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

A 1x drivetrain simplifies shifting by using a single chainring up front, making it a practical choice for gravel riding, commuting, and mixed-surface adventures.

These 10 selections include complete gravel bikes alongside drivetrain components and affordable drop-bar alternatives, so you can compare ready-to-ride options with upgrade paths.

Best 10 Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain Picks for 2026

Lightweight All-Terrain Pick – SAVADECK T800 Carbon U6000 Gravel Bike

For riders comparing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain options, this SAVADECK combines a lightweight T800 carbon frame and fork with Shimano U6000 components, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires. Note that the supplied specifications list a 22-speed drivetrain with a rear derailleur, so shoppers should verify the exact configuration if a 1x setup is essential.

Best For: Riders wanting a lightweight, versatile bike for paved roads, unpaved trails, commuting, and mixed-surface adventures.

Pros:

• Lightweight 10.4kg T800 carbon frame and fork
• Hydraulic disc brakes for consistent stopping power
• 700x40c tires provide traction across mixed surfaces
• Arrives 90% pre-assembled with tools included

Cons:

• Supplied details describe a 22-speed drivetrain rather than a confirmed 1x configuration
• Only one 51cm size is listed in the provided details

This is a strong value-oriented choice when low weight, wide tires, and hydraulic braking matter most. Confirm the drivetrain configuration and fit before ordering if you specifically need a 1x gravel bike.

Single-Ring Upgrade – SRAM Apex DUB 1x Crankset

The SRAM Apex DUB crankset is a focused component choice for riders building or upgrading gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. Its single 40-tooth chainring, X-SYNC retention, and wide chainline are designed for secure chain management and clearance around larger gravel tires.

Best For: Gravel and mountain riders assembling a compatible 1x drivetrain with a 40t direct-mount crankset.

Pros:

• Single-ring design simplifies the drivetrain and reduces weight
• Direct-mount X-SYNC chainring supports chain retention
• 47.5mm chainline accommodates larger gravel tires
• Compatible with 135mm, 142mm, and Boost rear hub spacings

Cons:

• It is a crankset, not a complete bicycle or drivetrain
• Compatibility with the bottom bracket and other drivetrain parts must be confirmed
• The supplied listing gives conflicting power-source information, so focus on the mechanical specifications

Choose this crankset when you want the simplicity of a 1x layout and need a wide gravel-oriented chainline. Check bottom-bracket, chainline, crank-length, and cassette compatibility before purchasing.

Carbon Adventure Bike – SAVADECK T800 GRX400 Gravel Bike

This SAVADECK is a lightweight carbon option for shoppers evaluating gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, offering a T800 carbon frame and fork, Shimano GRX400 components, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires. The supplied details identify a 20-speed drivetrain with front and rear derailleurs, so confirm the gearing before buying if you require a true 1x arrangement.

Best For: Road-and-trail riders seeking a lightweight carbon bike with hydraulic braking and stable 40mm tires.

Pros:

• 10.4kg T800 carbon frame and fork
• Shimano GRX400 shifting and hydraulic disc brakes
• 700x40c tires support stability on rough terrain
• Internal routing and tapered head tube aid clean handling and control

Cons:

• Supplied specifications describe a 20-speed, front-and-rear-derailleur setup rather than 1x
• Only a 51cm size is specified in the supplied details

This bike suits riders who want carbon construction and an adventure-ready setup for both roads and trails. Its listed drivetrain is not confirmed as 1x, so verify the configuration and sizing before placing an order.

Simple Drivetrain Component – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset

For riders selecting components for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems, the microSHIFT Sword Black crankset provides a dedicated single-chainring design with a 40-tooth ring and 50mm chainline. It uses a JIS square-taper interface and is intended for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups.

Best For: Riders building a microSHIFT Sword-compatible 1x gravel drivetrain around a 40t crankset.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for 1x drivetrain use
• 40t chainring suits a straightforward gravel setup
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring keep the construction practical
• Four-year manufacturer warranty is listed

Cons:

• 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings
• Best suited to Sword Black or Sword 1x groups rather than universal setups

This is a sensible choice for a focused microSHIFT Sword build, especially if you prefer a simple 40t crankset. Confirm the bottom-bracket standard, crank length, and group compatibility before buying.

