10 Best Gravel Bikes With 1x Drivetrains in 2026 for Simple, Capable Riding

A 1x drivetrain can make gravel riding simpler by removing the front derailleur while still providing useful range for pavement, dirt roads, and moderate climbs.

This roundup includes complete bikes plus compatible drivetrain components, giving you options whether you want a ready-to-ride setup or are upgrading an existing frame.

Best 10 Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain Picks for 2026

Lightweight All-Terrain Pick – SAVADECK Carbon Gravel Bike

For riders comparing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain options, this SAVADECK model offers a lightweight carbon frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires for mixed road and trail use. Note that the supplied specifications list a 22-speed drivetrain with a rear derailleur, so verify the configuration before buying if a true 1x setup is essential.

Best For: Riders wanting a lightweight carbon gravel bike for paved roads, unpaved trails, commuting, and general adventure riding.

Pros:

• T800 carbon frame and fork with a stated weight of 10.4kg.
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power.
• 700x40c tires offer added traction across mixed surfaces.
• Arrives 90% pre-assembled with tools included.

Cons:

• Supplied details identify a 22-speed drivetrain rather than a confirmed 1x configuration.
• Only a 51cm size is specified in the supplied details.

This is a strong value-oriented choice when low weight, wide tires, and hydraulic braking matter most. Confirm the drivetrain layout and fit before purchase, particularly if you are specifically shopping for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups.

1x Crankset Upgrade – SRAM Apex DUB Crankset

The SRAM Apex DUB crankset is a component option for riders building or upgrading gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. Its single-ring design reduces complexity, while the 40-tooth direct-mount chainring and wide chainline are aimed at gravel and mountain-bike compatibility.

Best For: Gravel riders and bike builders seeking a single-ring crankset with chain retention and clearance for larger tires.

Pros:

• Single-ring layout simplifies drivetrain function and reduces weight.
• Direct-mount X-SYNC chainring supports chain retention.
• 47.5mm chainline accommodates larger gravel tires.
• Aluminum crankarms and DUB spindle are designed for durability.

Cons:

• This is a crankset only, not a complete drivetrain or bicycle.
• Compatibility depends on crank length, bottom bracket, chainline, and rear hub spacing.
• The supplied listing includes unusual specifications, so confirm fitment before ordering.

For a compatible build, this Apex crankset is a practical foundation for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups. Check the 165mm length, 40-tooth ring, bottom bracket standard, and frame clearances carefully before purchase.

Carbon Adventure Bike – SAVADECK GRX400 Gravel Bike

This SAVADECK carbon bike combines a 10.4kg T800 frame and fork with Shimano GRX400 shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires. It is worth noting that the supplied specifications describe a 20-speed front-and-rear derailleur system, not a confirmed 1x drivetrain, so shoppers should verify the configuration against their needs.

Best For: Riders seeking a lightweight carbon bike for road riding, gravel routes, and longer off-road adventures.

Pros:

• Lightweight T800 carbon frame and fork.
• Shimano GRX400 components are designed for gravel use.
• Hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable control in varied conditions.
• 700x40c tires provide stability and traction on rough terrain.

Cons:

• Supplied details list a 20-speed front-and-rear derailleur drivetrain rather than a confirmed 1x setup.
• The listed 51cm size may not suit every rider.
• Setup requires final assembly despite including a tool kit.

This model makes sense for riders prioritizing carbon-frame weight, GRX components, and hydraulic braking over a specifically confirmed 1x layout. Verify drivetrain configuration and sizing before choosing it among gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain options.

Simple 1x Replacement – microSHIFT Sword Black Crankset

The microSHIFT Sword Black crankset is a straightforward component for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. It uses a 40-tooth chainring, aluminum construction, and a JIS square-taper interface, making it suitable for a compatible Sword 1x or Sword Black build rather than a universal drop-in upgrade.

Best For: Riders replacing or assembling a compatible microSHIFT Sword 1x drivetrain.

