One of the most exciting things to cycle in the past few years has been the emergence of gravel bikes. The name sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but these bikes are designed to ride on rocky terrain, which is often more challenging than riding on pavement. These bikes are perfect for riders looking to get their feet wet in the cycling world. So what are some things to look for when buying a new gravel bike?
Carbon
Pushbikes gravel bikes NZ are ideal for off-road adventures. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fibre is one of the best materials for a gravel bike frame. The material is also highly durable.
There are a wide variety of gravel bikes on the market. Most of them are built around a carbon frame. But a few brands use steel frames instead. For under a thousand dollars, some of the best gravel bikes feature steel as the primary material.
The Giant Revolt Advanced 3 is a fantastic choice for the severe gravel rider. It features a lightweight endurance-friendly composite frame, a 2×10 drivetrain, and a Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brake set. These components allow the rider to take advantage of the most rugged terrain. This bike is ready for a long gravel event.
Aside from a durable carbon frame, the RAG+ 2 gravel bike has a carbon fork. The fork improves performance by providing extra stiffness. The oversized downtube also features thick tube walls to strengthen the bottom bracket junction.
Steel
A steel Pushbikes gravel bikes NZ is an excellent choice for those who want an all-around, versatile ride. They’re comfortable on rough terrain and easy to maintain and repair.
Some manufacturers, such as Specialized, build their bikes with various materials. Steel is the most common frame material, but aluminium and titanium are available. Choose one made from a more exotic material, depending on your riding style.
Most gravel bikes have a relaxed geometry, making them more comfortable for long rides. Other features include rack mounts and fender mounts.
The most common material for a gravel bike’s frame is steel. The reason for this is that it’s cheap and durable. It also dampens vibration. However, comfort lovers may need to appreciate the bike’s stiffness.
Steel gravel bikes can be enjoyable to ride. Usually, they’re built with flared bars and extra thick bar tape. And some even feature suspension seat posts. These bikes can be used for touring, off-road racing, or even just for a fun ride.
Several modern gravel bikes feature carbon forks. You’ll find these on models like the BMC Kauis 01 One and the Surly Straggler.
Titanium
A titanium gravel bike is a way to get on the road quickly and explore the back roads. Various brands manufacture these bikes, each with its unique set of features. They’re durable, fast, and comfortable, perfect for exploring the country and taking off-road adventures.
While some may think titanium isn’t suitable for gravel riding, it has several qualities that make it especially well-suited to the job. One of these is the material’s ability to absorb vibrations, resulting in smooth, comfortable rides. Another is its lightweight nature, which means it isn’t overly heavy and can still be powerful.
Some models also feature a wide range of gears. For instance, the Moots Vamoots Disc RSL is designed for those interested in modern all-road cycling. This bike has a light, strong titanium frame and a mechanical disc brake.
1x or 2x drivetrains
Choosing between a 1x or 2x drivetrain for your gravel bike is a decision that will depend on your riding and fitness level, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to both. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available.
One advantage of a 1x setup is the simplicity of the design. In addition to being lighter, there is no need to worry about a shifting mechanism or a front derailleur.
A second benefit is the range you can get from your gearing. For example, the average 1x setup is capable of 520% of the usable gear range. So getting to that higher gear is easier.
On the other hand, a 2x drivetrain gives you more gears. Depending on the specifics of your ride, a 2x setup might offer over 600% of the usable gear range. So it’s worth considering if the content is essential for you.
Wheel diameter to match riding conditions
The wheel diameter to match riding conditions is a big decision regarding gravel bike tyres. While the best way to determine this is to ride a gravel bike, you can make a good case for using fatter tyres for speed and grip. Adding a new tyre will significantly improve your gravel bike setup whether you ride off-road or on paved roads.
You will want to choose a tire that offers the best balance of comfort, performance and roll-on-and-off grip. It is especially important for off-road riding.
A gravel bike will likely come with a heavy set of wheels so you can replace these with a lighter wheel. However, the best bet is to use a wheel with a more comprehensive internal rim. Generally, the most expansive boundaries available are those with at least 24 mm interior widths.
Thru-axles
Thru-axles are part of the front end of gravel bikes. They are used to attach the fork legs. In turn, the fork is more resistant to torsion forces. It allows for better handling and steering off the road.
Thru-axles can be bolted on or removed using a quick release. These axles are lightweight, durable and inexpensive. If you’re looking for a new bike, you can buy a few quick-release axles for less than $10.
The main benefits of thru-axles are improved performance and safety. These axles are also lighter than quick-release ones and offer greater stiffness. Thru-axles help enhances the durability and stability of the front end of a gravel bike, especially when riding with disc brakes.
Using thru-axles is more time-consuming than using quick-release axles. For example, loosen the skewer’s adjusting nut to remove the wheel. Then, depending on your weight, you may need to use a wrench or tool to get the wheel out of the dropout.
