What is a Gravel Bike?

Introduction

Gravel bikes have grown in popularity thanks to their versatility and ability to ride on various types of terrain. In this article, we'll see what a gravel bike is, its features, pros and cons, and finally how to choose one.

Gravel Bike History

Gravel bikes originated in the United States in response to the need for a bike suitable for long distances on uneven surfaces. They quickly became popular with cyclists seeking adventure and comfort on a variety of terrains.

Gravel Bike Design and Geometry

A gravel bike frame is more robust than a road bike frame and lighter than an MTB frame. The frame geometry favors a stable and comfortable riding position, perfect for long distances. Gravel bike frames have more options for mounting equipment, accessories, and bivouac gear, making these bikes ideal for long rides.

The frame geometry of gravel bikes provides a comfortable riding position, perfect for long distances

Tires and Wheels

Gravel bikes have wider, medium profile tires, compared to the road bikes, providing good grip on gravel and dirt roads. Generally, the most common wheel sizes are 650b to 700c, which allows you to choose between speed and comfort depending on the route.

Drivetrain

Gravel bikes usually have a wide range of gears to adapt to different terrains. Whether it's a single chainring with a wider-range cassette or a more traditional double front chainring system, the main goal is to be able to tackle steep slopes and long straights.

Brakes

Gravel bikes are usually equipped with disc brakes to provide effective braking in all weather conditions. Mechanical disc brakes are easy to maintain, while hydraulic brakes offer smoother and more powerful braking.

A wide range of gears allows you to adapt to different terrains

Shock Absorption

Most gravel bikes don't have suspension, traditional for MTB. Their forks are generally rigid. To smooth out the irregularities of the terrain, special inserts are added or carbon is used as the main material of the fork.

Where to Ride a Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are perfect for mixed routes that include asphalt, gravel roads and light off-road. They handle long distances well and allow cyclists to explore varied areas.

Pros and Cons of a Gravel Bike

Advantages of a gravel bike are its versatility, its comfort over long distances, its options for mounting additional equipment, and its crossing capacity on a variety of terrains. Disadvantages can include a weight higher than the weight of a road bike, and less aggressive crossing capacity on extreme off-road compared to an MTB.

One of the advantages of a gravel bike is its high crossing capacity on a variety of terrains

How to Choose a Gravel Bike

The following factors should be considered when choosing a gravel bike: the type of terrain you plan to tackle, your drivetrain preferences, the type of brakes, and the need for shock absorption. Also pay attention to the possibility of attaching additional accessories, such as luggage racks and bike bags.

Conclusion

Gravel bikes offer a unique combination of comfort, versatility and reliability to adventurous cyclists. By following our advice, you can choose a gravel bike that suits you perfectly and enjoy comfortable and exciting bike rides on a variety of routes.