Buying guide · By the Stajvelo atelier, Monaco · Updated October 2026
The short answer. If most of your riding is on tarmac with some gravel along the way, choose an all-road bike with 35 to 42 mm tyres. If you ride mostly on gravel and rough tracks, or carry luggage for several days, choose a gravel bike with 45 mm tyres and mounting points. If you want to climb more, ride longer or keep pace with stronger friends, consider an electric gravel bike.
For the frame, carbon gives you lower weight and more comfort over long distances, while aluminium costs less to produce. Today, a well-built carbon bike no longer has to cost a fortune: our carbon all-road bike starts at €4,699.
- All-road Mostly tarmac, some gravel. Tyres from 35 to 42 mm, a lively road-like geometry.
- Gravel Mostly tracks and bikepacking. Tyres of 45 mm and more, many mounting points.
- Electric gravel Discreet assistance for big climbs and long days. Heavier and more expensive.
- Carbon Frame often under 1.1 kg. More comfort and less fatigue on long rides.
- Aluminium Frame often 1.4 to 1.7 kg. Lower cost, firmer ride.
Gravel or all-road: what is the difference?
Both bikes look alike. The difference lies in where they feel most at home.
In practice: an all-road bike is the better choice for most riders who already enjoy the road and want the freedom to leave it. A pure gravel bike makes sense if the tarmac is only the way to the trails.
Carbon or aluminium?
Both materials make good bikes. They do not make the same bike.
Our view: on long rides, the difference you feel is not only weight. It is how fresh you are after four or five hours. That is where a good carbon frame earns its price. Aluminium remains a sensible choice for a tight budget or for very rough, utility use.
Electric or not?
An electric gravel bike does not replace the effort. It extends it. The assistance flattens the steepest climbs and lets you ride further, while you keep pedalling and feeling the terrain.
Our view: on the Riviera, where every ride starts with a climb, an electric gravel bike makes sense for many riders. Choose a motor that stays natural and discreet: it should feel like stronger legs, not like a scooter.
Five questions to ask before you buy
1
Where will you ride most of the time?
Be honest about the share of tarmac and gravel, and about the climbs. It decides between all-road, gravel and electric gravel more than anything else.
2
How wide do your tyres need to be?
Check the maximum tyre clearance. Around 40 mm covers most mixed riding; 45 mm and more is for rough terrain.
3
Will you carry luggage?
If bikepacking is part of the plan, look for mounting points on the frame and fork.
4
Mechanical or electronic shifting?
Mechanical groupsets are reliable, affordable and easy to service anywhere. Electronic shifting is more precise and needs almost no adjustment, at a higher price.
5
Can you try it, and who will service it?
A test ride tells you more than any specification sheet. A workshop that knows your bike, and its motor if it has one, matters just as much over the years.
Our three answers
All three are designed in Monaco and assembled in our atelier, where every bike is set up before it leaves.
Carbon all-road
Rocchetta
7.9 kg in its Shimano Ultegra Di2 build, available with or without mounts. Seven groupsets, from Shimano GRX 610 at €4,699 to Ultegra Di2 at €6,299. France's leading gravel media named it its favourite bike of the year.
Carbon gravel
Roca
A full carbon frame built for rough tracks and long adventures, with Campagnolo Shamal carbon wheels. The final series of the current generation is available at €3,999, from XS to XL.
Carbon electric gravel
Nomades Gravel
A carbon frame and fork with a natural, progressive Polini EP3+ Evo motor, wireless SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1x12 and 45 mm Hutchinson Touareg tyres. Built for the climbs above Monaco and the long days beyond. From €6,499.
Independent reviews
Do not take our word for it. These are the full tests published by independent media.
- Rocchetta test, rated 4.7/5 and named favourite bike of the year Gravel Passion · FR
- Rocchetta test: more all-road than pure gravel Matos vélo · FR
- Roca test, rated 4.5/5 Gravel Passion · FR
- All our press coverage Stajvelo
Frequently asked questions
Is a carbon gravel bike worth it?
If you ride often and for long, yes. A good carbon frame is lighter and filters more vibration, which means less fatigue after several hours. For occasional rides on a tight budget, a well-built aluminium bike is a reasonable alternative.
Can I ride an all-road bike on gravel?
Yes. With tyres between 35 and 42 mm, an all-road bike handles gravel roads, forest tracks and broken tarmac with ease. Only very technical or muddy terrain calls for a dedicated gravel bike.
Is an electric gravel bike worth it?
Yes, if your rides include long or steep climbs, if you want to ride further, or if you ride with stronger friends. A well-balanced electric gravel bike keeps the feel of a real bike while making mountain terrain accessible. If you mainly ride flat routes and value low weight above all, a non-electric gravel bike remains the purer choice.
Is carbon fragile on gravel?
No. Modern carbon frames are designed for off-road use and are very strong in normal riding. After a hard impact, have the frame inspected. Unlike a dented aluminium tube, carbon can usually be repaired by a specialist.
What should I look for in a carbon all-road bike under €5,000?
A frame under 1.1 kg, tyre clearance of at least 40 mm, a reliable groupset such as Shimano GRX, and a real after-sales service. The Stajvelo Rocchetta in Shimano GRX 610 at €4,699 meets all four.
Mechanical or electronic groupset for gravel?
Mechanical if you value simplicity and want to service your bike anywhere. Electronic if you want instant, consistent shifting with almost no maintenance. Both are excellent on gravel today.
Where can I test ride a gravel bike near Monaco?
At the Stajvelo showroom in Monaco, with or without assistance. We take you out on the roads and tracks above the Principality, so you can feel the difference for yourself. Book a test ride.
Still unsure?
Tell us where and how you ride, and we will recommend the right bike and the right build, without pressure.
Stajvelo is a premium bicycle brand from Monaco, designing road, gravel and electric bikes since 2016. Every bike is assembled and set up in our atelier in Fontvieille, Monaco.