What is a gravel bike and how to choose one

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For cycling on roads without asphalt, it is worth buying a gravel bike for training. This bike is more versatile than a road bike or a mountain bike, and it has good cross-country ability. Gravel bikes are sometimes called off-road road bikes, which fully describes their advantages.

1. When did gravel bikes come out?
2. Benefits of Gravel Bikes
3. How to choose gravel

When did gravel bikes come out?

Bikes of this type were developed by American designers. The bikes were designed for racing in the Midwest. The peculiarity of the new transport was the ability to develop high speed not only on a flat asphalt surface, but also on a gravel road (where, in fact, the name came from). To achieve this, the designers increased the width of the tires to the maximum.

Gradually, gravels became popular, which prompted manufacturers to improve and modernize this model. Gravel bikes are considered to combine the advantages of cyclocross, road bikes and mountain bikes.

Benefits of Gravel Bikes

This vehicle is designed for driving on gravel roads, but it can also be used as a city vehicle. Gravel is especially convenient on uneven asphalt with cracks and potholes - where a regular city bike will have difficulty passing.

1. Gravel bikes have more mud clearance and wider tires than road bikes. This increases the bike’s cross-country ability in conditions of bad roads and lack of asphalt.
2. This bike can be called universal - you can use it to go on a picnic or a short bike ride, ride around the city or race off-road. Gravel roads are also suitable for long bike rides.
3. The frame geometry of these models is almost the same as that of road bikes. The frame is quite powerful, but lightweight, which reduces the weight of the bike as a whole. Manufacturers make gravel frames from carbon and aluminum. This allows you to optimize the weight of the bike - on average, such bikes weigh about ten kilograms, and increases maneuverability.
4. Such models are equipped with “ram” handlebars, which improves the aerodynamic performance of the bike.
5. A gravel bike is perfect for cycling touring. It has a strong frame and reliable forks. The geometry of the main frame tube is comfortable for long trips. The ground clearance of such models is increased. The design of the gravels provides places for attaching cargo and bicycle bags, so you can carry tents, backpacks, and everything you need for hiking on such bicycles. In general, gravel trucks are very reliable and durable.

If you decide to choose a gravel bike, you need to carefully study its characteristics. Give preference to models from reliable manufacturers who provide a warranty on their bikes.

An ideal gravel pit must meet the following requirements:

1. the frame is light, but designed for wide tires (they should be wider than those of cyclocross bikes), as well as standard-sized wings;
2. high mud gap;
3. the length of the frame is not too long, this is important for the vertical position of the cyclist;
4. The angles of the head tube are not too sharp, so the bike’s handling is smooth;
5. transmission – cassette, with a large diameter of the lower sprockets, the optimal number of speeds – 11;
6. the steering wheel is wide enough so that you can change the position of your hands if necessary; usually this is a “ram” steering wheel;
7. brakes – most often such models are equipped with disc brakes, this is an ideal model for gravel;

tires – tire size – at least 25 mm, but you shouldn’t choose them larger than 40 mm, and take into account mud gaps; The tread should be hard, wide, but not too aggressive.