Crust Bikes Evasion Frameset
Crust Bikes' Evasion frameset earns its spot for blending rugged steel construction with a modern, go-anywhere gravel geometry that favors long rides and bikepacking. Compared with the other frames here it often represents strong value for riders who want versatile touring capability without paying the premium of some race-focused steel offerings, while still offering more adventurous clearance and mounting options than many commuter-oriented frames.
Rack-ready
Compliant ride
Rack-ready
Compliant ride
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Evasion for its compliant, comfortable steel ride and versatile mounting options for bikepacking, though some note the frameset is relatively heavy and paint/finish can show wear over time."
Nomad-friendly grin
Durable steel construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides.
Nomad-friendly grin
Durable steel construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides.
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Crust Bikes' Evasion frameset earns its spot for blending rugged steel construction with a modern, go-anywhere gravel geometry that favors long rides and bikepacking. Compared with the other frames here it often represents strong value for riders who want versatile touring capability without paying the premium of some race-focused steel offerings, while still offering more adventurous clearance and mounting options than many commuter-oriented frames.
Rack-ready
Compliant ride
Nomad-friendly grin
Durable steel construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides.
Generous tire clearance and modern gravel geometry for mixed terrain.
Rack-ready
Compliant ride
Nomad-friendly grin
Durable steel construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides.
Generous tire clearance and modern gravel geometry for mixed terrain.
$1,100-1,600 USD
All-City Gorilla Monsoon Frameset
All-City's Gorilla Monsoon frameset stands out as a higher-end, purpose-built steel gravel platform with a balance of durability and responsive handling aimed at aggressive mixed-surface riding. It typically costs more than value-focused alternatives but justifies the premium with a tuned geometry and finishing details that make it a better choice for riders seeking a more performance-oriented steel gravel ride compared with more utility-minded Surly or touring-focused Kona models.
Bombproof build
Fast-rolling
Bombproof build
Fast-rolling
Review Summary
"Reviewers love the Gorilla Monsoon for its rugged, confidence-inspiring steel construction, generous tire clearance and touring-ready mounts, with the main downside being its weight compared with lighter alloy/carbon alternatives."
Mud-crushing smile
Robust steel tubing and reinforced rear triangle built for loaded riding.
Mud-crushing smile
Robust steel tubing and reinforced rear triangle built for loaded riding.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
All-City's Gorilla Monsoon frameset stands out as a higher-end, purpose-built steel gravel platform with a balance of durability and responsive handling aimed at aggressive mixed-surface riding. It typically costs more than value-focused alternatives but justifies the premium with a tuned geometry and finishing details that make it a better choice for riders seeking a more performance-oriented steel gravel ride compared with more utility-minded Surly or touring-focused Kona models.
Bombproof build
Fast-rolling
Mud-crushing smile
Robust steel tubing and reinforced rear triangle built for loaded riding.
Designed with wide tire clearance to handle rough, mixed-surface routes.
Bombproof build
Fast-rolling
Mud-crushing smile
Robust steel tubing and reinforced rear triangle built for loaded riding.
Designed with wide tire clearance to handle rough, mixed-surface routes.
$1,400-1,900 USD
Surly Midnight Special Frameset
Surly's Midnight Special frameset is notable for its pragmatic, utilitarian take on steel gravel — durable, comfortable, and priced attractively for riders who want a dependable all-rounder. Financially it often undercuts premium boutique options while offering broad compatibility and sensible geometry, making it an economical choice versus race-leaning frames like the Bombtrack or the higher-spec All-City.
Do-it-all
Smooth flex
Do-it-all
Smooth flex
Review Summary
"Users say the Midnight Special delivers a lively, stable ride with plenty of mounting options and classic Surly durability, while some wish for lighter tubing or more up-to-date integration features."
Sticker-collector wink
Balanced steel geometry that performs on pavement and gravel alike.
Sticker-collector wink
Balanced steel geometry that performs on pavement and gravel alike.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Surly's Midnight Special frameset is notable for its pragmatic, utilitarian take on steel gravel — durable, comfortable, and priced attractively for riders who want a dependable all-rounder. Financially it often undercuts premium boutique options while offering broad compatibility and sensible geometry, making it an economical choice versus race-leaning frames like the Bombtrack or the higher-spec All-City.
Do-it-all
Smooth flex
Sticker-collector wink
Balanced steel geometry that performs on pavement and gravel alike.
Broad drivetrain and tire compatibility to suit many build preferences.
Do-it-all
Smooth flex
Sticker-collector wink
Balanced steel geometry that performs on pavement and gravel alike.
Broad drivetrain and tire compatibility to suit many build preferences.
$1,000-1,400 USD
Kona Rove ST Frameset
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 USD
Bombtrack Hook EXT Frameset
Bombtrack's Hook EXT frameset claims the market-leader role for riders seeking a race-capable steel gravel chassis with contemporary features and tight, agile handling suited to fast mixed-surface riding. While typically pricier than the more utility-driven Surly or Kona options, it delivers a more focused technical package and finishing standards that appeal to riders prioritizing performance and low-weight steel construction for competitive gravel use.
Race-bred steel
Crisp steering
Race-bred steel
Crisp steering
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Bombtrack Hook EXT for its modern gravel geometry, crisp handling and quality finish, with occasional complaints about pricing and some fork/clearance compatibility limitations."
Bikepack grin
High-quality steel build aimed at a more aggressive gravel ride feel.
Bikepack grin
High-quality steel build aimed at a more aggressive gravel ride feel.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Bombtrack's Hook EXT frameset claims the market-leader role for riders seeking a race-capable steel gravel chassis with contemporary features and tight, agile handling suited to fast mixed-surface riding. While typically pricier than the more utility-driven Surly or Kona options, it delivers a more focused technical package and finishing standards that appeal to riders prioritizing performance and low-weight steel construction for competitive gravel use.
Race-bred steel
Crisp steering
Bikepack grin
High-quality steel build aimed at a more aggressive gravel ride feel.
Optimized geometry for control and stability at higher speeds on rough terrain.
Race-bred steel
Crisp steering
Bikepack grin
High-quality steel build aimed at a more aggressive gravel ride feel.
Optimized geometry for control and stability at higher speeds on rough terrain.
$1,300-1,800 USD