Best Gravel Bikes for BEGINNERS in 2023!

A look at my favorite budget friendly and versatile gravel bikes in 2023.

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[hippiebits]

Although Kona wasn't on my radar I ended up buying a Rove Ltd mid pandemic. I couldn't be happier with it for what it is. Really is an exceptionally comfortable and very easy to control bike. I was in the recovery process of some neurological "event" that had weakened my right leg and left arm to the point I was unable to balance and steer my early 90's hybrid safely at the time. Bike totally allowed me to continue cycling even all day rides no problem.

[newoldsteel]

I’m just so stoked that there are steel frame options WITH a steel fork ❤

[CraigEngstrom]

Still riding my Kona Rove, which you turned me on to in 2019. Best bike ever! Thanks, Russ.

[pleopod]

My son is 6 foot 5 inches and the Libre was one of the few bikes that we could find to fit him well and was affordable and easily available here in New Zealand. We paid 1800 USD for carbon version in a sale and added a second set of wheels for trainer use and road cycling. It’s certainly quite an upright ride but he’s pretty new to cycling so it suits him perfectly.

[StanEby]

Wow. This goes in the reference section with the expensive dictionaries and encyclopedias. Extremely well researched. No beating around the bush. Very objective. Incisive. Lots of info per sq. Inch. Thanks.

[slantedorbit]

Great selection. Two things on the new Surly Preamble, I just built up the flatbar size range at our shop and the Preamble runs pretty large. I usually ride a large and the medium feels perfect. Super responsive frame. Also a bonus, the midfork brazeons go all the way through for a lowrider rack, a super practical detail. Also built up the Nicasio+, great comfortable bike that puts a smile on your face. But honestly you can’t go wrong with any of these, well done.

[Mark-fo]

I purchased a Fuji jari 2.1 couple of years ago and couldn't be more happier.😊🤘 All the best from Australia.

[briand]

I'm personally looking forward to a Poseidon X Ambition once funds allow.

[isaaclavoie]

I've been enjoying my Poseidon redwood, which i picked up after watching your review. I like the mtb side of thing but appreciate the longer rear end then the Marin. Cheers!

[bikesbeardsbeers]

Still riding my Kona Rove NRB DL that I bought at the beginning of Covid after watching your review. Mostly serving commuter duty but it’s been such a great bike. The rove has been such a versatile and fun platform to grow with and is always at the top of my recommendations for folks looking for an affordable road style bike.

Thanks for sharing your list! Wish I had unlimited funds and space to try them all!

[danielcalles]

Bought a Polyvalent frame recently and I’ve been buying all my dream dream parts that you’ve reviewed over the years. Can’t wait to finish the build!

[Daniel-yfiy]

I bought the Kona Rove DL late last year and I really like it.

[nathanatkin]

Cool to see the Rove up first! I love my '21. Great value bike.

[Larpy]

Russter!!! Super-useful! Thanks! Recently, I was the tour guide for a 22-yr-old nephew. We pedalled 150 km over 3 days, climbing 2, 000 metres. He was on a rented gravel bike; loved it. If he shows any interest in buying a new bike — I’M READY FOR HIM! Thanks to your good work. {I’m on a 64 cm Straggler; tubeless tires w/ CushCore. 42x50 1x9 Box 3 drivetrain. DT shifter (singular). 200 mm front rotor. Let it roll!}

You def. da MAN! (I’m on South Van. Is.)

[davetbassbos]

That Wolverine type B looks very well thought out, good to know someone's thinking over at the bike industrial complex.

[morecoffeedude]

Just bought my Kona Rove 2023 model early this year and man its the best purchase ive made for a chill ride kinda bike! cant wait to take it to long adventures in the summer ^^

[fantomx]

I had a 2020 Renegade S4. It was my first bike shop bike. I rode it until the components were shot. Definitely agree with the recommendation.

[timmitchell]

I currently own a Kona Rove DL could not be happier awesome bike !

[coreyreeder]

Great list here! I would have to add the Poseidon Redwood and their X. Two great bikes at even lower prices than those mentioned here.

[Daragon]

Just built up a Commencal FCB. Been a really fun ride. Great vid Russ