What are Gravel Bikes?

They are taking an increasingly important share in bicycle sales in Europe, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. With their big tires and small developments, Gravel bikes intrigue as much as they seduce, because they meet new consumer expectations. 

By Isidore Aramis – Photos: depositphotos.com

Gravel bikes, also called gravel bikes, are an evolution of gravel bikes. route traditional and mountain bikes. They were designed to allow cyclists to ride on different types of terrain, such as gravel roads, routes unpaved and light trails.

Gravel bikes began to gain popularity in the 2000s in North America, as riders began looking for ways to ride on more varied terrain than routes traditional tarred. Early gravel bikes were often route classics equipped with wider tires for better grip on unpaved surfaces. However, over time, bike manufacturers began to design bikes specifically for gravel riding, with sturdier frames and forks for better impact resistance and even wider tires for better stability and grip on varied terrain.

Today, gravel bikes are popular with cyclists looking to explore country roads, routes unpaved and light trails, while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a bike route traditional. They are also used for Gravel racing, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.

In summary, Gravel bikes are the result of the evolving needs of cyclists looking to explore new terrainThey have become a category of bicycles in their own right thanks to the innovation of bicycle manufacturers, who have designed bicycles specifically for unpaved terrain.

The difference with cyclocross bikes

The main difference between a cyclocross bike and a gravel bike is the tire section. Cyclocross is an activity that takes place primarily in competition and on a circuit. The size of the tires is regulated, and the section must not exceed 33 mm. In gravel, there is no limit, and The bikes can be fitted with 35, 40 or even 50 mm section tires., depending on wheel size and frame clearance possibilities.

Between the two types of bikes, there is also a difference in developments. In cyclo-cross and on a circuit, the hills to climb are often very short and brisk and they pass on the momentum, or on foot if the speed is not sufficient to accept a classic minimum development of 36/28 or 36/30 for example. In Gravel, on longer and more varied courses, it may be necessary to stay in the saddle for a long time. This is why the minimum developments are much smaller, up to 32 teeth for the small chainring and 34 or 36 teeth for the largest sprocket for example, or even 40 teeth for the chainring up to 44 teeth on the freewheel in the case of use with a single chainring.

Even though it is marginal, there is also a difference in geometry, since Riders will look for more stability with a Gravel bike, and rather agility with a cyclocross bike. What you need to remember is that it is always possible to do Gravel with a cyclocross bike, even if it is not perfectly adapted, while it is forbidden to do a cyclocross competition with a Gravel.

A category with many faces

The Gravel category is not yet fully defined, as there are multiple ways to see and practice the discipline. Short and intense outings through routes and paths up to ultra-distance or bikepacking, including UCI competitions and the world championship created in 2022, you will definitely be able to find the Gravel practice that suits you.

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