Can Hybrid Bikes Go on Gravel?
Can Hybrid Bikes Go on Gravel?
Hybrid bikes combine features from both road and mountain bikes to create a versatile bike that can be ridden on a variety of surfaces. So, can hybrid bikes go on gravel? The answer is yes! Hybrid bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrain, so riding on gravel is no problem. However, there are some hybrid bikes which can cope with gravel, and some which are specifically designed for it.
What do we mean by gravel?
Gravel bikes were invented in the mid-West of America where you get mile after mile of unpaved gravel roads. Dedicated gravel bikes have been developed for use on this type of road. They look like dropped handlebar road race bikes but have wider tyres, lower gears and easier handling.
We don’t really get this kind of road in the UK, apart from some estates deep in the Scottish Highlands. The nearest we get in most of the UK are forest roads. However, we do have a lot of cycle paths made from old railways lines, canal towpaths and farm tracks which are perfect for riding a gravel bike on. Basically anything that has a reasonably hard surface will do. Most dedicated gravel bikes can do more than this and will also handle a lot of bridleways. For the purposes of this blog we’ll assume we’re mainly sticking to the harder surfaces.
Can any hybrid bike go on gravel?
The simple answer is yes. All hybrid bikes should be able to handle some gravel tracks. However, some hybrids, like the Trek FX range are mainly designed for use on the road. This means they come with narrower tyres with less grip on them. So although you can ride gravel tracks on them they may not feel super stable and may be a bit sketchy in the corners. If you are going to spend a lot of time riding on gravel tracks then you will want a bike with wider tyres. Bikes designed for gravel will also come with slightly more relaxed geometry which makes them more stable.
Specialized Sirrus X
Specialized actively market their Sirrus X hybrid bike as being good on gravel. In their marketing blurb they say “it's more than just a solid partner on pavement. Sirrus X is a dialled option when it's time to hit some gravel”.
The Sirrus X replaced Specialized’s Crosstrail hybrid bike which used to come with a suspension fork and knobbly tyres. Their reasoning is that the suspension fork adds about 1.5KG to the weight of the bike. By making the Sirrus X lighter it is faster and handles better.
You can still use this as a normal hybrid for commuting and it comes with all the fitting points you need for mudguards and panniers. Specialized also do an EQ version which comes with all the kit fitted for you.
There are 3 main models in the Sirrus X range with the top Sirrus X 4.0 model coming with the same FutureShock front suspension that Specialized use on their Diverge gravel bikes.
Trek Dual Sport Gen 5
The Gen 5 Dual Sport is new for 2023 and is based on a very similar concept to the Specialized Sirrus X. Even the marketing blurb is similar with Trek saying that Dual Sport Gen 5 is “efficient on the road and confident and capable on dirt and gravel trails”.
One big difference between the Sirrus X and the Dual Sport is that the Dual sport uses a slightly smaller wheel (650c instead of 700c) and slightly wider tyres. This gives more slow speed stability, which in turn will give a confidence boost when riding off-road.
There are currently 3 bikes in the Dual Sport Gen 5 range, plus a couple of Equipped version with mudguards, racks and lights. Trek also do the Dual Sport+ which is basically the same bike but with a lightweight electric motor to give you a little extra boost.
What Are the Benefits of Riding a Hybrid Bike on Gravel?
Dedicated gravel bikes are great but a hybrid will generally have a more upright, and more comfortable, riding position. It will also generally have easier gears. So if your priority is going for a leisurely ride rather than speed or big distances then a hybrid is a good option.
Hybrid bikes are also a lot cheaper. The entry level models of the Specialized Sirrus X and Trek Dual Sport Gen 5 ranges are around the £650 to £700 price mark. The cheapest gravel bike Specialized make is £1300 and the cheapest Trek make is £2500.
Finally, because most hybrids are designed to be used for commuting they are also super practical for general, everyday cycling.
