Cyclocross vs Gravel – the differences & similarities

Even though Cyclocross already existed – why was Gravel even invented? Those in the know (and who love their Cyclocross Bike and/or Gravel Bike) might wonder about our provocative question. Indeed, it is justified because the two types of bicycles look at least visually similar. However, there are also many exciting differences – especially in terms of their area of use.

A bike with drop handlebars has that certain something, which is why the invention of the Gravel Bike a few years ago made many cyclists happy. Previously, the drop bar of Road Bikes was chic but simply not suitable for the masses. Spoiler alert... Cyclocross bikes, their adventurous variant, are not either.

We can clearly deny the question of whether a Cyclocross Bike corresponds to a Gravel and whether the two types of bicycles can simply be exchanged. There are more differences than similarities between a Gravel Bike and a Cyclocrosser. Here you will find out what the bicycles have in common, but also what one can do better than the other!

Area of Use Cyclocross vs. Purpose of Gravel Bike

If you compare the purpose of Cyclocross and Gravel, you will quickly see that the basic idea is completely different. While the Gravel Bike is more or less the current version of the trekking bike, a Cyclocrosser is a competition device.

• A Cyclocross Bike is built for this:

To understand what distinguishes a Cyclocross Bike, we have to dig a little into the history of bicycle racing. Bicycles were made race-ready quite soon after their invention, i.e., made into racing bikes. The racing bike has only one catch. It works best on smooth and dry roads. To make the races more exciting, bicycle races were invented in the terrain. But that wasn't enough; to ensure that the racing fun didn't have to be canceled for the entire winter season, it was decided that at least in some sections, deep mud or loose sand should be part of the race track. In addition to relentless propulsion, the wheels were also equipped with a pinch of bad weather suitability, so they work in the dirt as well. Riding comfort? Who needs that? The races are rather short, you'll endure it!

With that, the Cyclocross Bike or CX Bike was invented. Cyclocross races are also known for a special feature: The bicycle is carried. A competition without a carrying section? How boring! The course is chosen so that the bike must be carried over particularly nasty terrain at least once. Since these races push the riders to their limits, they are limited to shorter distances and at most 2 hours.

Lightning fast, even when the mud reaches the bottom bracket – that's what a Cyclocross Bike is built for. Image ©Cannondale

 

✅ competition-ready

✅ fast

✅ suitable for mud and loose surfaces

✅ light, because it needs to be carried

❌ little riding comfort

❌ not suitable for everyday use

> Sounds good? Here are the Cyclocross Bikes in the online shop

• This is what a Gravel Bike can do:

A Gravel Bike can do a bit of everything. Commuting, bike tours, bike trips, shopping, or day trips, all are possible without any issues. Training or trail rides are also possible. Therefore, the Gravel Bike is as versatile as possible, and the riding comfort on long distances is a particularly important criterion. The Gravel Bike is indeed a sporty bicycle, but it is more of a long-distance runner than a sprinter. It works on almost any surface and is also equipped with everything you might need on the go. However, this does not mean that Gravel Bikes don't like to race! More and more Gravel races are popping up, and the comfortable Gravel Bike can compete with others here.

The typical Gravel can do a bit of everything. Image © Rondo

 

✅ suitable for long distances

✅ versatile

✅ tours with luggage are possible

✅ comfortable

❌ more equipment = more weight

❌ more comfort = less speed

> Exactly your thing? Then check out our Gravel Bikes in the shop!

Cyclocross vs. Gravel – in brief:

In general, the comparison shows that a Cyclocross is a specialized sports device, while the Gravel Bike can be used as a versatile means of transport. These completely different purposes result in two quite different designs and equipment lists.

Cyclocross vs. Gravel – what are the similarities?

The Road Bike Handlebar is the obvious similarity. But this first impression is deceptive, the comparison shows: Gravel Bike and Cyclocrosser have otherwise few similarities!

The view from above on the cockpit is quite similar for Cyclocross and Gravel. Image ©  Bombtrack

Durability is an important point!

Both types of bicycles must be robust and durable, but for completely different reasons. The durability of a gravel bike has a different focus than that of a cyclocross bike. The  gravel should not have any breakdowns on long routes. The  CX bike must not give up under maximum load, and above all, the drivetrain must not wear out immediately despite the impact of a paste of water, dust, and sand.

The difference between gravel and cyclocross bikes

If there were no differences between cyclocross and gravel, you could simply ride any of the two bikes. But there are differences, and they ensure that you can buy the perfect bike for every purpose! Therefore, you should think in advance about what you plan to do with your bike. 

Cyclocross frame vs. gravel frame

The  geometry of a cyclocross is significantly different from the more relaxed geometry of the gravel bike. It is built for technically demanding races, meaning the geometry is fast, aggressive, geared towards propulsion, and at the same time more agile. To overcome obstacles, a cyclocross generally provides more  ground clearance, so the bottom bracket is higher than it is on a gravel bike. 

The  gravel bike puts you in a relaxed seating position, comfortable enough for long bikepacking days in the saddle. It is also important that the gravel offers you a safe, stable road position, especially when you are traveling with luggage – no matter if it's a child seat, your shopping, or your camping gear. “Camping gear” is an important keyword! A  gravel needs a lot of load capacity, while for cyclocross, it is enough if the rider and two water bottles can come along. 

Other framework conditions are also influenced by the area of use of the two types of bicycles. A  cyclocross bike impresses with high rigidity and little flexibility, while for gravel, it is rather the opposite. A  gravel bike usually does not have a suspension fork and no frame damper (although there are now some gravel bikes that come with dampers). To make the overall work of art more comfortable, the frame is more compliant, and the material offers some damping.

Cyclocross frame & gravel bike frame – conclusion:

A cyclocross bike is built for relentless propulsion under the toughest conditions.

