THE MAGIC NUMBER

One of the great things about gravel bikes is that they’re open to interpretation. The multiple options on the market have been created to suit the different ways people want to experience the versatile world of gritty trails, towpaths and fire-tracks located between full road and MTB riding, whether that’s balancing on-board comfort, race-day aerodynamics or bikepacking adventures.

Our three gravel test bikes this month are the Tifosi Cavazzo (£2999), a Rondo Ruut CF2 (£2799) and 3T’s Exploro Team (£3999). All are emblematic of the multi-pronged approach that bike manufacturers can take when creating a gravel ride, which for 2021 includes all of the major gearing brands – SRAM, Shimano and now Campagnolo with its new Ekar groupset – having at least one gravelspecific drivetrain in their cogged armoury.

But what’s the real-world difference between the latest 13-speed tech from Campagnolo and the established gravel groupset options from SRAM and Shimano? How much should the groupset influence which gravel bike you buy? Let’s hit the roads, trails and rugged corners of the Yorkshire Dales to find out.

THE SMOOTH ONE

First up in this gravel showdown is the Tifosi Cavazzo. It’s the most Italian sounding bike here and yet, while the brand name translates as ‘fans’ in Italian, Tifosi’s bikes are actually designed and put together in the UK. Tifosi’s parent company Chicken Cycles is also the Campagnolo importer, and this version comes equipped with the carbon cranks, organically curved composite brake/shifters, a skeletal rear mech and