Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike: What’s the Difference?  

In the past decade, gravel bikes have grown in popularity to the point where almost all bicycle manufacturers offer a gravel model. 

Mountain and road bikers alike will enjoy their versatility and fun ride qualities. So what’s the difference?

Gravel bikes are more versatile with their outstretched frame geometry and drop handlebars allowing for aerodynamic speed. It can generally be ridden in all terrain. Mountain bike features have a shorter frame, upright position, and flat handlebars. Where they excel is the suspension forks to add comfort and stability in offroad terrain. 

We’ll cover each bike’s main differences and use cases, so you can decide which is the best choice for your next purchase. 

What are Gravel Bikes? 

A gravel bike, also known as an adventure bike, is essentially a road bike designed to handle different conditions, carry extra gear, and ride on less-traveled roads for many hours. Their robust construction makes them more durable than regular road bikes, with a broader gear range and enough space for much bigger tires.

Gravel bikes are well known for their user adaptability. They’re extremely versatile and suitable for mountain biking and road riding. 

Pros of Gravel Bikes 

• Gravel bikes can be ridden on all terrain, including gravel, dirt roads, mud, and tarmac.
• Stretched frame lets you sit more relaxed
• Disc brakes have exceptional stopping power 
• Accepts virtually all wheel types 

Cons of Gravel Bikes 

• Slightly more expensive than mountain bikes 

• It can be somewhat heavy and slow 

What are Mountain Bikes? 

Mountain bikes are specifically designed to handle more rugged conditions. They typically feature stouter and more upright frames. Due to their suspension systems, these bikes can take a lot of abuse and go over obstacles on technical trails. 

Depending on the specific type of mountain bike, they can serve many purposes, such as leisure rides, racing, commuting to work, and mountain riding. 

Pros of Mountain Bikes 

• The versatility of the mountain bike lets you ride them in any condition 
• Suspension form offers greater comfort in handling rough terrain 
• Designed to maneuver in technical trails 
• Greater traction

Cons of Mountain Bikes 

• Requires more maintenance 
• Lower pedaling efficiency 

Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike: Major Differences Explained

Understanding the differences will allow you to determine better how the components and design differ, giving you a better idea of which bike to choose. 

Wheels and Tires 

A gravel bike tire typically measures 36-45mm in width, while a mountain bike tire measures 53-61mm. Gravel bike tires have a lower rolling resistance on paved roads, whereas mountain bike tires have a higher grip and stability on loose terrain.

A gravel bike wheel is typically 700c in diameter, while a mountain bike wheel is 26″, 27.5″, or 29″. Gravel bike wheels are better suited to paved roads, whereas mountain bike wheels are better suited to narrow, singletrack trails.

A mountain bike’s rims are typically wider than a gravel bike’s, which helps to support its wider tires. Wheels on gravel bikes typically measure 17-19mm wide, while those on mountain bikes can measure 25mm wide. A wider rim improves stability and traction when riding in muddy or wet conditions. Compared to gravel bike tires, mountain bike tires are thicker, so they protect rims from impact damage.

Frame Geometry

Gravel bikes have different frame geometry from road bikes. A gravel bike is designed to be more upright than a pure road bike to provide greater comfort over long distances or off-road riding. On flat terrain, hips and legs can generate more power due to the relatively long reach to the handlebars. 

While climbing or descending technical terrain, mountain bikes offer an even more upright position that provides stability and confidence. Bikes designed for mountain biking are built to handle technical terrains, such as steep descents and tight turns. 

A mountain bike’s longer reach contributes to its stability at speed, especially on rough terrain. Short stems and wide handlebars improve handling and leverage, while the slacker head angle helps balance the rider’s center of gravity on steep descents. Furthermore, flat handlebars on mountain bikes improve grip and stability when landing jumps or negotiating technical terrain.

Gearing

Looking at the drivetrain, you can tell the difference in gearing between gravel and mountain bikes. The gearing on mountain bikes is designed for steep climbs, and rapid descents where pedaling is almost unnecessary.

