BH GravelX R 5.5 2025 in Review

With the GravelX Race, the Basques presented a race-oriented offshoot of their popular gravel bike in the middle of this year. The carbon frame forgoes the vibration-damping Smooth Riding System (SRS) of the classic GravelX and instead impresses with reduced weight, a shorter wheelbase, and maximum stiffness – the ideal foundation for fast and agile handling.

Nevertheless, the design with low seat stays and curved chainstays provides an adequate amount of damping without diluting the bike's race-focused DNA. Compared to the still available GravelX AT (All Terrain), which emphasizes comfort and versatility, the Race offshoot clearly targets riders seeking maximum efficiency and dynamism on gravel paths.

With its direct steering, sporty riding position, and consistently solid equipment, we were also impressed by the relatively affordable GravelX R 5.5, which we were able to review for several weeks.

The BH GravelX R takes on the basic contours of the regular GravelX "All Terrain" gravel bikes - including the voluminous head tube, the dropped seat stays, and the forward-swept "Air Bow" fork crown. However, it foregoes the shock-absorbing seat stays, including the distinctive pivot point on the seat tube, as well as the open, flexible chainstays. This not only emphasizes the sporty elegance but also saves over 100 grams.

Added to this is the artistic design in the vibrant ROO (red-orange-orange) color combination, a satin matte yet easy-to-maintain series paint finish that gives the bike a distinctive, dynamic appearance and brings it to life in the murky thicket.

Another highlight is the semi-integrated cable routing, which is implemented in the head tube area via the integrated FSA SMR system. This includes the stem, headset, and spacers. A system that not only appears tidy but also proves to be very user-friendly, as it is easy to handle in case of maintenance.

In this context, we see the two-piece stem-handlebar combination as a real advantage over a one-piece aero handlebar, as it offers more ergonomic adjustment options, facilitates the conversion to a longer or shorter stem or wider or narrower handlebar, and also increases travel suitability. With a higher-quality carbon handlebar (our mid-range model was equipped with an affordable FSA aluminum handlebar), a complete integration of all cables and lines would even be possible using FSA SMR, which could theoretically be implemented at any time later on.

Technologically, BH goes all out: The carbon frame is manufactured using the HCIM process (Hollow Core Internal Molding). During the baking of the frame, pressure is also applied from the inside of the tubes; this prevents the formation of wrinkles and the unnecessary accumulation of resin. This is intended to guarantee optimal wall thickness around the stress zones and reduce weight wherever possible.
The ideal combination of lightness and impact resistance in the terrain is further ensured by high modulus carbon fibers such as Ballistic Carbon Layup. The end result: 940 g in size Medium.
To increase stiffness at a key point, the GravelX R relies on a BB386 EVO bottom bracket with a width of 86.5 mm. The maximum tire clearance of the frame, available in four sizes, is 45 mm.

The frame and fork feature dropouts that completely cover the thread, with quick releases integrated into the axle body. The same applies to the seat post clamp, which is fully integrated into the frame and features a secure clamping system that allows the seat post to be clamped with just 5 Nm of torque.

The frame is compatible with the BH Toolbox, designed for transporting essential accessories such as tire levers, a spare tube, and a CO2 cartridge. Like the Planck rear light, which can be attached magnetically to the in-house Aero seat post, the Aero bottle cage, and the 450-ml water bottle that adapts to the frame shape, it is intended not to further impair the aerodynamics of the race bike - on the contrary.

Tech Specs

To achieve the significantly lower price of 3,499.99 euros compared to the Di2 top model 6.5 with an RRP of 4,999.99 euros, BH relies on a mechanical Shimano GRX 12-speed gear system with a double crankset. The equipment is complemented by Pirelli's Cinturato Gravel in 40 mm, a Prologo AGX saddle, and the Prologo Onetouch 3D handlebar tape, which rounds off the high-quality overall impression.

In our opinion, the only real technological disadvantage compared to the top model is the almost antiquated Vision Team TC30 wheels with a rim width of only 19 mm. While these are just about acceptable for modern road bikes or Granfondo bikes, they clearly reach their limits with tire widths of over 40 mm. Of course, gravel tires in 45C can also be mounted with them, but they should not be ridden with too little pressure.

Our tip: Those who want to use wider tires should either invest in a more modern gravel wheelset or opt for the GRX Di2 top model, which is equipped as standard with the 45 mm high Vision SC45 and a rim width of 21 mm.

The GravelX R is available in four frame sizes (from S to XL), with head tube angles ranging from 70.5 to 72 degrees depending on the size. The geometry is clearly on the sportier side, yet balanced enough to allow for a comfortable riding position even on longer bikepacking stages. It is worth highlighting that suitable stem lengths, handlebar widths, and crank lengths are provided for all frame sizes, which benefits ergonomics.

However, it should be noted that the frame size Large of our test bike was somewhat too large for NoPain's height of 175 cm. For our test phase, the Large was still acceptable, but Medium would have allowed for a significantly better and more coherent riding position for the primary intended use.