Pros:

• Purpose-built single-chainring design for 1x drivetrains.
• 40-tooth chainring suits a range of gravel gearing needs.
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring keep the construction practical.
• Four-year manufacturer warranty is listed.

Cons:

• Compatible bottom bracket is sold separately.
• Limited to Sword Black or Sword 1x groups and not compatible with 2x chainrings.
• JIS square-taper interface requires careful compatibility checking.

This is a focused, no-frills choice for maintaining or completing a compatible 1x gravel setup. Confirm the 170mm arm length, 50mm chainline, 68x113mm bottom-bracket requirement, and groupset compatibility before ordering.

Budget Road-Gravel Crossover – HILAND 700C 14-Speed Road Bike

The HILAND 700C is a practical option for shoppers considering gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain alternatives, though this model uses a conventional 14-speed front-and-rear derailleur setup rather than a 1x system. Its aluminum frame, rigid design, and 700C wheels suit commuting, paved roads, and lighter unpaved riding.

Best For: Commuters and recreational riders who want an affordable, multi-speed road bike for paved roads and occasional gravel paths.

Pros:

• Lightweight, stiff, and durable aluminum frame.
• 700C wheels help reduce rolling resistance and handle bumps more easily.
• Available in three sizes and shipped 85% pre-assembled with tools.

Cons:

• Uses dual caliper brakes rather than disc brakes.
• It is not a 1x drivetrain; the derailleur configuration is front and rear.
• Its stated use is better suited to roads and lighter unpaved trails than demanding gravel terrain.

This is a sensible value-oriented choice when low weight, multiple gears, and efficient road performance matter more than a dedicated 1x gravel setup or hydraulic braking.

1x Drivetrain Upgrade – microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 Groupset

For riders specifically searching for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain components, the microSHIFT Advent X kit is the most directly relevant product here. It is a 1×10 groupset with a wide-range 11-48T cassette, rear derailleur, right-side shifter/brake, and left brake lever for a simplified gravel or mountain-bike setup.

Best For: Riders building or converting a compatible bike to a wide-range 1×10 drivetrain for gravel and off-road use.

Pros:

• Purpose-built 1×10 configuration simplifies shifting and cockpit controls.
• 11-48T cassette provides a broad gearing range for varied terrain.
• Includes the shifter/brake components, cassette, and rear derailleur.

Cons:

• This is a groupset kit, not a complete bicycle.
• The listing specifies an OEM package without retail packaging.
• Compatibility with a particular frame, wheel, crankset, and brake system should be confirmed before purchase.

Among these products, this is the clearest match for a 1x gravel build. Its wide-range cassette favors versatility, but buyers should verify component compatibility because the supplied listing does not include a complete bike or every drivetrain part.

Lightweight Performance Alternative – SAVADECK A7L Carbon Road Bike

The SAVADECK A7L is a lightweight carbon road bike for riders comparing performance-oriented options with gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups. However, it uses a 24-speed double drivetrain and narrow 700x25C tires, so its design is focused on paved-road speed rather than dedicated gravel versatility.

Best For: Road-focused riders who prioritize low weight, aerodynamic design, carbon construction, and hydraulic disc braking.

Pros:

• T800 carbon frame, fork, seatpost, and carbon wheels keep the claimed weight to 8.9 kg.
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping power.
• Shimano 105 R7100 24-speed groupset and fully internal cable routing support performance road riding.

Cons:

• It is not a 1x drivetrain; the supplied details specify a double setup.
• 700x25C tires are narrower and more road-oriented than typical gravel tires.
• The listed intended terrain is paved roads rather than unpaved trails.

This bike makes sense as a fast, lightweight road alternative, not as a direct 1x gravel choice. Its carbon construction and hydraulic brakes are appealing, but the double gearing and 25C tires limit its fit for rougher gravel riding.

Balanced Trail Gearing – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset 40T

For riders choosing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, this microSHIFT Sword Black crankset pairs a 40-tooth chainring with a 50mm chainline. It is designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups and uses a JIS square-taper interface.

