Full Suspension Gravel Bike – Top Three Models Reviewed

Discover the thrill of the ride with full suspension gravel bikes! Imagine gliding effortlessly over rough trails, feeling every twist and turn with perfect precision while enjoying unparalleled comfort.

Whether you're an avid cyclist looking to upgrade your gear or a beginner eager to explore off-the-beaten-path adventures, full suspension gravel bikes offer the perfect blend of durability, versatility, and performance.

In this article, we'll dive into the world of full suspension gravel bikes, exploring their unique features, benefits, and why they are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for cyclists who crave excitement and reliability on every journey. Get ready to elevate your cycling experience to new heights!

Top Three Gravel Bike With Full Suspension Features Reviewed

1. MCR 9 RDO: The Ultimate Full-Suspension Gravel Bike

In the rapidly evolving world of gravel bikes, the Niner MCR 9 RDO stands out as a game-changer. MCR, which stands for Magic Carpet Ride, perfectly encapsulates the experience this bike offers. Combining Niner’s expertise in mountain bike technology with the versatility of gravel bikes, the MCR 9 RDO is designed to provide unparalleled comfort, control, and performance on varied terrains. Let’s dive into the features, performance, and overall riding experience of this remarkable bike.

Design and Build Quality

The MCR 9 RDO features a full-suspension design that sets it apart from many other gravel bikes. Its frame is constructed from Niner’s renowned RDO carbon, ensuring a lightweight yet robust build. The carbon fiber frame not only enhances durability but also significantly reduces the bike’s weight, making it easier to handle on challenging terrains.

The suspension system consists of a 50mm travel rear shock and a Fox AX 40mm front fork, meticulously designed to absorb shocks and vibrations. This setup ensures a smoother ride over rough trails, gravel roads, and even paved paths. The bike also includes integrated frame protection, keeping it safe from debris and impacts during aggressive rides.

Performance

Performance-wise, the MCR 9 RDO excels in various conditions. The suspension system offers excellent damping, effectively absorbing the bumps and jolts that are common on gravel paths. This feature is particularly beneficial for long-distance rides, as it reduces fatigue and allows for a more comfortable journey.

The bike is equipped with a Shimano GRX groupset, known for its reliability and smooth shifting. The 1x or 2x drivetrain options provide ample gearing choices, enabling riders to tackle steep climbs and fast descents with confidence. The hydraulic disc brakes offer superb stopping power, ensuring safety even in wet or muddy conditions.

Riding Experience

The MCR 9 RDO truly shines in terms of riding experience. The full-suspension design makes a noticeable difference, providing a plush and stable ride regardless of the terrain. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, loose gravel, or smooth tarmac, the bike maintains excellent traction and control.

The geometry of the MCR 9 RDO is designed to offer a balanced and responsive ride. The relatively slack head angle enhances stability on descents, while the shorter chainstays ensure agility and quick handling. This combination makes the bike versatile, capable of performing well in both technical sections and open, fast-paced stretches.

Pros:

• Full Suspension Comfort: The MCR 9 RDO’s full suspension system provides exceptional comfort and control.
• Durable Carbon Frame: Lightweight yet robust, offering excellent ride quality.
• Versatile Performance: Capable of handling various terrains with ease.
• Reliable Components: Shimano GRX groupset and hydraulic disc brakes ensure smooth and dependable performance.

Cons:

• Price: The advanced features and high-quality components come at a premium price.
• Weight: While light for a full-suspension bike, it’s heavier than some rigid gravel bikes.

Conclusion

The Niner MCR 9 RDO is a standout choice for gravel enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in comfort and performance. Its full-suspension design, coupled with high-quality components and thoughtful geometry, makes it a versatile and reliable companion for any adventure. While it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is well worth it for those who prioritize a smooth and enjoyable ride on all terrains. If you’re ready to take your gravel riding experience to the next level, the MCR 9 RDO is undoubtedly a bike to consider.

2. Diverge STR Comp: Redefining the Gravel Riding Experience

Gravel biking enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next best ride that combines comfort, speed, and versatility. Enter the Diverge STR Comp, a standout in the gravel bike market. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, this bike promises to deliver an exceptional riding experience on a variety of terrains. Let's explore what makes the Diverge STR Comp a top choice for gravel cyclists.

