The ADV 8.
On a budget but looking for a gravel bike? Here are our top picks and favourite rides - all priced £2,000 or lessThis article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent.Bike prices are in a bit of a flux at the moment, and despite the high-end models costing several thousand pounds can still get some very capable gravel grinders for less than £2,000.
The theme of good value continues with the componentry. The bike comes specced with an FSA double chainset, which provides plenty of range, and this is paired to a 10-speed Shimano GRX 400 series groupset: at this price it's hard to beat. While the gear shifting and braking might not match the smoothness of higher-end systems, the Grappler compensates with its solid performance and durability. Its robust construction, along with numerous mounts and tyre clearance for up to 27.5-inch x 2.8in or 29-inch x 2.2in for the fork and 27.5-inch x 3in on the frame, you can really take this bike on the roughest terrains.
The Bokeh uses custom-formed, triple-butted Dedacciai Aluminium which is made in Italy, and a Mason Parallax full carbon thru-axle fork. So, the function is there, what about the form? Well, Mason creates some of the nicest finished bikes about, and the Bokeh didn't fail to impress us with tidy welding and excellent paint quality.
Our review bike came with the Shimano 105 groupset - one that has since our review got an additional cog and been updated to 12-speed - and even the 2024 model offers outstanding value at £1,599. The default kit favours road use but can be customised easily and a simple tyre swap will take you far. That said, this is a superb choice for those seeking a do-it-all drop bar bike, with plenty of customisation options.
The bike's long, slack, and low geometry, along with its 700x44 Vee Tire Co. Rocket Man tyres, deliver stability and confidence on both flats and descents, while its compliant rear end ensures comfort over rough terrain. Equipped with Shimano GRX components, including an 11-speed 11-42T cassette, it ticks along well on flats and descends well, but it does struggle a little on steeper climbs due to its gearing.
For riders who have many road sections and will only be tackling 'light', fast gravel such as fire roads, then we'd recommend using around a 38mm tyre.
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