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The Gravel Bike – Our Secret Weapon in the Fleet

Soaring through the landscape on the new breed of bike.
Cyclist with gravel bike in the Salzkammergut

The gravel bike is the ride of the moment, quickly becoming a staple on our roads and country trails. What used to be a grueling test for endurance cyclists and road bike enthusiasts is now an open invitation to adventure. Gravel paths, forest trails, and rough roads—no obstacle stands in the way anymore. With this bike, you can leave the pavement behind and explore new terrain without missing a beat. 

But what exactly makes gravel biking so appealing? We've rounded up the key features, top benefits, and, of course, the most exciting tours for you.

Cyclist with gravel bike in the Salzkammergut

What Makes a Gravel Bike Special

The gravel bike is part of the road bike family, though it’s sometimes confused with an “all-road bike.” While both types are designed for mixed-terrain riding, gravel bikes are specifically built for rough, unpaved surfaces such as gravel, dirt, and trails. The gravel bike’s origins date back to the early 2000s in the United States, when a close-knit group of passionate cyclists envisioned racing off the beaten path on the vast gravel trails of the American heartland. Traditional road bikes struggled with these challenging terrains, making the need for a more specialized alternative clear.

This sparked a wave of innovation, and by the mid-2010s, gravel bikes emerged. Combining features from mountain bikes and endurance road bikes, they offer a stable, smooth ride on even the roughest terrain. With wider tires, a more robust frame, and a sportier riding position, gravel bikes became the ultimate off-road all-rounders. While all-road bikes focus more on comfort for varied road surfaces, gravel bikes are built to tackle the most rugged paths. Exploring landscapes beyond the paved roads is now easier than ever.

Advantages of a Gravel Bike

The versatile gravel bike offers numerous advantages, excelling both on the road and in off-road conditions. Here are the key benefits of the gravel bike:

Versatility: The gravel bike is engineered for multi-surface performance, seamlessly transitioning between gravel roads, forest trails, country lanes, and light off-road paths. Its geometry and tire design make it an optimal choice for a wide range of riding conditions, offering exceptional adaptability for varied route planning.

Comfort: With a longer wheelbase and revised frame geometry, the gravel bike offers a more relaxed, upright riding position. The wider tires—often ranging from 35mm to 45mm—provide superior shock absorption and dampening, reducing vibrations and enhancing ride comfort over long distances, especially on rough or uneven surfaces.

Tires: Gravel bike tires are specifically designed for hybrid performance, offering an ideal mix of grip, durability, and cushioning. The tread pattern is optimized to handle both smooth pavement and loose gravel or dirt, providing stable traction and control on a variety of surfaces, from hard-packed trails to softer, more uneven terrain.

Disc Brakes: Gravel bikes are typically equipped with disc brakes ensuring superior stopping power, regardless of weather conditions. The consistent performance of disc brakes provides reliable braking force on wet, muddy, or uneven surfaces, offering greater control and safety compared to traditional rim brakes.

Ideal for Winter Training: Gravel bikes excel in low-traction conditions, making them well-suited for winter training. Their wider tires offer enhanced grip on slippery, wet roads, and their stability in handling wet leaves, snow, or ice provides a safer, more controlled ride in harsh weather, which a traditional road bike may struggle to manage effectively.

Gravel bike leaning against a tree in the meadow

A Quick Look at Our KTM Gravel Bike

This year, our fleet has gained an exciting new addition: the gravel bike! 

Our gravel bikes blend the best characteristics of road and touring bikes, making them ideal for tackling diverse terrains—perfect for our sporty guests who thrive on adventure. Weighing just around 12 kg, they are among the lightest models in our fleet. The durable aluminum frame and carbon fork provide exceptional stability and vibration damping, while hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power in all conditions. The Shimano GRX 20-speed drivetrain delivers crisp, precise shifting, allowing for smooth gear transitions and optimal performance on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

Our gravel bike is available specifically for our athletic cycling tours and alpine crossings. These demanding tours feature extended daily stages and substantial elevation gains, making them perfect for riders seeking an extra challenge.

Eurobike Gravelbike

Who Is the Gravel Bike For?

The gravel bike’s versatility is nearly limitless, making it a great choice for a wide range of cyclists. It’s ideal for sporty riders who crave adventure beyond paved roads, whether on long gravel tours or multi-day cycling tours. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, the gravel bike adapts effortlessly to your riding style. It offers just as much enjoyment on relaxed exploration rides as it does with demanding challenges.

Long rides highlight the bike’s exceptional comfort. The more upright riding position reduces strain on your back, allowing you to stay in the saddle for extended periods. The brakes offer precise speed control, while the gearing system ensures the right gear for every incline and pace. The robust construction, combined with the increased traction of wider tires, allows the bike to handle light trails with ease. This versatility enables the integration of off-road exploration into your rides without sacrificing the handling and agility of a traditional road bike.

 

Cyclist on a gravel bike at the Irrsee

The Most Scenic Gravel Bike Tours

Our high-quality gravel bikes are available as an add-on for sporty cycling tours and various alpine crossings. Glide through breathtaking landscapes, where the journey itself becomes the ultimate experience. Take in stunning panoramic views as you climb the Alps, then feel the rush of the wind on exhilarating descents. Or cruise along the iconic blue Danube, covering ground effortlessly. With a gravel bike, you seamlessly move from one highlight to the next.

Gravel biking on the Irrsee in the sunshine
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.