Best Gravel Bikes with Belt Drive (2025)

In the realm of gravel biking, where off-road exploration and adventurous spirit intertwine, finding the perfect companion for conquering rugged terrains becomes a quest in itself. Enter the world of gravel bikes with belt drive – a revolutionary innovation that has redefined the game, providing a smooth and efficient ride like never before. In this article, we embark on an exciting journey to explore and celebrate the finest gravel bikes equipped with belt drive, revealing the crème de la crème of this rapidly evolving cycling niche.

As gravel biking gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts seeking new horizons, the search for the ultimate bike has become a thrilling endeavor. Belt-drive technology, with its numerous advantages over traditional chain-driven systems, has emerged as a compelling solution for those yearning for superior performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Within these pages, we’ll navigate the realm of gravel bikes with belt drive, unveiling the champions that have captured the hearts of riders across the globe. From renowned manufacturers to rising stars in the industry, we’ll explore the top contenders that have raised the bar and set new standards in the gravel biking community.

Prepare to be enthralled by the extraordinary engineering and craftsmanship that goes into each bike, as we delve into their features, innovations, and the unique experiences they offer on the trails. We’ll examine the exceptional belt drive systems they employ, crafted from materials such as carbon fiber or polyurethane, to provide an ultra-smooth and efficient power transfer that defies the constraints of traditional chains.

Priority Apollo Gravel

Best Gravel Bikes with Belt Drive (1)

Prepare to elevate your riding experience with the exceptional Priority Apollo.

This remarkable drop bar gravel bike combines all-road performance, durability, and low maintenance, making it the go-to choice for gravel paths, city streets, and everything in between.

Say goodbye to dirt-caked cassettes and post-ride clean-up rituals, and say hello to a cycling experience that keeps you going with ease.

Whether you’re a commuter, an adventurer, a bike packer, or a recreational rider, the Apollo is designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability.

Santos Cross Lite

Best Gravel Bikes with Belt Drive (2)

Discover the versatility and performance of the Cross Lite, a gravel racer that excels on both tarmac and gravel roads. Whether you’re seeking speed, durability, or the ability to carry plenty of luggage, this bike delivers it all with ease.

Equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes, the Cross Lite offers the largest racing brake discs available, ensuring optimal stopping power. The comfortable drop bar with a shallow bend enhances the sporty and agile nature of this true crosser.

For touring purposes, the Cross Lite can be customized to suit your needs. Add luggage racks, opt for wider tires ranging from 35mm to 60mm, and attach mudguards for all-weather riding. Choose between a suspension fork or a rigid one, such as a lightweight carbon fork or a sturdy steel option suitable for lowrider racks.

The Cross Lite has been put to the test by our Santos community, as shown in the inspiring pictures provided. From bikepacking adventures to beach rides, this bike proves its versatility and reliability in various terrains and conditions.

This bike truly shines in its ability to adapt to different riding styles. As a multifunctional gravel racer, it’s perfect for gravel racing, bikepacking, and commuting. Swap out the front fork for a fixed one, and it effortlessly transforms into a capable touring bike.

Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze with the Cross Lite. It’s light and fast design make it an ideal alternative for road racing cyclists who want to continue training during wet and dirty conditions. The Rohloff hub with internal gears and the durable Gates carbon belt drive allows for easy cleaning with a hose or simply storing the bike as is, mud and all.

Embark on minimalist travel adventures with the Cross Lite as your bikepacking companion. Its agility and strength make it the perfect partner for exciting trips on unpaved tracks. Attach luggage to the frame and enjoy the freedom of setting up camp in the woods or sleeping under the stars.

If you’re planning a cycling holiday, the Cross Lite can be transformed into a touring bike to accommodate all your luggage needs. Add mudguards, opt for a fixed front fork suitable for lowrider racks, or mount the Santos Lite Rack XL specifically designed for 29ers. With these options, the Cross Lite becomes a capable and reliable touring companion.

Enjoy carefree riding and low maintenance with the reliable Rohloff hub. This internal gear hub, available in six colors, ensures smooth gear changes and durability for long distances. Paired with the Santos belt drive, which features fixed rear dropouts and extra strong CDX-EXP sprockets, the Cross Lite offers a silent and low-maintenance ride that will last for many kilometers.

Booda Bike Hiker

Best Gravel Bikes with Belt Drive (3)

The Booda Bike Hiker is purposefully designed for adventurous souls seeking thrilling rides on both gravel and asphalt terrains. With its exceptional features and innovative design, this bike stands out in the market.

The 11-speed gear hub model, equipped with the Alfine 11 system, is a true specialty that guarantees a seamless riding experience. The Schwalbe Allround Performance tubeless tires offer excellent traction on gravel surfaces while also performing admirably on asphalt.

The thoughtfully crafted geometry ensures a comfortable posture, even during long journeys. Notably, the Microshift Inter 11 shift lever adds a touch of sophistication to this exceptional bike.

The steel frame of the Booda Bike Hiker is meticulously designed to provide the perfect balance of flexibility and rigidity. It effectively dampens vibrations, offering a smooth and enjoyable ride, while maintaining the necessary stiffness for an enhanced riding experience.

The carbon fork further contributes to the bike’s comfort by minimizing the perception of bumps and unevenness, ensuring a pleasant and responsive front end.

