Cervelo's Aspero 5 is the best-in-class carbon gravel frameset for riders who prioritize race-ready speed: its aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight carbon layup deliver a crisp, responsive ride that still accommodates generous tire clearance. Compared with the other frames here it leans more toward low weight and aero efficiency than plush comfort, making it a premium choice for racers willing to pay a bit more for a measurable performance edge over value-focused rivals.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Review Summary
"Long-term owners praise the Aspero 5 for fast, efficient pedaling, precise handling and race-capable stiffness while still offering good tire clearance; a few note it sacrifices some compliance on very rough roads and commands a premium price."
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Cervelo's Aspero 5 is the best-in-class carbon gravel frameset for riders who prioritize race-ready speed: its aerodynamic tube shaping and lightweight carbon layup deliver a crisp, responsive ride that still accommodates generous tire clearance. Compared with the other frames here it leans more toward low weight and aero efficiency than plush comfort, making it a premium choice for racers willing to pay a bit more for a measurable performance edge over value-focused rivals.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Gravel-specific geometry that balances speed and stability for mixed-surface riding.
Aero gravel speed (cheeky)
Compliant off-road ride (soft)
Race-oriented stiffness (snap!)
Race-oriented carbon layup with a stiff bottom bracket for efficient power transfer.
Gravel-specific geometry that balances speed and stability for mixed-surface riding.
$3,200-4,200 CAD
The Norco Search XR A Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for aluminum gravel riders who want race-capable geometry with the durability and value of alloy construction. Its hydroformed aluminum tubing and progressive geometry deliver a lively, confident ride that undercuts the price of high-end carbon options like the Giant Revolt Advanced 3 while offering easier field repairability and a stiffer feel than many budget alloy frames. Compared with peers such as the Devinci Hatchet and Opus Horizon AL, it leans more performance-oriented, making it a strong choice for mixed-terrain racers who prioritize agility over plush compliance.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Review Summary
"Users praise the Norco Search XR A frameset for its durable alloy construction, confidence-inspiring handling, and excellent value for mixed-surface riding; common criticisms note it’s heavier than carbon alternatives but very practical for loaded or rough gravel use."
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Norco Search XR A Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for aluminum gravel riders who want race-capable geometry with the durability and value of alloy construction. Its hydroformed aluminum tubing and progressive geometry deliver a lively, confident ride that undercuts the price of high-end carbon options like the Giant Revolt Advanced 3 while offering easier field repairability and a stiffer feel than many budget alloy frames. Compared with peers such as the Devinci Hatchet and Opus Horizon AL, it leans more performance-oriented, making it a strong choice for mixed-terrain racers who prioritize agility over plush compliance.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Clearance for 700x45mm or 650b with wide tires and 12mm thru-axles for stiffness.
Race-ready agility
Tough alloy build
Cargo-friendly - mule-mode
Hydroformed aluminum frame with gravel-focused geometry for stability and comfort.
Clearance for 700x45mm or 650b with wide tires and 12mm thru-axles for stiffness.
$900-1,300 CAD
Kona's Rove ST frameset is a versatile, rider-friendly steel option with relaxed geometry that favors comfort on long gravel rides and light touring. It competes well on value and everyday usability—positioned between Surly's rugged pragmatism and All-City's performance focus—offering solid features for mixed-use riders who want a reliable, lower-cost steel frameset without sacrificing modern gravel capability.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Kona Rove ST for its strong value, comfortable geometry and practical features for gravel and commuting, though it’s commonly described as heavier and less refined than higher-end steel frames."
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Kona's Rove ST frameset is a versatile, rider-friendly steel option with relaxed geometry that favors comfort on long gravel rides and light touring. It competes well on value and everyday usability—positioned between Surly's rugged pragmatism and All-City's performance focus—offering solid features for mixed-use riders who want a reliable, lower-cost steel frameset without sacrificing modern gravel capability.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Modern gravel-focused geometry with clearance for larger tires.
Stable handling
Big-tire hunger
Trail-commute charm
Reliable chromoly construction offering a comfortable ride and durability.
Modern gravel-focused geometry with clearance for larger tires.
