Finding affordable bikes that cost under and around $2000 can be challenging, so we compiled a list with a twist… We’re big fans of metal over here. Metal gravel bikes can be superior to their carbon cousins in many ways, especially if you’re planning on strapping bags to them and taking them out on longer rides, overnighters, and tours.
We get requests all day long for more affordable bikes, and following up with our 2024 Under and Around $2000 Hardtails article, we present our Metal Gravel Bikes Under and Around $2000 post, so let’s get to it!
One thing we try to convey here at The Radavist is underbiking, longevity, and versatility. As such, there’s no better platform than a gravel bike if you are truly seeking the “one bike to rule them all” approach to cycling. Sure, they might not be as capable in rough terrain as a hardtail, but usually, depending on where you live, dipping out off the dirt road onto a ribbon of singletrack is often quite fun on a gravel bike.
In terms of longevity, an aluminum or steel chassis ensures your bags won’t rub through structural material like they can (and do) on a carbon chassis. Metal frames remain safer to ride for longer. And you can look for these bikes used on Craigslist, eBay, or our Rad Bazaar for a second-hand purchase.
Throw on your favorite split 10″ blackened thrash LP or a double LP 12″ stoner doom album and vibe out on our METAL list.
Here are the criteria we’ll be looking for in these bikes:
- Tire Clearance
- Touring Accutremonts like cargo cages
- Versatile Geometry
- MSRP of around $2000
Breezer Doppler Team+ $1,399.97
Kicking off this all-metal roundup with the best-specced gravel/commuter/all-road on the list. Fenders? Dynamo lights? Awesome! The 650bx47 clearance ensures your ride will be plush. The Breezer Doppler Team+ has it all in a very accessible pricepoint.
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame, steel fork
- Sizes 49 cm – 60 cm
- Shimano 105 or MicroSHIFT Centos
- Fenders
- Dynamo lights
- 650bx47 tire clearance
Pros
- Clearance for fat tires
- 2x drivetrain for wide gearing
- Comes with fenders
- Comes with a dynamo setup
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is spot-on
Cons
- N/A
Cannondale Topstone 2 $2000
John reviewed the first Cannondale Topstone back in 2019, and this super versatile bike has stayed true to its metal roots with the 2023 model. Sporting cargo cage mounts on the downtube, fork blades, as well as a top tube bag bolt-on mount, the Topstone 2 is on the list not only due to its superior versatility.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- Shimano GRX 400 10-speed 2x
- Dropper compatible
- 45mm tire clearance
Pros
- Clearance for fat tires
- 2x GRX drivetrain for wide gearing
- Dropper compatible
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender mounts
- Pricepoint is spot-on
Cons
- N/A
Check out John’s review of the Topstone in our archives:
Cannondale Topstone Gravel Bike Review
Diamondback Haanjo 3 $1300
The Haanjo is a gravel bike platform we’ve been eyeing since its inception. Like the Topstone, it has plentiful touring accessory mounts, decent tire clearance, and a great gear range. While the tire clearance is only 37 mm, that’s plenty to get you through most dirt roads and as an added bonus, it features mechanical disc brakes.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- Microshift 10-speed
- 37mm tire clearance
Pros
- Clearance for fat tires
- 10-speed Microshift wide gearing
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender mounts
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- Tire clearance could be bigger
Fairdale Weekender Nomad $1699
Fairdale’s Weekender platform comes in a variety of build varieties from flat bar to geared to singlespeed. The Weekender Nomad is a do-it-all platform with fat, 27.5″ wheels, 2.1″ tires, plenty of bosses, rack mounts, and a nice olive drab finish!
