As the popularity of all-road bikes gradually increased, a set of matching kits and riding styles were gradually formed. But what exactly does "all-road" mean?
Here, we take a deep dive into what all-road really means, what the advent of the All Road bike means for the Gravel road bike,and how it's different (or not) from what came before it.

What is an All Road road bike? 
For some, the All Road bike is an extension of the endurance road bike category: the comfortable wide tires allow the whole bike to go from tarmac to hard surfaces and easier gravel trails, 
or rather all " Highway" type. For others, All Road is a subcategory of Gravel that favors a lighter, faster, smoother ride than more technical or steeper technical terrain. 
Functionality may overlap with more Gravels. In terms of features that the All Road road bike doesn't have, you won't find features like an aerodynamic seatpost or shock design in this class, 
and you're unlikely to see a 650b wheelset either ( Although the frameset may be compatible with both wheel sizes).

Tires and Clearance
All Road and Gravel tires are geared for rougher surfaces and trails, and good tires tend to be wider and match the frame clearance.
All Road tires typically range in size from 28mm to 38mm, while Gravel tires tend to range in size from 35mm to 57mm.
In terms of width, All Road road tires are more likely to be in the 28mm to 38mm range. 
Since you're more likely to find a wider range of terrain types with a gravel or "adventure" ride, such as slippery muddy roads, slick roots.
Therefore, the tires available for gravel riding are significantly more diverse than the selection of All Road road bikes.
Whether you're riding a Gravel road bike or an All Road road bike, tubeless tires can improve ride comfort and grip through lower tire pressures, 
while also helping to better avoid riding punctures inconvenience.

wheel size
All Road 700c wheels are more common than 650b wheels.
Most All Road bikes have 700c wheels to accommodate wider tires, so reducing the wheel size to 650b isn't as popular as it is for gravel bikes.
However, you may still be able to find a 650b wheel size on a smaller size frame, as this is more helpful in maintaining the proper frame geometry of the frame.

geometric angle
The frame geometry of an All Road bike tends to be somewhere between a road bike and a gravel bike.
While you'd expect an All Road bike's frame geometry to be more comfortable than most road bikes, in reality, 
the All Road bike's frame geometry isn't usually very similar to most gravel bikes.
Since most gravel bikes are designed with both pavement and off-road in mind, the difference between the geometric angles here isn't actually as pronounced as you might expect.

Gear Ratios and Brakes
You're more likely to see a 2x system if nothing else happens on an All Road road bike. 
Although manufacturers will design 1x vs 2 drivetrains for gravel rides, most All Road road bikes use 2x drivetrains to provide the widest selection of gear ratios. 
Compared with gravel bikes, the transmission is more like Road car set.
All Road bikes have less muddy rides than Gravel rides, and you're less likely to have trouble clogging up the front derailleur.
Disc brakes, favored for their reliable performance in all conditions and good brake modulation, are almost the unanimous choice in this category.

Dropper seat post and extension functions
More gravel bikes will have dropper posts, but you're unlikely to see it on an All Road bike.
Since All Road riding tends to be on the faster side of the Gravel ride, you can ride it on the trails, but at the same time you won’t find a dropper here.
For an All Road road bike with bike bag mounts, you may find more mounts than your usual road bike (such as on the outside of the fork, under the down tube, or on the top tube) 
that allow you to Carry more extra gear for long or multi-day rides.

All Road Bikes: The Perfect Winter Road Bike?
Most All Road road bikes allow you to install fenders. 
With wider tires providing better passability, fender mounts and comfortable frame geometry, it’s no wonder some riders choose to ride All Road in the winter.
Instead of ruining your expensive road bike on mud and icy roads, go for a stronger, more winter-friendly All Road bike.
Plus, in the spring, you'll really feel the benefits of an All Road road bike when you get back on the road again.

All Road vs Gravel Bikes - What's Right for You?

Where would you like to ride? If you're trying to choose between an All Road bike and a Gravel bike, take some time to consider which ride you need more. 
If you'd rather try out dirt or gravel for a short while, the All Road bike might just be the entry point. 
Or consider an endurance road bike, you can choose 30mm or more wide tires and install tubeless tires.

From pavement to dirt roads, All Road bikes can be true enablers of more adventurous riding styles, but Gravel road bikes are better for your adventures off the beaten track.
However, if you're after something more practical, with more durable tires, 40mm width and above, and planning to head to more technical trails and off-road tracks, 
a Gravel road bike might be a better idea. Remember, you can fundamentally change how the bike rides by switching tires: a narrower and smoother ride will be quite different from a wider and thicker tire,
and the Gravel will be able to fit both.