The growing interest in gravel bikes, bicycles that blend the agility of racing bikes with the robustness necessary to tackle more challenging terrain such as dirt roads and paths, marks a significant evolution in the world of cycling.
These bikes have become the preferred means of exploring unpaved so-called “B-roads,” offering a unique riding experience once accessible only to mountain bikes. In this article, we will explore in detail what makes the gravel bikes so special and what features to look for to choose the model best suited to your needs.
Why choose a gravel bike?
Are you undecided about your next bike? Are you considering a gravel bike, but not sure if it's the right choice? The first thing to do is understand what the peculiar characteristics of a gravel bike are.
Gravel bikes (literally "gravel bicycles") were created to meet two main needs: simplicity and adaptability. In a territory like the Italian one, where mixed terrain, dirt roads, concrete roads, hills, plains, etc. dominate, both racing bicycles and mountain bikes can be used. But both end up encountering driving difficulties that can make the Sunday outing more of an effort than a pleasure.
In contrast, the gravel bike is extremely versatile and adapts to a wide range of terrains.
In short, why buy a gravel bike? If you are a road rider it is the easiest bike for going on dirt roads, if you are a biker it is the most suitable bike for going from dirt roads to asphalt. Finally, it is the best bike for long trips.
Have we convinced you? So let's see what features to look for in a gravel bike.
Setup and comfort
The first aspect to consider in a gravel bike is thetrim. Unlike racing bikes, which favor an aerodynamic position, gravel bikes focus on a more upright position. This improves the stability and the comfort, essential for long days in the saddle on mixed terrain. The geometry of the frame plays a fundamental role, with relaxed angles, an elongated rear stay and a longer wheelbase which increases stability and grip on the ground.
Stability and grip
The main difficulty of pedaling on dirt roads and dirt roads is due to the uneven terrain, which reduces the stability and grip of the bicycle and creates a rebound effect which makes the cyclist's progression difficult.
Gravel bikes address the problem with wider tires, which can range from 28mm to 55mm in some models, to offer greater grip and vibration absorption. This, combined with a lower verticality of the seat tube, helps reduce cyclist fatigue, while simultaneously improving stability.
It is no coincidence that, despite the structure resembling racing bikes, gravel bikes are designed for long distances and theendurance. Thanks to their characteristics, these bicycles allow long rides, without tiring the body too much.
Frame materials and technology
The choice of material chassis it is crucial. The frames in aluminium offer a good balance between strength, weight and cost, while those in carbon fiber, obviously more expensive, are appreciated for their lightness and ability to absorb vibrations, thanks to high-strength (HS) composites that offer durability and lower overall rigidity, promoting comfort while driving.
Key components
Among the different components of a gravel bike, to be taken into particular consideration we find:
- headset and cable routing: the integrated headset and internal cables improve resistance to stress and protect the cables from external elements;
- disk brakes: now standard on gravel bikes, they offer braking power and reliability in all weather conditions;
- transmission: the choice between mechanical or electromechanical transmissions (such as Shimano Di2) depends on personal preferences, although in gravel bikes these are similar to those found on racing bikes, with two front chainrings and a group of rear sprockets that can count on 10 or 11 speeds.
Wheels and covers
The wheels they must be robust, with low profile rims (700c) and a greater number of spokes, to withstand the stresses of uneven terrain. The roofing, for their part, are fundamental to defining the character of the gravel bike, with increased sections that offer stability, grip and comfort, without neglecting the importance of puncture resistance.
Ergonomics and customization
The ergonomics of handlebar and the choice of saddle are equally important, as they directly influence comfort and performance. For example, it must be easier to reach the integrated controls, compared to a racing bike, since the cyclist would not have to bend forward to reach the brake lever.
Similarly, the saddle must offer greater support and greater vibration absorption than the seat of a racing bicycle. That said, personal preferences and individual needs also come into play here. Our advice is to carry out some tests to find the ideal saddle.
Finally, as with mountain bikes, SPD pedal sets are preferred for their reliability and easy attachment/release.
Why not a racing or cyclocross bike?
The distinction between these categories of bikes lies in their purposes and construction characteristics. As we said at the beginning, racing bikes are optimized for speed on asphalt and are not suitable for other types of terrain. Cyclocross bikes are designed for short, intense racing on muddy terrain and don't handle long distances well.
The gravel, however, fit into a unique niche, offering versatility, comfort and performance on a wide range of surfaces. Before we conclude, a word of warning: gravel bikes are by no means the fastest bikes around, but if you like to go slow and enjoy the views then seriously consider getting a gravel bike.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal gravel bike depends on a combination of factors, including riding style, personal preferences and the type of terrain you plan to tackle. By carefully analyzing the characteristics described above, you will be able to select a bike that not only meets your performance and comfort needs, but also represents a long-term investment in your passion for cycling.
Remember, the best gravel is the one that takes you furthest, most comfortably and with greatest joy. So, before you make a decision, carefully consider what “best gravel” means to you and how it will fit into your cycling lifestyle.