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame, steel fork
- Sizes S-XL
- SRAM Apex 1x 11-speed
- 27.5 x 2.1″ clearance
Pros
- Clearance for fat tires
- SRAM Apex 1x
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender and rack mounts
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- N/A
Fuji Jari 1.5 $1749
With the silhouette of higher-priced gravel bikes the Fuju Jari 1.5 features a dropped chainstay for a massive 50 mm tire clearance, cargo cages, fender mounts, a great paintjob and a visually well-balanced stance. When we set out to create this list, the Fuji jumped out as a sleeper and we’re intrigued by its well thought-out design.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- SRAM Apex 11-speed
- 50mm tire clearance
Pros
- Clearance for 50 mm tires
- 11-speed SRAM Apex
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender mounts
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- N/A
Giant Revolt 2 $1283
You might not often conflate “race pedigree” and “affordable” but the Giant Revolt takes both attributes in stride, offering a flip chip with a stunning 53 mm tire clearance in the “long” setting and 42 mm in the “short”. Like the previous bikes featured on this list, it also includes cargo bosses.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- Shimano Sora 2×9
- 53 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Clearance for 53 mm tires
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender mounts
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- Sora is a lower-tier spec at 2×9
GT Grade Comp $1950
GT has always done a good job at incorporating a brand signature across the board: the triple triangle. The GT Grade Comp features a very unique profile, combined with fender and cargo mounts, a 2x drivetrain, gravel suspension fork compatibility through a (30mm) suspension corrected chassis, a modern, progressive geometry and a value-based pricepoint.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes S-XL
- Shimano GRX 2×10
- 40 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Mounts a plenty
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Fender mounts
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- Could use more tire clearance for a suspension fork-compatible bike
Kona Libre $2099
The Libre has been a vehicle of liberation, lauded by Kona fans since its inception. Perhaps one of the most cable drop bar bikes on the market, suitable for bicycle camping/bikepacking, gravel, and road riding, the Libre is an evergreen bike with rack mounts for the long road ahead.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 50-58
- SRAM Apex 11-speed
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Rack mounts, fender mounts, cargo mounts, 2x DT bottle bosses
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is great
- Tire clearance is fat
Cons
- No sizing larger than 58 cm or smaller than 50 cm.
Kona Rove $1599
The Rove is like the Libre but in a 4130 chassis for those who prefer the feel of steel. Chromoly tubing usually feels better when loaded up for a tour and is more dent-resistant and dent-survivable overall. Denting aluminum greatly impacts the frame’s longevity, so you don’t have to worry about that here with the Rove. It’s also the first bike on the list with 650b wheels for a little extra cushion and a lower center of gravity (which is essential when loaded touring.) It’s hard to beat what the Rove has going on!
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frameset
- Sizes 48-58
- Shimano Sora 2×9
- 650b x 47 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Steel is real!
- Rack mounts, fender mounts, cargo mounts, and bottle bosses
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is great
- Tire clearance is fat with 650b x 47 mm tires
Cons
- Could use a higher-specced drivetrain, but overall, this is a nitpick. Hands down, it is the best steel bike on the list.
- No sizing larger than a 58cm
Check out an in-depth feature of the Kona Rove:
Kyle’s Swift x Kona Rove ST Special Edition Touring Bike
Liv Devote 2 Be Good $1283
Liv, the sister brand to Giant, offers up the Devote 2, the sister bike to the Revolt 2 but has slightly different features, a headtube gusset, and better sizing for shorter riders. Overall, the Devote 2’s pricepoint, sizing, and spec list puts this bike as a firm “first gravel bike” for shorter riders.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-L (women’s sizing from 4’11” to 5’11”)
- Shimano Sora 2×9
- 650b x 47 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Sizing down to 4’11” riders
- Some extra cargo mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- Could use the same cargo mounts as the Giant Revolt 2
- Could use 650b tires for better fit and fatter tires on smaller sizes
Marin Gestalt 2 $1599
Marin Bikes ruled our Hardtail list with its many offerings, and the same can be said for its gravel bikes. Whether you’re in the market for a racier gravel bike or an expedition-style bike, Marin has something for everyone at an incredible pricepoint. The Gestalt 2 is a standard gravel bike with versatility in mind; cargo mounts, fender mounts, a GRX 2x kit in a middle-rung geometry for gravel riding. Looking for something more progressive and “trail capable?” Check out the Gestalt X10 for that (below.)
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 50-60
- Shimano Tiagra 2×10
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Finally, a size 60cm frame is on this list!
- Rack mounts, fender mounts, cargo mounts, 2x DT bottle bosses
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- Tire clearance could be larger
Marin Gestalt X10 $1549
The Gestalt X10 is the rowdy cousin to the Gestalt 2. Think of it as the Gestalt 2 multiplied by 10 on the rowdy spectrum! With a tukt rear end and a slack front end it might look kind of kooky, but in our experience with similar bike silhouettes, these bikes are as capable as they are fun! The X10 features 54 mm of tire clearance to boot.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes S-XL
- Microshift 10-speed
- 54 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Rowdy geometry
- 54mm clearance
- Fender mounts, cargo mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Specced well
- Pricepoint is great
- Dropper compatible
Cons
- Geometry might be too progressive for new riders
Marin Nicasio 2 $1699
While the previous Gestalt models are aluminum, the Nicasio is a sub $2000 steel frame from Marin. A 2x drivetrain to ensure the bike’s gearing is appropriate. While it isn’t loaded with cargo bosses, it’s a more minimal and clean option on this list.
