Gravel Bikes

The Jamis Renegade gravel bike was introduced in 2014, making it the first production gravel bike in the US. In contrast, Trek & Specialized introduced their first gravel models in 2019. 

Like most changes in the bike world, the smaller companies innovate, and the corporate brands duplicate.

Jamis' designers TC Corbett and Greg Weber were inspired by custom frame builders at the time who were modifying then popular cyclocross bikes by adding rack and fender mounts and widening the frame to take larger than the standard 700 x 33 size cyclocross tires.

12 years after the Renegade's introduction, Gravel bikes have become the most popular type of drop handlebar bikes on the market, outselling pavement only road racing bikes 20 to 1. 

For 2026 the Renegade models have been updated to continue their push for greater performance, ride quality and versatility. These are some of the best gravel bikes available on the market.