Cervelo's Aspero 5 is the best-in-class carbon gravel frameset for riders who prioritize race-ready speed: its aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight carbon layup deliver a crisp, responsive ride that still accommodates generous tire clearance. Compared with the other frames here it leans more toward low weight and aero efficiency than plush comfort, making it a premium choice for racers willing to pay a bit more for a measurable performance edge over value-focused rivals.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Review Summary
"Long-term owners praise the Aspero 5 for fast, efficient pedaling, precise handling and race-capable stiffness while still offering good tire clearance; a few note it sacrifices some compliance on very rough roads and commands a premium price."
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Cervelo's Aspero 5 is the best-in-class carbon gravel frameset for riders who prioritize race-ready speed: its aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight carbon layup deliver a crisp, responsive ride that still accommodates generous tire clearance. Compared with the other frames here it leans more toward low weight and aero efficiency than plush comfort, making it a premium choice for racers willing to pay a bit more for a measurable performance edge over value-focused rivals.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Gravel-specific geometry that balances speed and stability for mixed-surface riding.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Gravel-specific geometry that balances speed and stability for mixed-surface riding.
$3,200-4,200 USD
The Norco Search XR A Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for aluminum gravel riders who want race-capable geometry with the durability and value of alloy construction. Its hydroformed aluminum tubing and progressive geometry deliver a lively, confident ride that undercuts the price of high-end carbon options like the Giant Revolt Advanced 3 while offering easier field repairability and a stiffer feel than many budget alloy frames. Compared with peers such as the Devinci Hatchet and Opus Horizon AL, it leans more performance-oriented, making it a strong choice for mixed-terrain racers who prioritize agility over plush compliance.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Review Summary
"Users praise the Norco Search XR A frameset for its durable alloy construction, confidence-inspiring handling, and excellent value for mixed-surface riding; common criticisms note it’s heavier than carbon alternatives but very practical for loaded or rough gravel use."
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Norco Search XR A Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for aluminum gravel riders who want race-capable geometry with the durability and value of alloy construction. Its hydroformed aluminum tubing and progressive geometry deliver a lively, confident ride that undercuts the price of high-end carbon options like the Giant Revolt Advanced 3 while offering easier field repairability and a stiffer feel than many budget alloy frames. Compared with peers such as the Devinci Hatchet and Opus Horizon AL, it leans more performance-oriented, making it a strong choice for mixed-terrain racers who prioritize agility over plush compliance.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Clearance for 700x45mm or 650b with wide tires and 12mm thru-axles for stiffness.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Clearance for 700x45mm or 650b with wide tires and 12mm thru-axles for stiffness.
$900-1,300 USD
Kona's Rove ST frameset is a versatile, rider-friendly steel option with relaxed geometry that favors comfort on long gravel rides and light touring. It competes well on value and everyday usability—positioned between Surly's rugged pragmatism and All-City's performance focus—offering solid features for mixed-use riders who want a reliable, lower-cost steel frameset without sacrificing modern gravel capability.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Kona Rove ST for its strong value, comfortable geometry and practical features for gravel and commuting, though it’s commonly described as heavier and less refined than higher-end steel frames."
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Kona's Rove ST frameset is a versatile, rider-friendly steel option with relaxed geometry that favors comfort on long gravel rides and light touring. It competes well on value and everyday usability—positioned between Surly's rugged pragmatism and All-City's performance focus—offering solid features for mixed-use riders who want a reliable, lower-cost steel frameset without sacrificing modern gravel capability.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Modern gravel-focused geometry with clearance for larger tires.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Modern gravel-focused geometry with clearance for larger tires.
$900-1,300 USD
Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Frameset
The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for adventure gravel bikepacking thanks to its lightweight carbon construction, tuned compliance for long days, and integrated mounts that accept big framebags and bolt-on accessories. Compared with the steel options in this list it prioritizes speed and weight savings for loaded fastpacking routes, though it comes at a noticeably higher price and trades some dent resistance found in steel frames for performance gains.
