Best Gravel Bikes 2026
A clear guide to find the right gravel bike for you
Choosing the best gravel bike in 2026 doesn’t mean picking the most aggressive frame and hoping for the best.
The best gravel bike is the one that fits you perfectly, suits your riding style, and helps you achieve your goals.
It’s about getting the most out of the loops you ride every week, the sense of freedom your new bike unlocks, and the rig you trust when the weather turns. Comfort, control and real-world speed matter more than numbers on paper.
This guide maps real riding styles to the right Ribble platforms, with simple advice to help you choose your new gravel bike with confidence.
1. Best Gravel Bikes by Riding Style
Best Gravel Race Bikes 2026
Best Race Gravel Bikes 2026
1. ULTRA-GRIT RED XPLR AXS
1. ULTRA-GRIT RED XPLR AXS
Who they are for
Riders who want speed, efficiency and sharp control on rough courses. Ideal for fast group rides, gravel racing and anyone who enjoys a responsive, race ready feel.
What you gain
- Race tuned geometry that holds a line when the course gets sketchy
- Lightweight, aero optimised carbon that carries speed between corners
- Big clearance and smart integration for real world racing set ups
Ultra Grit is built for podiums. Developed with the Ribble Outliers and proven at Unbound, The Traka and Dirty Reiver, it blends aero tube profiles, fully internal routing and cockpit options with a sub 900 g carbon frame for rapid acceleration and precise handling. It is UCI approved and clears 700 x 50 mm tyres, with downtube storage and mounts for long race days. A RockShox Rudy 30 mm fork upgrade is available if your courses turn technical. The range topping Ultra Grit Red XPLR AXS build comes in from 8.0 kg, pairs pro level wireless shifting with a power meter and rolls fast on race proven wheels and tyres.
**What you give up **
- Less vertical compliance than adventure first frames on long, rough epics
- A more purposeful posture that suits committed riding
- Fewer luggage options than Allgrit when you want to go fully loaded
**Key buying considerations **
- Geometry: expect a lower stack and purposeful reach for speed. If you prefer a calmer front end for mixed riding, look to Allgrit.
- Tyres and wheels: 40 to 45 mm excels for most race courses. Ultra Grit clears up to 50 mm if conditions demand volume.
- Fork choice: keep it rigid for smoother events. Add Rudy for control on rougher courses and marathon days.
1. ULTRA-GRIT RED XPLR AXS
ULTRA-GRIT FORCE XPLR AXS
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