quality
Suspension
Breaks
Price/Value
Allow me to introduce you to the Vitus Substance 2 Microshift, a gravel bike that I’ve found to be quite impressive.
This bike strikes a balance between the durability of steel gravel bikes and the lightweight performance of carbon gravel bikes.
With its unique chromoly steel frame and steel fork, it provides the perfect combination of strength and comfort.
What sets the Vitus Substance 2 Microshift apart is its efficient Microshift Advent X 10-speed drivetrain, which delivers smooth shifting and excellent performance on various terrains.
As someone who has ridden mountain bikes and experienced the benefits of disc brakes, I appreciate that this bike is equipped with Tektro Mira mechanical disc brakes for consistent stopping power. 🚴🏼♀️
Pricing
The Vitus Substance 2 Microshift is priced at around $950 (depending on discounts and price fluctuations).
Tech Specs
| Weight | 25.6 lb (11.1 kg) |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. Rail Sport, 700c x 40c |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
Evander’s take:
I really like the Vitus Substance 2 Microshift for its unique blend of durability and performance. 🚲
The chromoly steel frame and efficient Microshift Advent X drivetrain make it a pleasure to ride, while the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all conditions.
Although the bike itself is great, it is a bit of an underdog so I had some trouble finding customer reviews on it.
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
The Vitus Substance 2 Microshift is one of the best gravel bikes under $1,000 if you are seeking a durable and versatile gravel bike at a competitive price point. 💰
Its unique blend of steel construction and efficient drivetrain components make it perfect for riders who want a dependable and capable bike for tackling a wide range of terrains.
If you’re in the market for a new gravel bike that can handle both the rough and the smooth, the Vitus Substance 2 Microshift is a fantastic option to consider.
#4 Diamondback Haanjo 3 – Best on/off-road
Quality
Suspension
Breaks
Price/Value
Next up on my list, we got the Diamondback Haanjo 3 💎, a great gravel bike that’s perfect for both on and off-road adventures.
I love how this bike has a versatile aluminum frame, making it lightweight while still being durable. Paired with a steel fork, the ride is smooth and comfortable even on rough terrain.
The Diamondback Haanjo 3 is not just a gravel bike but can double as a commuter bike too, with its rack mounts and fender mounts.
I’ve spoken to a friend of mine who has this bike and he found its hydraulic disc brakes to be especially reliable, providing excellent stopping power in rainy/icy weather. ❄️
The tire clearance and tubeless-ready wheels allow for a variety of tire sizes and make off-road riding even more enjoyable.
One of the reasons I like this bike is that it combines the best elements of road bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, and adventure bikes, making it a versatile and practical option for folks who want to do both gravel riding and adventure biking.
Pricing
The Diamondback Haanjo 3 is priced at $999.
Tech Specs
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Tires | 700c x 37 mm (WTB Riddler Comp) |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
Evander’s take:
I like the Diamondback Haanjo 3 because it’s a versatile and well-rounded bike, perfect for gravel riding and commuting.
The aluminum frame, steel fork, and hydraulic disc brakes make it a pleasure to ride, and the added bonus of rack and fender mounts makes it an excellent choice for daily use. 🚲
Unlike most gravel bikes, which are solely designed for gravel biking…
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
To summarize, the Diamondback Haanjo 3 is a fantastic option for bike lovers who want something more than just a budget gravel bike, though. Its aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and ability to accommodate various tire sizes make it perfect for both on and off-road adventures. Whether you’re into gravel riding, adventure biking, or simply need a reliable commuter bike, the Diamondback Haanjo 3 checks all the boxes. ✅#5 Trek FX 3 Disc – Best for Diversity
Quality
Suspension
Breaks
Price/Value
Just because we are farther down the list doesn’t mean it is not worth considering. ⚠️
The Trek FX 3 Disc, is a versatile and reliable option among the best gravel bikes under $1000.
It has a lightweight aluminum frame that makes maneuvering a breeze.
