We have already shown you what really caught our eye from this years's Eurobike show for e-MTB and MTB, so here’s what peaked our interest gravel-wise. You could easily think it's just a show for electric bikes these days, but there was still plenty of tech for the pedal-powered fans out there, too.
1. Buffalo S2 WBR two-speed bike
The latest Buffalo bike could well be the most important gravel model at the show. It's a long way from the sort of bikes you find at events like Unbound, but considering it's designed to be used on rough and sandy surfaces for mile after mile, I think it fits well within the same spirit. The bike is part of World Bicycle Relief, a not-for-profit charity set up by one of the SRAM founders back in 2005, that aims improve lives in sub-Saharan Africa by getting people onto bikes which will make their daily tasks easier.
The original Buffalo is a fantastic success story, with nearly 800,000 bikes being made and sold to communities in Southern Africa, but its single-speed setup limited the terrain in which it could be used. The Buffalo S2 solves this with a very clever and seriously robust system that uses two chainrings and two freewheels connected by a shift ring. Changing gear is done by backpedaling half a revolution, so there's no need for a derailleur or any cables, which makes it easy to look after and ideally suited to the rough roads it will encounter. It’s also designed to be repaired as easily as possible with basic tools.
For more info and to donate to the fund, check out worldbicyclerelief.org
2. Classified and TRP Vistar 16-speed electronic groupset
Classified probably had some of the biggest news in the drop bar world at Eurobike with the introduction of its 16-speed electronic groupset in conjunction with TRP. Don't panic though, as that doesn't mean there's a new 16-speed cassette. Riders control the gears with one shifter that uses a combination of the seamless 2-speed hub shifting with a wireless 12-speed rear derailleur. That gives 16 individual gears operable from a single shift lever with no overlapping gear ratios.
We have tested the Classified system and have been impressed with its operation, especially on the Ridley Kanzo Adventure, as it had the shift function integrated into a GRX Di2 lever. This update now means there are more build options for bike suppliers, and the automated shifting makes it even easier to use on the trail.
For more info, check out Classified-cycling.cc
3. K-Edge 1x Race W gravel chain device
Fresh from the latest Unbound gravel event, K-Edge had this neat-looking chain device on display. As some gravel courses get gnarlier, the need for better chain retention arises. That's easy if you have a front mech tab, but many bikes are now 1x specific to enable bigger tire clearances and still keep chainstays short, which leaves no mounting point for a chain guide. That's where the latest guide from K-Edge comes in.
Using frame bottle cage bosses, the brand has designed a chain guide that should fit pretty much everything. It's super adjustable and comes with all the bits you need to fine-tune it for your specific setup. The guide itself is also angled with the frame side guide plate being longer, which means should your chain come off the ring, you can still backpedal to re-seat it without dropping the chain and having to get off, which is handy for those racing.
4. Passoni Cicloprato custom-built Titanium bike
I should admit that a Passoni has long been at the top of my lottery win list of dream bikes, so I felt I had to include the brand here as I spent way too long at the stand admiring the bikes and discussing my other favorite thing – Italian cuisine. The Italian custom masters' latest gravel offering, the Cicloprato, was no exception. With near-endless custom build possibilities and beautiful finishes all hand-built at their Lake Como base, the bikes are real head-turners, though builds start at €7,599.
5. Bulls 3D-printed Mache-Ti bike
At the other end of the titanium spectrum was this futuristic-looking Mache-Ti gravel bike from German brand Bulls, which uses polished 3D-printed sections and regular straight tubes. The bike is almost at odds with the rest of the enormous range of e-MTB and MTB bikes they had on display, but they have made great use of the tech to create a very modern-looking machine and have even gone for a full titanium fork to match.
It also looked very good value compared to other bikes using similar tech I've seen. At €5,999 with an SRAM AXS groupset and carbon wheels, the Mache-Ti is a bike we would love to get some miles on to see how the modern tech equates on the trail.
6. Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
We tested the original Giant Revolt Advanced back in 2022, and the brand announced the latest version at the show. It shares many of the features from the previous incarnation but has added additional frame storage options, plus finishing kit like the SLR XR D-Fuse carbon handlebar and D-Fuse SLR seatpost that add more compliance.
It looks like they have addressed the issues Guy Kesteven found when testing, too, with the option for a longer wheelbase with its flip-chip at the rear dropout for more controlled handling and some proper off-road rubber. The Revolt is still sticking with front mechs though. The Revolt Advanced Pro 1 costs $5,800 / £4,899.
7. ERE research GT25 wheels
We tested the ERE Research Tenaci GA40 wheels last year and loved its comfort and floaty feel on rough trails, thanks to its large box section rim. Their latest carbon wheelset aims to combine many of its features with a lighter, shallower, 25mm deep rim.
It still retains the 26mm internal rim width, ratchet hubs, and Sapim spokes, but these will be nearly 200g lighter, which will make a difference on climbs and accelerations. We look forward to getting a set of these out on the trail soon.
8. Shimano S-Phyre SH-XC903 XC9 shoe
Shimano’s latest top-of-the-range XC shoe is a lightweight race option with a double Boa setup and features such as a lock-down heel to keep the shoe secure and light. It's also got a grippy enough outsole for when you need to get off and run. Though billed as an XC race shoe, I think these would make a great gravel race shoe too. I've been a long-time user of the road equivalent of these and think the super supportive heel cup and roomy fit would be great for long off-road rides as well as frantic XC racing.
They come in three colors and are a wide-fit version. Like other Shimano shoes, there should be plenty of room in the toe box too.
9. Deuter Rogla 5 lightweight hydration backpack
Deuter has been making backpacks for over 125 years and they had some great stuff on show. We have reviewed some of their more MTB-focused packs before, like the Attack 20, and loved the high quality and useful features, and the latest Rogla 5 looks like it continues in the same vein.
Using lots of tech from their trail running range, the Rogla 5 is a lightweight, close-fitting rucksack that looks perfect for gravel use. It has a 2-litre bladder and enough storage space for essentials. There are also some very neat wide pockets on the shoulder straps that are perfect for storing snacks and items you need to get quickly, like your phone or money. There's even the possibility of fitting a filter to the bladder for those riding in areas where shops are limited and you need to access water from potentially iffy sources. Lightweight packs are gaining in popularity in gravel events, and the Rogla 5 looks like it could be just the thing for an adventure ride.
