Buying guide · 2026
8 min read
Best gravel bikes in the UK (2026)
Gravel riding in the UK means potholed lanes, towpaths, bridleways, and the occasional road stint to link loops. The right bike balances tyre clearance, stable handling with luggage, and gearing low enough for loaded climbs in the Peak District fringes.
Tyres and clearance
Most UK gravel bikes fit 40–45mm tyres comfortably — enough volume for comfort without feeling sluggish on tarmac. Check mud clearance if you ride Leicestershire bridleways in winter.
1x vs 2x gearing
1x simplifies shifting and suits most riders. Ultra-steep loaded touring may benefit from wider range cassettes or a 2x setup. We can advise based on your typical routes around Ashby and beyond.
Marin DSX and Gestalt
Marin DSX models offer progressive gravel geometry with options from accessible £700 builds to higher-spec carbon and suspension-tailored DSX FS for rougher tracks. Gestalt lines lean road-adjacent for riders who mostly tarmac with light gravel.
Basso for road-biased gravel
Basso road and all-road frames suit riders who want Italian carbon performance with clearance for wider tyres — ideal if your gravel is smooth lanes rather than rocky bridleways.
Bikes from our range
These models are in our current catalogue — availability and exact spec vary by size and colour. Enquire or visit us in Ashby-de-la-Zouch to confirm.

Marin
Dsx 1 700c
£899
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.

Marin
Dsx 1 700c Y Green Silver 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c
£899
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.

Marin
Dsx 2 700c Y Dark Clay Blue 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c 700c
£1,149
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.

Wilier
Jaroon Grx Sand Green
£1,999
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.

Basso
Palta Frameset Candy Red
£2,299
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.

Mondraker
Arid S
£2,299
Available to view and order through Stretton Bikes.
Why buy from Stretton Bikes?
Stretton Bikes is an independent bike shop in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. We stock Marin, Mondraker and Basso, offer workshop servicing, professional bike fitting, and honest advice for riders across the East Midlands — from trail centres in Derbyshire to road loops in Leicestershire.
Explore further
Frequently asked questions
Yes — many UK gravel bikes double as endurance road bikes with tyre swaps. Slightly slower than pure road bikes on smooth tarmac but more versatile.
See what we have in stock
Explore Marin, Mondraker, and Basso bikes online — then enquire or visit our Ashby-de-la-Zouch shop for sizing and setup.
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