How to Choose a Gravel Bike

A versatile bike built for adventure—on rugged trails, gravel, dirt tracks or the road—the Van Rysel GRVL AF II GRX bike is equipped with a Shimano GRX 2 x 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic brakes.




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Imported.
| Best Use | Gravel Cycling |
|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 double-butted aluminum |
| Step-Through | No |
| Bike Suspension | No Suspension |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Crankset | Shimano GRX 610 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BBR60 |
| Shifters | Shimano GRX 610 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano GRX 600 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX 610 |
| Rear Cogs | Shimano 105 11-36T |
| Number of Gears | 24 gear(s) |
| Internally Geared | Yes |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX 400 |
| Brake Levers | Shimano GRX 600 |
| Rims | 27SL Asymmetric 6069 TLR |
| Front Hub | Thru-Axle 12 x 100 mm |
| Rear Hub | Thru Axle 12 x 142 mm |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
| Tires | Continental Terra Trail TR |
| Tire Width | 40 millimeters |
| Handlebar Shape | Drop Bar |
| Handlebar | T6 31.8 16 deg. Flare |
| Stem | Aluminum T6 7 deg. |
| Seat Post | BTwin 27.2 mm |
| Saddle | Decathlon Light 30 |
| Pedals | Wellgo Alloy platform |
| Headset | Integrated BTwin |
| Chain | Shimano CS-HG710 |
| Weight | 22 lbs. 14.4 oz. |
| Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Fits true to size based on reviews
| XS | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 5’1” – 5’5” | 5’5” – 5’8” | 5’8” – 5’11” | 5’11” – 6’2” | 6’2” – 6’7” |
| Reach | 37.2 | 37.8 | 39.1 | 40.4 | 40.4 |
| Stack | 53.5 | 54.9 | 57.1 | 60 | 62.9 |
| Effective Top Tube | 53 | 54 | 56 | 57.5 | 59 |
| Seat Tube Center-Top | 45 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 53 |
| Standover Height | 72.5 | 75 | 76.2 | 77.5 | 80 |
| Head Tube Length | 11.5 | 13 | 15.5 | 18.5 | 21.5 |
| Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.7 |
| Wheelbase | 102 | 103.1 | 105.2 | 106.9 | 108.6 |
| Fork Offset | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Measurements are stated in centimeters unless otherwise indicated.
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The Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 GRX is a well-built aluminum frame bike. The frame and component specs are impressive for the cost. The GRX groupset is great. I immediately upgraded the pedals as the included pedals are not good. The stock flat pedals included with the bike didn't provide much grip on my first ride (pavement and light gravel), my feet kept slipping off. Swapping them out for a set of higher-quality pedals such as the crank brothers stamp flat pedals makes a noticeable difference. Overall, it’s a great bike.
I did way too much research and this was what I ended up buying. Let me share some reasons: When compared to big brands, you get much better components (Shimano GRX groupset) for the same price. I went with 2x chainring because the 46/30 chainring combined with the 11-36 cassette give it a wide 500% gear range!! (good for top speed and good for climbing). This model comes with 40mm tires which is a good balance between gravel and pavement. What’s nice is that this frame fits up to 50mm tires for more traction and comfort in gravel (look up the Silca tire pressure calculator). On the lower end, the default wheels can handle 35mm tires for more speed on pavement. You can basically have 2 bikes by swapping out tires. And although most bikes in this price range come with hydraulic brakes, I would like to add that the additional stopping power over mechanical brakes is totally worth it.
LOVE this bike. Handles well, great components, light weight, stylish. Overall big fan and happy with it!
I really, really wanted to love this bike. The build quality looked excellent. The specs appeared to be just what I was looking for at a price point that I felt was a good value. And I was even able to take advantage of the Labor Day Sale pricing. Sizing on the other hand . . . I measured my height and leg length. I'm 59 yrs old. I stand 5' 10.5" tall. According to the Van Rysel size chart, I should have fit a Medium bike and that is what I purchased. However, when the bike arrived at my local REI, and I did some test riding around the parking lot, it quickly became obvious I needed a 'Medium-and-a-half." A Large would have been too big and the Medium was too small. I ended up returning the bike. Kudos to REI for their easy online ordering and easy return policy. I just wish more bike makers made the same variety of frame sizes used for road bikes in their non-road lines.