Gravel bikes arose from a specific need and, contrary to popular opinion, a gravel bike is not an artificially induced trend. There was a particularly large market for it in the United States, a country with vast forests and gravel roads.
Terrain like this is too difficult for a road bike, but it's also easy enough to ride that an MTB is unnecessary, so there was a need for a faster, more practical option.
Long trips, which are designed to be roadlike in character, generally need you to cope with brief stretches of mountain biking. The first thing that comes to mind while tackling such terrain is a cyclocross bike.
While this is the case, the geometry of these two-wheelers is not ideal for prolonged travels. After all, they were designed for quick muddy races with plenty of sharp turns, not multi-day adventures with luggage.
As is customary, people began to experiment, repairing their old road bikes, inserting bigger tires, and modifying the drivetrain. Endurance road bikes used in long-distance events began to evolve, with more and more "off-road" elements appearing on them.
The gravel bike was born out of the desire to own a bike that could handle mild terrain or modest single tracks while also being acceptable for asphalt.
If you are wondering what is unique about these bikes, well, they have a number of unique features that include:
Unique geometry
Gravel bikes have a taller head tube, similar to those seen on endurance road cycles, and slacker angles than cyclocross bikes, making them comfortable on long journeys and even appropriate for ultramarathons and spending many hours in the seat.
Another distinguishing aspect of dirt bikes over road bikes or CXs is their low bottom bracket. This treatment allows the bike to perform well at high speeds over difficult terrain. When combined with extended rear forks, which provide a longer wheelbase, you get reliable, predictable steering and stability, even while carrying heavy luggage.
These features make gravel bikes ideal for journeys when you can't predict exactly what type of terrain you will discover or when you are prepared to ride on more than just tarmac.
Plenty of mounting points
Gravel bikes have plenty of mounting points. Fender and rack mounting positions are normal in most bikes but gravel bikes have more. There are generally three bottle mounts—two in the main triangle of the frame and one beneath the down tube.
This point becomes extremely valuable if you know you won't be able to find a water source for the next 100 kilometers.
Forks termed "utility forks" are becoming popular in most of gravel bikes. In addition to being excellent places for racks and fenders, they also offer a three-boss arrangement for bottle cages on one side, allowing you to mount extras like a cage and carry additional luggage.
To see gravel bikes with plenty of mounting points that you can take advantage of, follow this link obedbikes.com.
Hydraulic disk brakes
Disc brakes are standard in gravel cycling. They give adequate braking power for more challenging terrain and for carrying an additional weight in your bike packing packs.
Some people prefer mechanical models for long expeditions because they are easier to maintain, but if you are not going on an around-the-world adventure or to a completely remote area, hydraulic disc brakes are a great choice, and they are common in most gravel bikes.
These brakes give far higher modulation and braking power, and their failure rate is extremely low.
Larger wheels
Gravel bike wheels come in two sizes: 650b and 700c, with the latter being more common. 650b wheels have a slightly smaller diameter and you can fit them with even wider tires for increased grip, while maintaining a rolling diameter equivalent to a road bike for comparable gearing and ride experience.
While this is the case, most gravel bikes are fitted with 700c wheels and tires as standard..
Gravel specific gear ratios
Gearing is essential when it comes to gravel bike setup. If you're going off-road, you'll need lower gears to handle steep climbs and more difficult terrain. With less traction on loose surfaces, you can't simply get out of the saddle when climbing, so you have to spin up the gradient to avoid wheel slip.
The majority of gravel bikes now feature gravel-specific gearing that you can take advantage of.
The main option is between a 1x (with a single chainring in the front) and a 2x arrangement (with two chainrings on a double crankset).
Super-compact chainsets are now standard on two-piece gravel cranksets. Dropping the chainring sizes to 48/31t or 46/30t, gravel groupset, and matching this with at least an 11-32t or 11-34t cassette, makes difficult climbs possible.
Appropriate gearing is essential if you intend to ride your gravel bike off-road on steep or technical terrain. For the best outcome you should be ultra-cautious and remember that its always wise to have a bail-out gear that you never use rather than using the lowest gear all the time, especially if your bike is heavy with bikepacking bags.
For riding gravel, single-ring groupsets are a great option to go with.
A simpler design with fewer potential problems is achieved by eliminating the front derailleur and use a single chainring. Although the most recent 12-speed groupsets have lessened this problem, you still get as much range as a double chainset, if not more, with slightly wider leaps between gears on the cassette.
Along with a clutched rear derailleur, the chainring's alternating wide and narrow teeth help to keep the chain in place and smooth over uneven terrain.
Parting shot
If you were wondering what makes gravel bikes unique, now you know a gravel bike can traverse a vast array of terrains since it is sturdy, practical, and efficient.
In addition to performing well on the road, it will make an excellent companion on a lengthy woodland excursion. It can even be your preferred two-wheeler for commuting to work or shopping.
Remember that for you to get the best results from your bike, you need to use it properly. This calls for you to ride the right size of bike. You also should always ride in the right gear.