Design and Build Quality

The Diverge STR Comp is built with Specialized's FACT 9r carbon frame, which is known for its lightweight yet sturdy construction. This carbon frame not only enhances the bike’s durability but also ensures a smooth and responsive ride. One of the standout features of the Diverge STR Comp is its Future Shock 2.0 suspension system, integrated into the head tube. This technology offers up to 20mm of travel, effectively absorbing shocks and vibrations from rough surfaces, ensuring a comfortable ride without compromising on speed.

In addition to the Future Shock system, the bike features a lowered seat stay design which adds to the overall compliance of the frame. This design choice helps to further smooth out the ride, making long-distance cycling less fatiguing.

Performance

Performance is where the Diverge STR Comp truly excels. The bike is equipped with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, which is specifically designed for gravel riding. The 1x11 drivetrain provides a wide range of gears, allowing for efficient climbing and fast descents. The GRX 810 also ensures smooth and precise shifting, even under load, making it reliable in various conditions.

Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power and modulation, ensuring safety and control, whether you’re navigating technical descents or riding in wet conditions. The bike rolls on DT Swiss G540 wheels, paired with 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires. This combination offers great traction and stability on loose gravel, dirt trails, and even paved roads.

Riding Experience

The Diverge STR Comp is designed to offer a versatile and enjoyable riding experience. The Future Shock 2.0 suspension system is a game-changer, providing unmatched comfort over rough terrain. This feature allows riders to maintain a more relaxed position, reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency over long rides.

The bike’s geometry strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility. The slack head angle and long wheelbase contribute to confident handling on descents and technical sections, while the shorter chainstays ensure quick responsiveness when needed. This makes the Diverge STR Comp equally adept at fast-paced gravel races and leisurely adventure rides.

Pros:

• Future Shock 2.0 Suspension: Provides exceptional comfort and control on rough terrain.
• Lightweight Carbon Frame: Durable and responsive, enhancing overall ride quality.
• Reliable Components: Shimano GRX 810 groupset and hydraulic disc brakes ensure smooth and dependable performance.
• Versatile Geometry: Balanced design for stability and agility on various terrains.

Cons:

• Price: The advanced technology and high-quality components come at a premium.
• Complex Maintenance: Future Shock system might require specialized maintenance.

Conclusion

The Diverge STR Comp is a remarkable gravel bike that sets a new standard in comfort and performance. Its innovative Future Shock 2.0 suspension system, combined with a lightweight carbon frame and reliable components, makes it a top contender for gravel enthusiasts looking for a versatile and high-performing ride. While it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is justified by the unparalleled riding experience it offers. If you’re in the market for a gravel bike that can handle anything from rugged trails to smooth roads with ease, the Diverge STR Comp is a worthy choice.

3. Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3: A Revolutionary E-Gravel Bike

Gravel biking is all about adventure, versatility, and tackling varied terrains with ease. The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 takes this experience to a whole new level by incorporating electric assistance into a robust and innovative gravel bike design. This bike combines Cannondale's cutting-edge technology with the power of a Bosch motor, offering a unique and exhilarating ride. Let’s dive into the features, performance, and overall experience of the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3.

Design and Build Quality

The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 boasts a sleek and modern design, crafted from a high-quality BallisTec carbon frame. This material ensures the bike is both lightweight and durable, capable of withstanding the demands of rough gravel roads and trails. One of the standout features of this bike is the Lefty Oliver fork, which provides 30mm of travel. This single-sided suspension fork not only adds to the bike’s distinctive look but also delivers exceptional handling and shock absorption.

The frame is designed with Cannondale's innovative Kingpin suspension system, which offers up to 30mm of travel at the rear without the complexity of a traditional rear shock. This system enhances comfort and control, making long rides more enjoyable and less fatiguing.

Performance

Performance is where the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 truly shines. The bike is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, offering up to 85 Nm of torque. This powerful motor provides smooth and consistent assistance, making steep climbs and long distances more manageable. The integrated 500Wh battery ensures ample range, allowing riders to explore further without worrying about running out of power.

The bike features a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, specifically designed for gravel riding. The 1x11 drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, ensuring efficient performance on both flat and hilly terrains. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver excellent stopping power and modulation, enhancing safety and control in various conditions.

Riding Experience

The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 offers an unparalleled riding experience. The combination of the Bosch motor and Kingpin suspension system provides a smooth and powerful ride, even on the roughest of trails. The Lefty Oliver fork significantly improves handling and stability, allowing for precise control and confidence on technical sections.

The bike’s geometry is designed for comfort and versatility. The relatively slack head angle and long wheelbase contribute to stable and confident handling, while the shorter chainstays ensure quick responsiveness. This makes the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 an excellent choice for both long-distance adventures and quick, exhilarating rides.

