I've been thinking for weeks about getting a gravel bike. My girlfriend just bought one for €1200 and says that's still cheap. But I also see cheaper models at Decathlon for €400-500. Is it really worth spending more money, or can you get started with an affordable beginner bike?
What do you want to use it for - riding comfortably on dirt roads or more exploring trails?
Honestly, the Decathlon bike is totally fine for trying it out. If you're not sure whether you'll actually enjoy the hobby or how often you'll ride, then you're not throwing money away on a €1200 bike. A lot of people buy something expensive and realize after three months that it's just not for them. With €400-500 you can get a solid entry-level gravel bike that holds up and works - it just won't be made from the best materials and it'll be heavier, but for learning it's completely sufficient.
Where it makes sense to spend more: when you notice you're riding regularly and the bike is acting up or the components are annoying you. Better brakes, lighter parts, more comfortable geometry - that costs money, but you won't really notice the difference until you have enough experience to know what you need. Your girlfriend might just have a bigger budget and wanted something decent right away, or she's been riding for a while and knows exactly what she wants. But that doesn't mean it's right for you.
My tip: get the Decathlon bike, ride it around for a while, and if after a few months you realize it's fun and you want something better, then you can talk to more experienced people or try out more models. That way you'll probably save money in the end anyway.
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