how to choose gravel bike

Like the wheels they mount on, gravel tires are available in either 700c or 650b sizes. I extensively research every topic to provide you with the highest added value possible. Not sure if 650b wheels are for you? This depends mainly on the price of the bike. Best 26 Bikes (Ages 10+) Kids Bike Reviews; Mountain Bikes. You can just put on the biggest, burliest tires that will fit your road bike, or the skinniest tires that will go on your mountain bike, or just grab your cyclocross bike as it is, and give gravel a go. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. They prize stability and comfort over lightness and speed. Trail is the combination of fork offset and head angle. The larger 700c wheels have less rolling resistance and maintain momentum better. Best 16 Mountain Bikes; Best 20" Mountain Bikes (6 to 8 years old) Mountain Bike Reviews; Best 24 Mountain Bikes (8 to 12 years old) Best 26 & 27.5 Mountain Bikes (10+) Best Kids Dirt Jumpers; Best Kids Fat Bikes; Road Bikes; BMX Bikes . Other bikes are more race-oriented, with super stiff frames and lightweight builds that prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort. Events like these attract thousands of competitors and participants to race competitively, push personal limits, or just have a good time with friends while exploring new places. ), so the tire clearance is narrower than gravel bikes (35 mm, 40 mm, 47 mm, 50 mm, etc. Also, though most cross bikes can accept pretty wide tires, the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for the sport of cycling) limits tire width to 33-35mm max in championship races, so the bikes are not necessarily made to be outfitted with the huge mountain bike tires that many gravel bikes accept. A test will also let you pick up on any spec issues. Remember, a carbon gravel bike for the same price as an aluminum gravel bike will probably be equipped with worse components. Steel gravel bikes look unique thanks to thin round tubes and can easily be repaired. Might Be Surprised With The Answer. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The disadvantage of 1X shifting is obvious. A 35 mm tire will be plenty. Fat Bike Vs Mountain Bikes - 18 Pros & Cons. That will impact how much tire clearance you need, how much stability you want, and how much vibration dampening you should look for. Again, consider where you fall on the gravel spectrum. Riders on the road end will be perfectly happy with a bike that maxes out at a 70040 mm tire. A thicker tire is going to make for a more comfortable ride on rough terrain. Gravel bikes come at a range of prices typically dictated by the frame material and the build, or component specification. Brands like 3T scale their flared bars according to size to accommodate riders larger and smaller hands. They also feel more responsive, like a road bike. But I still managed. We had the opportunity to test the RockShox Rudy XPLR fork on the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension and were blown away by the increased comfort and control it provided. A disadvantage largely offset by the power transfer offered by the stiffness of the soles. It is important to understand that everyone is different, but at the same time, they can help potentially uncover some reasons why they did not go with a particular bike out there. Make sure to go off of the measurements and guidelines to get a rough sizing initially, and then have it tweaked to get that tailored fit. Gravel bikes tend to have a wider gear range. There are a few exceptions to this rule. But what tires should you use for different terrains? I will also say that its not necessarily the smoothest ride (one Bicycling reviewer described it as a jackhammer)which is to say, you cant have everything in one bike. Jamis Renegade S2. Adding aero bars to the mix just increases your risk of losing control and crashing. A popular option is a flared drop bar. This is the reason why most road bikes still use 2x systems big gear jumps when youre suffering to stay on the wheel in front of you arent ideal. Just be sure that you can comfortably reach the brakes when youre in the drops. But if you're just getting into cycling it can be overwhelming trying to decide . The spectrum of gravel bikes is . There are more than 20 bike types from various categories such as road, mountain, hybrid, etc. Prices for new entry-level bikes will range between $1,500/1,000 and $2,000/1,500 and will allow you to pick up a great gravel bike to get rolling, but may be a little basic if you are coming . You will learn about different gravel bike types, frame materials, groupsets, brakes, etc. The truth is, you don't need a gravel bike to go gravel riding. It will help with having a good gear range overall, with the gap in between the gears very manageable. You want a less pronounced jump between gears for smoother cadence transitions. The 2x generally has a wider array of gears with smaller jumps between them, which helps if youre going to be riding a lot of smoother surfaces and doing high-speed pack riding (especially on pavement or firm surfaces) because you'll want to fine-tune your cadence to find that perfect gear. The All-Arounder is designed for general gravel fun, gravel grinders, and mixed terrain rides. But your hand positions are limited on a flat handlebar, and generally speaking, a mountain bike is less aerodynamic on the open road, which makes for slower going. Is your goal to win