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What is a gravel bike?
The gravel bike is undoubtedly the most successful type of road bike in recent years. The first concepts in the USA spilled over to Europe in 2014 and gradually displaced the cyclocross bike from the gravel tracks - until then the only off-road platform with curved handlebars. The triumph of the gravel bike is due to its versatility. From tarmac roads to narrow trails, this new breed can tackle almost any surface under its tyres. The riding position is generally comfortable and, with Endurance racing bikes comparable. The suspension comfort sometimes reaches the level of hardtail mountain bikes thanks to voluminous knobby tyres. While the ancestors of GT, Salsa or Specialized were still based on the sporty cyclocrosser, the gravel bike has long since emancipated itself from this. In addition to classic all-round models, specialists have developed: fast race gravel bikes with aerodynamically optimised framesets, bikepacking bikes suitable for adventures with mounting points for luggage and commuters suitable for everyday use with mudguards and lights.
What makes gravel bike frames special?
Like bikepacking and commuting models, classic gravel bikes are characterised by a comfort geometry suitable for long distances. A long head tube puts the rider in an emphatically upright riding position, the ratio of stack (actual frame height) to reach (actual frame length) is around 1.55. In addition to the wide tyres, compliant seat posts with up to two centimetres of travel and low-set seat stays result in suspension similar to that of a chassis. Occasionally there is a suspension fork in the frame or a damping element is fitted to the rear triangle of the frame. Fast race gravel bikes, on the other hand, are based on the Competition bikeBoth in terms of the relatively stretched seating position and the aerodynamically optimised tube shapes.
How is the driving behaviour?
"Length is everything": The well-known saying among water sports enthusiasts also applies to this popular type of bike. Thanks to a long wheelbase (1000 millimetres and more), the gravel bike sits firmly on the gravel track. A flat steering angle (around 70 degrees) and plenty of fork travel (60 millimetres and more) also result in a very smooth ride. Specially shaped cockpits with wide flared lower handlebars grip well even on rough terrain and offer better control than conventional handlebars.
Which tyres fit?
The first gravel road bikes, as this up-and-coming category was originally called, only rolled on slightly wider tyres than cyclocross bikes. Today, 40-millimetre tyres are the most widespread and a standard size. The frame and fork of some models leave room for up to 50 millimetres. However, this usually requires smaller wheels (27.5 inch) to be fitted. The tyre profiles range from smooth, road-like slicks to chunky, MTB-like versions.
What do I need to bear in mind when translating?
The double crankset familiar from road bikes is an exception on gravel bikes. Instead, user-friendly and low-maintenance single drivetrains dominate. Gear manufacturers compensate for the missing chainring with wide-ranging cassettes, which in extreme cases can have MTB dimensions (up to 52 teeth). The disadvantage of single-speed drivetrains is that the jumps between gears are somewhat larger than with the dual-speed version.
What additional benefits do gravel bikes have?
With the exception of the race models designed for racing, the framesets are usually equipped with mounting points for mudguards and pannier racks. This means that almost any gravel bike can be converted into an all-terrain commuter bike. The specialists for multi-day adventures are literally riddled with threaded eyelets for bags, water bottles and tools. In some cases, small storage compartments in the down tube also offer space for a spare tube and mini-tool.
What do gravel bikes cost?
The triumph of the gravel bike is also based on the more favourable price level compared to competition and marathon bikes. Robust entry-level models are available for less than 1000 euros, but are only recommended to a limited extent due to their high weight and simple technology. Functional aluminium bikes are around 2000 euros. Carbon bikes are available from around 2500 euros, and with exclusive equipment, fantastic prices of over 10,000 euros are due, as with competition racing bikes.
What do gravel bikes weigh?
Robust gravel bikes with simple components and simple aluminium frames weigh around the ten-kilo mark. Compared to endurance road bikes, the wider tyres are the main factor weighing them down. Some carbon models are significantly lighter and weigh about the same as a marathon bike suitable for long distances.
What are typical representatives?
Canyon Grizl: Convenient all-rounder
Cube Nuroad FE: Affordable touring bike >> available here.
Focus Atlas Carbon: Platform for adventurers >> available here.
Rose Backroad: Popular bestseller >> available here
Scott Addict Gravel: Fast ballast cutter
Julian Schultz
Editor