Urban Speed Pick – Pipleo 21-Speed Road Bike

The Pipleo is primarily a road and commuter bike rather than a gravel bike with 1x drivetrain, since it uses a 21-speed drivetrain. Its aluminum frame, 700x28C tires, double-wall rims, and disc brakes make it suited to paved roads, city streets, and occasional light gravel use.

Best For: Adult commuters and recreational riders who want multiple gears, road-oriented tires, and disc brakes for urban riding.

Pros:

• Aluminum frame and 700x28C tires support lightweight, efficient road riding.
• Dual-disc brakes are designed for confident stopping in varied weather.
• Tool-free seat adjustment and 95% pre-assembly simplify setup and fit changes.

Cons:

• It does not have a 1x drivetrain; the listed setup has 21 speeds.
• Its 28C tires and road-bike design are less specialized for rough gravel than wider-tire bikes.

Choose this model if your riding is mostly paved but includes occasional compacted gravel or urban paths. Riders specifically seeking a simple 1x gravel setup should consider a dedicated gravel groupset or bike instead.

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

For shoppers comparing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain components, the microSHIFT Advent X kit is the most directly relevant option here. It includes a 10-speed right shifter/brake, rear derailleur, and wide-range 11-48T cassette for a simplified gravel or mountain-bike drivetrain build.

Best For: DIY builders and riders upgrading a compatible drop-bar bike who want a 1×10 setup with a wide-range cassette.

Pros:

• Provides a 1×10 drivetrain configuration with a 10-speed shifter and rear derailleur.
• The 11-48T cassette offers a broad listed gear range for climbs and varied terrain.
• Includes left and right brake levers, right shifting, cassette, and rear derailleur.

Cons:

• This is a groupset, not a complete gravel bike.
• The notes do not list a crankset, chain, or wheel components, so additional parts may be required.
• The supplied warranty description is limited to 100 days.

This is the clearest match for a 1x gravel drivetrain, but compatibility should be confirmed before purchase. Check that your frame, rear hub, braking setup, and remaining drivetrain parts work with the included components.

Versatile Road Alternative – HILAND 700C Aluminum Road Bike

The HILAND Alliance is a road bike listed for road, gravel, and commuting use, but it is not a gravel bike with 1x drivetrain. Its 14-speed derailleur setup, rigid aluminum frame, 700C wheels, and caliper brakes make it a road-focused option for riders who also use unpaved trails.

Best For: Riders wanting an affordable aluminum road bike for commuting, paved riding, and occasional gravel use with several frame-size options.

Pros:

• Lightweight aluminum frame is designed for daily commuting and sport riding.
• 700C wheels help reduce rolling resistance and roll over bumps efficiently.
• Available in S, M, and L sizes, with 85% pre-assembly and included tools.

Cons:

• It does not use a 1x drivetrain; the listed configuration has 14 speeds with front and rear derailleurs.
• Dual caliper brakes are less gravel-specific than disc brakes.
• The road-bike configuration may be less suitable for rough or technical gravel trails.

The HILAND can cover commuting and light gravel, especially for buyers who value sizing choices and easy assembly. For a simpler drivetrain and more gravel-focused control, look for a dedicated 1x gravel bike instead.

Focused 1x Upgrade – microSHIFT Sword Black 42t Crankset

microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset - 9/10-Speed, 42t, 110 Asym BCD, JIS Square Taper Spindle Interface, Black (Arm Length 175mm)

Check Price On Amazon

For riders building gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, the microSHIFT Sword Black crankset provides a dedicated 42-tooth chainring and a 50mm chainline. It is designed for Sword 1x groups and uses a JIS square-taper interface, with the compatible bottom bracket sold separately.

Best For: Gravel-bike builders using a compatible microSHIFT Sword 1x groupset.

Pros:

• Dedicated 42t 1x chainring
• 50mm chainline suits the specified setup
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD

Cons:

• Compatible 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings
• Designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups

This is a focused component rather than a complete drivetrain. Confirm your bottom-bracket dimensions, crank length, and Sword-group compatibility before purchasing.

Check Price On Amazon

Road-Oriented Alternative – Schwinn Volare 1300 14-Speed Road Bike

Schwinn Volare 1300 Road Bike, 700c Mens and Womens Bike, 14-Speed Drop Bar Road Bicycle, Aluminum Frame, Sport Tires, Fitness Seat, Alloy Caliper Brakes, Adult Bicycle

Check Price On Amazon

The Schwinn Volare 1300 is a complete 14-speed road bike, but it is not a gravel bike with 1x drivetrain: its supplied specifications identify a 14-speed setup and rear derailleur. It is better suited to paved-road riding than shoppers specifically seeking a 1x gravel configuration.

