What Makes an All Road Bike Different?

When you ride often and ride far, you start to feel the limitations of traditional categories. Road bikes are fast but rigid. Gravel bikes are tough but heavy. Somewhere in the middle is a better solution: the all road bike.

An all road bike is built for riders who want one bike that can handle paved roads, rough shoulders, light gravel, and everything in between. It offers the speed of a road bike with the versatility of a gravel bike, giving you the confidence to explore more without switching bikes mid-season.

This guide will help you understand what makes an all road bike different, and why it might be the perfect setup for your riding experience.

What Is an All Road Bike?

An all road bike blends the geometry and responsiveness of an endurance road bike with features pulled from gravel and touring designs. It’s not a race bike, but it can be fast. It’s not a mountain bike, but it can leave the pavement without hesitation.

The core idea is range. Range in terrain. Range in comfort. Range in performance. You can roll on tarmac, grind up gravel climbs, cruise through rough patches, or settle into a long-distance ride, all without thinking twice.

Compared to a standard road bike, an all road bike has a slightly more relaxed geometry. That means it’s more stable on unpredictable surfaces and more comfortable during long days in the saddle. Compared to a gravel bike, it’s lighter and more responsive, built to perform when the surface smooths out.

Geometry That Rides Differently

One of the biggest differences between an all road bike and other types of bikes comes down to frame geometry. Traditional road bikes have tight, aggressive angles that prioritize speed and handling. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, lean toward stability and control. All road bikes strike a thoughtful balance.

You’ll notice a taller stack height, giving the rider a more upright position—ideal for endurance rides. A longer wheelbase adds confidence, especially at higher speeds or over bumpy roads. The head tube angle is slightly slacker than a race bike, which makes handling feel more natural and less twitchy.

These adjustments don’t just affect how the bike looks—they directly impact how it feels under you.

All road geometry typically means:

• Upright riding position for longer rides
• Stable handling on unpredictable terrain
• More forgiving over bumps and washboard surfaces
• Still responsive and nimble enough for road cycling

Tire Clearance and Versatility

Wider tires play a major role in what sets an all road bike apart. Most modern road bikes max out around 30 mm, while gravel bikes often go 40mm and beyond. All road bikes sit comfortably in the middle, typically designed for 32–40mm tires, though many can accommodate wider setups depending on the frame.

This additional clearance gives you more flexibility in choosing tires for the kind of riding you do. Want a fast-rolling slick for paved routes? No problem. Heading out for a ride that includes loose gravel and backroads? A semi-knobby 35mm tire will get the job done without slowing you down too much on the smoother stuff.

Benefits of wider tires and clearance:

• More comfort over long distances
• Better traction on dirt roads
• Ability to fine-tune pressure based on terrain
• Fewer pinch flats and increased stability

Many riders choose to run 700c wheels, while others opt for 650b to create even more space for higher-volume tires. The ability to adjust wheel size and internal width adds to the bike’s adaptability, especially if your riding surfaces change with the season.

Frame Materials: How They Shape the Ride

Material choice influences not just the look and weight of the bike, but how it feels mile after mile. At Thomson, we offer both steel frames and carbon components, giving riders options for durability, ride feel, and weight.

Steel is known for its compliance and resilience. It absorbs road chatter and feels planted, especially on long days or uneven surfaces. Riders who prioritize comfort and lasting quality often gravitate toward steel frames for their ability to deliver a smooth, grounded ride across changing conditions.

Carbon fiber, by contrast, provides stiffness and weight savings. A well-built carbon frame is light and efficient, and with the right layup, it can still dampen vibration well. If you’re chasing speed and prefer a lightweight frame with clean lines, carbon delivers.

All Road Frame Material Comparison

There’s no single right answer. Some riders even opt for a steel frame with carbon fiber components, like handlebars, seatposts, and forks, for a hybrid feel that blends comfort and responsiveness.

Brakes, Drivetrains, and the Build

All road bikes are built for variety, and that means they come equipped with parts that can keep up. Disc brakes are now standard across the category, offering consistent stopping power whether you’re braking on dry pavement or through wet gravel.

You’ll also find wider gear ranges than on traditional road bikes. That might mean a compact crankset paired with a wide-range cassette, or even 1x setups for simplicity and clearance. These gearing choices make it easier to tackle punchy climbs, gravel inclines, and fast descents, all on the same ride.

At Thomson, our experience in CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing allows us to design components like dropper seatposts, carbon fiber handlebars, and precision stems that hold up under real-world conditions. Each part we make is built to function across surfaces and distances, perfect for the all road mindset.

Who Is the All Road Bike For?

If you’ve ever found yourself choosing between your gravel bike and your road bike, an all road bike is for you.

This category is especially appealing to riders who value comfort on long rides, but don’t want to sacrifice speed on pavement. If you’re training during the week and adventuring on weekends, an all road bike is a practical and rewarding setup.

You’ll benefit from an all road bike if:

• You ride a mix of pavement, gravel, and backroads
• You prioritize comfort over aggressive speed
• You want a single bike that performs across seasons
• You’re looking to simplify your setup without sacrificing capability

They’re also ideal for riders who want to simplify their garage. Instead of juggling multiple bikes, an all road build can meet a variety of needs with confidence. Whether you’re commuting, doing endurance road cycling, or diving into gravel riding, one dialed-in bike can cover all the bases.

Thomson Bikes: Built to Go Far

Our story started with a broken bike part. In the 1990s, after seeing parts fail on a cross-country ride, our family decided to build components that wouldn’t. That commitment still drives everything we do today.

From aerospace tooling to custom bike builds, we focus on precision, quality, and performance. Every seatpost, stem, and frame is designed and built in our 60,000-square-foot facility in Macon, Georgia, using aerospace-certified processes and American craftsmanship.

We don’t just build for the catalog, we build for real riders, real terrain, and real rides. Whether you’re new to the category or looking to upgrade your current setup, Thomson is here to support your ride, wherever it takes you.