When it comes to finding a gravel bike that checks all the boxes without emptying your wallet, the Pure Cycles Adventure AL stands out as one of the best emerging options. With its thoughtfully designed frame, solid component set, and impressive versatility, it offers a lot of bang for the buck—especially at its $1,699 price point. We had the opportunity to take one out for a few weeks, and let’s just say, we were pleasantly surprised.
Pure Cycles Adventure AL: What is it?
The Pure Cycles Adventure AL is an all-around gravel bike designed for riders looking to tackle everything from bikepacking to gravel racing, all while keeping the price tag approachable. Built with a lightweight butted aluminum frame, it combines progressive geometry with versatile wheel and tire options—allowing you to choose between 650b or 700c wheels with clearance for tires up to 50mm wide.
Its carbon fork with a flip-chip allows for handling adjustments, making it adaptable to different terrains and riding styles. The Adventure AL offers a solid mix of value, durability, and flexibility, with plenty of mounts for racks, fenders, and water bottles, plus the option to upgrade with a dropper post.
Frame and Geometry: Stability and Versatility
The Adventure AL’s frame is crafted from lightweight butted aluminum alloy, which strikes the right balance between durability and weight savings. But it’s not just about the materials; the geometry is specifically tuned for stability in rough terrain, making it a capable option for all sorts of gravel adventures.
The sizes are vast and straightforward, ranging from 45cm all the way to 59cm. I’m around 5’11” and went for the 56cm, which was a touch long but fit well with a slight fit tweak. The ride is more like an all-arounder than a gravel/packing bike. The steering (when paired with a short 90mm stem, I was rolling) felt fairly responsive. Not like I had to keep coaxing the front end to ablige. So, whether you’re commuting, tackling a gravel race, or heading out on a multi-day bikepacking trip, the Adventure AL can handle it all.
650b or 700c – Dealers Choice
One of the standout features of the Adventure AL is its wheel compatibility. Riders can choose between 650b or 700c wheels, with tire clearance up to 50mm wide. This offers ample flexibility for different riding styles, compliance, and assorted conditions. Whether you prefer the extra traction and cushion of wider tires for rougher terrain or want the speed of narrower tires for racing or commuting, the Adventure AL has you covered.
Flip-Chip: Customizable Handling
The utilitarian fork is another high-end touch, equipped with a flip-chip that allows riders to fine-tune the handling of the bike. This means you can adjust the bike’s geometry to suit your riding style, whether you’re looking for a more stable feel or quicker responsiveness. It’s a nice touch for a bike in this price range, and it speaks to Pure Cycles’ commitment to creating a versatile ride.
Mounts Galore: Ready for Anything
Pure Cycles didn’t skimp on the Adventure AL’s functionality. The frame is decked out with plenty of mounts to cater to bikepackers, commuters, and anyone who needs extra gear-carrying capacity. Removable fender mounts, rack mounts, top tube mounts, fork mounts, and multiple water bottle mounts give you all the flexibility you could ask for. Plus, there’s even routing for a dropper post.
Mechanical And Ample
The Adventure AL is equipped with a SRAM Apex 1 mechanical drivetrain, a solid choice for gravel riding. The FSA single-ring crankset with 40-tooth chainring paired with an 11-42T cassette gives riders a decent range for most gravel adventures, with a sub-1:1 ratio that works well for climbs.
However, if you’re planning on bikepacking with heavier loads, the gearing might feel a little limiting for long, steep climbs. But for most riders, this setup will get the job done without any fuss.
For most, mechanical disc brakes are a bit of a step down from hydraulic options. However, the TRP Spyre brake calipers equipped on the Adventure AL are among the best in their class. They’re easy to adjust, reliable, and offer solid stopping power. Yes, they do lack the super smooth performance and power of more expensive hydraulic brakes. It’s a reasonable swap to keep the bike within budget. Plus, great mechanical brakes are way better than crappy feeling hydraulic brakes.
Ride Impressions
The Adventure AL is a fantastic entry-level gravel bike, offering exceptional value for riders who are just starting out in the world of gravel riding or need a reliable bike for multi-day adventures. The frame, while light and efficient, can ride a bit harshly depending on how chunky the gravel is. On smoother gravel, it’s comfortable and stable, but when the surface gets rougher, you’ll notice a bit of frame feedback.
I also found the handlebars didn’t match the current trend, or my personal taste. The shape and drop didn’t feel ideal, and the drops themselves were practically non-existent. If you’re particular about your handlebar fit, this might be something to consider or prep to swap. That said, this is a minor (and easy to fix) tweak in an otherwise well-rounded, well-thought-out bike.
For riders looking to dip their toes into gravel riding, bikepacking, or commuting without spending a fortune, the Pure Cycles Adventure AL is a fantastic choice. Its solid frame, versatile geometry, and ample mounting options make it a do-it-all bike that can tackle just about any gravel adventure.
While the mechanical disc brakes and limited gearing range might not satisfy those looking for top-tier performance, the Adventure AL delivers an incredible value for the price. If you’re after a bike that can handle almost anything while still being budget-friendly, the Adventure AL deserves serious consideration. Plus, the battleship gray, paired with the orange logos, is a heck of a good-looking combo. It’s bright enough to pop out at a coffee shop, but stout enough to ward off lock-up marks.
Pure Cycles Adventure AL – Specs Breakdown:
- Frame: Lightweight butted aluminum alloy
- Fork: Carbon with flip-chip for adjustable handling
- Wheel Compatibility: 650b or 700c, up to 50mm tire width
- Drivetrain: SRAM Apex 1, 40T chainring, 11-42T cassette
- Brakes: TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes
- Wheels: Tubeless compatible, 25mm inner rim width
- Mounts: Removable fender mounts, rack mounts, top tube mounts, fork mounts, multiple water bottle mounts
- Extras: Dropper post routing, solid gearing for gravel and bikepacking
- Price: $1,699
- Availability: Pure Cycles Website