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Review Summary
"Users praise the Cutthroat's stable, efficient carbon layup, generous bikepacking mounts and long-distance comfort. Common complaints are the high price and limited color/options."
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for adventure gravel bikepacking thanks to its lightweight carbon construction, tuned compliance for long days, and integrated mounts that accept big framebags and bolt-on accessories. Compared with the steel options in this list it prioritizes speed and weight savings for loaded fastpacking routes, though it comes at a noticeably higher price and trades some dent resistance found in steel frames for performance gains.
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Stable endurance geometry with generous tire clearance for large gravel tires (ideal for 29" setups).
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Stable endurance geometry with generous tire clearance for large gravel tires (ideal for 29" setups).
$3,000-4,200 USD
Salsa Warbird Carbon Frameset
The Salsa Warbird Carbon is a versatile, race-capable platform that also accommodates wide tyres, frame bags and rack mounts—making it ideal for riders who switch between competitive gravel and loaded allroad adventures. Unlike the aero-first Cervelo or the burly Norco, Salsa emphasizes practical adaptability and expedition features, offering exceptional value for multi-day setups and bikepacking trips.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Review Summary
"Cyclists appreciate the Salsa Warbird carbon frameset for its comfortable, stable long-ride geometry, versatile mounting options, and large tire clearance ideal for endurance gravel and bikepacking. A minority mention it isn’t the lightest option, but most users value its comfort and versatility."
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Salsa Warbird Carbon is a versatile, race-capable platform that also accommodates wide tyres, frame bags and rack mounts—making it ideal for riders who switch between competitive gravel and loaded allroad adventures. Unlike the aero-first Cervelo or the burly Norco, Salsa emphasizes practical adaptability and expedition features, offering exceptional value for multi-day setups and bikepacking trips.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Generous tire clearance (up to 48mm) plus abundant rack, fender and accessory mounts.
Endurance comfort
Bikepack-friendly mounts
Touring grin
Comfort-focused carbon frameset engineered for long gravel rides and bikepacking.
Generous tire clearance (up to 48mm) plus abundant rack, fender and accessory mounts.
$3200-4800 USD
Specialized S-Works Diverge Frameset
The S-Works Diverge frameset earns market-leader status through its proven compliance solutions and broad dealer support that make aggressive efforts more sustainable over long, rough rides. Versus Cervelo's track-like focus and 3T's aero emphasis, the Diverge trades a touch of outright stiffness for comfort and versatility—features that also preserve resale value and reduce total cost of ownership for endurance-minded racers.
FutureShock magic
Massive tyre clearance
FutureShock magic
Massive tyre clearance
Review Summary
"Long‑term users rave about the S‑Works Diverge's FutureShock comfort, confident handling and versatility for long aggressive rides, making it a go‑to for mixed‑surface racing. Drawbacks reported are the very high cost and that its geometry leans slightly toward endurance rather than pure race aggression."
Cushy endurance grin
FutureShock front compliance system paired with a race-oriented carbon layup
Cushy endurance grin
FutureShock front compliance system paired with a race-oriented carbon layup
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The S-Works Diverge frameset earns market-leader status through its proven compliance solutions and broad dealer support that make aggressive efforts more sustainable over long, rough rides. Versus Cervelo's track-like focus and 3T's aero emphasis, the Diverge trades a touch of outright stiffness for comfort and versatility—features that also preserve resale value and reduce total cost of ownership for endurance-minded racers.
FutureShock magic
Massive tyre clearance
Cushy endurance grin
FutureShock front compliance system paired with a race-oriented carbon layup
Stable, confidence-inspiring geometry for high-speed descents and long efforts
FutureShock magic
Massive tyre clearance
Cushy endurance grin
FutureShock front compliance system paired with a race-oriented carbon layup
Stable, confidence-inspiring geometry for high-speed descents and long efforts
$6000-7500 USD