Ultimate Gravel Bike Setup Guide 2025: Components, Tires & More

Gravel Bike Basics

Gravel bikes represent the perfect hybrid between road bikes and mountain bikes, designed to handle a variety of terrains from smooth pavement to rough off-road trails. Their versatility has made them incredibly popular, allowing riders to explore backroad networks that are quiet, peaceful, and away from traffic.

A proper gravel bike setup balances speed, comfort, and durability, with components specifically chosen to handle the unique demands of mixed-terrain riding. Unlike road bikes, gravel bikes feature more relaxed geometry, wider tires, and often lower gearing—all of which contribute to a more stable and comfortable ride on unpredictable surfaces.

The Latest Gravel Bike Trends for 2025

Wider Tires and Clearance

The most significant trend reshaping the gravel scene in 2025 is the move toward substantially wider tires. While 40-42mm tire widths were once considered standard, many competitive riders are now using mountain bike tires ranging from 53mm to 61mm (2.1" to 2.4").

This trend has been so influential that it's causing many traditional gravel race bikes to become outdated even as they launch. Bikes with clearance for only 42-45mm tires may not offer the performance benefits that wider tires can provide across various terrain types.

As professional gravel racer Payson McElveen has noted, tests with wider mountain bike tires have shown surprising results: they often roll faster nearly everywhere, even on smooth pavement sections, while providing significantly better comfort and traction on rough terrain.

Improved Gearing Range

Modern gravel drivetrains have finally caught up to the demands of serious off-road riding. The latest 12-speed groupsets from SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo offer unprecedented gearing ranges that make climbing steep gradients much more manageable.

For example, SRAM's XPLR 10-44t cassette paired with a 38t or 40t chainring provides an excellent balance for most gravel terrain. Shimano's GRX groupset and Campagnolo's Ekar with its 9-42t cassette also deliver impressive performance for gravel-specific setups.

Gravel-Specific Suspension

Suspension elements are becoming increasingly common on higher-end gravel bikes. From short-travel suspension forks like the Fox 32 Taper-Cast Gravel and RockShox Rudy XPLR to cleverly designed compliance features built into frames and components, these systems help reduce vibration and improve control on rough surfaces.

Tests have shown that suspension forks can reduce handlebar vibration by 6-11% on fast gravel roads with obstacles, significantly improving rider comfort on longer adventures.

Choosing the Right Frame

Your frame choice forms the foundation of your gravel bike setup. In 2025, there are several materials and designs to consider:

Carbon Fiber

Carbon frames offer an excellent balance of light weight, stiffness, and vibration absorption. Premium carbon frames like the Santa Cruz Stigmata and Allied Able provide responsive handling while damping road chatter on rough surfaces.

When selecting a carbon frame, pay special attention to tire clearance—as mentioned earlier, frames with at least 53mm of clearance will give you the most versatility for current and future tire trends.

Aluminum

Aluminum frames like the Focus Atlas provide excellent value and durability. Modern aluminum frames incorporate sophisticated tube profiles and butting techniques that deliver a comfortable ride while maintaining stiffness where needed.

For riders on a budget, aluminum frames offer nearly all the performance of carbon at a fraction of the price.

Steel and Titanium

For those seeking durability and ride quality, steel and titanium frames remain excellent choices. These materials provide a uniquely smooth ride characteristic that many gravel enthusiasts prefer, especially for longer adventures.

Brands like Mosaic and Seven offer titanium gravel frames with modern geometry and large tire clearance, though at a premium price point.

Tire Selection and Setup

Tire choice is perhaps the most critical component of your gravel bike setup, with a direct impact on comfort, speed, and capability.

Width and Tread Pattern

As mentioned earlier, wider tires (50-60mm) are becoming the new standard for serious gravel riding. These provide better traction, stability, and comfort compared to narrower options.

For tread pattern, consider where and how you'll be riding:

• For dry, fast gravel: Choose semi-slick or file tread patterns
• For mixed conditions: Look for versatile all-around treads with small center knobs
• For muddy or loose terrain: More aggressive knobs will provide better traction

Tubeless Setup

Tubeless tire setups are virtually mandatory for gravel bikes in 2025. By removing the inner tube and replacing it with liquid sealant, you'll experience:

• Fewer punctures and automatic sealing of small holes
• Ability to run lower tire pressures for improved comfort and traction
• Reduced rolling resistance

Pressure Optimization

Finding the right tire pressure is crucial for gravel performance. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, here are some starting points:

• Rider weight 150-170 lbs: 25-30 psi front, 27-32 psi rear (for 55mm tires)
• Rider weight 170-190 lbs: 28-33 psi front, 30-35 psi rear (for 55mm tires)

Adjust based on terrain conditions—lower for rough surfaces, slightly higher for smoother terrain or when carrying extra weight.

Drivetrain Options

Your drivetrain setup will determine how efficiently you can tackle varying terrain, from steep climbs to fast flats.

1x vs. 2x Systems

Single chainring (1x) setups have become increasingly popular for gravel bikes due to their simplicity, reduced maintenance, and improved chain retention on rough terrain. With modern wide-range cassettes, most riders find they have all the gearing they need.

Double chainring (2x) systems still have their place, particularly for riders who spend significant time on pavement or prefer smaller steps between gears. They typically offer a wider overall range but with added complexity.

Recommended Setups

For 1x systems:

• SRAM XPLR: 40t or 42t chainring with 10-44t cassette
• Shimano GRX: 40t or 42t chainring with 11-42t cassette
• Campagnolo Ekar: 38t or 40t chainring with 9-42t cassette

For 2x systems:

• SRAM Wide: 43/30t chainrings with 10-36t cassette
• Shimano GRX: 48/31t chainrings with 11-34t cassette

Mullet Builds

"Mullet" builds—combining road shifters with mountain bike rear derailleurs and cassettes—remain popular for those seeking ultra-wide gear ranges. SRAM's AXS ecosystem makes this particularly seamless, allowing combinations like drop bar shifters with Eagle mountain bike components and a 10-52t cassette.

Suspension Options

Gravel-specific suspension is evolving rapidly, offering significant benefits for comfort and control.

Suspension Forks

Short-travel suspension forks (30-40mm) like the Fox 32 Taper-Cast and RockShox Rudy XPLR are designed specifically for gravel bikes. They provide enough travel to absorb bumps and improve front-wheel traction without compromising efficiency or geometry.

Compliance Features

Many frames incorporate clever compliance features that improve comfort without traditional suspension:

• Flexible seatposts or seat tube designs
• Dropped chainstays for vertical compliance
• Special carbon layups in strategic locations

Dropper Posts

Dropper seatposts, borrowed from mountain biking, are becoming more common on gravel bikes. These allow you to quickly lower your saddle for technical descents, then raise it back to optimal pedaling height for climbing and flats.

Cockpit and Contact Points

Your gravel bike's cockpit setup significantly affects comfort and control on long rides.

Handlebars

Flared drop bars have become standard for gravel bikes, offering:

• Wider stance in the drops for better stability and leverage
• More comfortable hand positions for extended off-road riding
• Typical flare of 12-16 degrees

Many riders are opting for slightly wider bars than they'd use on a road bike (e.g., 44cm instead of 42cm) for improved control on rough terrain.

Saddle Selection

The right saddle is critical for comfort on long gravel adventures. Look for:

• Slightly padded designs that support your sit bones
• Cutout or relief channel for pressure reduction
• Durable covering material that can handle occasional crashes or abrasion

Pedal Systems

While traditional road clipless pedals work for gravel, many riders prefer:

• Mountain bike pedal systems (SPD-style) for easier walking and mud clearance
• Dual-sided designs for easier engagement after dismounts
• Some riders even opt for flat pedals on more technical terrain or bikepacking trips

Accessories and Bikepacking Gear

The right accessories can transform your gravel bike for different uses.

Frame Bags and Storage

Modern gravel bikes often incorporate:

• Frame bags that attach via straps or direct mounting points
• Top tube bags for easy access to snacks and essentials
• Handlebar rolls for sleeping gear on overnight trips
• Seat packs for clothing and additional gear

Many new gravel frames feature internal storage compartments in the down tube for tools, spares, and snacks—a feature borrowed from the mountain bike world.

Navigation and Electronics

A reliable GPS computer is essential for gravel adventures, allowing you to:

• Follow predetermined routes on unmapped roads
• Track performance metrics
• Navigate back to civilization if needed

Look for units with long battery life (10+ hours) and robust mapping capabilities.

Water and Hydration

Extended gravel rides often take you away from convenient water sources. Consider:

• Multiple bottle cages (most gravel frames accommodate 2-3)
• Frame bags with hydration bladders for longer trips
• Water filtration systems for backcountry adventures

Maintenance Tips for Gravel Bikes

Gravel riding is harder on equipment than road cycling. Keep your bike performing optimally with these maintenance practices:

Drivetrain Care

• Clean your chain frequently, especially after dusty or muddy rides
• Use wet lubricants for wet conditions, dry lubricants for dusty conditions
• Inspect the chain for wear more frequently than on a road bike

Tubeless Maintenance

• Check sealant levels every 1-2 months
• Refresh sealant every 3-6 months depending on climate
• Inspect tires for embedded objects after each ride

Bearing Protection

• Clean and re-grease headset bearings seasonally
• Consider upgraded sealed bearings for bottom brackets and hubs
• Use frame protection in high-wear areas

Conclusion

Building the ideal gravel bike setup is a highly personal process that depends on your riding style, local terrain, and goals. While the trends toward wider tires, improved gearing range, and gravel-specific features continue to evolve, the fundamentals remain consistent: choose components that balance comfort, durability, and performance for the riding you plan to do.

Remember that no single setup works perfectly for all conditions. Many experienced gravel riders make seasonal or event-specific adjustments to their bikes, swapping tires, changing gearing, or adding accessories as needed for different adventures.

For more specific advice on gravel components or custom builds, visit our MoVcan bike shop or contact our experienced team who can help you create the perfect gravel setup for your needs.

Looking for more cycling content? Check out our guide to mountain bike suspension tuning or our comparison of electronic shifting systems.