Other noteworthy components include an X-Fusion Manic dropper post which offers just 50mm of travel, Roval Terra CLX gravel wheels, an Easton EC70 AX Carbon bar with 16-degree flare, a Specialized S-Works Future Stem with integrated Bar Fly computer mount and an S-Works Power saddle. Often referred to as a mullet build, it combines eTap AXS road levers with an Eagle AXS rear derailleur and 10-50T cassette - an arrangement which fully complements the Diverge's multi-faceted skillset and left-field demeanour. The range-topping S-Works Diverge comes dressed in a combination of SRAM's road and mountain bike electronic components. The bottom bracket drop has been raised by 5mm for all frame sizes while the chainstays have marginally grown to 425mm.

The fork has also received some adjustments and now boasts a longer offset while the trail number ensures greater steering response and front-end agility. The new model's geometry is more progressive than before featuring a slacker headtube angle, a longer reach and a shorter stem. While this list features the crème de la crème of all things gravel, if you’re after something a little more wallet-friendly then check out our list of the best budget gravel bikes, or if you need some electricity to fulfil your adventure dreams then our list of the best electric gravel bikes may be just what you need. If speed is your number one priority then we've got a separate guide to the best gravel race bikes for those who want to go fast.

Whether you’re looking for an all-out gravel race machine, with the best gravel wheels and some race-proven rubber from our list of the best gravel tyres, or you’re more into riding party pace with the kitchen sink strapped to your top tube and the best gravel bike pedals beneath your feet, we’ll take you through our picks for the best options out there. While previously a gravel bike was to all intents and purposes a road bike with wider tyres, recent tweaks to geometry and the introduction of gravel-specific components and Shimano gravel groupsets have made them noticeably more capable over the rough stuff. Gravel is definitely the discipline that has seen the most evolution in recent years, so much so that this guide on what is a gravel bike may come in handy if you're new to it.

Cannondale gravel bike