Best Budget Gravel Bike for 2025:

Searching for the best budget gravel bike? This guide showcases affordable gravel bikes that offer outstanding value and that are available at Sigma Sports. Whether you’re new to gravel riding or looking for a cost-effective upgrade, we’ve got top picks for beginners, versatile options, and durable models that are an alternative to more expensive carbon gravel bikes.

Top Budget-Friendly Gravel Bikes

Here are the top budget-friendly gravel bikes tailored for different types of riders:

• Best Gravel Bike Under £1000: Marin Four Corners

• Best for Beginners: Marin Nicasio +

• Best Overall Value: Specialized Diverge E5

• Best for Durability: Cannondale Topstone 3

• Best for Low Budget: Marin Getstalt

Marin Four Corners - Best in the Under £1000 Budget Category

Price: £949

Specifications:

• Series 1 CrMo steel frame

• Multi-surface 700C/650B x 40mm or 45mm Tyres

• Tonnes of Gear Mounts & Versatility

Pros:

• Adventure-Ready and Versatile

• Comfortable Steel Frame

• Size-Specific Wheels for Optimal Fit

The Marin Four Corners offers adventure-ready versatility with its ability to handle various terrains and accommodate bikepacking setups under the £1000 mark. Its comfortable steel frame absorbs vibrations for a smoother ride, particularly on gravel and longer journeys. Additionally, the bike features size-specific wheels, ensuring optimal fit and handling for a wide range of riders.

Marin Nicasio+ - Best for Beginners

Price: £949

Specifications:

• Steezy double butted CrMo Beyond Road frame

• 650b wheels

• 47mm tyres

Pros:

• Reliable handling

• Smooth ride

• Fun on tough terrain

The Marin Nicasio + is ideal for newcomers to gravel biking and a leader when it comes to value for money steel gravel bikes. The robust chromoly steel frame can tackle rough terrains while ensuring stability and comfort. The wide 650b wheels with 47mm tyres significantly improve stability and comfort on technical terrain.

The Marin Nicasio + excels in delivering a smooth ride over tough terrains. Designed for those who enjoy the journey, its microSHIFT Advent drivetrain ensures seamless shifting across its 1x9 setup.

Specialized Diverge E5 - Best Overall Value

Price: £1,200

Specifications:

• Specialized Diverge E5 Premium Aluminium Frame

• FACT carbon fork

• Shimano’s Claris 2x8 group

Pros:

• Versatile

• High-quality components

• Great handling

The Specialized Diverge E5 offers the best overall value in the budget gravel bike category offering excellent ride quality and in many ways is the same bike as many of the more pricer Diverge models. The bike’s progressive geometry, featuring a longer reach and shorter stem, enhances confidence in technical riding scenarios while maintaining a lively ride.

At approximately 10.9 kg when set up tubeless ready wheels, the Diverge is light enough for fast riding on both uphill and downhill trails. Its low bottom bracket improves stability, though it can lead to pedal strikes. If you are looking for a light gravel bike around £1000 price point, it's a versatile option for any adventure.

Cannondale Topstone 3 - Best for Durability

Price: £1260

Specifications:

• Robust Cannondale C2 alloy frame

• Cannondale Topstone full carbon fork

Pros:

• Solid performance on more technical terrain

• Excellent gear range with Shimano Sora 9-speed shifting

• Powerful Shimano mechanical disc brakes for maximum stopping power

Is there a better bike at this sort of price point? The Cannondale Topstone 3 excels in durability. Its robust alloy frame is built to endure rough terrains and long-term use, making it a reliable investment for enthusiasts of challenging rides.

Despite being one of Cannondale's lower priced gravel bikes the Topstone 3’s rugged construction and dependable performance distinguish it from other bikes. It comfortably handles rough stuff terrains, enabling adventures anywhere. Though heavier than some alternatives, its strength and reliability compensate, ensuring maximum enjoyment from your rides.

Marin Getstalt - Best for Low Budget

Price: £849

Specifications:

• Series 2 Beyond Road, 6061 Aluminium

• Tektro mechanical disc brakes

Pros:

• Affordable for all gravel riders

• Solid performance

• Durable components

For tight budgets, the Marin Getstalt provides exceptional value. Ideal for new cyclists, it offers an affordable entry into gravel riding. Despite its lower price, it comes with decent components, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

Owners value the Getstalt’s affordability and solid performance. It can handle light off-road adventures and endurance road riding, making it versatile for various surfaces. Advanced riders may find it lacking in features, but it’s an excellent entry-level option for beginners.

Choosing the Best Budget Gravel Bike

Selecting the right budget gravel bike involves considering key factors.

Start with wheel size compatibility; many offer options for both 700c and 650b wheels, letting you choose based on riding style and terrain.

Tyre clearance is also important. Many gravel bikes at this price point can still accommodate larger, wide and knobbly tyres with up to 50 mm clearance, ideal for rugged terrain. This wider tyre clearance improves traction and comfort on rough surfaces.

Geometry significantly affects ride comfort, especially for long distances. Gravel bikes typically promote an upright posture to reduce fatigue. Additionally, consider the drivetrain setup and gear ratios.

Mounting options are crucial for bikepacking bags enthusiasts. Seek versatile bike options with ample mounting points for accessories to allow customisable setups. 

Most budget gravel bikes manage both on-road and riding off road well, making them suitable for smooth surfaces as well as gravel trails. A mountain bike can also be a great choice for those looking to explore specifically rugged terrains. Additionally, road bikes can complement your cycling experience by offering speed and efficiency on paved surfaces.

You'll find everything you need for a gravel ride in our gravel collection.

Summary

In summary, the world of budget gravel bikes in 2025 offers something for everyone. From the sturdy Marin Nicasio + for beginners to other gravel bikes like the versatile Specialized Diverge and the rugged Cannondale Topstone 3, there’s a bike for every type of rider and adventure.

The Marin Getstalt stands out for those on a tight budget, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy quality and performance.