One thing I appreciate about this bike is the carbon fork, which helps absorb vibrations and ensures a comfortable ride on rough terrain.
The Trek FX 3 Disc is equipped with reliable mechanical disc brakes that offer consistent stopping power in various conditions.
With a design that can accommodate both gravel riding and mountain biking, it’s perfect for those who want the best of both worlds.
Not only does the Trek FX 3 Disc cater to gravel lovers, but it’s also suitable if you enjoy steel gravel bikes or carbon gravel bikes, thanks to its blend of durability and performance.
Pricing
The Trek FX 3 Disc is priced at $999.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 25.09 lb (11.38 kg) |
| Tires | 700x32c (Bontrager H2 Comp) |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
Evander’s take:
When I did my research and spoke to colleagues of mine who own the Trek FX3 Disc, I got super enthusiastic.
Its lightweight frame and carbon fork make it comfortable to ride on various terrains, and the mechanical disc brakes provide consistent stopping power.
The versatility of this bike is a huge plus if you ask me, as it suits both gravel and mountain biking. 🏔
On the flip side, it is a bummer that the maximum tire size is 35c. It would be great to have a maximum tire size of 40 or 42c to have a better grip on chunky terrain.
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
The Trek FX 3 Disc stands out as a remarkable choice for anyone searching for a unique, budget-conscious gravel bike.
Its fusion of a lightweight aluminum frame and vibration-absorbing carbon fork ensures a responsive and comfortable ride, no matter the terrain.
The reliable mechanical disc brakes give you confidence in your stopping power, while the bike’s versatility caters to both gravel lovers and mountain bikers alike.
If you’re seeking a bike that can effortlessly navigate diverse landscapes for under $1,000, the Trek FX 3 Disc is undeniably worth considering.
Gravel Bike Shopping on a Budget
Before you dive into purchasing the best gravel bike under $1000, let’s explore some key factors to consider that will help you make a solid decision.
Frame of Mind: Picking the Best Bike Material
The frame material plays a significant role in the bike’s weight, durability, and ride quality.
Common materials include aluminum, steel, and carbon. Aluminum frames are lightweight and affordable, while steel frames offer a smooth, comfortable ride but can be heavier.
Carbon frames are light and provide excellent vibration absorption, but they tend to be more expensive.
When looking for gravel bikes under $1,000, you’ll mostly find aluminum and steel frame options.
Shifting Gears: The Groupset Game
The groupset, which includes components like the derailleurs, shifters, and brakes, affects the bike’s performance and overall weight.
A reliable groupset is essential for smooth gear shifting and braking in various weather conditions.
Consider the quality and reputation of the groupset manufacturer when choosing a gravel bike within your budget. 💰
Wheelin’ and Dealin’: Choosing the Right Set
Wheels significantly impact a bike’s overall performance and ride quality.
Look for wheels that are durable, lightweight, and compatible with wider tires, as these are essential for gravel riding.
Tubeless-ready wheels are also worth considering, as they allow for lower tire pressure, improving traction and comfort on rough terrain.
Brake It Down: The Key to Safe Stops
Brakes are crucial for your safety and control while riding.
Gravel bikes typically feature either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes.
Mechanical disc brakes are more affordable and easier to maintain, while hydraulic disc brakes offer better modulation and stopping power.
Both options are suitable for gravel bikes under $1000, so choose based on your preference and budget.
Size Matters: Finding Your Perfect Bike Fit
Selecting the right bike size is essential for your comfort and efficiency while riding. A poorly fitting bike can lead to discomfort, poor handling, and even injury.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and recommendations, and if possible, test-ride the bike to ensure it’s the right fit for you before making a purchase.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, embarking on a gravel biking adventure is an exhilarating experience, and with our top picks for the best gravel bikes under $1000, you’re well-equipped to make a confident choice.
Consider your preferences and priorities as you select the perfect gravel bike for your needs.
Don’t hesitate to take the plunge—immerse yourself in the excitement of gravel riding and create unforgettable memories on the trails.
Happy trails and happy riding!
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