Gravel Bikes

Steel frames offer outstanding ride comfort, are extremely durable, and easy to repair — a major advantage on long tours. They also deliver a smooth, forgiving ride feel that’s especially enjoyable on rough or unpaved roads.

Yes, steel is the frame material of choice for many bikepacking enthusiasts. veloheld gravel bikes feature plenty of mounts and eyelets for bags, bottle cages, racks, and fenders — perfect for longer, self-supported adventures.

A titanium frame is exceptionally durable, corrosion-resistant, and lighter than steel. It delivers a sporty, responsive ride while still offering great comfort — and requires virtually no maintenance. Perfect for anyone looking for a high-end gravel bike built for life.

Modern steel frames are finished with high-quality paint or powder coatings that reliably protect against rust. With a bit of care — especially after riding in the rain — the frame will stay in excellent condition for years.

A gravel bike is more versatile than a road bike or cyclocross bike. It combines the speed of a road bike with the off-road capabilities of a cyclocross bike: wider tyres, more comfortable geometry and mounting options for bags make it ideal for everyday use, touring and bikepacking – not just for racing. While a road bike is optimised for asphalt and a cyclocross bike is primarily built for short, athletic cross-country races, a gravel bike covers a much wider range of uses. It is the bike for anyone seeking freedom and adventure on any terrain.

Yes — your veloheld gravel bike is available in the color of your choice. Alongside our standard colors, you can choose from over 200 RAL shades as well as countless Prismatic Powders finishes. The result is a bike that not only rides exactly the way you want, but looks the part too — custom, one of a kind, and handmade in Dresden.

The ideal tire pressure for gravel tires typically ranges — depending on rider weight and terrain — between 1.8 and 3.0 bar for 40–50 mm tire width. On gravel or unpaved roads, you can run slightly lower pressure for added comfort and grip. On tarmac, higher pressure rolls more efficiently.

With a tubeless setup, you can lower the pressure even further without risking pinch flats. A good starting point is around 2.3 bar, then fine-tune based on feel and terrain.

Yes, we offer almost all bikes as a gravel frameset for custom builds, so you can create your gravel bike exactly the way you want it. Of course, you can also order the frame in your preferred color.

For gravel bikes, MTB clipless pedals (e.g. SPD) or wide platform pedals are the go-to choices — depending on how you ride. SPD pedals are ideal for sporty gravel riding, efficient pedaling, and long-distance tours, as they clip in and out reliably even in muddy conditions. Platform pedals, on the other hand, offer maximum freedom and are perfect for urban riding, short trips, or anyone who prefers not to ride clipped in. Many gravel riders opt for a hybrid pedal: clipless on one side, platform on the other. That way, you stay flexible — whether it’s daily commuting, touring, or off-road adventures.

On a gravel bike, you can run 1x (single chainring) or 2x drivetrains (double chainring), as well as internal gear hubs with belt drive. A 1×12 or 1×13 derailleur setup is the most popular choice today: lightweight, simple, quiet, and perfect for mixed terrain. 2×12 drivetrains offer tighter gear steps, ideal for long tours and fast road sections.

For low-maintenance everyday or bikepacking builds, internal gear hubs or a Pinion gearbox are great options — paired with a Gates belt drive, they’re virtually maintenance-free and extremely durable. The right drivetrain for you depends on whether you prioritize sporty performance, versatility, or minimal upkeep.