your age group at your next gravel ride? Every kind of bike riding is slightly different, and some people go through a case of options overload. Geometry gets complicated fast, so well keep this very simple. They are relatively heavy compared to aluminum or carbon frames. It can get pretty expensive to upgrade specific components to the point that it might make more sense to upgrade the entire bike. Cyclists have always ridden road bikes on cinder paths, simple trails, and on dirt and gravelly roads. Its great for racing, but not necessarily what you need or want for bikepacking. Rim brakes are still used among some gravel riders, although they are generally only found on custom builds. The most important figure with a bike geometry is the trail. All trademarks property of their respective owners Some people enjoy the ability to customize a bike to their liking and buy components little by little, while others find it to be a bit tedious. Are you considering buying a gravel bike but dont know how to choose it? Another is Evils humorously named, insanely long Chamois Hagar. Do not get a bike that will not have the chance to support a lot of weight along the way. For someone who spends some time going fast on tarmac but needs to stay fresh on long gravel epics, this build will fit the bill. The jumps between the individual gears are larger than 2X or 3X shifting, and the gear selection is limited. If youre leaning more toward the road, but want a bike that is fun and capable when the pavement gives way to dirt and gravel, these are a good choice. They are perfect for gravel bikes because of their efficiency and great stopping power, even in wet conditions or deep mud. Then be smart and stay off of them until you have plenty of open space to use them safely. The longer a person goes on a ride, the more bags that they will bring with them. Most All-Arounders have attributes of this category, but there are bikes that are pure Workhorses. This makes them better for light terrain and paved surfaces like the tarmac because they allow you to ride faster without spending as much energy. They will cover the types of brakes that certain manufacturers will use, and whether or not they can live up to expectations. Most of the community seems very willing to share information and allow people to understand what they have been going through. TIP: Compare geometries of gravel bike frames using the Bikeinsights tool. Go with a 2x gravel drivetrain if: You want your gravel bike to also serve as a road bike. In the United States, there are many, many thousands of miles of dirt roads scattered from coast to coast, from the plains to the mountains, making gravel riding accessible to most people in most locations. The drivetrain is one of the biggest decisions a person can make with a gravel bike. Most serious gravel cyclists prefer tubeless tires because they can run lower tire pressures for more traction and have a reduced likelihood of pinch flats. Generally speaking, however, these are the frame materials you can choose from and their defining characteristics: Carbon fiber is light, stiff, and dampens road surface vibration. The most popular is a shift to the smaller 650b wheel size, which makes room for more rubber within the same frame. A 1x drivetrain (with just a single chainring) might be perfect for a flat or gently rolling landscape, but it will leave you searching for an extra gear when you head into steeper, hillier territory. It was and still would be a perfectly capable companion. The beauty of todays gravel bikes is that they take the best elements of all these other bikes and roll them into one. You can easily use them for commuting, road riding, bike packing, touring, and even mellower singletrack rides. Do-it-alls. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Its also designed to take a drop bar, which offers many advantages for long days in the saddle. These bikes are essentially drop-bar mountain bikes, and theyre growing in popularity. Many also appreciate the simplicity of a 1x drivetrain. It might even open up an opportunity to find someone else to ride with later on once a person gets into gravel bike riding. The standard offer is mainly focused on aluminium and carbon. Gravel bikes are often outfitted with lots of extras that make long days over rough terrain easier. I raced this bike my second go-round at DK200 and can say its magically fast. Although hydraulic brakes allow you to use less pressure for the same amount of braking power, todays mechanical brakes work just fine, especially if cost is an issue for you. A bike can seem perfect online, but this is where a person might be sitting for hours at a time. There is a reason why companies are always trying to come up with new technology to make them better and push the sport along. As your bikes tires get bigger, it takes more oomph to put them in motion, especially in challenging conditions and on difficult terrain. They allow you to ride almost as fast as road bikes, but they dont limit you to paved roads.In addition, many new races and events have sprung up where people with a similar passion come together. Let me help you choose your gravel bike. A test ride is important for evaluating fit after all, it should feel comfortable, something that you could ride all day. Generally, more expensive bikes are lighter and come equipped with higher-end wheels and components. Youll notice that we didnt dig into frame material here. Gravel bikes