Are Gravel Bikes Good for Road Riding

Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years, and Cannondale has been at the forefront of this, offering riders the versatility to handle both on- and off-road terrain. But how do they compare to traditional road bikes when riding on pavement? This article examines the key differences between gravel and road bikes, and whether gravel bikes can still provide an enjoyable road cycling experience.

Gravel Bikes vs. Road Bikes: What's the Difference?

While they may look similar at first glance, there are some important distinctions between gravel and road bikes:

Frame Geometry

Road bikes – especially road race bikes, as compared to endurance road bikes – often have more aggressive frame geometry, placing the rider in a lower, more tilted-forward position for power and aerodynamics. Conversely, gravel bikes (as well as most endurance road bikes) have more relaxed geometry, placing the rider more upright for overall comfort. Road bikes will often have a shorter wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – that makes them more agile, while gravel bikes’ longer wheelbase provides greater stability, especially over rough terrain.

Tire Clearance

Across Cannondale’s model range and those of most other brands, gravel bikes accommodate much wider tires, typically 35-45mm, usually with additional knobs and blocks on them for traction, while road bikes max out around 32mm, and their tires are usually smoother with few or no knobs. On the pavement or off, wider tires’ higher volume allows for lower tire pressures for greater ride comfort, as well as improved traction in many situations. On the road, narrower tires are often favoured for greater overall speed and efficiency, as well as lower weight.

Gearing

Both road and gravel bikes have wide-ranging gears to reach both high and low speeds comfortably, but the ratios of those gears – how fast you go compared to how fast you are pedalling – are usually skewed differently. Gravel bikes typically come with lower gear ratios to handle steep climbs, which you’ll appreciate especially when loaded down with gear. Road bikes, on the other hand, are often optimized for faster road riding and have higher gear ratios.

What primarily determines the ratio range of a bike is the size of the chainrings (the gears in the front on the crank) and the size of the cassette (the gears in the back on the rear wheel). For example, some Cannondale Topstones come equipped with an 11-44-tooth cassette that’s paired with a single 40-tooth chainring on the crank. Compare that to a typical Cannondale SuperSix EVO with a 10-33t cassette paired to dual 48/35t chainrings. The gear ratio math will tell you that the SuperSix EVO will have a higher top speed, while the Topstone will be easier to pedal up a very steep grade.

Weight

Road bikes typically emphasize lightweight frames and components for maximum efficiency. Gravel bikes are often a bit heavier to accommodate gear mounts and to improve durability, which is necessary for rough terrain. For example, the Cannondale Topstone Alloy 3 is built for ruggedness and versatility. As a result, it’s a little bit heavier than the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1, its approximate road bike equivalent, which is designed to be light and fast out on the open road.

Suspension

Some gravel bikes, such as the Cannondale Topstone Lefty 2, offer suspension in front and/or at the rear of the bike to smooth out rough roads. On all Topstone Carbon models, the rear suspension is courtesy of our innovative Kingpin frame design, exclusive to Cannondale. The majority of road bikes, on the other hand, forego suspension completely to save weight. As a result, road bikes will usually feel more responsive and more connected to the pavement, whereas gravel bikes will feel a bit slower and more relaxed, but also more comfortable as a result of their greater cushioning.

Can Gravel Bikes Go on the Road?

While road bikes are specially designed for pavement, gravel bikes are extremely capable on the road, as well. Their versatile geometry provides a more comfortable, more upright position ideal for long distance rides, and features like disc brakes offer confidence on high-speed descents. You also have the option of installing skinnier tires on a gravel bike. The wheels of most Cannondale gravel bikes can easily fit road tires down to 28mm, but you can always swap back to wider, knobbier tires for off-pavement adventures. Road bikes’ narrow wheels and their frames’ narrower tire clearance usually means the inverse isn’t possible.

However, dedicated road bikes will still have some advantages on pavement:

So while gravel bikes work well on pavement, road bikes still edge them out in terms of pure speed and on-road performance overall. Gravel bikes make the trade-off of prioritizing off-road versatility over outright road performance.

Are Road Bikes Good for Gravel?

Road bikes are not ideal for true off-road riding. Their skinny tires aren’t great off pavement, and most frames’ tire clearance leaves little room for wider tires to be installed. The stiffer frames and forks transmit more shock into the body, too, and they lack the geometry and gear ratios needed for steeper, slower, more technical sections of riding.

While an experienced rider can carefully take a road bike on easier gravel paths, they will struggle once the terrain gets loose or rocky. A gravel bike like the Cannondale Topstone will provide much more control in these conditions.

However, road bikes work well for gravel paths that are relatively smooth, compacted, and gentle. Larger road tires – especially in the 28-32mm range – will add some shock absorption, as well. Just don't expect a road bike to handle the kind of rough terrain a true gravel grinder can.

Choosing the Right Bike for You

When choosing between a gravel bike and road bike, consider how much time you may spend riding off the pavement. Riders who stick primarily to pavement will benefit most from a lightweight road bike like a Cannondale Synapse or Cannondale SuperSix EVO. But those looking for adventure on dirt, gravel, and light singletrack should lean towards a versatile gravel bike like a Cannondale Topstone.

While gravel bikes are extremely capable on paved roads, traditional road bikes still excel in terms of lightweight, efficiency, and aerodynamics. So, choose the bike that aligns best with the type of riding you plan to do most. Try our Bike Finder if you’re not sure where to start. With Cannondale's extensive range, you're sure to find the perfect model to meet your cycling needs.