MARIN DSX

Marin describe the DSX as the mountain biker's gravel bike, and that is exactly what it is — gravel geometry, clearance and gearing, with a flat bar and MTB controls instead of drops. If you have come from mountain biking and never got on with drop bars, this is the bike that lets you ride gravel without relearning how to steer.

The Series 3 6061 butted and formed aluminium frame carries internal cable routing, 142x12mm thru-axles, flat-mount disc brakes, and rack and fender eyelets for commuting duty. It is also routed internally for a dropper post, which is unusual at this level and genuinely useful when the terrain turns steep.

Tyre clearance is the headline: it ships on 700x45mm rubber but will take 29x2.1in knobbies, so the same bike can be set up for fast mixed-surface commuting or for proper off-road riding depending on what you fit.

Gearing is a 1x drivetrain — one shifter, no front derailleur, nothing to mis-shift. Suited to long-distance mixed-surface commuting, gravel riding and on-and-off-road adventure. This one is the Medium frame in Blue/Orange.