GRAVEL BUYING GUIDE • VELO-PERSO.COM
The right gravel crankset for your drivetrain and riding.
Rotor for a genuinely modular Shimano GRX 2x setup. QO GRAVA for a lightweight carbon 1x build, including SRAM options. Compare four complete cranksets, then check the points that really matter before ordering.
01 / DECIDE IN 30 SECONDS
Shimano double chainring or carbon 1x?
Start with your drivetrain, before weight or price. Our selection follows two complementary approaches: Rotor and its modular GRX double chainring builds, and QO GRAVA for a modern gravel 1x configuration.
I ride Shimano GRX 2x
I need climbing gears, versatility, and a choice of spindle sizes, crank lengths and chainrings. VEGAST, ALDHU and ALDHU Carbon suit different budgets and priorities.
Compare Rotor GRX optionsI ride Shimano or SRAM 1x
I want a high-performance carbon 1x crankset: QO GRAVA, claimed at 478 g in 170 mm / 40T. QO lists Shimano 12s and SRAM 12s/13s compatibility; bottom bracket fit must be checked.
Explore QO GRAVA02 / VELO-PERSO SELECTION
Four cranksets, four distinct reasons to choose
A deliberately focused range: three Rotor 2x cranksets for Shimano GRX, plus one QO GRAVA 1x. No extra Rotor 1x product listing is needed.
The do-it-all choice
Rotor VEGAST Gravel
A practical way to get a durable, configurable and upgradeable GRX 2x crankset.
- Aluminium • 24 or 30 mm spindle
- 46/30 or 48/31 • NOQ / Qrings
- 739 g measured, 30 mm, 48/31
From €329.90
Configure VEGASTA new approach to gravel 1x
QO GRAVA
KevTex™-reinforced carbon, striking finish and a clean 1x build for performance-minded gravel riders.
- 478 g claimed, 170 mm / 40T
- 40 / 42 / 44T • 28.99 mm spindle
- Shimano 12s • SRAM 12s / 13s
€459.00
Choose QO GRAVA
Premium custom setup
Rotor ALDHU Gravel
Refined CNC construction, extensive configuration choices and a platform that can evolve with your riding.
- CNC aluminium • 24 / 30 mm spindle
- 46/30 or 48/31 • NOQ / Qrings
- 725 g measured, 24 mm version
From €419.90
Configure ALDHU
Carbon 2x performance
Rotor ALDHU Carbon Gravel
The GRX double chainring concept with carbon crank arms for riders who prioritise low mass and a premium build.
- Carbon • 30 mm Gravel Offset spindle
- 110/80 gravel spider • double chainring
- Weight varies by exact configuration
From €589.00
Configure CarbonPrices observed on product pages on 3 November 2026; they may vary by option and promotion. Product-page prices and availability always take precedence.
03 / CHECK YOUR SETUP
Shimano GRX, SRAM and bottom bracket compatibility
A crankset may work with your chain yet not fit your frame. Always check the spindle, bottom bracket shell width, chainline and frame clearance.
| Your drivetrain | Our recommendation | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano GRX 11s, 2x | Rotor VEGAST / ALDHU / ALDHU Carbon | Gravel Offset spindle, GRX front derailleur, suitable bottom bracket and chainrings. |
| Shimano GRX 12s, 2x | Rotor VEGAST / ALDHU / ALDHU Carbon | Chainrings specified for the drivetrain, 46 mm chainline and front derailleur adjustment. |
| Shimano 12s, 1x | QO GRAVA | Chain, bottom bracket for a 28.99 mm spindle, cassette and frame geometry. |
| SRAM 12s / 13s, 1x | QO GRAVA | QO lists drivetrain compatibility; check bottom bracket and especially the NON-Wide spindle length. |
Important — QO GRAVA: DUB diameter is not DUB Wide
Its spindle diameter is 28.99 mm, but its length is standard rather than Wide. QO excludes PF92/BB92 and BSA92 fitments. SRAM bikes equipped with DUB Wide require a specific compatibility check before ordering.
