A gravel bike is much more than just a bike. It is your gateway to endless adventures, endless gravel roads and exciting tours into the unknown. But before you get on your dream bike, the essential question arises: What does a gravel bike cost? This question cannot be answered with a simple number, as the price depends heavily on the components used. From the frame to the pedals to special bikepacking bags, there are a variety of options that influence the riding experience and the price. In this article, we take a close look at each individual component, explain the pros and cons and show you how the costs add up. At the end, we compare the purchase costs with the rental option from Pedalmondo and calculate when it's worth getting your own bike.

1. The frame: The heart of the gravel bike

Characteristics

The frame of a gravel bike is its heart and soul. It determines not only the handling, but also the weight, durability and comfort. While road bikes are designed for pure speed and mountain bikes are developed for rough terrain, a gravel bike should strike the perfect balance between these two worlds.

Choice of material: Making the right decision

There are four common materials for gravel bike frames: Aluminum, carbon, steel and titanium. Each material has its own characteristics that make it suitable for different types of riders.

Aluminium: Aluminum frames are light, robust and comparatively inexpensive. They are a popular choice for beginners as they offer a good combination of durability and low weight. However, they offer less comfort on long rides as they absorb shocks less well than other materials.
Carbon: If you are looking for optimum weight savings and comfort, carbon is the material for you. This material is not only ultra-light, but also absorbs bumps excellently. The disadvantage? A carbon frame can be sensitive to crashes and is more expensive to purchase.
Steel: Steel frames are known for their enormous durability and riding comfort. Thanks to the natural damping properties of steel, the riding experience is very smooth. However, steel frames are heavier.
Titanium: Titanium is the precious metal among frame materials. It is extremely durable, rustproof and lighter than steel. The crux? A titanium frame often costs more than twice as much as a good aluminum frame.

Costs

Aluminium: 800 – 1.500 CHF
Carbon: 1.500 – 3.500 CHF
Steel: 1.200 – 2.500 CHF
Titanium: 2.500 – 4.500 CHF

Average frame price: 2.000 CHF

2. Pedals: The connection between rider and bike

Characteristics

The pedals are one of the most underestimated components on a bike. They are the direct interface between you and your bike. This is where you decide how efficiently you transfer your power to the road and how secure your position on the bike is.

Clipless pedals or platform pedals?

Platform pedals are the simplest solution. You can ride with any shoe, are flexible and don't have any adjustment problems. However, you can easily lose your grip at high speeds or on rough surfaces.
clipless pedals offer a firm contact between shoe and pedal. This means you can not only pedal downwards, but also actively pull, which increases efficiency. However, riding with clipless pedals requires practice and special cycling shoes.

Costs

Platform pedals: 20 – 80 CHF
Clipless pedals: 60 – 200 CHF

Average pedal price: 130 CHF

3. Handlebars: Ergonomics and control

Characteristics

Gravel bike handlebars are very different from classic road bike handlebars. While road bike handlebars are designed for aerodynamics, gravel bike handlebars need to offer more comfort and control off-road.

Which handlebar shape is ideal?

Dropbars with flare: These handlebars are wider at the bottom and thus offer more control on rough surfaces.
Straight handlebars: Rare on gravel bikes, but offer a more upright riding position and good control.

Costs

Standard drop bar: 50 – 300 CHF
Flare handlebars: 100 – 400 CHF

Average handlebar price: 175 CHF

4. Brakes: Safety and performance

Gravel bikes rely on disc brakes because they deliver reliable braking power in all conditions. The choice lies between mechanical disc brakeswhich are easier to maintain but weaker, and hydraulic disc brakeswhich offer maximum braking power but are more expensive and require more maintenance.

Costs

Mechanical: 100 – 300 CHF
Hydraulic: 300 – 600 CHF

Average brake price: 450 CHF

Conclusion: Total costs and rental alternative

The average cost of a high-quality gravel bike is:

Frame: 2.000 CHF
Pedals: 130 CHF
Handlebar: 175 CHF
Brakes: 450 CHF
Wheels: 1.000 CHF
Handlebar bag: 125 CHF
Frame bag: 110 CHF
Saddlebag: 130 CHF

Total costs: 4.120 CHF

Rent vs. buy

One week gravel bike rental from Pedalmondo costs 301 CHF.

4.120 CHF ÷ 301 CHF/week = 13,7 weeks

After approx. 14 weeks Rent the price is equivalent to a gravel bike. If you are planning for the long term, you are better off buying one!

Have you decided to rent a gravel bike from Pedalmondo? Find out about tour suggestions and the right preparation via our homepage and follow us on Instagram & plan your gravel tour via SchweizMobil!