Gravel Bikes 2022 Releases
Gravel bikes just keep growing in popularity because their mass appeal allows both road racers and mountain bikers to enjoy the best parts of the sport. City slickers also appreciate the thicker tires that handle broken roads, rough pavement and wet weather better than road bikes.
For adventurous riders, gravel bikes mean you can get out into nature but still ride at high speeds on a lightweight bike. It’s the perfect all-rounder that appeals to riders from every discipline, from touring and commuting to racing and cyclocross. With bikes improving every year, we expect 2022 to be another killer year for gravel riding.
Best Gravel Bikes Released in 2022
Marin DSX 2 🏆
Gravel/Mountain bike
MSRP: $1,349 Jenson USA
The DSX2 from Marin is a gravel bike with attitude, able to take on heavy mountainous terrain with the tenacity of a hardtail MTB. The 6061 aluminum frame sports 700c wheels with extra thick 45″ WTB Riddler tires for tough off-road conditions.
For added weight savings, you get a rigid carbon fork with clearance for up to 29×2.1″ tires. This really highlights the MTB-like qualities of the DSX2, along with a 12-speed Deore drivetrain with Shimano M201 disc brakes. For the price, it’s an excellent bit of kit that will impress racers, commuters, tourers, and adrenaline junkies all the same.
- 6061 aluminum frame
carbon fork - Shimano MT201 hydro brakes
- Tires – 700×45 WTB Riddler
Clearances for – 700x45mm / 29×2.1″ - 12-speed Shimano Deore
10-51T
JensonUSA.com Buy on GovVelo.com
Marin Nicasio 700C ‘2022
MSRP: $989 Jenson USA
The Marin Nicasio is an affordable, lightweight gravel bike with an entry-level Shimano Claris drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. What makes it unique is the ChroMoly steel frame and fork, something seldom seen on gravel bikes because of the heavier weight. However, steel is stronger and easier to repair than aluminum, making this an ideal bike for long-distance adventures and bicycle touring.
At only 700x30c, the wheels on the Nicasio are more focused on rolling at speed over smooth terrain rather than bumpy off-road riding. This makes it a great starter bike for riders looking to explore gravel cycling on dirt and single track. If you’re new to gravel riding and want to test the waters or simply need an affordable but strong touring bike, the Marin Nicasio is an excellent choice.
- ChroMoly steel frame & fork
- 700x30c tires
- Mechanical brakes
- 2×8 speed Shimano Claris
Santa Cruz Stigmata
MSRP: $6,299 Jenson USA
The Stigmata from Santa Cruz is one of the earliest and most highly rated gravel bikes on the market, having led the gravel explosion back in the mid-2010s. The new 2022 Stigmata 3 CC Force continues this tradition. It boasts a full carbon frame with wireless SRAM eTap AXS shifting and SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes.
The 700x40c Maxxis Ravager tires and DT Swiss wheels make for a killer wheelset that completes this very impressive (if somewhat expensive) gravel bike. The Santa Cruz Stigmata is the real deal, built for serious race contenders looking to secure a podium position at one of the many pro gravel events around the world.
- Carbon CC frame & fork
- Drivetrain – SRAM Force & eTap
- Brakes – SRAM Force
- Chain – XX1 Eagle
- Wheels – DT Swiss XR361 Asym 29″
Hubs – DT Swiss 350 thru-axle
Marin Headlands 1
MSRP: $2,599 Jenson USA
The Headlands 1 is an impressive mid-range carbon gravel bike at an excellent price. Standout features include 40mm Schwalbe G-One tires and an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain with a clutch-enabled Shadow derailleur. The strong yet lightweight frame includes almost 20 mount points for racks, bags, bottles and mudguards. That makes Headlands ideal for speedy city commuting or short-distance touring.
Not one to scrimp on quality, Marin finishes off the Headlands with its own top-class components, an FSA headset, and GRX hydro disc brakes. With all those features, the Marin Headlands 1 is probably of the best value-for-money you’ll get for a gravel bike in 2022.
- Carbon frame & fork
- 11-speed Shimano GRX Shadow w/ clutch
- GRX hydro brakes
- 700x40c Schwalbe G-One
JensonUSA.com Buy on GovVelo.com
Norco Search XR S1 Complete Bike 2022
MSRP: $3,299 evo.com
With thin, lightweight tubes and a carbon fork, you’d be forgiven for not realizing this gravel bike from Norco actually has a steel frame. The combination makes it a powerhouse of speed and durability – the ideal gravel-pounding machine that can take you long distances while heavily loaded.
For gearing, you get an ever-popular 22-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain and matching hydraulic disc brakes. These run a decent WTB wheelset featuring ST Light i23 rims and Resolute 700x40c tires. This is a lighter gravel version of hardcore MTB wheels. Norco has even included a X-Fusion dropper seat post on their 2022 XR S1 just in case you hit some serious downhills.
- Steel frame & carbon fork
- Shimano GRX derailleurs, brakes
- X-Fusion Manic gravel dropper seat post
- 700x42c
Juliana Quincy CC Rival 700c Complete Bike – Women’s 2022
MSRP: $4,299 evo.com
This Women’s gravel bike from Juliana benefits from a frame design better-tailored to the female body, but don’t let that fool you. This is a beast of a machine that will easily compete head-to-head with any other bike. The full carbon CC frame and fork keeps things light and breezy, while the SRAM Rival groupset ensures solid shifting and braking at all times.
Cyclocross vs Gravel Bike — Top Differences Explained
For reliable grip on all types of terrain, Juliana has matched aggressive Maxxis Ravager tires with lightweight WTB Asym rims and DT Swiss hubs. The overall outcome is a professional-level off-road racing bike that could easily compete for a podium in gravel or cyclocross tournaments.
- Carbon CC frame & fork
- SRAM Rival
- WTB Asym i23p Rims
DT Swiss 350 hubs
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