04 / UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE
Road vs gravel: spindle length is often the key difference
On these reference Rotor builds, the Gravel Offset spindle shifts the crank arms and chainrings outwards relative to the road version. The numbers below apply to the specific Rotor configurations concerned, not to every gravel crankset on the market.
This shift supports the geometry required by a gravel drivetrain. On a double chainring build, the front derailleur must match the wider chainline: a suitable Shimano GRX front derailleur is generally the logical option. Q-factor measures pedal stance width; it does not guarantee more stability.
05 / THE ROTOR ADVANTAGE
Already own Rotor crank arms on your road bike?
You may not need to buy a completely new crankset. Compatible modular Rotor crank arms can be reused to build a Shimano GRX 2x gravel setup, with the correct spindle and chainring components.
Keep the crank arms
ALDHU, VEGAST or ALDHU Carbon, after checking the exact generation and interface.
Fit a Gravel Offset spindle
Choose the compatible 24 or 30 mm version for your arms, frame and bottom bracket.
Add a compatible spider and rings
Use a suitable gravel 110/80 spider with 46/30 or 48/31 chainrings for your selected drivetrain.
Useful components, kept discreet rather than turning the guide into an accessory catalogue: Rotor 24 mm Gravel Offset spindle · gravel 110/80 spider (chainrings optional).
The long-term advantage: ride 2x today and potentially convert to 1x later while keeping your crank arms, provided the chainring interface and chain are suitable. A compatible chainring-only change can cost around €100 or sometimes less; a complete spindle + spider + chainring conversion will cost more.
06 / WEIGHTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Real-world weights, with the configuration disclosed
A comparison without spindle, chainrings and crank length can be misleading. We separate Velo-Perso measurements from manufacturer claims and estimates.
| Crankset | Weight | Source and configuration |
|---|---|---|
| VEGAST Gravel | 739 g | Velo-Perso scale • 30 mm spindle • round 48/31 chainrings |
| ALDHU Gravel | 725 g | Velo-Perso scale • 24 mm spindle • gravel configuration shown on product page |
| QO GRAVA | 478 g | Manufacturer claim • 170 mm • 40T single chainring |
| ALDHU Carbon Gravel | Varies | Check the exact build; no single unverified measured figure shown. |
The Velo-Perso.com view
VEGAST is our versatile do-it-all choice; ALDHU brings customisation and finishing quality; ALDHU Carbon suits riders seeking a carbon double-chainring performance setup; QO GRAVA represents a compelling future for sporty 1x gravel. Our advice: never sacrifice compatibility just to save a few grams.
Chainring sizes: our quick recommendations
With Rotor 2x, 46/30 is suited to hills and bikepacking; 48/31 provides more speed on fast roads and tracks. With QO 1x, 40T is our versatile choice when matched to the cassette, while 42T and 44T favour faster routes. Oval Qrings are a fit-and-preference choice, not a universal performance promise.
07 / RIDER FEEDBACK
Reviews already included in the original page
We retain the three historical testimonials from the original content. None is presented as a review of QO GRAVA, which is a newer product.
« I bought an Aldhu Carbon Gravel crankset for my Topstone. Velo-Perso gave me good advice; I installed it without problems and reduced the bike's weight. »
Julien C. · · translated from French
« I bought an Aldhu Gravel from Velo-Perso. Installation was straightforward thanks to the axles designed for Shimano GRX-style setups. »
Rémi D. · · translated from French
« It is a bit heavy, but I chose a Vegast with a 24 mm axle, so I knew it would exceed 800 g. What mattered most was the stiffness and my confidence in durable equipment for ultra-distance rides. »
Arnaud L. · · translated from French
Historical testimonials relate to Rotor builds, not the new QO GRAVA. English wording is translated from the French originals.