Remarkably lightweight at approximately 11.5 kilograms, the Booda Bike Hiker offers the perfect combination of comfort and agility without compromising on functionality.

The modern technology employed in its construction ensures that you can enjoy a well-equipped, gear-changing bike without unnecessary weight, allowing for effortless maneuvering and reduced strain during your rides.

About The Author

codey

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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Best Gravel Bikes with Belt Drive (2025)

FAQs

Why aren't belt drive bikes more popular? ›

Disadvantages. Exotic - belt drive bikes are much less popular than standard chain constructions, so the availability of parts and frames is lower, and the price, as we already mentioned, higher. In the event of any malfunction, it'll be harder for us to get spare parts, especially on a bike trip.

What is the best frame type for a gravel bike? ›

Carbon frame

The most popular choice is a carbon gravel frame. These bikes are built very light and stiff.

Can gravel bikes really do it all? ›

With fatter tyres and bikepacking accessories, your Gravel Bike will quickly become a touring bike with which you can enjoy great tours. And if you install a rear rack and mudguards, your Gravel Bike becomes a practical everyday bike that you can use to go to the office or do your shopping.

Is belt drive bike better than chain? ›

Belt-drive bikes are also much quieter than chain-drive bikes, making for a more pleasant ride. These benefits make belt-drive bikes an ideal choice for commuters and casual riders: Practically maintenance-free. Lasts up to 3-5 times longer than chain drives.

What are three disadvantages of belt drives? ›

Disadvantages
  • Belt slippage can vary the velocity ratio.
  • They apply a heavy load on the bearings and shafts.
  • Finite speed range.
  • Short service life if not maintained well.
  • They need an idler pulley or some adjustment of center distance to compensate for belt stretching and wear.
Feb 8, 2022

What is the lifespan of a bike belt drive? ›

It's safe to say that a regularly cleaned belt should last at least 2-4 times as long as a chain would, for a lifespan of up to 30,000 km (19,000 mi). The sprockets on the rear cog that your belt sits in will also need to be replaced eventually.

Should I get a larger or smaller frame gravel bike? ›

The smaller frame is easier to move around beneath you. It will also make a more upright position more comfortable because you have more bend in your arms. Overall, for a gravel bike it's better to size down than up if you really are between sizes.

What are the limitations of a gravel bike? ›

Gravel bikes can be relatively slow. With the wider tyres and heavier frameset, it can be challenging to ride uphill (not as heavy as a mountain bike)

Should a gravel bike fit like a road bike? ›

A bike frame determines a rider's position. Road bike frames support an aggressive riding position with a shorter wheelbase and stack height and a larger head tube angle (71–74°). Gravel bike frames support an upright and relaxed position with a longer wheelbase, taller stack height, and slacker head angle (68–71°).

What is a good average speed on a gravel bike? ›

Although the average speed will depend on the rider's fitness and power, combined with how your gravel bike is built and designed, maintaining the 13mph to 15mph speed should be possible.

Should we all just buy gravel bikes? ›

While there may not be many gravel roads around your way, gravel bikes are great for a whole lot more than riding on actual gravel. Unless you're racing, a gravel bike could be the single bike you need as they are capable of riding almost everything, except very technical mountain bike trails.

Are hybrid bikes ok for gravel? ›

Primarily, however, hybrid bikes are designed for use on paved roads with a little gravel. While it can be used for off-road trails, it is mainly designed to be ridden leisurely. So you won't be using these bikes for extreme off-road trails.

What are the disadvantages of a belt drive bike? ›

This belt offers a number of advantages over traditional chains, including less maintenance and a cleaner operation. However, belt drive bikes also have drawbacks, such as a limited gear range (unless you're shopping with Hummingbird) and higher cost.

Should I buy a belt drive bike? ›

If low maintenance, durability, and a smooth, quiet ride are your priorities, a belt drive bike can be an excellent choice. However, if a wider gear range and lower cost are crucial factors, a chain-driven bike might be a more suitable option.

What is the most efficient belt drive? ›

Synchronous belts are the most efficient choice. However, notched belts may be a better choice when vibration damping is needed or shock loads cause abrupt torque changes that could shear a synchronous belt's teeth. Noise from synchronous belts might be objectionable in some applications.

Why is belt drive not used in bikes? ›

Belts drive bikes are less efficient than chain drive, not much, but some. More importantly, multi ratio belt drive requires internal hub gears. These are heavier and more limited in ratio range than derailleur bikes and more expensive.

What are the disadvantages of belt drive motorcycles? ›

Cons of Belt Drive Bikes
  • Compared to chain-sprocket systems, belt drive systems are more expensive to produce.
  • The power loss varies between 9 and 15 per cent, according to the system's setup, which is relatively high compared to chain drive systems.
  • In addition, belt drive systems do not need regular maintenance.
Jul 7, 2023

Why are belt drives less efficient? ›

Efficiency, Durability, Maintenance, and Noise

However, belt drives may be less efficient and durable than chain-driven systems due to the potential for slippage and the degradation of the belt material over time.

Why aren t sport bikes belt driven? ›

Belt drives are considerably more expensive to produce and replace. While these systems have many advantages, prepare to pay more right out of the gate. They aren't as common as chain drive systems.

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