What exactly is a gravel bike you ask! Where does a gravel bike fit in exactly? Well to put simply, a gravel bike fits in the gap between a traditional cyclocross race bike and a road race bike. Like it’s two close relatives, gravel bikes come with drop bars. Gravel bikes are just great versatile all rounders.
A gravel bike offers all the dirt and rough road capability of a cyclocross bike but will be more stable, more comfortable and faster on smooth tarmac than a cyclocross bike. The comfortable less stretched ride position and compact (50/34) climbing friendly gearing will feel similar to an endurance road bike but many gravel bikes come right on trend with 1×11 gearsets. These work particularly well off road but can be a little restricting for chain ganging on a club spin maybe.
Ruggedness is also what gravel bikes are all about. They have mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes for strong reliable stopping power and the clearance on the fork and frame to run much fatter tyres. 700x40c is the norm. These bigger wider tyres equal comfort, tons of grip and really good puncture resistance. Unlike typical cyclocross and race orrientated road bikes, gravel bikes also always come with loads of eyelets for mounting everything from loads of water bottle cages, full mudguards and pannier racks and or all the bike packing kit you could ever need. Gravel bikes also make great all weather commuting bikes.
This load carrying capability opens up traditional touring or, for the more adventurous, the brave new world of bikepacking adventuring. Pack up and explore the great unknown! Modern bike packing bags by quality brands like Altura and Ortlieb attach directly to the bike seat post, main frame and handlebars allow the explorer to pack light for a night or two out camping under the stars or even head off on that big adventure you’ve always promised you’d do! Versatility, adventure in one neat modern twist on the humble bicycle. Our full range of panniers and bags can be found here
The range of gravel bikes is growing. The Cycle Superstore currently offer the Cube Nuroad, the Cannondale Topstone, Cannondale Slate and the Giant Toughroad. All these models have light alloy frames with carbon forks and come in at 3 or 4 different price points to suit all budgets. All great models and more to follow….
By Dave Dowse
ddowse.cyclesuperstore@gmail.com
