Gravel bikes in my opinion are simply road bikes that can take bigger tires. What seemed to start with cyclocross bikes has now turned into its own category: Gravel Bikes. What makes these bikes different and why should you want one?
First let’s start with terminology, I like the term “All-Road”, to me this means a bike that can perform on all roads, that being paved, gravel, double track, etc. This definition seems right to me because it encompasses all roads (including gravel) and not trails. Mountain bikes are for trails, not roads. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on a road and visa versa, but for the purpose of differentiation like “mountain” bike and “all road” bike.
Common characteristics of a good all road bike are as follows:
- Clearance for wide tires (32mm – 55mm)
- In most cases drop style handlebars (although we are starting to see more alternative bars)
- Tires that are fast rolling on all surfaces
- Wide gear range with a double up front
- More upright riding position than a traditional road bike
- The ability to carry gear and water
The truth is almost any bike can work as an all-road bike, it’s just that some work better than others. We tend to like bikes with frames made of steel. Steel frames have a dampening quality not found in other frame materials. We also like steel frames for the many attachment points for mounting racks, fenders, and water bottles. Gearing on an all-road bike is important and becomes even more important to those riders who might want to go on an extended tour or bikepacking trip. Adding camping gear, food, and extra water usually will increase the need for more gearing. We like a double chainring up front with at least 9 speeds in the back.
Gravel riding to me opens up the best of both worlds, getting the remoteness of mountain biking combined with social aspects of group road riding. In this day and age of distracted driving, it’s nice to be able to get off the paved roads and share a quiet ride without worrying too much about getting run off the road by an automobile. Another important change in the gravel riding world is the invention of GPS tracking and bike computers that help you navigate these less travel routes. In my opinion, this is what makes gravel riding so fun, now you have the ability to ride all kinds of new and exciting routes over any road surface and let only your imagination limit your path.
As always we are here to help, if you would like to find out more give us a call or better yet stop by the shop, we’d love to meet you.