Unlike flat-out speed bikes, mountain bikes have ‘easier’ gearing designed for climbing hills. Almost all modern mountain bikes use a 1x setup, which means there is only one chainring at the front. Combined with a cassette that runs in the 10-50t range, that small ring is around 32t. Despite being perfect for climbing, these gearing ratios are too small for serious pedaling.

Gravel bikes usually have a wide gear range that allows riders to conquer long, rocky routes without getting off the bike. Disc brakes with relatively small rotors are used on gravel bikes for control and are lightweight.

Gravel bikes must handle off-road sections, but they must also maintain speed on smoother, flatter surfaces. Their gearing is ‘harder,’ so they won’t spin out your legs at higher speeds. As with mountain bikes, gravel bikes can have two or one chainrings up front. Compared to MTBs, this bike has a much larger front chainring, usually 42t.

Suspension 

While some manufacturers have designed gravel bikes with suspension, a typical gravel bike doesn’t have it. Mountain bikes are typically divided into two categories: hardtails and full suspensions. Hardtail mountain bikes have only front suspension. The lightweight frames of these bikes make them ideal for cross-country and short-track racing since they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to use. 

Mountain bikes with full suspension are equipped with suspension in both the front and rear, which improves overall comfort, particularly over technical terrain. As a result, this mountain bike style is significantly more expensive and heavier than hardtail options. 

Mountain bikes with full suspension are best for downhill racing; many offer 200mm of travel or more. As a result of advances in technology, materials, and manufacturing, the best full-suspension mountain bikes are now immensely popular for racing cross-country courses.

Handlebars 

One of the most noticeable differences between gravel and mountain bikes is their handlebars. Gravel bikes typically have drop bars, while mountain bikes have flat bars. As a result, each bike must handle differently, affecting how the rider sits and how comfortable they are during long days on the bike.

The drop bars on gravel bikes create a front-end feel similar to that of a road bike. Riders can select one of three hand positions on a drop bar: the hood, the top, or the drop. Most riders spend their time on the hood, where they can easily reach the brake and shifter levers. 

The tops require them to change their hand position when braking or shifting due to the distance between the brakes and shifters. For descents, drop handlebars give the most secure hand position and easy access to brake levers, and a more aerodynamic and aggressive riding position. 

In mountain bikes, flat bars are used instead of drop bars, which are straight handlebars that extend from left to right. Unlike drop bars, which resemble ram’s horns, hand grips on modern bars have only a slight curve between them and the center, depending on the bar style. 

In reality, most mountain bike riders only use one hand position on the handlebar grips, which are wide on either end. Advanced bikers may experiment with putting their hands very close to the stem – this narrows their shoulders and creates an aerodynamic position on a flat course. 

Riding Position 

Gravel riders and mountain bikers have very different positions due to their flat bars and frames. 

Riders can adjust their riding position more easily with drop bars. Since riders tend to sit at a relaxed angle on the hoods, they can be comfortable and aerodynamic. While road racers favor an aggressive forward position, gravel bikes adopt a more endurance-oriented geometry that allows them to pedal efficiently without leaning too far forward.

Gravel riders are least likely to ride up on the tops because their hands are too far from their brake levers. But, resting their hands on the tops can provide significant relief when they’re tired or experiencing lower back discomfort. 

A mountain bike rider’s elbows flare out because their arms are sideways when using flat bars versus drop bars. The most common mountain bike handlebar measures 78cm wide, whereas road bars are only 40-44cm wide.

Although flat bars have their advantages, they’re also pretty slow. Cycling speed and aerodynamics are heavily influenced by a rider’s coefficient of drag area. For a rider to go fast, they must push more air out of the way. For this reason, time trial bikes and aero bars are so narrow, streamlined, and compact. Mountain bikes are almost the opposite.

Mountain bikes help riders corner and control their bikes best by positioning them wide and upright. However, a flat bar is not designed for speed. Compared to gravel bikes and road bikes, mountain bikes require much higher hand and head positions to maintain. Despite their wide handlebar width, mountain bikes have a low center of gravity, which makes them good for cornering, but if you’re shooting a narrow gap, watch out for trees.

