The difference between an all-road bike and a gravel bike is often discussed. Read on to find out how Reilly work out this out with our customers.
Spectre vs Gradient
Reilly's titanium range can leave you torn between two bikes that look alike in photos. The Spectre is Reilly's all-road bike. The Gradient is its gravel bike. Both are titanium and both are built for long days, but they suit different riders.
The short answer
Choose the Spectre if most of your riding is on tarmac and the rest is light gravel or bridleways. Choose the Gradient if you want big tyres, mudguards, luggage and rougher terrain, and you're happy with a slightly more relaxed road feel.
Tyre clearance: the biggest difference
Reilly's Gradient is its do-everything gravel bike with 45mm tyre clearance, while the Spectre is classed as all-road with 38mm in the original version and now 40mm in the new look, UDH Spectre.
- Spectre: Fits road tyres and modest gravel tyres comfortably, so it suits smooth gravel, canal paths and dry bridleways. Fits mudguards.
- Gradient: Takes chunkier tread, so it copes better with loose, rutted or muddy tracks, and it leaves room for mudguards.
Geometry and ride feel
Riders who've tried both describe the Spectre as the sharper road machine. One owner who test rode both said the Spectre felt a little snappier on the road. The Gradient is more stable and relaxed, but it doesn't ride like a slow off-road bike.
Mounts and touring
If you plan to go bikepacking or commute with luggage, the Gradient is the more practical choice.
What they share
- Titanium frame: Both use 3Al/2.5V titanium, which is roughly half the weight of steel while being just as strong and similarly springy. Both bikes weigh in at 1.6kg
- Lifetime warranty: Reilly frames come with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.
- Mudguard Mounts
To sum up
Get a Spectre if -
You ride mostly road.
Want road handling.
Get a Gradient if -
Your ride off-road
Want decent tyre clearance
Plan to carry luggage
Is the Spectre a gravel bike? It's an all-road bike. It handles light gravel well, but for rough terrain the Gradient is the better tool.
Can I fit mudguards? Yes on both, but the Gradient leaves more room for wider tyres alongside them.
Which is faster on the road? Riders generally find the Spectre snappier, but the difference is small, and tyre choice affects it as much as the frame.
What is the difference between the original Spectre and updated UDH Spectre? The updated Spectre has drop stays, full cable integration, BSA Bottom bracket with access hatch and tyre capacity fo 40mm and is UDH compatitble.