Pros:

• Powerful Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX motor provides smooth and consistent assistance.
• Innovative Suspension: Kingpin suspension system and Lefty Oliver fork offer exceptional comfort and control.
• Durable Carbon Frame: Lightweight yet robust, enhancing ride quality.
• Reliable Components: Shimano GRX 810 groupset and hydraulic disc brakes ensure dependable performance.

Cons:

• Price: The advanced technology and high-quality components come at a premium.
• Weight: The addition of the motor and battery makes the bike heavier than traditional gravel bikes.

Conclusion

The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is a groundbreaking e-gravel bike that combines electric assistance with top-tier components and innovative suspension technology. Its powerful Bosch motor, coupled with Cannondale's Kingpin system and Lefty Oliver fork, provides a smooth, controlled, and enjoyable ride on various terrains. While it comes with a higher price tag and added weight, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks for those seeking an enhanced gravel biking experience. If you’re looking for a versatile and powerful gravel bike that can tackle any adventure, the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is an excellent choice.

Benefits of Full Suspension Gravel Bikes and Why You Should Choose One

Gravel biking has surged in popularity as more cyclists seek the thrill of exploring off-road trails and rough terrains. Full suspension gravel bikes are becoming a popular choice for those who want to enhance their riding experience with added comfort, control, and versatility. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of full suspension gravel bikes and why you should consider choosing one for your next ride.

Benefits of Full Suspension Gravel Bikes

1. Enhanced Comfort

One of the most significant benefits of full suspension gravel bikes is the enhanced comfort they provide. The suspension system, which includes both front and rear shocks, absorbs bumps, vibrations, and impacts from rough terrain. This means you can ride longer distances with less fatigue and discomfort, making your gravel biking adventures more enjoyable.

2. Improved Control and Stability

Full suspension gravel bikes offer superior control and stability, especially on technical and uneven trails. The suspension helps maintain tire contact with the ground, providing better traction and grip. This results in improved handling and confidence when navigating challenging descents, rocky paths, and loose gravel.

3. Versatility

These bikes are incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of terrains. Whether you're riding on gravel roads, forest trails, or even light singletrack, a full suspension gravel bike can adapt to various surfaces. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.

4. Reduced Fatigue

The suspension system not only enhances comfort but also reduces rider fatigue. By absorbing the shocks and vibrations from rough terrain, full suspension bikes minimize the strain on your body. This allows you to conserve energy and ride more efficiently, especially on long-distance journeys.

5. Increased Speed on Rough Terrain

With better traction, control, and reduced fatigue, full suspension gravel bikes enable you to maintain higher speeds on rough terrain. The improved handling allows you to take corners faster and ride more aggressively, enhancing your overall performance.

6. Safety

Enhanced control and stability contribute to a safer riding experience. The suspension system helps you navigate obstacles more effectively and reduces the risk of losing control on challenging descents or technical sections. This makes full suspension gravel bikes a safer option for adventurous riders.

Why You Should Choose a Full Suspension Gravel Bike

1. Unmatched Comfort for Long Rides

If you plan to embark on long-distance gravel rides or bikepacking adventures, the comfort provided by a full suspension bike is unparalleled. You’ll be able to tackle extended journeys with less discomfort, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the ride itself.

2. Better Performance on Technical Trails

For riders who frequently encounter technical and rugged trails, the added control and stability of a full suspension bike can significantly enhance performance. You’ll be able to ride with more confidence and tackle challenging sections more effectively.

3. Versatility for Varied Terrains

A full suspension gravel bike is perfect for those who want one bike that can handle multiple types of terrain. Whether you’re riding on smooth gravel roads, rocky paths, or even venturing onto light mountain bike trails, a full suspension bike offers the versatility you need.

4. Investment in Long-Term Comfort and Safety

While full suspension gravel bikes can be more expensive than their rigid counterparts, the investment is worthwhile for the long-term comfort and safety they provide. The reduced fatigue and enhanced control will allow you to enjoy your rides more and ride more often.

Conclusion

Full suspension gravel bikes offer a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your riding experience. From increased comfort and control to versatility and safety, these bikes are designed to tackle a variety of terrains with ease. If you’re looking to elevate your gravel biking adventures, investing in a full suspension gravel bike is a decision you won’t regret. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, the advantages of full suspension will help you ride further, faster, and more comfortably.