Gravel Bikes for Men

For men who are riding off the beaten track: Experience the perfect mixture of performance and comfort to conquer any terrain. The adventure awaits. Find the right gravel bike for you here.

Our top picks for men

Our top picks for men

Backroad FF Competition-proven carbon racer

  

from €4,799.00
Backroad Lightweight & sporty – the top seller made of carbon

    

starting at €2,999.00
Backroad AL All-rounder with sturdy aluminium frame

    

starting at €1,999.00

Everyday Gravel Bikes

Everyday Gravel Bikes

A bike for everything: Our Everyday gravel bikes are made for your active everyday life. They offer you easy and inexpensive access, attachment points for mudguards and pannier racks as well as tyres for any type of surface. Ideal if you want to cover sport, leisure and work with one bike.

Blend Sporty and suitable for everyday use.   starting at €1,299.00 

Hobo Casual and robust.    starting at €1,299.00

Backroad AL EQ Versatile and fully equipped.   starting at €2,499.00

Adventure Gravel Bikes

Adventure Gravel Bikes

This is where your next adventure begins. Off the beaten track, you will discover unknown scenery, enjoy nature and experience freedom without limits. Spontaneous or planned, with a lot of luggage or just the bare essentials. The experience counts – as well as long-distance geometries, robust parts and all-terrain tyres.

Backroad AL All-rounder with sturdy aluminium frame      starting at €1,999.00

Backroad Lightweight & sporty – the top seller made of carbon     starting at €2,999.00

Race Gravel Bikes

Maximum speed meets unpaved tracks. Race gravel bikes are built for performance: light, aerodynamic and extremely efficient. Their agile handling and integrated power meters make them ideal for fast training sessions and tough gravel races. Do you love competition? Then this is your bike.

Backroad FF Competition-proven carbon racer – our athletes' first choice    starting at €4,799.00

PDQ CC racer for all ups & downs    Starting at €2,299.00

What you need to know

Do you need a gravel bike for men?

What men should look out for on a gravel bike

10 tips for gravel beginners

FAQs

What frame size do I need for my gravel bike?
Depending on the model, the correct frame size depends on your height or inside leg length. Are you caught between two sizes? The rule of thumb usually applies: Longer legs = smaller frame, shorter legs = larger frame. Your riding style can also make a difference: Larger frames are smoother, smaller ones more manoeuvrable. To be on the safe side, it's best to take a test ride.
Which saddle is best for men?
A comfortable saddle is essential – but comfortable does not mean soft. Men often need narrower saddles with a longer nose. A central cutout can reduce pressure. Important: The saddle position has to be right, otherwise even the best model won't fit. If you experience pain after the first few tours, try fine adjustments before you buy a new model.
What clothing should I buy as a beginner?
A helmet is essential, as well as cycling glasses to protect you from the wind, branches and insects. Gloves protect the wrists and offer protection in the event of a fall. You should buy padded cycling pants if you are riding longer distances – whether with or without bibs is a matter of taste. A tight-fitting jersey keeps you dry and a light windbreaker protects you from the sudden cold. In cooler temperatures, leg warmers or arm warmers are a practical addition.
Which shoes are ideal for gravel riding?
That depends on the pedals. With classic platform pedals, sturdy trainers are sufficient, but special flat pedal shoes with a grippy sole are the better choice. If you want to be more efficient, switch to clipless pedals – usually MTB systems that are easy to ride. The right shoes are available in a wide range from sporty for races to comfortable for touring. Take a look at our pedal guide.
Which accessories should I buy first?
In addition to the basics such as a pump and multitool, tyre levers and a spare inner tube are important. A torque wrench is mandatory for all adjustment work, especially on carbon bikes. A chain will last longer if it is oiled regularly – so don't forget the chain oil. A water bottle and holder are useful for long tours, and a lock is practical in the city. Overtime you’ll find out what else you need.
What do I have to consider when riding?
Gravel riding is not a road race – control and technique count here. Brake with foresight, apply the force evenly to both brakes. On loose surfaces, get out of the saddle slightly and keep your arms loose to absorb shocks. Your upper body should remain relaxed – too much pressure on the handlebars can quickly lead to numb hands or tension. Strong core muscles make long tours more comfortable and prevent fatigue.

Do you need a gravel bike for men?