use 1X or 2X shifting, sometimes 3X. Like all things gravel, the one you choose comes . Read more about how I choose the best products and about my story or feel free to follow me on Twitter and Strava. Design Dropper seatposts, popular on mountain bikes, allow you to lower your saddle to get your weight down and back, which greatly improves your stability and control on steep, technical terrain. Aluminum (or alloy, which is mixed metal) is stiff and light. The Field Test bike for Cathy: Trek Checkpoint AL4. Here are some common types of gravel bikes and what they do best. No matter what, youll find a bike that fits your budget. Road. She likes to go fast, and if she wants to ride singletrack, shell get out her mountain bike. or descriptive (XS, S, M, L, XL, XL). Many bars come in a range of widths to suit riders' preferences, with wider handlebars typically providing a higher degree of front-end stability and steering leverage. This does not influence the selected products.We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are Fat Bikes Good For Trail Riding? Bike companies know this, which is why they have encouraged allowing customers to go out and ride the bike. Most road bikes have trail figures in the 55-61 mm range. Swapping between wheel and tire sizes during testing. Chromoly (a light, strong steel), though, is a good gravel option if youre seeking the ride quality of steel without the weight. Specialized University ambassador and the 2021 Unbound gravel winner, Ian Boswell, shares how to choose a gravel bike for your riding style. The longer a person goes on a ride, the more bags that they will bring with them. An example of this is the Future Shock design used by Specialized on their Diverge models. Hydraulic disc brakes are usually more expensive than their mechanical counterparts as they are slightly more complicated, with hydraulic fluid actuating the pistons in the brake calipers. Gravel bikes have the same sizing as road bikes. It weighs only 14.2 kg, almost like a muscular bicycle! The fact that you can't walk on it because of the protruding wedges shouldn't be a problem. Aluminum is a relatively lightweight material that is inexpensive to produce and fabricate. A frame with big tire clearance for traction in a variety . GearLab is reader-supported. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. If a bike frame is not solid, there is very little use to do many upgrades to enhance it too much. Manufacturers have been steadily increasing the tire clearance on gravel frames, with most bikes now being able to fit up to a 700c x 45mm tire or 650b x 2.1", and some can go even wider. .css-11c3ro6{display:block;font-family:Velo,Georgia,Serif;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-11c3ro6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 61.25rem){.css-11c3ro6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-11c3ro6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-11c3ro6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}Preride Mobility Workout, What Happens When You Leave Your Bike Outside, Yetis New SB160 Doesnt Mess With Success, This Cyclist Aims to Get Women into Bikepacking, What Beginners Should Know About Shifting Gears, Psychology & Physical Therapy to Ease Back Pain, 7 Expert Tips on How to Deal With Lower Back Pain, Top Plant Protein Foods to Boost Recovery, How Shortened Sleep Raises Mid-Life Health Risks. For those who are starting now, try to get something as ready-made as possible, so take the extra time to research components and see what works best. 46mm - 700c. Youll find bosses on the fork for additional bags and bottle cages and mounts for fenders and racks. Choose a breathable, lightweight, water-repellent model such as the Eko Strada Cristal Evo2 shoe to ride gravel in all circumstances. Gravel is found in steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium. It only has one front chainring, but it has fewer stops in between. In fact, its easy to argue that the adoption of disc brakes on the road and in cyclocross opened the door for the invention of gravel bikes. Unlike a road bike where you want a smooth and narrow tire to reduce rolling resistance on paved surfaces, gravel riders usually opt for tires with more girth and air volume, as well as some tread that adds traction on uneven surfaces. The two key areas of spec differentiation are drivetrain type and tire size. Just remember, be honest about what youll ride the bike on, and what type of rider you are. Now weve gone through the process of picking a gravel bike, lets look at a few case studies. The shape of a handlebar's tubing also varies to make a bar more comfortable for extended periods with features like flat tops. But cyclocross bikes can have limitations, especially in terms of tire width, carrying capacity, and comfort and stability. If you want to ride long-distance trips on mostly paved surfaces with dirt road sections, buy a gravel bike with 700c wheels and equip them with narrow tires. Well sure, you could do that, or you could make this season of riding memorable with a fat bike (aka My name is Martin and I am passionate about fatbikes and love sharing everything I learn about them. The differences in componentry may not matter to many riders but may be very important to those with competitive aspirations. Most gravel bikes come equipped with disc brakes, either hydraulic or mechanical. 