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 50-60 cm
- Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
- 35 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Steel (frame) is real!
- Rack mounts, fender mounts, and bottle bosses
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Pricepoint is great
Cons
- No cargo bosses on the fork
- Tire clearance could be better
Masi Brunello R10 $1549
Masi’s come a long way since its inception under the torch of Faliero Masi in Italy. The modern Masi is under the Haro bicycle umbrella but the legacy of the original brand is still alive with the Brunello R10. It has an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and a modern gravel geometry. Plus a dropped chainstay allows for a 45mm tire.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 46-60 cm
- microSHIFT R10 2X 10-speed
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Plentiful tire clearance
- 46 cm size for shorter riders
- Dropper post compatible
- Fender mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
Cons
- No cargo bosses on the fork
Norco Search XR A2 $1649
Available in drop bar, flat bar, or suspension models, all with their own unique geometries, the Norco Search has a model for any rider’s demands. The XR A2 is the more affordable model while utilizing an aluminum frame and carbon fork. It has bosses a plenty, internal routing, and up to a 50mm tire clearance thanks to the subtly dropped chainstay.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 49-61 cm
- Shimano GRX 10-speed
- 50 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Plentiful tire clearance
- Dropper post compatible
- Fender mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
Cons
- N/A
Nukeproof Dagger £1,799.99
Available with a suspension fork at the higher tier or a rigid fork as shown here on the more affordable model, the Nukeproof Dagger has been on our list to review for some time. We dig the duo-tone paint, the bottle and cargo bosses, and the Shimano GRX 1x.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 49-61 cm
- Shimano GRX 11-speed
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- 11-Speed GRX drivetrain
- Plentiful tire clearance
- Dropper post compatible
- Fender mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
Cons
- The future of the brand is uncertain at the moment
Polygon Path X4 $1249
The Path family from Polygon features the X4, specced with Tiagra, or the X5 for a little more money with Shimano 105 11-speed. These frames have a higher stack number, bottle and cargo bosses, along with fender and rack mounts. In short, the Path X4’s stance and details dictate its use: everything from gravel riding to touring.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes S-XL
- Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
- 42 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Plentiful tire clearance
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
Cons
- N/A
Poseidon Redwood $999
The Poseidon Redwood is the rowdiest specced “gravel” bike on the list with big, fat tires, longer reach, a shorter stem, and even has a portage handle. All in a sub $1000 package. With the largest tire clearance on this list at a whopping 27.5 x 2.6″, the Redwood can surely take on your adventure riding, large and small.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XXS-XL
- Microshift 10-Speed Advent X
- 27.5 x 2.6″tire clearance
Pros
- Very large tire clearance
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
- XXS Sizing
Cons
- N/A
Rocky Mountain Solo A30 $1699
Rocky Mountain’s Solo surprised us when it first dropped back in 2018. It’s a capable, fast-focused gravel machine with fender mounts, cargo bosses, plenty of bottle cages, a dropped chainstay, a nice amount of stack, and like Rocky Mountain’s MTB frames, stunning paint. There’s a lot to like here.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- SRAM Apex 11-Speed
- 40 mm tire clearance
- Dropper compatible
Pros
- Very large tire clearance
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
- Dropper post compatible
Cons
- More tire clearance would be nice
Check out our review of the Rocky Mountain Solo:
Beyond Mountain Bikes with the Rocky Mountain Solo 70
Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c $1299
Salsa’s Journeyer is the brand’s entry-level gravel bike, meant to set the hook for new riders. Like Salsa’s more expensive models, the Journeyer has tons of touring cargo mounts, rack mounts, fender mounts, 38mm tires, a modest geometry, and everything you need to strap racks and bags and get going!
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 49-60 cm
- Shimano Sora 2×9
- 50 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
- 49 cm size for shorter riders, 60 cm for taller riders
Cons
- N/A
Scott Speedster Gravel 30 $1799
As the name implies, the Scott Speedster carries on the brand’s racing-focused legacy at a lower pricepoint. The Speedster looks like a $5000 race machine with the 1 1/4″-1 1/2″ Eccentric Carbon steerer and wild steerer spacers but the 45 mm tires shows the bike ain’t afraid of the chunky stuff either!