$900-1,300 CAD
The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for adventure gravel bikepacking thanks to its lightweight carbon construction, tuned compliance for long days, and integrated mounts that accept big framebags and bolt-on accessories. Compared with the steel options in this list it prioritizes speed and weight savings for loaded fastpacking routes, though it comes at a noticeably higher price and trades some dent resistance found in steel frames for performance gains.
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Review Summary
"Users praise the Cutthroat's stable, efficient carbon layup, generous bikepacking mounts and long-distance comfort. Common complaints are the high price and limited color/options."
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Frameset earns a best-in-class spot for adventure gravel bikepacking thanks to its lightweight carbon construction, tuned compliance for long days, and integrated mounts that accept big framebags and bolt-on accessories. Compared with the steel options in this list it prioritizes speed and weight savings for loaded fastpacking routes, though it comes at a noticeably higher price and trades some dent resistance found in steel frames for performance gains.
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Stable endurance geometry with generous tire clearance for large gravel tires (ideal for 29" setups).
Featherweight power
Massive tire clearance
Ultra-distance grin
Carbon monocoque frame tuned for loaded gravel and long-distance bikepacking.
Stable endurance geometry with generous tire clearance for large gravel tires (ideal for 29" setups).
$3,000-4,200 CAD
Norco Search XR Carbon Frameset
The Norco Search XR Carbon is a market leader for mixed-surface stability and rugged allroad confidence, featuring a clearance-first chassis designed to accept very large tyres and mountain-bike-grade durability. Against the list it represents a pragmatic, value-driven option that prioritizes durability and terrain capability over pure aero speed, giving riders better real-world resilience on rough tracks and remote routes.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Review Summary
"Owners report the Norco Search XR carbon frameset is stiff, confidence-inspiring at speed, and well-suited to aggressive gravel racing while accommodating wide tires. A few reviewers mention it can feel firm on long rough rides, but most value its race-focused geometry and build quality."
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Norco Search XR Carbon is a market leader for mixed-surface stability and rugged allroad confidence, featuring a clearance-first chassis designed to accept very large tyres and mountain-bike-grade durability. Against the list it represents a pragmatic, value-driven option that prioritizes durability and terrain capability over pure aero speed, giving riders better real-world resilience on rough tracks and remote routes.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Clearance for wide tires up to 45mm and 650b wheel compatibility for extra volume.
Comfort for miles
Burly tire room
Adventure-ready wink
Carbon frameset tuned for quick handling and comfort over rough gravel.
Clearance for wide tires up to 45mm and 650b wheel compatibility for extra volume.
$2500-3500 CAD
Cervelo Aspero 5 Frameset
The Cervelo Aspero 5 frameset tops this list as a best-in-class choice for aggressive gravel riding thanks to its race-oriented geometry and a carbon layup tuned to balance power transfer with compliance. Compared with the plush Specialized Diverge and the aero-focused 3T Exploro, the Aspero prioritizes raw speed and cornering precision while offering strong performance value for riders who want a direct, race-capable platform without the boutique price premium.
Race-biased stiffness
Compliant fast-ride
Race-biased stiffness
Compliant fast-ride
Review Summary
"Owners praise the Aspero 5 for fast, lively handling and excellent power transfer that suit aggressive gravel riding, while still offering respectable compliance and tyre clearance. Common criticisms mention a premium price and some wish for more integrated cockpit options."
Aggro-gravel grin
Balanced pedaling stiffness with compliance tuned for rough gravel
Aggro-gravel grin
Balanced pedaling stiffness with compliance tuned for rough gravel
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Cervelo Aspero 5 frameset tops this list as a best-in-class choice for aggressive gravel riding thanks to its race-oriented geometry and a carbon layup tuned to balance power transfer with compliance. Compared with the plush Specialized Diverge and the aero-focused 3T Exploro, the Aspero prioritizes raw speed and cornering precision while offering strong performance value for riders who want a direct, race-capable platform without the boutique price premium.
Race-biased stiffness
Compliant fast-ride
Aggro-gravel grin
Balanced pedaling stiffness with compliance tuned for rough gravel
Generous tire clearance for up to ~45mm rubber for confident traction
Race-biased stiffness
Compliant fast-ride
Aggro-gravel grin
Balanced pedaling stiffness with compliance tuned for rough gravel
Generous tire clearance for up to ~45mm rubber for confident traction
$2800-3500 CAD