Worldwide, gravel is growing – and South Africa is just the place to get your dirt-road fix. We have thousands of kilometres of scenic and challenging farm and district roads, and some of the most spectacular gravel passes on the planet. 

The gravel bike is also cool because it’s versatile. There’s no reason you can’t use it on the tar for a Sunday coffee cruise, and it gives you the freedom to take a green belt home, or to ride on the road shoulder if the traffic is hectic.

A decade into what many people called a ‘fad’, the gravel category is maturing, and there are bikes for all budgets. We’ve split the category into ‘All-road’ and ‘Adventure’, drawing a distinction between more race-focused steeds, and those designed for long-haul missions to faraway places. 

Many bikes straddle this divide, but it helps to have a clear idea of what you want to do with your gravel bike before you go shopping. Enjoy!

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