How to Choose a Gravel Bike

From rugged trails to weekend bikepacking trips, the Van Rysel GRVL AF II Apex bike delivers reliable performance and comfort with a lightweight frame, SRAM Apex drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes.









Imported.
| Best Use | Gravel Cycling |
|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 double-butted aluminum |
| Step-Through | No |
| Bike Suspension | No Suspension |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Crankset | Sram Apex 1 D1 DUB |
| Bottom Bracket | Sram DUB Road Wide |
| Shifters | Sram Apex 1 x 12 |
| Rear Derailleur | Sram Apex 12 XPLR D1 |
| Rear Cogs | Sram Apex 11-44T |
| Number of Gears | 12 gear(s) |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brakes | Sram Apex D1 |
| Brake Levers | Sram Apex |
| 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 | Hutchinson Touareg TR |
| Tire Width | 45 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 Comfort 30 |
| Pedals | Wellgo Alloy platform |
| Headset | Integrated BTwin |
| Chain | Sram Apex D1 |
| Weight | 24 pounds |
| Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Fits slightly large 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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I found the alloy frame to be more comfortable than others, and the spec to be pretty good for the $. The high-volume tires and massive clearance let you dampen the ride. I'll likely add a carbon post for a bit more comfort, but the ergonomically shaped bars and Apex group are impressive. No immediate upgrades needed.
I've put almost 50 miles on this bike so far, with the longest ride being about 20 miles. I bought it for 80% paved / 20% gravel riding. I wanted something with hydraulic brakes and a 1x drivetrain - this fit the bill. The tires are overkill for paved and some efficiency could be gained by going to 40mm tires. However, the ride is incredibly smooth and bumps/rocks are excellently damped - gravel miles will get chewed through on these tires. The SRAM Apex / DoubleTap shifters are new to me but I love the mechanical feel and I'm already used to the system. The saddle is not the most comfortable without padded shorts, but also not the worst I've ridden. The bike looks awesome, rides smooth, accelerates and brakes excellently, and seems sturdy and well built. I expect the stock components will last a long time and I will not be itching for any upgrades for a while. I love have having something unique, too!
Great bike for the money, the stiffness of the frame is offset by high-volume tires, and the bike has mounts aplenty. The tires were a little difficult to set up tubeless, but otherwise, I have no complaints.
Overall I think it's too much $$ for an off brand bike.