The gravel frame is comfortable enough for long rides, and it should also enable good bike control and be able to carry a lot of load.

Gearing 

To save weight and make carrying the bike easier, on the cyclocross bike  today, in most cases, 1x11 or 1x12 drivetrains are installed. The range is rather limited, the bike should be fast, done. An 11-36 cassette is the typical CX equipment. An important point here is always the durability of the group. Mud, sand, and dust rub against the material, a cheap shifting group would be junk in no time. Therefore, only high-quality, robust components are mounted here.

Many Gravel Bikes also have a 1x drivetrain, but 2x drivetrains are not uncommon either, after all, many gears with a lot of range make the bike veryversatile. Shimano's GRX, a commonly installed gravel drivetrain, is available in various versions from 2x12 to 1x12 to 2x10 – depending on what you plan, you'll definitely find the right drivetrain.

Tires

Off-road or mud-friendly? That's the fundamental question when you take a close look at the tires of our two candidates. 

The UCI prescribes a tire width of 33mm for Cyclocross races, and manufacturers generally follow this for their CX bikes. The Cyclocross gets a little extra space around the tire so that no dirt can settle in the gap. The profile of the tires is also designed so that dirt doesn't get stuck despite a lot of grip. 

Most Gravel Bikes can be ridden with different tire widths , 35 to 50mm are no problem for many models. City tires, rain tires, winter tires... everything is allowed on the gravel. 

For both types of bikes, 28” is the common wheel size.

Tire rules for CX & GRVL:

In Cyclocross, the racing rules specify 33mm.

The Gravel Bike can be adapted to the requirements with different tires.

Gravel or Cyclocross – what is the equipment like?

The Cyclocross bike is designed for very specific sporting events. A Gravel Bike is intended for everyday use and tours. These fundamental differences are reflected in the bike's equipment.

So that the Cyclocross bike can be fast in races, it has no equipment because less weight makes it faster. The fact that the bike is occasionally shouldered during competitions is another argument for weight reduction everywhere! You get nothing here except bottle holders!

With the Gravel Bike the considerations are completely different. The bike should be as versatile, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use as possible, so it needs a certain level of equipment. It has everything from the factory or at least the mounting points for it.

All or Nothing: The equipment on Gravel Bike & Cyclocross

The Cyclocross has just the equipment it needs to win a race.

The Gravel Bike is equipped with all amenities. You get all sorts of  Bicycle Accessories, from mudguards to luggage racks, everything is there or you can attach it.

You see it at first glance - our picture doesn't show a cyclocross, but a gravel! Image © Focus

Cyclocross vs Gravel in Weight Comparison

The cyclocross must be fast, so it weighs as little as possible. A CX bike will always have a bit more weight than a road bike. After all, it should be durable and resistant to abrasion. Still, it wants to win competitions and is therefore light. You should plan for around 8 kilos. 

The gravel often has good everyday equipment or touring gear. In addition, it should be as robust as possible, which also lets the weight climb. Without attachments, you are on the road with 8 to 10 kilos, with luggage racks and co it will be 12 to just under 14 kilos.

What does a Gravel Bike weigh, what does a CX weigh?

A cyclocross bike weighs around 8 kilograms.

The gravel bike weighs 8 to 10 kilos without everything, with full equipment it can be up to 14 kilos.

Class or Mass? How does it look with Gravel Bike and Cyclocrosser?

Gravel bikes are the bikes of the hour and with each model year, there are more and more. Many bicycle brands have several gravel bikes on offer to meet the different wishes of the growing gravel community. Affordable, top models, more everyday or travel bikes - the selection is huge. With the cyclocross bike it's different. The CX fan community is manageable, there are the corresponding bikes from different manufacturers, but usually, they deliver one model; maybe there are one or two different variants, but that's about it.

The Differences and Similarities at a Glance

Which bike works for bikepacking?

Bikepacking is becoming more popular with each season, so the question of the right bike is often asked: Can you bikepack better on a cyclocross bike or a gravel bike? If you've read this far, you can answer this question yourself. The right bike for this popular pastime is clearly the gravel bike! 

You can also compete in a cyclocross race on a gravel bike. You probably won't win because the bike is neither light nor fast enough. But it is expected to reach the finish line. Conversely, you might be able to ride a cyclocross bike to the office, and do so very quickly and rather uncomfortably. It is not suitable for bike tours or bikepacking.

The decision is actually quite simple:

The Cyclocross Bike is the bike for a very specific sporting event.

The Gravel Bike is the bike for everywhere and anytime!

Is that always true?

We have now explained the differences and similarities between gravel and cyclocross. But is ALL of that ALWAYS true? Generally yes, but the boundaries between the different types of bikes are starting to blur. There are endurance road bikes that are comfortable enough for long tours. There are speedy lightweight gravel bikes that are bred for speed. You should always take a closer look at the mix of frame geometry and equipment, then you'll know if the gravel bike you want to buy can do what you intend. It's easier when buying a CX bike. Most cyclocross bikes are and remain mud machines with a speed guarantee. Long distance is not their forte.

Cyclocross Bike & Gravel Bike – what else is there? 

Now you know the two bikes that like it rough or muddy. But there is also a completely clean way to be on the road with a road bike handlebar, because of course, there is also the good old road bike! The MTB would be a real alternative, especially if you want to be off-road. For bikepacking and everyday use, a trekking bike is actually very close to the capabilities of the gravel bike. 

What about E-Bike versions? 

You've already seen it in our table – there are plenty of E-Gravel Bikes. E-Cyclocross Bikes have not yet appeared, they simply wouldn't work in races. If you want a bit of support here, an E-road bike would be the only alternative. 

Title image © Alessio Soggetti on Unsplash