{"id":2729,"date":"2017-09-07T16:39:53","date_gmt":"2017-09-07T14:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/?p=2729"},"modified":"2020-12-24T15:32:03","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T13:32:03","slug":"top-9-gravel-bikes-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/top-9-gravel-bikes-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 Gravel Bikes for 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gravel bikes are making head-way, as the new thing in the cycling industry. Since Spring is upon us, it\u2019s a good time to try something new! Gravel-grinding in particular should be on your \u2018new\u2019 list. Having experienced the thrill of grinding gravel ourselves, we can strongly recommend getting into such a discipline. It\u2019s like riding a bike that blends the best of both worlds, with promising road bike characteristics and the boldness of mountain bikes! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

To get started you\u2019ll need a gravel bike, that\u2019s fast and fun! We\u2019ve mixed together our choice pick of gravel eating machines for 2018, and we can assure you, they are all good-looking! So let\u2019s jump right in!<\/p>\n

Specialized S-Works Diverge<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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There\u2019s lots to boast about with the Specialized Diverge! The most noticeable and advanced innovation on the Diverge would be Specialized\u2019s Future Shock with progressive suspension and 20mm of travel. Then for those long adventures, Specialized integrated their Road SWAT kit that houses pretty much any necessary tool. The Diverge frame set was engineered with what Specialized calls, Open Road Geometry. Basically the bike, with its FACT 11r carbon fibre, rides like a road bike, with the feel for a trail bike. These one-of-a-kind innovations make the Specialized Diverge, the ideal gravel bike. Not to mention the Command dropper post, in case things get hairy!<\/p>\n

S-Works: RRP 145 000.00<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

3T EXPLORO<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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A bike we recently put to the test on South African soil, and can highly recommend. The 3T EXPLORO is unmatched in its ability to speed through wind, something that the Cape has a lot of! The SQAERO frame tube design, allows for less drag on road and off-road. Plus, 3T also designed the downtube of the frame to maintain its aero features when riddled with mud! Super cool stuff, if you ask us. We quite enjoyed the ride, especially on the trails when the EXPLORO\u2019s compliance kicked in. The 3T EXPLORO is available as a frame set; meaning you can customize and make the bike your own with components of your choice.<\/p>\n

Contact Alpine Sports SA for pricing.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n