5 Best Groupset for Gravel Bike (March, 2023)

Updated on August 18, 2022

Gravel bike groupsets have been growing up like mushrooms after the rain recently, and we can see that our customers are still having a hard time making a decision. There are so many possibilities out there, it’s no wonder!

As a result, we made the decision to compile an overview. If you’re still debating whether or not to go with a groupset with one or two chainrings, check out this page for more information.

But what if you’d want a different configuration? Let us know what you think! We’re always up for a challenge!

For the purposes of this comparison, the suggested retail price for each groupset is used as a basis for calculating the approximate weight and volume of the corresponding components.

When it comes to versatility, only gravel bikes can compare. Once the route finishes, you can continue on your journey. The best gravel bikes have the power to handle everything the journey throws at them.

Your bike’s groupset provides the foundation for that power.

Gears and brakes are part of the groupset, which covers your contact with the bike’s frame. Shift and brake levers; brake callipers; front and rear derailleurs; crankset; bottom bracket; chain and cassette; all of these components are included.

It’s the way you ride the bike and how you get on and off that determines the overall mood of your journey.

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There is more variety on a gravel bike than on a road or mountain bike. Gravel bikes can have a single or a double chainring up front, depending on their intended use.

The rear gearing can range from 10 to 13 gears, depending on the vehicle model.

If you’ve got so many possibilities, we’ve put up our top picks. In either case, you may be in the market for a new bike and interested in learning about the many construction alternatives, or an older frame may be in need of an upgrade.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, keep reading to learn more about a variety of possibilities. Go to the bottom of the page if you’d rather learn how to find the best gravel bike groupset for you.

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Best Groupset for Gravel Bike

1. Tiagra 4700 from Shimano

Tiagra is a road groupset, not a gravel groupset like Shimano GRX, even though it’s OK for mild gravel riding. We must highlight this from the start.

Characteristics:

The item’s estimated retail value is 570 Euros. At Loca Bikes, we provide the most affordable basic groupsets.
Weighing an estimated 2760 g (mechanical disc brakes)

The lack of a clutch means that this groupset can’t handle uneven ground as well as 2×10 drivetrains, which have bigger leaps between cogs.

Typical Tiagra 11-34 sprocket sizes are as follows: 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34, while Shimano 105’s are as follows: 11-13-15-17-19-21-23 -25-27-30-34-034. Tiagra’s sprocket sizes are more distinct in the upper range than in the lower range.

You won’t be able to control your cadence as much as you can with the 105.

The largest cassette is 11-34t, and the cranksets come in three different styles: 52-36 tonnes; 50-34 tonnes; 48-34 tonnes
Mechanical brakes (a more expensive hydraulic version is also available)
Individuals

The Shimano GRX groupset is a good option for gravel riders who don’t mind a narrower gear range and don’t want to contribute more to Shimano GRX, if your gravel bike is primarily an endurance road bike. Its primary selling point is its affordable cost, considering the high level of performance it provides.

Remember that Tiagra isn’t going to perform as well on difficult terrain, and you won’t be able to shift gears as low as in Shimano GRX! A 52t chainring will be given in return, allowing you to cruise at 60 km/h with ease.

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2. SRAM XD-Mount

With the exception of its obvious gearing limits, the entry-level GRX model isn’t that far behind its better-equipped brothers.

Characteristics:

The item’s market value is approximately 3,000 zlotys. The GRX with the best value. It’s the most affordable 2-ring gravel groupset on the market.

About 2750 grammes
With a clutch, additional tension and stabilisation of the chain, even in the most challenging terrain, ensures flawless operation.
Larger gear jumps between 2×10 and 2×11 drivetrains than in 2×11 groupsets.

Tiagra 11-34t, for instance, has the following distribution of sprocket sizes: 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, and 34 are all Shimano 105 yeses. Tiagra’s sprocket sizes are more distinct in the upper range than in the lower range. You won’t be able to control your cadence as much as you can with the 105.

Crankshaft 46-30t, cassette 11-36t. The GRX RX400 has a lower gear range than Tiagra, but you won’t be able to access higher ratios with it. You can cruise at roughly 50 kilometres per hour in the heaviest gear with a 90 RPM RPM cadence.
Only the hydraulic version of GRX brakes are available.

Enhancements to the shifter design allow for an improved grip and intelligent braking.
Individuals
Grx Rx400 is the best option for those who want to ride a full-fledged gravel bike but don’t want to spend the extra money on a 2×11 drivetrain.

The clutch will keep the chain running smoothly under any conditions, the comfortable shifters will keep you comfortable on even the longest of rides, and the money you save can be used to upgrade your bike’s wheels, such as those seen below.

Let me know if you have any questions about the GRX. Several years ago, we wrote a lengthy post on the subject!

3. Shimano 105 R7000

It’s a road groupset like Tiagra, so if you’re more likely to ride on asphalt than dirt, this could be a decent option for you. It’s a tried-and-true groupset that offers the best value for the money, according to many.

Characteristics:

Approximately 860€
In comparison to the RX400 and Tiagra, the RX500 weighs in at a whopping 2570 grammes.
The lack of a clutch means that this groupset is less able to handle uneven terrain.