As often in sport, men have it easier: Sports bikes are still mainly aimed at men. As a man, you are usually on the safe side. Nevertheless, today's bikes are mostly built as unisex models – which has good reasons:
1. Individual anatomy
On average, men are taller and have longer torsos – but not always. It is therefore much more important than models for men or women that the bike and frame size suit you, your proportions and your mobility. Because here, too, men and women tend to differ – but not necessarily.
2. Individual preferences
You can be flexible as a man or not – that says little about how you feel about your riding position. Whether you prefer to sit upright or stretched out also has to do with individual preferences, training and riding style. This is another reason why you can adjust a lot via contact points such as the saddle, handlebar, etc. Read more on this in the next section.
So what is important?
When buying your gravel bike and selecting the frame size, you should take all of the above factors into account. With a little experience, geometry tables are a good help. However, the best way to find out whether a bike suits you or not is to go for a test ride.

What men should look out for on a gravel bike

You will only know whether your bike fits perfectly after a few tours. It's often the little things that are missing. Some components can therefore be adjusted, while others can be replaced. Here are a few tips on what you can consider before buying and optimise after the purchase.
  • Intended use: PAre you planning long tours or fast training sessions? Do you rely on muscle power or an electric drive? Every gravel bike has its strengths. The more precisely you know what you want to do, the better your bike will suit you later on.
  • Frame size: Your inside leg length is a good for orientation, a test ride is even better. If you are between two sizes, take a look at your proportions: The smaller frame might be too compact for men with a long torso.
  • Saddle: A saddle that fits makes all the difference – there should be no permanent pressure points. Test different seat heights, positions and inclinations. A different saddle, such as a men's model or a step saddle, can help with permanent difficulties.
  • Handlebar: Wider handlebars offer more control off-road, while narrower versions are more aerodynamic. However, the right size also depends on your shoulder width. If your hands do not grip the handlebars straight, this can cause discomfort.
  • Stem: If your posture feels too stretched, the first thing to look at is the saddle, the second is the stem. But it shouldn't be much shorter. An unsuitable frame size can only be compensated for to a limited extent via the stem; otherwise the ride feel suffers.
  • Crankset: The crank length also increases with the frame size. For men with long or short legs, replacing the cranks can still be beneficial if pedalling feels permanently unnatural.
  • System weight: The weight limit indicates the maximum load and includes the rider, bike and luggage. That’s why it is not only relevant for burly men, but also for bikepacking trips. It is specified in the geometry table.

10 tips for gravel beginners

Before you start: Don’t forget a helmet. Sounds obvious, but is often forgotten. Safety first – for you and everyone who cares about you.
Tip 1: Start with short tours.
First get used to your bike and familiarise yourself with the brakes, gears and grip positions. This works best on short tours in open terrain.
Tip 2: Brake in the brake pads.
New disc brakes have to grind in to develop their full effect. To do this, brake several times in a controlled manner instead of taking a steep descent directly.
Tip 3: Adjust the saddle correctly.
It usually takes a few attempts to find the perfect riding position. Test different saddle settings for height, tilt and position. Cycling pants increase comfort.
Tip 4: Vary air pressure.
Tyres that are too hard reduce grip and comfort off-road. Test different pressures in the recommended range and find the best air pressure depending on your riding style, terrain and weight.
Tip 5: Plan routes in advance.
Ride the new paths that your gravel bike opens up to you. Apps such as Strava, Komoot or GPS bike computers provide planned tours or help you create them.
Tip 6: Look for bike buddies.
Gravelling is most fun in a group. If you don't have any fellow cyclists yet, you can quickly find like-minded people via cycle clubs, apps, forums or Rose Group rides.
Tip 7: Practise breakdown aids.
Any man can change a tube? Sometimes the tyre doesn't see it that way. If you practise it beforehand, it will work faster in practice. Your fellow cyclists will thank you for it.
Tip 8: Switch to clipless pedals.
Falling over at traffic lights is no disgrace. We all know this situation. Clipless pedals reward your efforts with a smoother, more efficient pedal stroke and more uphill power.
Tip 9: Keep the chain clean.
Don't wait too long with maintenance, a clean drive lasts longer and saves you unnecessary repairs. Don't wait too long to clean the chain, especially after riding in the rain.
Tip 10: Set yourself goals.
Whether it's a gravel race or a multi-day bikepacking tour – it's easier to train with goals. Make a training plan, make sure you have enough to eat and drink and give yourself a break from time to time.