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

A 1x drivetrain can make gravel riding simpler by eliminating front shifting while keeping controls clean and gear changes intuitive. The best setup depends on terrain, climbing demands, tire clearance, and whether you are choosing a complete bike or upgrading components.

We compare 10 selected gravel bikes and 1x drivetrain options, including carbon gravel bikes, complete groupsets, and replacement cranksets, to help you match gearing and equipment to your riding goals.

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 setups, this SAVADECK combines a lightweight T800 carbon frame with a Shimano U6000 11-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires. Its upright geometry and mostly assembled delivery make it practical for mixed-surface riding and commuting.

Best For: Riders seeking a lightweight carbon gravel bike for paved roads, unpaved trails, and all-weather control.

Pros:

• 10.4kg T800 carbon frame and fork
• Shimano U6000 11-speed components
• Hydraulic disc brakes and 700x40c tires
• Arrives 90% pre-assembled with tools

Cons:

• The supplied specifications list 22 speeds, so drivetrain configuration should be verified before purchase.
• Only a 51cm size is specified in the supplied details.

This is a feature-rich option for riders who value low weight, hydraulic braking, and wide tires. Confirm the drivetrain setup and frame fit before ordering.

1x Drivetrain Upgrade – microSHIFT Sword Black Crankset

This microSHIFT Sword Black crankset is a component option for building or servicing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. It uses a 40-tooth chainring, a 110mm asymmetric BCD, and a JIS square-taper interface, making bottom-bracket compatibility the key buying consideration.

Best For: Riders upgrading a compatible 9- or 10-speed Sword 1x setup with a 40T crankset.

Pros:

• Designed for microSHIFT Sword Black or Sword 1x groups
• 40T chainring with a 50mm chainline
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring
• Four-year manufacturer warranty listed

Cons:

• Bottom bracket is sold separately.
• Uses a JIS square-taper interface, limiting compatibility with some setups.
• Not compatible with 2x chainrings.

This crankset makes sense when its interface, chainline, and speed range match your existing drivetrain. Check the bottom-bracket specification before purchasing.

Carbon Adventure Bike – SAVADECK GRX400 Gravel Bike

Although this SAVADECK uses a 2x Shimano GRX400 setup rather than a 1x drivetrain, it is a useful comparison for shoppers evaluating gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain layouts. The bike pairs a 10.4kg T800 carbon frame with hydraulic brakes, 700x40c tires, and gearing suited to road and off-road riding.

Best For: Riders who want a lightweight carbon gravel bike with broader 2x gearing for paved roads and trails.

Pros:

• Lightweight 10.4kg T800 carbon frame and fork
• Shimano GRX400 shift levers and derailleurs
• Shimano RX400 hydraulic disc brakes
• 700x40c tires for mixed terrain

Cons:

• This is a 20-speed 2x drivetrain, not a 1x configuration.
• Only a 51cm frame size is specified in the supplied details.

Choose this model if a 2x system’s wider gear selection better matches your routes. Riders specifically committed to a 1x drivetrain should look elsewhere or confirm conversion options first.

Flexible 1x Conversion – microSHIFT Sword 1x Crankset

This microSHIFT Sword crankset is designed for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain builds and offers a 40-tooth chainring with a 50mm chainline. Its 170mm arms and 24mm Hollowtech II spindle support many aftermarket bottom brackets, while the design can be converted to 2x with compatible Sword chainrings.

Best For: Riders assembling or updating a 10-speed Sword 1x gravel drivetrain who want future 2x flexibility.

Pros:

• 40T chainring for 10-speed 1x setups
• 24mm Hollowtech II spindle
• 50mm chainline suits listed road-disc and MTB hub spacing
• Can convert to 2x with Sword chainrings

Cons:

• Bottom-bracket compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.
• The supplied listing contains inconsistent generic specifications, including suspension and wheel measurements.
• 170mm crank length may not suit every rider.

This is the more adaptable of the two Sword crankset options, particularly for builders who may later change to 2x. Verify the spindle, crank length, and chainline against your frame and bottom bracket.

Best 1×12 Gravel Groupset – LTWOO GRT Mechanical System

For riders upgrading gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, the LTWOO GRT provides a complete mechanical 1×12 shifting system with paired shifters and a rear derailleur. Its aluminum construction, ergonomic controls, and chain-retention design are aimed at mixed terrain and rough gravel riding.