08 / PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions before ordering
Can I convert my Rotor road crankset to gravel?
Often yes, if you own compatible Rotor ALDHU, VEGAST or ALDHU Carbon modular crank arms. Keep the arms, choose the matching Gravel Offset spindle and, for a Shimano GRX double chainring setup, a 110/80 spider and 46/30 or 48/31 chainrings. Bottom bracket, spacers and front derailleur must all be checked.
Should I choose Rotor or QO GRAVA?
For the Shimano GRX double chainring builds in this selection, we favour Rotor VEGAST, ALDHU or ALDHU Carbon. For a lightweight carbon 1x gravel setup, QO GRAVA is particularly appealing with Shimano 12s or SRAM 12s/13s drivetrains, provided your frame and bottom bracket are compatible.
Is QO GRAVA compatible with SRAM 12s and 13s?
Yes. QO lists Shimano 12s, SRAM 12s and SRAM 13s drivetrain compatibility. Its 28.99 mm spindle uses the DUB diameter, but is not a DUB Wide spindle. Check frame shell width, bottom bracket, chainline and frame clearance before ordering.
What is the difference between a road and a gravel crankset?
In the Rotor Gravel Offset builds shown here, a longer spindle moves the arms and chainrings outwards. The reference gravel geometry has a 46 mm chainline and 152.5 mm Q-factor, compared with 43.5 mm and 147.5 mm for the reference road setup. Frame and front derailleur compatibility still need checking.
Do I need a gravel front derailleur for a 2x conversion?
Often yes. Moving from a road chainline to a 46 mm gravel chainline generally requires a matching gravel front derailleur, such as Shimano GRX, or a detailed check of your derailleur adjustment range. QO GRAVA 1x does not use a front derailleur.
Should I choose a Rotor 24 mm or 30 mm spindle?
It depends on crank arm compatibility, the bottom bracket and the frame. A 24 mm spindle can often retain a Shimano-type bottom bracket, while a 30 mm aluminium spindle may save some weight. Be sure to select the correct road or Gravel Offset length and matching spacers.
46/30 or 48/31 for a Rotor gravel crankset?
46/30 is particularly well suited to hills, mountains and loaded bikepacking. 48/31 provides more top-end gearing on faster routes. Your cassette and desired lowest gear matter as much as the front gearing.
Which QO GRAVA 1x chainring should I select?
QO offers 40T, 42T and 44T. We generally favour 40T for all-round use and steeper terrain; 42T and 44T suit faster courses and stronger riders. Always choose the chainring together with your cassette and rear derailleur limits.
Are Rotor Qrings oval chainrings useful for gravel?
Rotor Qrings offer a different pedalling feel from round NOQ chainrings. Some riders enjoy them off road; results depend on the rider, setup and adaptation. We do not claim universal gains in traction or lower fatigue.
Which crank length should I choose for gravel?
Crank length depends primarily on rider fit, position and pedal clearance. Shorter crank arms can reduce the risk of pedal strikes on technical terrain. Rotor and QO do not offer exactly the same lengths, so check available product variants.
Can I switch my Rotor 2x crankset to 1x later?
Yes. Rotor's modular platform may allow you to swap compatible drivetrain parts while keeping your crank arms. The cost depends on the ring, Direct Mount interface, components already fitted, chainline and drivetrain. This guide does not list a complete Rotor 1x crankset for sale.
How should I maintain a gravel crankset?
Clean gently without pressure-washing the bearings, inspect chainrings and bolts, and follow the manufacturer's torque settings. After muddy rides, check the bottom bracket and chain wear as well.
Unsure about your frame or drivetrain?
Tell us your bike make, model and year, groupset, current crankset and desired setup. We will help identify the correct spindle, bottom bracket and chainrings before you order.
Velo-Perso.com technical buying guide. Exact fitment must be checked against the frame, cassette, chain and derailleurs.