Compared to 2×10 drivetrains, 2×11 drivetrains have narrower cog gaps between the gears.

The Tiagra 11-34t sprocket sizes, for example: 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, and 34 for the Shimano 105. The 105 has smaller variances between successive sprocket sizes in the upper range. Because of this, we will be able to fine-tune our tempo more precisely than we could with a 2×10 groupset.

11-34t cassette, 52-36t crankset, and a range of other options are available. This gearing is clearly for the road. A 50-34 crankset can only provide a ratio of 1.0.

You’ll need to have strong legs if you’re carrying a lot of gear up a mountain!
Hydraulic braking systems (a cheaper mechanical version is also available)
Individuals
The 105 is lightweight and robust, with flawless shifting and excellent intuitive braking. It’s also quite affordable at $80. As a whole, you can’t really find anything negative to say about the product.

This groupset’s only drawback is that it’s designed to be used on the road. People who don’t intend to ride on forest trails with a 10% gradient are the target audience for this gearing range.

Not only that, but the lack of a clutch will be clearly audible as you ride through the trees on root-knotted terrain.

Aside from that, it’s perfect for everything else. Many riders have shown this at races like the Transcontinental, where they’ve ridden ultramarathons, tough gravel, and potholes with ease. If your dirt bike is more of a road endurance bike, Shimano 105 is an excellent option.

Shimano 105 is ideal for riding on 30 percent gravel and 70 percent paved roads. If, on the other hand, you frequently find yourself in the woods, you’d be better off with a different organisation.

4. GRX RX600 2×11 from Shimano

It’s the RX400’s larger brother and the greatest gravel groupset with two chainrings, in terms of quality/price. RX800 shifters with Servo Wave technology are used by Loca Bikes.

Characteristics:

One of the priciest groupsets – around 920€
Weight – approximately 2690 grammes.
Clutch-enhanced tension and chain stability ensure smooth operation even in the most challenging conditions.
Compared to 2×10 drivetrains, 2×11 drivetrains have narrower cog gaps between gears.

Sprocket sizes in the Tiagra 11-34t and Shimano 105 look like this: 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34, respectively. The 105’s sprocket size changes are smaller as you move up the range. A 2×10 cadence will not provide us as much control over our cadence.

Crankshaft 46-30t, cassette 11-36t. On the highest gear ratio, a cadence of 90 RPM will allow you to reach a top speed of roughly 50 km/h.
Hydraulic brakes are the only option for the GRX.

Enhancements to the shifter design allow for an improved grip and intelligent braking.
Individuals
The RX600 2×11 is the best choice if you’re willing to spend more money than you would on a 1×11 drivetrain but don’t have any other constraints. It’s got everything a gravel bike needs: smooth shifting, a chain tensioning clutch, easy access to low gears, and excellent brakes, to name a few.

Just keep in mind that if you’re used to riding on the road at high speeds, you may occasionally find yourself without enough gears. Optimal cadence is possible up to a speed of about 50 km/h, after which you’ll start spinning like a hamster on a wheel. However, this is unlikely to be the case when riding on gravel.

5. Sram Apex 1 1×11 Sram Apex 1 Gravel Bike

A 1×11 drivetrain is the most common drivetrain configuration, and we’ll explain why.

Amount – around 710€. Cheapest 1×11 groupset that’s logical. When it comes to this particular style of drivetrain, it’s our favourite.

About 2620 grammes of weight.

Because of its clutch, it can operate flawlessly even in the most difficult terrain, providing additional tension and chain stabilisation.

In order to keep the chain from slipping off, the 1×11 drivetrain has a reduced gear range and larger gaps between gears.
In order to perfectly fit the chain’s wide and narrow links, the chainring’s teeth alternate in width (narrow-wide-narrow-wide).

When used in conjunction with the clutch, it almost eliminates the risk of the chain slipping.

11-42t cassette and crankset options are available in this range. Most trails can be covered with this gear. Because 1x drivetrains are known to have issues with finer gear gradation, this is not a surprise.

Hydraulic braking systems (a cheaper mechanical version is also available)

It’s for everyone who wants a 1×11 drivetrain on their gravel bike: in fact, anyone. We’re not likely to discover a comparable groupset for less money.

A large selection of cassettes means that we can cover the majority of routes, and the components are simple to maintain.

One of the benefits of 1×11 is its simplicity; you don’t have to fiddle with the front derailleur, and there’s just one gear lever on the handlebars (apart from the brakes).

Furthermore, the price is quite inexpensive! You could, for example, use the money you save to get a better set of wheels. In terms of gradation, remember that 1×11 loses to 2×11.

Why is it so much easier to shift gears on the gravel?

Stand up and put your entire body weight behind every crank you spin on the road. Fortunately, that’s not often the case when you’re on a gravel bike.

You need to keep your weight evenly distributed over the rear tyre when riding on slick, unpaved roads. However, you may find yourself doing a lot more seated climbing if you are used to riding a road bike while standing.

Carrying more gear is also required. This one is less common, but depending on the type of riding you intend to do, you may be stranded without assistance for a long period of time.

Even if you don’t plan on spending the night on your gravel bike, you’ll still need to carry more water, food, and emergency supplies. A heavier bike from all the extra gear necessitates a simpler gearing system.