Best For: Riders seeking a cost-effective 1×12 mechanical upgrade for gravel, cyclocross, or off-road bikes.

Pros:

• Complete 1×12 system with left and right shifters plus rear derailleur
• Aluminum alloy construction balances weight and rigidity
• Designed for stable chain retention on bumpy terrain
• Simple mechanical setup and maintenance

Cons:

• Includes shifters and derailleurs rather than a complete drivetrain
• Requires compatibility checks with the rest of the bike’s 12-speed components

This is a practical choice when you want a dedicated 1×12 gravel shifting upgrade without moving to an electronic system. Confirm component compatibility before installation, especially when replacing only part of an existing drivetrain.

Best 1x Crankset Upgrade – microSHIFT Sword Black 42T

The microSHIFT Sword Black crankset is a focused component for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain configurations. Its 42-tooth chainring, 110mm asymmetric BCD, and 175mm aluminum crank arms are designed for Sword 1x or Sword Black systems, with a 50mm chainline for unpaved-trail use.

Best For: Riders replacing or building a 9- or 10-speed 1x crankset around a microSHIFT Sword drivetrain.

Pros:

• 42T chainring suits a wide range of gravel and trail riding
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring keep the design straightforward
• 110mm asymmetric 4-bolt BCD supports Sword 1x compatibility
• 50mm chainline is specified for the setup

Cons:

• Bottom bracket is sold separately
• Designed for 9- or 10-speed Sword systems rather than 12-speed drivetrains
• Compatibility is limited to the stated JIS square-taper interface and specifications

As a replacement crankset, this model makes sense for a compatible Sword-based 1x gravel build. Verify the bottom-bracket size, square-taper interface, speed range, and chainline before ordering.

Best Lightweight Road Bike Alternative – SAVADECK A7L Carbon Bike

The SAVADECK A7L is a lightweight carbon road bike, but it is not a match for shoppers specifically seeking gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. It uses a Shimano 105 R7100 24-speed double drivetrain, 700x25C tires, and a rigid carbon-focused design intended for paved-road riding.

Best For: Road cyclists prioritizing low weight, hydraulic disc brakes, and speed on paved roads rather than a 1x gravel setup.

Pros:

• T800 carbon frame, fork, and seatpost contribute to the 8.9 kg stated weight
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping power
• Fully internal cable routing gives the bike a clean integrated appearance
• Arrives 85% assembled and includes clipless pedals

Cons:

• Uses a 24-speed double drivetrain, not a 1x drivetrain
• 700x25C tires and paved-road specification are less suited to rough gravel
• Does not directly satisfy a gravel-bike 1x buying brief

This bike may appeal if your priorities have shifted toward fast road riding, but it should not be treated as a direct gravel 1x recommendation. Choose it for its carbon road-bike equipment and hydraulic braking rather than drivetrain simplicity or off-road versatility.

Simple 1x Upgrade – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset

The microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset is a focused component choice for riders building gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups. Its 42-tooth chainring, 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD, and 50mm chainline are designed around Sword 1x components, while the JIS square-taper interface requires a compatible bottom bracket sold separately.

Best For: Adult riders assembling or replacing a Sword Black or Sword 1x crankset on bikes used for unpaved trails.

Pros:

• 42T chainring suits a straightforward 1x configuration.
• 50mm chainline is specified for the crankset.
• Aluminum crank arms and chainring keep the design focused and practical.

Cons:

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

This is a sensible choice when compatibility with the microSHIFT Sword ecosystem matters. Confirm the bottom-bracket specification and available gearing before buying.

Wide-Range 11-Speed Kit – microSHIFT XLE 1×11 Gravel Groupset

The microSHIFT XLE 1×11 Speed Gravel MTB Groupset Kit is a practical drivetrain package for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups. It combines a right 11-speed Double Tap shifter/brake lever, left mechanical brake lever, medium rear derailleur, and an 11-46T cassette.

Best For: Riders wanting an 11-speed mechanical 1x groupset with a broad 11-46T cassette range.

Pros:

• Includes the main shifter, brake-lever, derailleur, and cassette components listed.
• 11-46T cassette provides a wide stated gearing range.
• Mechanical controls offer a straightforward setup.

Cons:

• OEM packaging does not include retail packaging.
• The supplied notes do not list a crankset or chain.
• Warranty coverage is listed as one year.