Best For: Gravel riders who want a moderate 40T chainring for paved roads and unpaved trails.

Pros:

• 40T aluminum chainring and crank arms
• 50mm chainline suits the listed Sword 1x setup
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD
• 175mm crank arm length

Cons:

• 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings

The 40T configuration offers a practical middle ground for mixed-surface riding. Confirm your bottom-bracket specification, crank length, and Sword drivetrain compatibility before ordering.

Higher-Gear Gravel Setup – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset 42T

For gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain builds, this Sword Black crankset provides a 42-tooth chainring, aluminum construction, and a 50mm chainline. It is intended for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups and uses a JIS square-taper spindle interface.

Best For: Riders seeking a 42T option for unpaved-trail riding with 175mm crank arms.

Pros:

• 42T aluminum chainring and crank arms
• Designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD
• 50mm chainline

Cons:

• Compatible 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings

The 42T ring emphasizes a higher gearing choice within the listed Sword 1x ecosystem. Check drivetrain compatibility and the required bottom-bracket dimensions before installation.

Compact Crank Length – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset 42T

This 42-tooth Sword Black crankset is a component option for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. It combines aluminum crank arms and chainring construction with a 50mm chainline, while the 172.5mm arm length offers a distinct fit choice.

Best For: Gravel riders who want a 42T chainring with 172.5mm crank arms for unpaved trails.

Pros:

• 42T aluminum chainring and crank arms
• 172.5mm crank arm length
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD
• Designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups

Cons:

• 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings

This version is primarily distinguished by its 172.5mm crank length, making fit verification especially important. Confirm your bottom bracket and Sword 1x compatibility before purchase.

How We Picked the Best Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

We focused on drivetrain design, gearing range, braking, frame material, tire clearance, and overall suitability for mixed-surface riding. Complete bikes were considered for their integrated value and practicality, while cranksets and groupsets were evaluated as upgrade options. Because the selection includes both gravel-specific products and road-oriented models, check each listing carefully for wheel, tire, derailleur, bottom-bracket, and compatibility details.

Quick Comparison

• Complete carbon gravel bikes: Best for riders who want a lightweight, ready-to-ride package with hydraulic disc brakes and wide tires.
• Aluminum road bikes: A practical choice for paved roads and light gravel, but verify tire clearance and drivetrain configuration before buying.
• 1x cranksets: Useful for replacing a worn crank or converting a compatible bike to a simpler setup.
• 1x groupsets: A broader upgrade path when you need a matching shifter, derailleur, cassette, and crankset rather than one replacement part.

Key Buying Factors for Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

Gear Range

Look at the cassette’s largest cog as well as the chainring size. A smaller chainring or wide-range cassette makes steep climbs easier, while a larger chainring can provide more comfortable high-speed riding on pavement. An 11-speed system may offer closer ratios; a 10-speed setup can be simpler and less expensive.

Frame, Fork, and Tire Clearance

Carbon can reduce weight and add compliance, while aluminum typically offers strong value and durability. For mixed terrain, prioritize clearance for roughly 40mm tires or wider when supported. Confirm the actual clearance, axle standards, and wheel size before purchasing.

Brakes and Fit

Hydraulic disc brakes generally provide stronger modulation and better control in wet or steep conditions than mechanical systems. Fit remains just as important: compare the manufacturer’s geometry and size chart with your height, reach preference, and intended riding position.

Compatibility

For component purchases, verify the freehub body, cassette range, chainline, bottom-bracket standard, crank interface, derailleur capacity, and shifter compatibility. Square-taper cranksets, for example, require the correct spindle interface and bottom-bracket length.

Who Should Buy Which Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain?

Choose a complete carbon gravel bike if you want to start riding immediately and value lower weight, wide tires, and hydraulic braking. An aluminum road bike is better suited to commuters and fitness riders who spend most of their time on pavement. Select a crankset when your existing shifters and derailleur are compatible and you only need to alter gearing or replace the crank. Choose a complete 1x groupset when planning a more substantial conversion or build, especially if your current components are mixed, worn, or incompatible.