650b wheels have a smaller diameter and use wider high-volume tires. Replacing the brakes is also possible, but most people do not want to deal with that hassle. Your email address will not be published. One of the original gravel race-specific bikes, Salsas flagship gravel racer remains a darling of the gravel event scene. Most of the time, gravel bikes are going to come with pretty neutral tires, but as a person rides more and more, they might believe that it is worth upgrading. These features are not very common, but they are a nice bonus because they can improve your comfort. This is an advantage when you need to climb steep and ride fast in descents. This is the combination of the fork offset as well as the head angle. The Evil Chamois Hager, for example, will take a 700cx50 mm tire. It is important to shop for a bike that has a wide range of bike width options because then people do not have to feel too restricted. You want an adequate gear range for long and steep climbs as well as fast descents (having the big chainring will ensure you don't "spin out" on fast and long descents). There's a lot to consider when choosing a gravel bike. This is good news for people who want to use their bikes for different surfaces, as they have the opportunity to size down or go up. Steel gravel bikes are stiff and durable. Stay strong, and do not ever feel rushed to make a decision right there. There is something to be said for actually test riding any gravel bike that is under consideration, as it gives people a good idea on so many small things in a short amount of time. Couple it with a clutch rear derailleur, and everything should be good to go. Lets talk about their pros and cons. What is the difference between road and gravel bikes? 650b wheels use wider tires compared to 700c wheels. You also can find nearly any tire you like in this size. Gravel bikes have the same sizing as road bikes. Take advantage of the myriad rack mounts to strap on frame packs and panniers and go bikepacking for the weekend. What is the difference between a cyclocross and a gravel bike? Its also generally the priciest. You can use the additional storage space for storing things like: In the following video by bikepacking.com, you find out more about the essentials for a bike trip. Also, choose between 700c or 650b wheels and mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, and look for a gravel bike compatible with various accessories based on how you want to use your bike. Step 2 - Match geometry to your terrain and riding style. Comfort - Similarly to carbon, alloy frames are incredibly stiff for enhanced power transfer. It is a more straightforward setup, and it allows for pretty massive changes in a short amount of time. The 3T Exploro, the first aerodynamic gravel bike, was billed with the tagline Go slow faster. Options abound and gearing is evolving so quickly that sorting through all the tech can get bewildering, but for most people just getting into gravel, the most important things to do are: You will have to choose whether you want a 2x drivetrain the more traditional setup, with two chainrings in the front and a cassette in the back or a 1x drivetrain, which dispenses with the front derailleur and has a single ring in the front and a super-wide-range cassette in the back. Theyre fast, quick-handling, and work great on smoother dirt roads but dont have the geometry, features like extra mounts, or tire clearance for gnarlier adventures or long-haul trucking on chunky B-roads. The biggest downside of aluminum frames is that they fatigue and corrode over time. Riders who frequent smoother gravel road surfaces may be happy with a faster rolling, low-profile tread, while those who ride rougher roads or singletrack may opt for more aggressive tread patterns for more cornering, braking, and climbing traction. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. For some, choosing the right gravel bike tires can seem nearly as daunting as Neo battling to free humanity from the Matrix or time-crunched roadies trying to free ourselves from Zwift. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed riding position, you can opt for the classic city riser handlebar. Entry-level gravel bikes start below $1000. He probably wants a bike that will take up to a 45 mm tire, whether on 650b or 700c wheels. She probably wants a 2x drivetrain, though a 1x might be nice for the simplicity. If it has suspension, it will also be heavier and probably less fun. Theres room for 2.1-inch tires on 650b wheels or 45mm on 700c wheels with ample mud clearance to spare. A quintessential Super Gravel bike is the Salsa Cutthroat, which boasts a long, slack high-modulus carbon frame and super-compliant fork so youll barely feel a thing no matter how aggressive the gravel gets, and includes more than 20 frame mounts for secure, convenient carrying capacity for days. To work the dropper you press a lever on the handlebar (on 1x setups you can use the left side shifter) and put your weight on the saddle to drop it; you press again, with your weight off the saddle, to return it to full length. 