The best Gravel Bikes - Cannondale SuperX

Best Gravel Bikes for UK Events/Races

The Best Gravel Bikes for UK Events: Dirty Reiver, Gralloch & Rebound Ready

 

The best Gravel Bikes - Cannondale SuperX

 

Post-Gralloch Reflections: The Dust Has Settled—Now Let’s Talk Gravel Bikes

The dust has (literally) settled after another unforgettable edition of The Gralloch—Scotland’s flagship gravel race and a headline UCI Gravel World Series event. With its unforgiving climbs, lightning-fast descents, and long stretches of beautifully brutal fireroads, the Gralloch isn’t just a ride—it’s a proving ground for riders and their bikes.

But it's not alone. The Dirty Reiver, with its relentless Northumberland gravel, and the up-and-coming Rebound, offering a punchy, fast-paced alternative, form part of a UK gravel calendar that’s as varied as it is demanding.

Now that we’ve rinsed the grit off our drivetrains and had time to decompress, it’s time to answer the big question: what are the best gravel bikes for UK events like the Gralloch, Dirty Reiver, and Rebound?

We've rounded up our top picks from the world's leading performance gravel bike brands—bikes that shine in long-haul races, rapid fire roads, and technical sectors alike.

🔥 Best Gravel Bikes for UK Gravel Events (Gralloch, Reiver & Rebound)

Pinarello Grevil

 

Pinarello Grevil Gravel Bike

 

If you want a gravel bike that looks as wild as it rides, the Pinarello Grevil is your beast. Featuring aero tubes, an asymmetric frame, and Pinarello’s trademark curves, this bike is built to dominate high-speed gravel events like Rebound and The Gralloch.

Why it’s great for UK gravel:

  • Aero gravel design built for speed on open fireroads

  • Tire clearance up to 700x50c

  • Road-bike responsiveness with a gravel-ready chassis

NEW Argon18 Dark Matter

 

New Argon 18 Dark Matter

 

Refined for the roughest routes, the new Dark Matter evolves a race-favourite platform with more capability, comfort, and speed. Ideal for the punishing climbs of the Gralloch or the long grind of the Dirty Reiver.

Why it’s great for UK gravel:

  • Next-gen geometry for control on steep, loose descents

  • Clears up to 58mm tires for comfort over rough terrain

  • Sleek, fully integrated cockpit for aero gains and mud-shedding

Cervélo Áspero / Áspero-5

 

Cervelo Aspero Gravel Bike

 

Pure speed meets gravel grit. The Áspero is a no-compromise race weapon for riders who want road-bike efficiency with just enough off-road capability. A top choice for events like Rebound, where speed is king.

Why it’s great for UK gravel:

  • Lightweight carbon frame, ideal for punchy British climbs

  • Trail Mixer dropout lets you fine-tune handling for different events

  • Aero shaping for marginal gains on fast fire roads

Cannondale Topstone Carbon vs. Super

Cannondale gives you two distinct tools:
The Topstone Carbon is built for endurance and control—perfect for all-day epics like the Dirty Reiver. The SuperX, with its cyclocross roots, is lean, mean, and ready for high-intensity events like Rebound.

 

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Gravel Bike

 

Topstone highlights:

  • Kingpin suspension smooths out harsh gravel

  • Versatile 650b or 700c setup

 

Cannondale SUPERX Gravel Bike

 

SuperX highlights:

  • Race-proven geometry for quick handling

  • High tire clearance despite its CX DNA

  • Stiff, lightweight frame for maximum power transfer

Merida Silex

 

Merida Silex Gravel Bike

 

The Merida Silex is an all-road adventurer, with upright geometry that gives you a stable, confident ride when navigating descents like those at the Gralloch or the backwoods of the Reiver.

Why it’s great for UK gravel:

  • Long wheelbase and high stack = confident handling

  • Clearance for 650b x 45mm or 700c x 42mm

  • Endurance geometry for all-day comfort

Colnago G4-X

 

Colnago G4-X Gravel Bike

 

Italian flair meets rugged race performance. The G4-X improves on the G3-X with sharper handling, more clearance, and updated geometry. If you're chasing results in Gralloch or Rebound, this is a dark horse worth watching.

Why it’s great for UK gravel:

  • Race-ready stiffness with a compliant ride feel

  • Clearance for up to 45mm tires

  • Distinctive looks with proven performance DNA

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Gravel Weapon Wisely

UK gravel racing isn’t just one thing—it’s a mix of relentless terrain, unpredictable weather, and uniquely British grit. Whether it’s the epic scale of the Dirty Reiver, the speed of Rebound, or the technical punch of The Gralloch, your bike choice matters.

Each model here brings something different to the table—be it Cannondale’s suspension innovation, Argon 18’s monster clearance, or Cervélo’s road-inspired aggression.

 

Gravel Riding in the UK

 

So ask yourself: Are you in it for the long haul or the front group? Do you want speed, comfort, or a bit of both?

Whatever your style, make sure your next gravel adventure starts with the right machine—because when the miles pile up and the terrain bites back, your bike matters just as much as your legs.

Looking for your next gravel bike?

Drop us a line or visit us in-store. We’ll help you find the perfect match for your goals, your terrain, and your budget—ready for The Gralloch, Dirty Reiver, Rebound and beyond...

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