What are the Differences In Ride Feel Between Gravel Bikes vs Mountain Bikes?

The feel of the bike is arguably just as important as the performance. Here’s how they differ in speed, efficiency, comfort, and handling. 

Speed and Efficiency 

Fastness and pedaling efficiency make gravel bikes appealing on smoother surfaces. Speed is a top priority in the road bike family, and the frame geometry and gearing are designed with that in mind. By having a longer reach to the handlebars, the rider is positioned in a more aerodynamic and tucked position, reducing drag. The characteristic drop bars offer a more aggressive option on speedy descents and sprints.

The higher gearing ratios on gravel bikes allow them to reach higher speeds. If you ride on paved roads or smoother trails, the bigger front chainring (or two) will allow you to keep up midpack on a group ride.

A mountain bike is built for climbing steep hills and negotiating loose terrain, not for going fast. However, the top speed depends on the riding conditions. A mountain bike’s better handling and suspension will certainly give you a faster ride on single tracks and rocky trails.

Handling and Riding Confidence 

The gravel bike can be ridden on various surfaces, including gravel roads and off-road trails. The bikes are versatile, capable, and can be ridden confidently in various conditions.

A mountain bike is designed for riding on more extreme off-road trails. These bikes are capable of handling technical terrain.

Comfort 

A mountain bike provides comfort that a gravel bike may not be able to provide. The upright position gives the rider more confidence and control while riding. 

If you have difficulty braking, turning, or descending on gravel roads, the tires, handlebars, suspension, and geometry make riding faster and easier. Riders benefit from maximum control, traction, and stability on mountain bikes.

Which is the Best Choice: Gravel vs Mountain Bike? 

A gravel bike or mountain bike will ultimately depend on what kind of riding you do and what position feels most comfortable.

Gravel bikes, for example, have drop bars that might be more familiar to you if you are used to riding roads.

It’s undeniable that mountain bikes are more capable on rougher and steeper off-road trails, but they’re not as fast on the road.

A gravel bike is similar to a cross-country bike, designed to cover ground easily, pedal well, and handle small obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are common questions related to gravel and mountain bikes. 

Are gravel bikes better than mountain bikes? 

Riders can go faster on gravel bikes than on mountain bikes on smoother surfaces with fewer obstacles, such as rocks and roots. Gravel bikes are way faster and more efficient on roads and light terrains, such as gravel or packed dirt. A mountain bike is better suited to rough terrain than a road bike.

What’s the difference between gravel bikes and mountain bikes? 

The drop bar handlebars on gravel bikes allow riders to grab the handlebars in an aggressive, aerodynamic position. A gravel bike also has significantly less tire clearance than a mountain bike with a wide tire. Since mountain bikes are made for rough terrain, they have front and rear suspension and easier gearing for climbing technical terrain.

Why do gravel bikes have no suspension?

A gravel bike lacks suspension to save weight and maintain efficiency when riding on smoother, flatter terrain. Most gravel and dirt routes don’t have huge drops or obstacles that require suspension for safe riding. Speed is often more important to gravel riders than comfort provided by a front fork suspension system.

Can you ride a gravel bike on mountain bike trails?

Despite the slower handling and skinnier tires, you can still ride mountain trails on a gravel bike. You can adventure on various terrain while considering your bike’s limitations and riding abilities when off-road biking.

What’s the purpose of a gravel bike? 

Ideally, gravel bikes should offer riders maximum versatility, enabling them to tackle off-road terrain, maintain comfort and speed over long distances on pavement, and adapt to the demands of bike touring or bike packing.

Wrapping It Up 

Gravel and mountain bikes can be used for commuting, touring, and racing. Selecting the right bike for your riding style is crucial.

Gravel bikes are ideal for riding gravel roads or off-road trails. Mountain bikes are better suited for riding extreme off-road trails.

You may be disappointed with the performance of a gravel bike if you choose it for riding on extreme off-road trails. In the same way, mountain bikes may be difficult to control and uncomfortable to ride on gravel roads.

We hope this guide has clarified the differences and use cases for each type of bike.