Is a mid-range gravel bike worth the buy?

[Scamper]

I currently ride a Scott Spark 960 MTB, and want to start doing longer gravel-type races like Race to the Sun and Race to the Sea etc. Is it worth it to buy a mid-range (~R40k) gravel bike for this purpose? And what bikes should I be looking at?

[J Trent]

I’ve just recently purchased a mid range GB and it’s a game changer. 
Coming from just road cycling I’m now looking to sell the roadie and get a mtb. 
IMO gravel and mtb is a good combo to have

[ChrisF]

 

I am a firm supporter of the 2x benefits of some gravel bikes.  Looking at some of the racing setups on GCN many European racers share this opinion ....  it would be the Hub if some did not strongly disagree with this ....

 

@Zebra does 30km road rides as well as couple of trails each week with his 2x Giant Revolt .... let's hear his opinion.

[GravelTime#2]

Definitely worth it! There is a couple of carbon options out there,test them out and feel what is most comfortable. The Avalanche Roam is a great option or for a bit more you can get the Giant Revolt Adv 3. 

[Zebra]

On 12/13/2025 at 3:19 PM, ChrisF said:

 

I am a firm supporter of the 2x benefits of some gravel bikes.  Looking at some of the racing setups on GCN many European racers share this opinion ....  it would be the Hub if some did not strongly disagree with this ....

@Zebra does 30km road rides as well as couple of trails each week with his 2x Giant Revolt .... let's hear his opinion.

Can confirm that the (basic) Giant Revolt is pretty capable on the road - I am a 2x fan, so there is that, and then it has near road bike-like handling, obviously a touch heavier, then 38mm tyres, and a more relaxed geometry, but it has nice road manners, and is obviously pretty good on gravel, etc, too!

My bike was a new-old-stock 22/23 model, so came in at R25k, so well below your R40k budget - yet I feel it offers a lot for that money - YMMV, but am happy with my choice!

Chris

[Kom]

On 12/13/2025 at 1:55 PM, Scamper said:

I currently ride a Scott Spark 960 MTB, and want to start doing longer gravel-type races like Race to the Sun and Race to the Sea etc. Is it worth it to buy a mid-range (~R40k) gravel bike for this purpose? And what bikes should I be looking at?

The carbon options from Silverback, titan even avalanche are worth considering. The silverback has excellent clearance for 2.1" tires which is what you want. Mechanical brakes can be converted to hydraulic using TRP calipers which are "weighty" but work really well.

[Super Sywurm]

On 12/13/2025 at 1:55 PM, Scamper said:

I currently ride a Scott Spark 960 MTB, and want to start doing longer gravel-type races like Race to the Sun and Race to the Sea etc. Is it worth it to buy a mid-range (~R40k) gravel bike for this purpose? And what bikes should I be looking at?

Yes:

 

https://bruces.co.za/products/merida-silex-4000-gravel-bike?variant=49752143331610&country=ZA&currency=ZAR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1

[Technix]

Got myself one of the CUBE Nuroad entry level Carbon bikes. Super impressed with build quality and ride. Managed to fit a 2.25 Schwalbe Thunder Burt. 

https://www.cubebikes.co.za/products/nuroad-c-62-one-blackline
 

[Mook]

Avalanche Roam carbon

[J Trent]

2 hours ago, Technix said:

Got myself one of the CUBE Nuroad entry level Carbon bikes. Super impressed with build quality and ride. Managed to fit a 2.25 Schwalbe Thunder Burt. 

https://www.cubebikes.co.za/products/nuroad-c-62-one-blackline
 

That’s the 1 recently purchased. Must say it’s exceptional!! 50mm clearance