Best Gravel Bikes Under £1,200 for Bikepacking

• Aluminium frame with gravel-focused geometry
• Mechanical or entry-level hydraulic disc brakes
• 1x or 2x drivetrains with wide climbing gears
• Tyre clearance for roughly 40mm to 45mm tyres
• Mounts for mudguards, racks and frame bags
• Tubeless-ready wheels on some better-value builds
• Flared handlebars for extra control on loose surfaces

• Heavy wheelsets that make climbing feel sluggish
• Basic mechanical disc brakes needing regular adjustment
• Cheap stock tyres with limited grip in wet conditions
• Limited tyre clearance on more road-focused gravel bikes
• Narrow handlebars reducing control on loose surfaces
• No mounting points for racks or extra bottle cages
• Budget saddles that become uncomfortable on longer rides
• Lower-quality bottom brackets and bearings wearing faster in winter conditions