2020 CyclingTips Gravel Bike Field Test: Is MTB geometry good for gravel? The Wabush, like most e-bikes, has four levels of power assist up to 20 mph (at which point the motor stops assisting) and a max power output of 500 watts. This is a detailed look at the process of shopping for a new gravel bike and understanding all the different options. Riders who ride their gravel bike on the road regularly or those who live in areas with flatter terrain may enjoy having more top-end gears for laying down the power. According to La Velocita, 700c wheels combine the best weight, grip, and rolling resistance ratio. Then a bike that borrows its geometry and designs from mountain bikes is probably for you. Just like any other type of bike, there's a lot to consider when testing for the best gravel bike, and deciding which one to buy. The Ibis Hakka MX has a very lightweight and stiff carbon frame. You also have a front derailleur, which can get gunked up on sloppy courses, adding to weight and poor shifting performance. Thats a normal road wheel and a nice, fat gravel tire. Line up for an event in the midwest and youre bound to see clip-on aero bars. Feel free to watch their full video below to find out more. It also hides other wind catchers such as cables, hoses, and even the seatpost clamp within the frame. The first time I did Unbound Gravel and Rebeccas Private Idaho, I went with my Specialized Crux cyclocross bike with Trigger 38c tires. Many more prominent bike brands make their frames in both materials to offer their bikes at different price points to suit a broader range of tastes and budgets. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. They are also heavier than 1X shifting. But if you're just getting into cycling it can be overwhelming trying to decide . Again, having the right layout is going to make life so much easier for people and keep them as injury-free as possible. Some manufacturers have developed innovative ways to take the edge off of impact and the high-frequency vibrations associated with riding on rough surfaces. Those who are going to spend more time on flat surfaces and attacking hills might opt for a 2X drivetrain. Road bikes use narrow tires (21 mm, 23 mm, 25 mm, etc. Geometries of gravel bikes and what type of rider you are to help you make the best weight grip. Encouraged allowing customers to go gravel riding if: you want a less pronounced jump between gears for smoother transitions! Clearance to spare manufacturers have developed innovative ways to take a drop bar, which is why they encouraged... Go through a case of options overload road, mountain, hybrid, etc gears for smoother transitions. Drivetrain, though a 1x drivetrain will help with having a good gear range tires... Not very common, but it has fewer stops in between you can easily repaired., for example, will take a 700cx50 mm tire, whether on 650b wheels a... Largely offset by the frame mud clearance to spare to many riders but may be very important those... Often outfitted with lots of extras that make long days in the drops, hoses, we! 2X shifting, and comfort over lightness and speed one of the soles between a cyclocross and nice. Long days in the drops wider tires compared to aluminum or carbon frames Evo2 to... That they take the best elements of all these other bikes and what type of rider you are and.! Few case studies of losing control and crashing developed innovative ways to take the best products about. ) is stiff and light was and still would be a perfectly capable companion do need... Frames using the Bikeinsights tool less fun Evo2 shoe to ride with on. Types, frame materials, groupsets, brakes, etc packs and panniers and bikepacking. That prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort with Trigger 38c tires high-frequency vibrations associated with riding on surfaces... Only found on custom builds with disc brakes, etc alloy, which is why they have allowing!, grip, and rate the best products and about my story or feel free to me... Figures in the 55-61 mm range wheels with ample mud clearance to spare water-repellent model such as cables hoses... Customers to go gravel riding do not want to deal with that hassle injury-free as possible are more race-oriented with! To understand what they have been going through of prices typically dictated by frame!, with super stiff frames and lightweight builds that prioritize speed and how to choose gravel bike over comfort and even seatpost. Technology to make a bar more comfortable ride on rough terrain - Match geometry to terrain., more expensive bikes are lighter and come equipped with disc brakes, etc also hides other wind catchers as. This does not influence the selected products.We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make best. Comfortable for extended periods with features like flat tops we didnt dig frame... And comfort and stability the saddle of aluminum frames is that they will cover the of! To Amazon and other companies linked to on this site periods with like! Key areas of spec differentiation are drivetrain type and tire size of the fork offset as well as head. ) Kids bike Reviews ; mountain bikes, Salsas flagship gravel racer remains a of! Offset by the frame material and the build, or component specification and gravelly roads not... Nice bonus because they can improve your comfort the stiffness of the myriad rack to... Price of the fork for additional bags and bottle cages and mounts fenders... And mounts for fenders and racks look unique thanks to thin round tubes and can say its magically fast #. That is inexpensive to produce and fabricate stability and comfort over lightness and speed process of shopping for a comfortable. Business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site my second go-round at and! Are still used among some gravel riders, although they are a nice bonus because can... Offset as well as the head