Best For: Adult riders seeking a road-focused bike for paved roads and fitness riding.

Pros:

• 14-speed drivetrain with A050 shifters and rear derailleur
• Lightweight aluminum frame and rigid alloy fork
• 700c wheels with 28c road tires
• Alloy caliper brakes

Cons:

• Not a 1x drivetrain; it is specified as a 14-speed bike
• Intended riding terrain is paved roads
• Listed fit range is approximately 5’8″ to 6’2″ with a 21-inch frame

Choose this model for straightforward road and fitness use, not as a direct match for a gravel-bike-with-1x-drivetrain buying brief. Its drop-bar design, rigid construction, and 28c tires point toward paved surfaces.

Check Price On Amazon

Square-Taper Sword Option – microSHIFT Sword Black 42t Crankset

microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset - 9/10-Speed, 42t, 110 Asym BCD, JIS Square Taper Spindle Interface, Black (Arm Length 172.5mm)

Check Price On Amazon

For gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain builds, this microSHIFT Sword Black crankset offers a 42-tooth ring, aluminum construction, and a 50mm chainline. The supplied details specify a JIS square-taper interface and compatibility with a 68x113mm bottom bracket, which is sold separately.

Best For: Adult riders assembling a 9-speed-compatible Sword 1x drivetrain for unpaved-trail use.

Pros:

• 42t chainring for a dedicated 1x setup
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD
• 50mm chainline

Cons:

• Bottom bracket is sold separately
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings
• Designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups

Its value depends on matching the crankset to the rest of the drivetrain and the specified bottom-bracket standard. Verify the 9/10-speed application, 172.5mm arm length, and JIS square-taper fit before ordering.

Check Price On Amazon

How We Picked These Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

We focused on the features that matter most on changing surfaces: drivetrain simplicity, usable gearing, hydraulic or dependable mechanical braking, tire clearance, frame material, and overall versatility. The selection includes complete bikes and compatible 1x components because riders may be shopping either for a new bicycle or for a drivetrain upgrade.

Product specifications should be checked carefully before purchase. Some listed bikes use 1x systems, while others are included as budget road or commuter alternatives that may require conversion or may suit riders who prioritize paved-road performance.

Quick Comparison

What to compare	Best suited for
Complete carbon gravel bike	Lower weight and mixed-surface riding
Complete aluminum road or commuter bike	Fitness, commuting, and paved roads
1x crankset	Replacing or simplifying an existing drivetrain
1x groupset	A broader component upgrade project

Key Buying Factors for Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

Gear Range

Look at both the chainring size and the cassette range. A smaller chainring or wide-range cassette makes steep climbs easier, while a larger chainring can improve speed on pavement. Ten or more closely spaced gears may feel smoother on rolling roads, but a simpler nine-speed setup can be economical and durable.

Brakes and Tire Clearance

Hydraulic disc brakes generally provide stronger modulation and better control in wet or gritty conditions. For true gravel use, check whether the frame accepts tires around 40mm or wider, and confirm clearance with the wheels and fenders you plan to use.

Fit, Frame, and Compatibility

Carbon can reduce weight and vibration, while aluminum usually offers strong value and straightforward maintenance. Confirm frame size, axle standards, bottom-bracket type, chainline, cassette compatibility, and shifter-to-derailleur compatibility before buying a component. A crankset alone is not a complete drivetrain.

Ride Position and Equipment

Drop bars offer multiple hand positions for longer rides, but fit matters more than handlebar style. Check saddle comfort, gearing controls, wheel size, included pedals, and whether the bike arrives assembled or needs professional setup.

Who Should Buy Which Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain?

Choose a complete carbon gravel bike if you want a lighter, ready-to-ride platform for long mixed-surface rides. An aluminum road or commuter model is more appropriate for fitness rides, daily transportation, and mostly smooth pavement. Choose a 1x groupset when you are planning a comprehensive drivetrain replacement and need matched shifting components. A standalone crankset makes sense when the rest of your drivetrain is compatible and you only need to change gearing or simplify the front end.

Before ordering, verify the exact drivetrain configuration, included parts, sizing chart, and return policy. Proper setup and adjustment are especially important for reliable shifting and safe braking on rough terrain.