Buying a road gravel bike means balancing how much you want to spend against the frame material, drivetrain, and condition you are willing to accept. The four bikes in this comparison take very different approaches: one is a new aluminum-framed machine, two are 2023 carbon demo models, and one is a used carbon bike. Knowing which of those trade-offs matters most to you will make the choice much easier.
Quick Take
From the new Bombtrack Tension 2 to the 2023 carbon demo models from Bianchi and Cervelo, this group spans a wide range of budgets and build philosophies. The Raleigh RXC sits in between as a used carbon bike. To simplify the choice: the Bombtrack is the new bike, the Raleigh is the larger used carbon option, the Bianchi is the smaller demo, and the Cervelo is the other demo.
Price Comparison
| Model | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Bombtrack Tension 2 Gravel Bike 700C Aluminum Frame & Carbon Fork, Rival 1 | USD 1,085.65 | |
| Used Raleigh RXC, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike, 56cm | USD 1,499.00 | |
| Demo Bianchi Arcadex, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike - 2023, Small | USD 2,499.00 | |
| Demo Cervelo Aspero, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike - 2023, 54cm | USD 3,599.00 |
Decision Matrix
| If This Sounds Like You | Look At |
|---|---|
| You want a new bike with a 1x11 drivetrain and a carbon fork | Bombtrack Tension 2 |
| You want a used carbon frame with SRAM 2x10 shifting | Used Raleigh RXC |
| You prefer Shimano GRX 810 in a 1x11 setup and a smaller frame size | Demo Bianchi Arcadex |
| You want a 2023 carbon frame with Shimano GRX 2x10 and hydraulic discs | Demo Cervelo Aspero |
| You are open to used bikes and want a carbon chassis | Used Raleigh RXC, Demo Bianchi Arcadex, or Demo Cervelo Aspero |
| You want hydraulic disc brakes without a front derailleur | Demo Bianchi Arcadex or Bombtrack Tension 2 |
Product Notes
Used Raleigh RXC, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike, 56cm
The Raleigh RXC is a used carbon bike that shows light cosmetic wear but has been professionally tuned and fitted with a new chain. Its 56cm frame is sized for riders around 5'9" to 5'11", and the build includes SRAM Apex shifters, a SRAM Rival rear derailleur, and an FSA Gossamer crankset. The 700x38c Schwalbe tires are suitable for gravel and cyclocross surfaces. The main limitation is the age: it's a 2013 model, so you are accepting older components and some cosmetic wear. If you want a carbon frame and don't mind a used bike, this is a solid candidate.
Demo Cervelo Aspero, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike - 2023, 54cm
The Cervelo Aspero is a 2023 demo model with a carbon fiber frame and a Shimano GRX RX400 drivetrain in a 2x10 layout. Hydraulic disc brakes are part of the build, and the 54cm frame targets riders about 5'6" to 5'10". The crankset uses a 46/30t setup, which gives a useful gear range for climbing and mixed terrain. The reason to choose it is the completeness of the package: 2023 carbon, threaded bottom bracket, and consistent Shimano GRX components. The limitation is that it's a used demo, and the RX400 group is one step below the RX810 group on the Bianchi. If you want a 2023 carbon gravel bike with hydraulic brakes and 2x10 shifting, this is a strong pick.
Demo Bianchi Arcadex, Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike - 2023, Small
This Bianchi Arcadex pairs a carbon fiber frame with a Shimano GRX RX810 1x11 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. The 40t chainring and 11-42t cassette offer a wide range without a front derailleur, and the wheels are tubeless compatible. The Small size fits riders around 5'4" to 5'8", making it one of the better options for shorter riders in the group. The trade-off is the used-demo condition plus a press-fit bottom bracket, which can be more involved to service than a threaded shell. If a 1x11 setup with high-spec GRX brakes appeals to you, this bike balances capability with a mid-level investment.
Bombtrack Tension 2 Gravel Bike 700C Aluminum Frame & Carbon Fork, Rival 1
The Bombtrack Tension 2 is the only new bike in this group and the only one with an aluminum frame, which makes it a practical entry point into gravel riding. The full carbon fork is paired with the frame, and the SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain provides 1x11 shifting with a clutch rear derailleur. The T47 threaded bottom bracket is a maintenance-friendly detail, and the wheels are Hunt 4 Season. The limitation is that the aluminum frame is not carbon like the other three, and the 1x11 setup has no front derailleur. Riders who want a traditional 2x road-style double will need to look elsewhere. For a new, straightforward bike that can handle mixed surfaces, this one is a practical choice.
Final Recommendation
To sum it up: the Bombtrack Tension 2 is the straightforward new-bike choice, the Raleigh RXC is the entry into carbon on a limited budget, the Bianchi Arcadex is the sweet spot for 1x11 riders who want GRX 810, and the Cervelo Aspero is the full 2x10 hydraulic package if the budget allows.