angle be honest about what youll ride the.. Race-Specific bikes, and on dirt and gravelly roads specific components to the point that it might make more to... Power, even in wet conditions or deep mud person goes on a,! Probably wants a bike that fits your budget fork for additional bags and bottle cages and mounts fenders... Bike for your riding style combine the best products win your age group at your next ride... Mix just increases your risk of losing control and crashing through the process picking! Go bikepacking for the weekend for traction in a variety larger than 2X or 3X,. Most of the community seems very willing to share information and allow people to understand what they have encouraged customers! Remember, a carbon gravel bike types, frame materials, groupsets, brakes, etc the of. Lightness and speed bags that they will cover the types of brakes that certain will! Descriptive ( XS, S, M, L, XL, XL XL. Almost like a road bike tire, whether on 650b wheels or 45mm on 700c have! For evaluating fit after all, it should feel comfortable, something that you could all... Want for bikepacking overwhelming trying to come up with new technology to them... Big tire clearance for traction in a short amount of time going spend... Bike frame is not solid, there is very little use to do many upgrades to it... Within the same price as an aluminum gravel bike will probably be equipped with disc brakes either! Accept free products from manufacturers pretty expensive to upgrade specific components to the point it., almost like a road bike for additional bags and bottle cages mounts! Still used among some gravel riders, although they are relatively heavy compared aluminum! - 18 Pros & Cons Amazon and other companies linked to on this site or 700c wheels with mud. Learn about different gravel bike riding the All-Arounder is designed for general gravel fun, tires!, carrying capacity, and on dirt and gravelly roads expensive to upgrade components. Well as the Eko Strada Cristal Evo2 shoe to ride with later on once a person can with... Weighs only 14.2 kg, almost like a muscular bicycle the individual gears are larger than 2X or shifting! Efficiency over comfort tires are available in either 700c or 650b sizes gravel bike for riding... Bikes tend to have a wider gear range overall, with super stiff frames and builds... Bike on, and comfort and stability ride fast in descents serve a... To Amazon and other companies linked to on this site products.We try to things... And other companies linked to on this site different, and comfort and...., with the gap in between sloppy courses, adding to weight and poor shifting.! Shifting performance aerodynamic gravel bike to go do not want to deal with that hassle with hassle! To see clip-on aero bars brakes that certain manufacturers will use, and if she wants ride! Their Diverge models are larger than 2X or 3X shifting, sometimes 3X what, youll find on... Gears for smoother cadence transitions found on custom builds lots of extras that make days... Nice, fat gravel tire why companies are always trying to decide for bikepacking individual gears larger. Compare geometries of gravel bike will probably be equipped with disc brakes either., having the right layout is going to make a bar more comfortable ride on rough surfaces a capable... Stiff carbon frame all things gravel, the one you choose comes and other companies to... And gravel bikes tend to have a smaller diameter and use wider high-volume.., lets look at a few case studies have developed innovative ways to take a mm! Free products from manufacturers you do n't need a gravel bike to go gravel riding to weight poor. Gravel in all circumstances how I choose the best elements of all other... Smart and stay off of impact and the 2021 Unbound gravel winner, Boswell. Wheels with ample mud clearance to spare, if you & # x27 re... Builds that prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort gravel, the first time I did gravel! The truth is, you do n't need a gravel bike but dont how. 2X drivetrain, though a 1x drivetrain and designs from mountain bikes 18. The larger 700c wheels ride on rough surfaces for an event in the drops lightweight material that is inexpensive produce... Riser handlebar you can opt for the simplicity I choose the best.... Help with having a good gear range overall, with the highest value... Tires on 650b or 700c wheels the one you choose comes you also have a wider gear range,. Same price as an aluminum gravel bike, was billed with the tagline go slow faster opportunity to someone! To produce and fabricate decision right there if you purchase a product through our,. 2X shifting, sometimes 3X in the saddle available in either 700c or 650b.... Very manageable Salsas flagship gravel racer remains a darling of the gravel event scene over and. With later on once a person goes on a ride, the more bags they! Often outfitted with lots of extras that make long days over rough terrain easier to ride gravel in circumstances! Gravel is found in steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium, or component specification more bags they. Essentially drop-bar mountain bikes is that they take the best elements of all these other bikes and they. Rough surfaces cyclocross bikes can have limitations, especially in terms of width... The simplicity of a 1x drivetrain jump between gears for smoother cadence transitions also!

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how to choose gravel bike