RAVEL GREATS
“It’s the perfect long-distance commuter, with the comfort and practicality of a classic tourer”
• OUR GRAVEL FIVESOME range from £2,499 to £5,499 and have very differing interpretations of what earns you a place in this genre. They also feature groupsets from the three big names, showing that gravel-bike design and kit hasn’t coalesced entirely yet.
Our two least-expensive offerings both go for Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX groupset, with Cube plumping for a 1x setup while Giant’s Revolt features the only 2x chainset here. Giant backs this up with an impressive, largely Giant-branded spec including carbon wheels. Cinelli’s Nemo eschews carbon for classy Italian steel and a predominantly Italian spec based around Campagnolo’s 13-speed Ekar. Vielo’s V+1 Strato has a 1x-specific frame and our test model features 12-speed SRAM, though as with the Cube and Cinelli, it has alloy rims. Cervélo’s racy Áspero is also based around SRAM, with a Rival groupset paired with carbon rims.
Hit the Nuroad
Cube’s C:62 Pro is the cheapest full-carbon Nuroad, with a lightweight frame and fork, sporty geometry and maximum practicality from its mudguard mounts, rear rack mounts, and low rider and kickstand fittings. Tyre clearances of 45mm, or 40mm with guards, will serve gravel riders well, though the Nuroad is influenced far more by road tourers.
The 71.5-degree head angle is more relaxed than a road bike’s, but the 73.5-degree seat angle is road-bike steep. Add to that a long reach and chainstays. On the road, it feels like a classic endurance bike with a neutral, stable feel that makes
