Gravel bikes are rapidly becoming the most popular choice for New Zealand cyclists. From Auckland's Puhoi Loop to Central Otago's rail trails, these versatile machines combine road bike speed with off-road capability.
This guide explains what gravel bikes are, how they differ from other bike types, and why they work so well on New Zealand terrain.
What Is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes sit between road bikes and mountain bikes, designed specifically for mixed terrain riding.
Key Features
- Drop handlebars for multiple hand positions
- Wide tyres (38-45mm) for grip on loose surfaces
- Hydraulic disc brakes for all conditions
- Relaxed geometry for stability and comfort
- Lower gearing for steep gravel climbs
- Rack and mudguard mounts for touring
What Surfaces They Handle
- Sealed roads and bike paths
- Gravel roads and farm tracks
- Rail trails (Lake Dunstan, Central Otago)
- Forest roads and fire trails
- Packed dirt and light singletrack
- Mixed terrain combining all of the above
Gravel Bikes vs Road Bikes vs Mountain Bikes
Compared to Road Bikes
- Wider tyres (road bikes typically run 25-28mm)
- More upright, comfortable riding position
- Better suited for rough surfaces
- Disc brakes standard
- Slower on smooth tarmac but handle varied terrain
Compared to Mountain Bikes
- Faster on sealed roads and hard-pack gravel
- Drop bars instead of flat bars
- Generally lighter weight
- Better for long-distance touring
- Mountain bikes handle technical singletrack better
The sweet spot gravel bikes work best for riders wanting one bike that performs well across varied terrain without needing multiple specialised machines.
Why Gravel Bikes Work in New Zealand
New Zealand has thousands of kilometres of maintained gravel roads with minimal traffic, perfect for exploring by bike.
Top Gravel Riding Locations
North Island
- Puhoi Loop, Auckland (85km mixed terrain)
- Kopiko Track, Waikato
- Timber Trail, Central North Island
- Hawke's Bay backcountry routes
- Rimutaka Rail Trail, Wellington
South Island
- Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago
- Central Otago Rail Trail (150km)
- Nevis Road (highest public road in NZ)
- Banks Peninsula routes
- Tour de NZ (3000km Cape Reinga to Bluff)
Why These Routes Suit Gravel Bikes
Rail trails combine sealed sections, hard-pack gravel, and rougher terrain. Road bikes can't handle the rough bits. Mountain bikes are too slow on smooth sections. Gravel bikes handle everything.
Practical Benefits
- One bike for commuting and weekend adventures
- Access quiet roads away from traffic
- Perfect for NZ rail trails network
- Ideal for multi-day touring
- Handles variable weather conditions
- Year-round riding in most regions
Who Rides Gravel Bikes?
Commuters use them for daily rides and weekend exploring. Rack mounts carry work gear during the week, camping equipment for adventures.
Weekend riders explore beyond sealed roads, discovering new routes and quieter roads without road bike limitations.
Bikepackers and tourers value the comfort, cargo capacity, and terrain versatility for multi-day trips through Central Otago, Canterbury, and the West Coast.
Former road cyclists find new challenges with less traffic and more varied riding.
Mountain bikers appreciate covering distance efficiently while still having fun on dirt.
What to Look for When Buying A Gravel Bike
Tyre clearance: minimum 40mm, but 45mm better. More clearance means wider, more comfortable tyres or fitting mudguards with decent rubber.
Mounting points: rack mounts front and rear, at least two bottle cage mounts, and mudguard eyelets. Essential for touring and bikepacking.
Gearing: wide-ranging gears are essential. Look for 2x11 or 1x11/12 drivetrains with 11-42 or 10-44 cassettes. Covers everything from sealed roads to steep gravel climbs.
Brake type: Hydraulic disc brakes worth the extra cost for power, modulation, and consistency in all weather.
Frame Material
- Aluminium offers excellent value and durability
- Carbon saves weight with refined ride quality
- Steel adds compliance, but is less common
- Titanium expensive but excellent
Cube Nuroad Gravel Bikes
The Cube Nuroad range offers some of the best value gravel bikes in New Zealand, with models from $2,399 to $7,999.
Why Cube Nuroad Bikes Stand Out
45mm Tyre Clearance Room for proper gravel tyres on NZ's varied roads. BikeRadar noted "Tyre clearance of 45mm is ideal for gravel riders."
Shimano GRX Components Purpose-designed for gravel with wider gear ranges and clutched derailleurs. BikeRadar found "the drivetrain really shines with sharp, quick shifts and the spring clutch keeping everything secure even when bouncing down rutted descents."
Practical Features Road.cc highlighted "exceptionally tidy rack, guard and kickstand mounts, and neat internal cable routing to keep gear shifts grit and mud-free."
Balanced Geometry BikePerfect described the ride as "responsive but balanced. Cube has got it right" between racy and stable.
Strong Value Road.cc concluded "compared with rivals, the Cube Nuroad offers very good value for money" versus Specialized and Trek.
Nuroad Model Range
Aluminium Models
- Nuroad Pro - Entry point with quality components
- Nuroad EX - Shimano GRX gravel groupset
- Nuroad Race - Alternative GRX specification
Carbon Models
- Nuroad C:62 One - Carbon performance
- Nuroad C:62 Pro - Premium specification
- Nuroad C:62 EX - Top-tier race machine
Electric Gravel
- Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race - Bosch-powered with 400Wh battery for extended range
All Models Include
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Rack and mudguard mounts
- Wide-range gearing
- Quality Shimano components
- Available in multiple sizes (XS to XL)
Test Ride a Cube Nuroad Today
Gravel bikes open up New Zealand's incredible network of quiet roads, rail trails, and backcountry routes. The Cube Nuroad range delivers proven designs at every price point.
Whether commuting during the week and exploring on weekends, planning multi-day tours, or wanting one bike that handles everything, gravel bikes deliver unmatched versatility.
Ready to experience the difference?
Visit your nearest Cube dealer to test ride the Nuroad range. Professional fitting, expert advice, and test rides on actual models help you choose the right bike. Discover where a gravel bike can take you in New Zealand!