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XXS-XXL
- Shimano GRX 2×10
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Cargo mounts on top tube and on the underside of the downtube
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
- XXS size for shorter riders, XXL for taller riders
Cons
- No fork cargo mounts
Specialized Diverge E5 $1300
While the Diverge E5 is worlds apart from the STR Spencer reviewed, the Diverge DNA remains. The E5 is the more affordable build kit that features an aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XXS-XXL
- Shimano Claris 2×8
- 38 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Fender and cargo mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
Cons
- N/A
Check out Spencer’s review of the higher-end STR in our archives:
Suspending Everything Except Your Disbelief: Specialized’s New Diverge STR Review
State 4130 All-Road $899
We can’t get enough of this bike. From the new raw frame treatment, to the massive tire clearance, the steel fork, plenty of cargo bosses and look at that price! While the State 4130 ain’t the lightest on the list, it’s by far one of the most capable bikes…
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame, steel fork
- Sizes XS-L
- State Bicycle Co 11-speed
- 650b x 2.1″ or 700 x 45 mm tire clearance
- 650b or 700 wheels
Pros
- All steel
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- External routing
- Fat tires
Cons
- Could use an XL size
Check out Josh’s review of the State 4130 in our archives:
State 6061 All-Road $1399
If you’re looking for an aluminum frame and carbon fork, slightly higher pricepoint, but a little lighter bike from State than its 4130 chassis above, the 6061 All-Road might be your pick. Still with nice tire clearance and a solid price, you can’t go wrong here.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-L
- State Bicycle Co 11-speed
- 650b x 2.1″ or 700 x 45 mm tire clearance
- 650b or 700 wheels
Pros
- Lighter than the 4130
- Fender, and cargo mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal routing
Cons
- Needs an XL size
Surly Straggler $1699
Another fully-steel chassis bike on this list is the veritable, versatile, ever-popular Surly Straggler. Tour with it, ride gravel with it, put racks on it, or a basket, or just let it be a dedicated gravel road bike. Surly Straggler owners LOVE their bikes, and it’s easy to see why…
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame, steel fork
- Sizes 38 cm through 58 cm in 650b
- Sizes 54 cm through 62 cm in 700c
- SRAM Apex 1 x 11
- 650b x 41 mm or 700 x 41 mm tire clearance with fenders
Pros
- All steel
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- External routing
- Fat tires fit fine
Cons
- Stack numbers could be higher
Check out Morgan’s review in our archives:
Stephanie’s Blacked Out 650B Straggler
Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 $1699
When the Checkpoint first debuted in Trek’s catalog, we had to get ahold of one. John rode the piss out of that bike, all up and around the mountains of Los Angeles. It truly was a production bike, made by a large company, that checked a lot (if not all) the boxes. The ALR 4 is an aluminum version of that carbon model John reviewed, yet it stays true to the form of the original.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes 49-61 cm
- SRAM Apex 1×11
- 45 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- External routing
- Dropped chainstay
- Modern geometry
Cons
- N/A
See John’s review in our archives:
The Trek Checkpoint All Road Checks All the Boxes
Vaast A/1 All-Road $1,899
Vaast is the only company on this all METAL list with a magnesium frameset. It’s also the only bike with a 3D printed dropped chainstay yoke. We’ve been interested in Vaast’s offerings for a while now and maybe this list is a proper prod to get us on top of one for a longer review!
Shorthand Specs:
- Magnesium frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XL
- Shimano GRX 2×10-speed
- 42 mm tire clearance
Pros
- Fender, cargo, and rack mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Internal
- Dropped chainstay yoke
- Modern “all-road” geometry
Cons
- N/A
Vitus Substance VRS £1,399.99
The UK brand Vitus hadn’t been all that common in the US until recently when they launched a direct-to-consumer model. The Substance is the brand’s gravel platform and the VRS comes in under $2000 while offering an aesthetics package more in-line with higher-end products. 2x GRX 10-speed gearing gets it done with finesse and 40mm tires will keep you riding and racing with ease. This bike is the last on our alphabetical list but ranks high at the top for those looking for an “all-road” or gravel experience without all the extra cargo bosses found on more adventure-ready models.
Shorthand Specs:
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Sizes XS-XXL
- Shimano GRX 2×10
- 40 mm tire clearance
Pros
- 700 or 650b wheels
- Fender and cargo mounts
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Sleek design
- Modern “all-road” geometry
Cons
- No cargo bosses on the fork
- No dealer network
Well, that’s quite the list, and yet, I’m sure we missed something here, so let us know your pick in the comments, and if you have experience with one of these bikes, drop a quick review too! Want to see us review one of these bikes? Let us know!