Geometry

Another difference between the Race version and the GravelX All Terrain is the 2 millimeter shorter chainstays. Due to the elimination of the pivot point, the tolerance that would normally be necessary for the rear wheel to move freely is also eliminated. Therefore, despite the reduced wheelbase, tires up to 45 mm wide still fit into the frame/fork set.

The new BH GravelX R is available in four configuration packages, which interestingly define a relatively narrow price corridor. The cheapest model is priced at 3,299.90 euros, while the most expensive is 4,999.90 euros. There are three color options available for each.

The entry-level model, the 3.5, features a 12-speed Shimano GRX with a single crankset. The same in electronic and double gearing is available at the other end of the price range, the 6.5; in between, there is another GRX option (2-speed, mechanical) for 3,499.90 euros, as well as a Sram Apex AXS package for 3,699.90 euros.
The top model comes with Vision SC45 carbon wheels, while the other three use the more affordable TC30 counterpart. All models are equipped with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tires in 40 mm.

With their GravelX R, the Spaniards prove that building a state-of-the-art bike doesn't always have to be laborious or require special expertise and tools. Taken out of the packaging, the stem turned straight, the handlebar set to the desired angle, tightened by feel (Alu-Alu-Alu) – and the bike is ready for use.

In this context, we would also like to highlight the model-specific (!) user manual positively. It not only describes all the components and dimensions in detail but also contains a practical chapter on maintenance as well as extensive data material with tips and tricks for tuning. Examples include the maximum tire widths, the Min/Max insertion depths of the seat post, torque specifications, the Min/Max number of teeth on the chainrings, as well as an extremely detailed assembly instruction of the FSA-SMR headset. Hobby mechanics will have a great time with the documentation and the bike.

Once you take a seat on the Spanish racing horse, you notice after just a few meters what it is made of. It feels extremely stiff and powerful, yet demonstrates remarkable agility.
The pronounced stiffness is ensured by the sophisticated geometry of the aero tube shapes and the high-quality carbon layup, which guarantees maximum efficiency and power transfer. The agility is attributed to the shortened wheelbase and the innovative "Air Bow" fork. These aerodynamically designed, forward-offset fork legs have the same inclination angle as the head tube but create a combination of high stability and precise steering due to their offset.

With the GravelX R, you can plow through terrain particularly quickly and equally safely. The front wheel can be steered precisely to where you want it, and the rest of the bike follows reliably and unwaveringly, without needing to worry too much.

The GravelX R is, as expected, clearly geared towards maximum performance. The rear triangle performs its task excellently by effectively absorbing vibrations, while the bottom bracket and front geometry provide the necessary reactivity for "Gravel Race" use. However, the front, combined with the robust fork, the extremely stiff aero handlebar, and the grippy yet relatively thin handlebar tape, proves to be almost a touch too stiff.

For softies like NoPain, either more comfortable gloves - such as the specially studded Prologo gloves - or a gel insert between the aluminum handlebar and the handlebar tape would be an option. Alternatively, wider tubeless tires could provide more comfort. However, the latter option cannot be sensibly implemented with the aforementioned relatively narrow Vision rims. Therefore, a tuning option is particularly appealing to the performance-oriented rider:

The existing Vision Team TC30 wheels (19 mm internal) could be ridden with 28C to 30C wide road bike tires. The bike is so stiff and sporty that it also makes an excellent figure as a Granfondo road bike.
And for optimal gravel use or an ideal mix of speed and comfort, opting for a modern gravel wheelset with a 24 mm internal width could be worthwhile, allowing the bike to be equipped with performance gravel tires in 40C at the front and 40C or 45C at the rear. Additionally, the frame and aero fork allow for the installation of bikepacking racks, so that even a Gobi crossing at KOM speed wouldn't be out of the question.

In general, this model is recommended for anyone who wants to ride quickly on gravel and possibly use the bike on the road as well - that is, on solid, smooth surfaces where the goal is to exert maximum pressure. The more technical the sections or the longer the planned rides, the more the stiff construction might bring some compromises. In such cases, it might be wiser to opt for the "All Terrain" variant, as its flexible rear triangle handles uneven surfaces better.

The BH GravelX R positively surprised us all around. Not only are all the updates compared to the "All Terrain" version well thought out and work exactly as they should in practice, but the bike also looks extremely classy. The technical processing and the quality of the paintwork are at such a high level that one could easily estimate the purchase price to be twice as high.

We were particularly impressed by the versatility of this model. The GravelX R is not only a true gravel racer but also an excellent bikepacking bike optimized for propulsion. With narrower slicks, it could even be used as a Granfondo road bike - the appropriate "road bike rims" are already included in the tested 5.5 model.

Criticisms are manageable and only concern accessories such as the too-short tube valves, the somewhat fragile rear light attachment, and the qualitatively disappointing bottles. The latter are convincing in form and with the holder, but otherwise do not meet the high demands of the overall package.

All in all, the BH GravelX R is a real highlight. The bike itself is a blast and impressed us so much during the test that we were reluctant to let it return to the Basque Country. A versatile, high-performance gravel bike that masterfully bridges the gap between speed, agility, and everyday usability.