Most Economical Gravel Bikes of 2025: Traverse Unpaved Paths Without Breaking the Bank
In the realm of cycling, gravel bikes have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and adaptability to various terrains. For women seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performing gravel bike, we've compiled a list of top recommendations for 2025.
The Liv Devote 1, designed specifically with women in mind, stands out as the best women’s specific budget gravel bike. This bike offers women-specific geometry for a more comfortable ride, along with flip chip technology to adjust wheelbase length and tire clearance. It's an excellent entry-level gravel bike for new riders, and Cycling Weekly has recognised it as the best women’s specific budget gravel bike [1].
Another top contender is the Van Rysel GRVL AF 2. This bike, while not women-specific, offers excellent value, comfort, and ride quality, making it the best overall budget gravel bike [1]. The Boardman ADV 8.6 is another great budget option, tubeless-ready with a wide-range 9-speed drivetrain, suitable for off-road exploration [1].
For those seeking a gravel bike with huge tire clearance and a carbon fork, the Specialized Diverge E5 is a popular choice. With luggage mounts and gearing suited for easier trails, it blends gravel and adventure cycling well [1][2].
The Liv Devote 1, featuring women-specific geometry and adjustable wheelbase length and tire clearance, is an excellent entry point for new gravel riders. It uses an ALUXX-grade aluminium frame and carbon composite fork, designed for a smooth and comfortable ride [1].
The Boardman ADV 8.6 uses the 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset and is tubeless-ready with 38mm Schwalbe G-One tyres. For those with slightly higher budgets, the Canyon Grail 7 and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 offer excellent performance and durability, though these are unisex frames [2].
The Cannondale Topstone 4, with a relaxed riding position and plenty of mounts, makes an ideal long-distance companion, especially for off-road trails. The Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4, while not the most exciting or fast, offers a lot of tire clearance and a comfortable and predictable handling, with durable Bontrager components [1][2].
It's worth noting that the Specialized Diverge Comp's tyre clearance can be improved by swapping out the stock 700c wheels for 650b hoops with 2.1" tyres. Additionally, the Specialized Diverge Comp's FutureShock front suspension system provides 20mm of travel, reducing hand and wrist fatigue during gravel rides [1].
In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the world of gravel biking, there's a budget-friendly option to suit your needs. The Liv Devote 1, Van Rysel GRVL AF 2, Boardman ADV 8.6, and Specialized Diverge E5 are all excellent choices for women seeking a budget gravel bike. For a broader range of options, consider the Canyon Grail 7, Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, and Cannondale Topstone 4.
[1] Cycling Weekly, Best budget gravel bikes for women: 10 of the best gravel bikes for under £2,000, 2025,
[2] BikeRadar, Best gravel bikes 2025: the best gravel bikes we've tested, 2025,
The Liv Devote 1, highlighted for its women-specific geometry and adjustable wheelbase, is an ideal choice for women seeking a budget-friendly gravel bike. Casual enthusiasts of sports, particularly cycling, might also find appeal in the Van Rysel GRVL AF 2, despite being a unisex bike, due to its versatility and affordable price point.
