What Is Gravel Cycling?
Road cycling and mountain biking are combined in gravel cycling. These rides differ from one paved road to another in terrain. With a special frame shape and components suited for erratic circumstances, gravel bikes are made to satisfy any task.
Because of its curved handlebars, a gravel bike first looks to be like a road bike. On closer inspection, nevertheless, it possesses several special characteristics—especially with regard to the frame construction. A gravel bike also features wider rims on its wheels than a road or mountain bike.
Especially made for rugged, unpaved, and erratic terrain are gravel wheels. Unlike most road bike wheels, their wider rims let larger tires be installed. On gravel roads, this offers superior stability, control, and comfort even up to 60 mm!
Can I Use My Regular Road Bike Wheels For Graveling?
Yes, you can use road bike wheels on a gravel bike for cycling on unpaved terrain. However, specialized gravel wheels offer better stability, control, traction, and comfort on such terrain.
The Benefits of Gravel Wheels
1. Enhanced Stability and Control
Using particular wheels for gravel cycling has mostly advantages in terms of increased stability and control. Gravel roads can be erratic and jagged, which makes balance and control difficult. Wheels made especially for this kind of terrain, however, have wider rims that may accommodate wider tires, therefore increasing the contact area on the surface. Increased stability and control produced by this helps riders enjoy a better ride across gravel and other unpaved routes.
2. Increased Traction
Greater traction is another benefit of certain wheels for gravel riding. Slippery and erratic gravel roads can be greatly affected by the correct wheels; this will help you to grasp the road. Wider tires on gravel wheels increase surface area, hence improving traction—even on rough gravel.
3. More Comfortable RideAlthough gravel roads might be difficult and bumpy, particular wheels made for this kind of terrain offer a more pleasant ride. Wider tires on the broader rims help to absorb shock and vibration, therefore lessening their effect on the rider's body. A better ride comes from this, which lets you savor your adventure free from experiencing every bump and jolt.
4. Better DurabilityOn wheels, gravel roads may be unforgiving and over time cause damage. Still, particular graveling wheels are more durable than standard road bike wheels since they are designed to resist the uneven terrain. This allows you to ride longer and harder free from concern for wheel damage.
Tubeless Gravel Tire vs. Tubed Clinchers
Because tubeless tires lack inner tubes, which increases their resistance to the sharp flint-type gravel common at events like Unbound, they reign on gravel. Hence:
Running inner tubeless tires at reduced pressures than clinchers will produce a smoother ride.
Another way to help avoid pinch flats—also known as snake bites—is with tubeless gravel tires. These occur when a tire tears against the rim upon collision with a rock or bump. This tear finally causes the tire to rapidly deflate.
Gravel tires without tubes should be used with sealant. Should something cut through the tire, the sealant liquid rapidly fills the hole and seals it. One can patch flats during a ride with a plug kit. You may be ready to roll once more in no time by plugging into the hole and striking the valve with CO2 or a pump.
Gravel Bike Size Guide
With most manufacturers sizing frames using the seat tube length in cm, gravel bike sizing is like road bike sizing. Some brands, though, employ T-shirt-style sizing. Your posture on a dirt bike will be generally more relaxed and straight than on a road race cycle. This is so that you may balance and maneuver your bike over obstacles by moving your weight about more off-road. Furthermore, more comfortable on uneven ground will be an erect posture. On the other hand, if gravel racing appeals to you, a longer and lower posture will lessen your frontal profile and maybe increase your speed.
Rider height |
|
Frame size |
|
Feet and inches |
Centimetres |
Effective top tube (cm) |
Bike size |
4ft 10in – 5ft |
148-152 |
47-48 |
XXS |
5ft – 5ft 3in |
152-160 |
49-50 |
XS |
5ft 3in – 5ft 6in |
160-168 |
51- 3 |
S |
5ft 6in – 5ft 9in |
168-175 |
54-55 |
M |
5ft 9in – 6ft |
175-183 |
56-58 |
L |
6ft – 6ft 3in |
183-191 |
58-60 |
XL |
6ft 3in – 6ft 6in |
191-198 |
61-63 |
XXL |
What Makes A Gravel Bike Stands Out?
Designed to perform remarkably on mixed terrain, gravel bikes are flexible all-terrain bicycles with a special combination of speed, agility, and stability. They fit gravel tires, which are smaller than ordinary mountain bike tires but wider than usual road bike tires.
Designed to survive the demanding and erratic circumstances of riding on varied terrain in every weather, the best wheels for gravel bikes are lightweight, stiff, and durable. These wheels let riders handle tricky off-road descents and small singletracks while keeping remarkable speed on paved sections by offering great performance and stability.
The abundance of mounts that make gravel bikes fit for carrying luggage with simplicity and attaching fashionable accessories distinguishes them from other bikes, including hardtail mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes. For bike-packing trips and travel, this function makes them perfect.
Gravel bikes bridge the gap between mountain and road bikes, offering a practical choice for those seeking a blend of off-road capability and road speed. Their geometry strikes a fine balance between speed and sturdiness, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on a myriad of terrains. This adaptability allows riders to explore various terrains with a single bike, making them ideal for those with limited storage space.