The Specialized Diverge 4 has been named the 2025 Velo Gravel Bike of the Year due to its broad appeal, affordability, and versatile features like ample tire clearance and the innovative Future Shock suspension system, making it suitable for nearly all gravel riding needs.
SRAM's 2025 Force AXS and Force XPLR AXS groupsets bring top-tier shifting and braking performance to amateur riders, featuring design elements from the high-end RED groupset, with improvements in ergonomics, durability, and customization, especially for gravel riding, at a more accessible price point.
A new Specialized gravel bike, featuring the Future Shock for added compliance, was spotted at Unbound Gravel 2025, ridden by pro cyclists Annika Langvad and Geerike Schreurs, hinting at upcoming innovations from the brand.
A new Specialized Diverge gravel bike has been spotted ahead of Unbound Gravel, featuring updates like SRAM UDH compatibility, additional fork mounts, fender mounts, and a wider fork crown, suggesting a new model with enhanced capabilities and greater tyre clearance, while retaining key features like the Future Shock suspension.
The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is a versatile gravel bike that excels on various terrains, including single-track trails. Priced at $5,699, it features Trek's 500 Series OCLV carbon frame, a SRAM Force XPLR AXS D2 groupset, and Bontrager Aeolus Elite carbon wheels. The bike's endurance geometry, improved ride comfort, and multiple mount points make it ideal for long rides and bikepacking. While the brakes required adjustment, the Checkpoint offers a rewarding cycling experience, balancing performance and adventure.
Enve Composites has officially launched The Fray, an endurance bike designed to fill the gap in the American manufacturer's drop bar line-up. Initially planned for a 2023 release, The Fray is the latest addition to Enve's range of custom road bikes, WorldTour-capable road racing bikes, and gravel steeds, aiming to cater to the needs of endurance cyclists.
Moots has released the Vamoots 33, its most affordable road bike yet with increased tire clearance for gravel roads. Priced at $7,499, the Vamoots 33 features straight-gauge tubing, SRAM Rival builds, and Zipp stem and seatpost, making it more accessible to a wider range of cyclists. The new model blurs the lines between road and gravel bikes, offering a more budget-friendly option without compromising on ride quality and durability.
Bianchi has introduced the Impulso RC, a high-performance gravel bike designed for racing. Weighing 8.1kg, the bike features aero attributes from the Bianchi Oltre RC and a new carbon cockpit. The brand has incorporated knowledge from cross-country mountain biking to create a more progressive geometry. With a sleek frontal profile and conservative tire clearance of 42mm, the Impulso RC leans towards road bike geometry. It also boasts a new fully integrated cockpit for improved control on descents. The bike comes with Reparto Course 43mm carbon wheels and is available in three models, ranging from €2,999 to €6,849.
Canyon has released the latest iteration of its gravel race bike, the Canyon Grail, which ditches the controversial Hoverbar for a more traditional cockpit. The new Grail features a redesigned front end, a modular CP0039 Double Drop Bar with adjustable aero bar extensions, and a storage system with in-frame pouches and a removable partial frame bag. The bike comes in different tiers, including a new CFR tier that offers enhanced performance and lighter weight. The Grail is available in various builds, with prices ranging from €2,699 to €10,000.
Cannondale appears to be releasing an update to their SuperSix Evo CX cyclocross and gravel bike, with the notable change being fully hidden cables routed through the headset. The update includes an updated carbon fork with a Delta Steerer tube design to accommodate brake hoses, allowing for fully hidden hoses and wires from the handlebar to the brake calipers. Other potential changes include the use of Cannondale One stem for internal cable routing, in-house Hollowgram cranks, and the same Ai asymmetrical rear end and Mavic SpeedRelease front thru axle. The head tube design of the current bike suggests it may have been designed for internal cable routing all along. Cannondale has hinted at changes to come in 2024.