For a gravel build needing an 11-speed control and rear-shifting package, the XLE kit covers several key parts. Check the rest of your drivetrain and frame compatibility before ordering.

Budget 10-Speed Setup – microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 Groupset

The microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 Speed Gravel MTB Groupset Kit is aimed at practical gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain builds. The package includes left and right brake levers, a 10-speed Double Tap right shifter/brake lever, a G-Series 11-48T cassette, and an Advent X version 2 rear derailleur.

Best For: Riders building a mechanical 10-speed 1x gravel or mixed-terrain drivetrain with a wide-range cassette.

Pros:

• Includes the listed controls, rear derailleur, and cassette as one groupset.
• 11-48T cassette offers a broad stated range.
• Black aluminum components provide a consistent finish.

Cons:

• OEM packaging does not include retail packaging.
• The supplied notes do not list a crankset or chain.
• Warranty coverage is listed as 100 days.

This kit makes sense when you want the core controls and rear drivetrain for a 10-speed 1x setup. Verify that your existing or planned crankset, chain, and mounting arrangement match the rest of the build.

How We Picked These Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

We evaluated the selected products by drivetrain design, gearing range, intended use, braking equipment, frame and fork materials where listed, tire compatibility, and upgrade potential. The list includes complete gravel bikes as well as 1x components, because riders may be shopping for a ready-to-ride build or assembling a custom bike.

We also considered practical ownership factors: compatibility with existing components, replacement-part availability, maintenance complexity, and whether the gearing suits flat roads, rolling terrain, or sustained climbs. Product specifications should be confirmed before purchase, particularly axle standards, bottom-bracket interfaces, cassette ranges, and shifter compatibility.

Quick Comparison

Option type	Best suited to	What to check
Complete carbon gravel bike	Riders wanting a ready-to-ride setup	Fit, tire clearance, wheel standards, and total gearing
1×10 or 1×11 groupset	Budget-conscious builds and upgrades	Shifter, derailleur, cassette, chain, and freehub compatibility
1×12 groupset	Wider gear range with closer steps	Cassette capacity, derailleur mounting, and wheel compatibility
1x crankset	Replacing or converting a drivetrain	Spindle type, chainline, BCD, chainring size, and crank length

Key Buying Factors for Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains

Gear Range and Chainring Size

A 40-tooth chainring is a versatile starting point for mixed terrain, while a 42-tooth ring can favor faster riding on pavement and smooth gravel. For steep routes, prioritize a cassette with a large climbing sprocket or choose a smaller front chainring. More speeds can reduce jumps between gears, but total range matters most for climbing.

Frame, Tire Clearance, and Riding Position

Carbon frames can reduce weight and add vibration damping, while aluminum or other materials may offer strong value and easier budget repairs. Confirm maximum tire width, wheel diameter, mudguard clearance, and mounting points. A stable gravel geometry is preferable for loose surfaces; a racier position may suit riders who spend more time on pavement.

Compatibility and Braking

Hydraulic disc brakes generally provide stronger modulation and better control in wet or steep conditions, but they can cost more to service. Before buying components, match the crankset’s spindle interface and chainline with the frame and bottom bracket. Confirm that the derailleur, shifter, cassette, chain, and rear hub are designed to work together.

Maintenance and Replacement Parts

A 1x system removes the front derailleur and simplifies shifting, but the chain and cassette still experience substantial wear in gritty conditions. Look for commonly available chains, cassettes, derailleur hangers, brake pads, and chainrings. Easy-to-source replacement parts can matter more than a small weight saving.

Who Should Buy Which Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain?

Choose a complete carbon gravel bike if you want one purchase that includes the frame, fork, drivetrain, brakes, and wheels. This is usually the simplest route for new riders, provided the sizing and factory specifications fit your needs.

Choose a 1×10 or 1×11 groupset for a practical upgrade or value-focused custom build. These systems can be especially attractive for commuting, recreational gravel, and mixed-surface riding where a moderate range is sufficient.

Choose a 1×12 system if you ride varied terrain and want both a useful climbing gear and smaller cadence steps. Choose a replacement crankset only after verifying every interface measurement and selecting a chainring size appropriate to your local terrain. Riders targeting steep, loaded, or remote routes should prioritize low gearing, durable components, and serviceability over headline speed.