How to Choose a Gravel Bike

Built for rugged trails, city streets and bikepacking trips, the Van Rysel GRVL AF II Sword bike features a lightweight frame, Microshift SWORD 1 x 10-speed drivetrain and TRP Spyre disc 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 | Miranda Chainflow 3D |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano RS 500 |
| Shifters | MS Sword SB-G7000 |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | Microshift RD-7005M |
| Rear Cogs | Microshift 11-48T |
| Number of Gears | 10 gear(s) |
| Brake Type | Mechanical Disc Brake |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre |
| Brake Levers | MicroShift Sword |
| 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 | 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 Comfort 30 |
| Pedals | Wellgo Alloy platform |
| Headset | Integrated BTwin |
| Chain | KMC Z10 |
| Weight | 23 lbs. 14.4 oz. |
| Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| 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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I used the VR GRVL Sword bike for both road and gravel, commuting and group rides, for over 1,300 miles in a little over 4 months. This is overall decent entry level gravel bike that will probably work fine for most occasional leisure riders. However the bike Microshift groupset quickly showed its limitations when pushed. I run into a problem when the chain would regularly jump and get stuck between the cassette and frame when in highest gear, can't pedal anymore. A deal braker for me. I wish Van Rysel would have tested this bike a little more before finalizing their design and groupset. I'm glad I purchased the bike through REI, their customer service was fantastic!
Solid, good looking bike with strong components! Over the past month I've bought two pre-owned and one new budget gravel bike that was recommended from numerous YouTubers. I tinkered, learning how to modify, fix, and find the right fit. Knowing what to look for is a skill that I needed to explore - and I love to research. After the learning curve and finding what I liked, Van Reysel's GRVL AF checked all of my boxes. Having used the other bikes I bought to play with stem lengths, adjust brakes, dial-in front and rear derailleurs and so on, it is a joy riding something that has not required any modification (other than pedals). Purchasing from REI provides an extra statement of care and quality.
Light, sharp handling, much like a road bike and at a great price point!