Reading time: 6 min · By the KOMUT Bikes team
The gravel bike does it all: fast on the road, at home on tracks, comfortable on Brussels cobbles. Here is what sets it apart, how to choose yours, and our Kona and Cannondale selection, from a first gravel bike to the race-ready SuperX.
In short
- Wide tyres for every surface.
- Aluminium to start, carbon for lightness.
- Kona Rove and Sutra, Cannondale Topstone and SuperX.
- Test ride and fitting in our stores.
01
What is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike looks like a road bike, with its drop bars, but it is built to leave the tarmac. It takes wider tyres, has more stable geometry and plenty of mounts for bags and bottles.
Versatile
Road, gravel, forest, cobbles: one bike for all your rides.
Wide tyres
More grip and comfort. And slimmer tyres for the road if you like.
Ready for adventure
Mounts for bags and racks: ideal for bike touring.
02
How to choose your gravel bike?
| Use | Our advice | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out, daily rides | Road and easy tracks | Aluminium or steel |
| Touring, bikepacking | Long loaded distances | Steel, plenty of mounts |
| Long sporty rides | Comfort and lightness | Carbon, light suspension |
| Racing | Speed first | Aero carbon |
- Size : the right frame matters more than anything. We measure you in store.
- Drivetrain : 1x for simplicity, 2x for more gears on the road.
- Tyre clearance : the wider, the more versatile the bike.
03
Our gravel bike selection
Kona and Cannondale, from a first gravel bike to carbon.
Kona Rove
Steel · versatile
A comfortable, tough steel frame, for everyday riding and adventure alike. The Sutra version is built for loaded touring.
- Steel comfort
- Great for touring
Cannondale Topstone
Aluminium or carbon
Cannondale's gravel benchmark. In carbon, the Kingpin rear suspension and, on some versions, the Lefty Oliver fork filter out vibration.
- Very wide range
- Carbon comfort
Cannondale Topstone Neo SL
Electric gravel
A true gravel bike with light, discreet assistance, to ride further or keep your pace on climbs.
- Light assistance
- Classic gravel looks
Read also
Why a single-sided fork? It is all explained in our article on the Cannondale Lefty fork.
04
The Cannondale SuperX: the race gravel bike
For riders who want to go fast, the SuperX borrows the aerodynamics of the SuperSix EVO road bike: shaped tubes, fully integrated cables and a one-piece cockpit. Its carbon frame builds in flex zones for comfort, and it takes tyres up to 48 mm at the rear and 51 mm up front.
The KOMUT tip
The SuperX shines in races and on fast rides. If you favour comfort over long distances, the Topstone Carbon will often be more enjoyable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A gravel bike takes much wider tyres, has more stable geometry and plenty of mounting points. It rides on the road, but also on tracks, gravel and in the woods.
Aluminium is tough and more affordable, ideal for starting out or everyday riding. Carbon is lighter and filters vibration better, for long rides or racing.
Yes, it is actually a great choice in Brussels: fast on tarmac, comfortable on cobbles, and many models take mudguards and a rack.
Yes. The Cannondale Topstone Neo SL adds light assistance to a true gravel bike, to ride further or flatten the hills.
Come and try a gravel bike
We help you choose the right size and fit the bike to your body, in our three Brussels stores.
KOMUT Uccle
Rue Vanderkindere 438, 1180 Uccle
KOMUT Saint-Gilles
Chaussée de Charleroi 190, 1060 Saint-Gilles
KOMUT Stockel
Av. Baron Albert d'Huart 10, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm · Free test ride, no appointment