2025 Gravel Bike Trends: What's Next for Cyclists?

As I mentioned yesterday, I’ll soon be attempting to assemble one of those gravel bike things, so I figured I might as well read up on the trends to see how out of date it’ll be by the time I’m done:

Collage of various gravel bike components including a rear derailleur, suspension fork, and bike frame showcasing trends expected in 2026.

By the way, when did everything become a “space?”

2025 has given us several changes in the gravel bike space.

I guess in the digital age we can afford to squander words since we don’t have to worry about typesetting and paper and stuff, and I realize this is ironic coming from someone who uses way, way too many words on a daily basis, but I’d still like us to revert to the old way of referring to things:

“Use Case” = Use
“Price Point” = Price
“Form Factor” = Shape
“Gravel Bike Space” = Gravel Bike

And so forth.

Actually, you can cut that last one down even more:

“Gravel Bike” = Bike

This would allow you to start your article like this: “Bikes changed in 2025.”

See how easy that is?

Anyway, at first the trend forecast is quite promising:

A gravel bike with wide tires and multiple water bottle mounts, parked on green grass.

Thank goodness! If I read another gravel bike review that says the [insert stupid name here] needs more clearance I’m going to puke:

Text describing a review of the Factor Aluto gravel bike, highlighting its sharpness and agility but noting its lack of tire clearance for modern trends.

Sadly my excitement was short-lived, because while the end of Clearance Mania may finally be in sight, we’re just getting suspension instead:

Close-up view of a gravel bike's front fork, showcasing a suspension system and tire details, with greenery in the background.

I was particularly amused by the photo caption:

I’m not saying your next gravel bike is going to be a mountain bike with some drop bars added, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more suspension forks in 2026.

Sorry, yeah, your next gravel bike is totally going to be a mountain bike:

Meme featuring a man in a suit with the text, 'I'M NOT SAYING IT'S A MOUNTAIN BIKE... BUT IT'S A MOUNTAIN BIKE.'

I mean your current gravel bike is already a mountain bike, so why would your next one be any different?

Also, your current mountain bike is already Chinese, but I guess soon it will be unapologetically Chinese:

A modern gravel bike with a colorful frame and aerodynamic design, displayed against a plain background.

Actually, 2026 going to be the Year of the Horse, I looked it up.

No doubt they’re right, though. Just consider the price (point!) of this bike:

A sleek white Cannondale gravel bike featuring black wheels and handlebars, showcasing modern design elements.

[$7,499]

Versus this bike:

A modern gravel bike with a sleek white frame, black components, and tan sidewall tires, showcasing a compact design and high-quality materials.

[$3,899]

Is the name “Cannondale” worth $3,600? Who even owns Cannondale now? Dorel? Pon? BlackRock? I have no idea. When Cannondale started out they were like nothing else. (Well, except for Klein.) Now what are they? Plastic bikes sure seem like a losing game for companies that trade on their names, especially if the Chinese companies’ bikes are better, like some people say they are: