Why Does EVERYONE Suddenly Want A Gravel Bike?

Why Does EVERYONE Suddenly Want A Gravel Bike?
It seems like the world and his granny want a gravel bike thesedays.
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[@Roger101Watson]

I think it's popular because it's pulling in people from both the road scene and mtb xc scene. It sits nicely in the middle of the two and covers most of the types of cycling the average rider does that being some road and gravel forest tracks. They are more comfortable than a road bike, lighter than mtb and are fast and easy to ride. I'm a big fan.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I love mine for those very reasons.

[@jon4atee1]

Yep,I fall into this category I love getting out off road but want the speed and comfort a road bike gives

[@johnhickie1107]

DeadHead. I was going to reply myself, but you stole the words right from my mouth. Right on. Great touring bike. A bit slow for the road, but I can navigate stuff that a road bike simply can't handle. On a ride from the south tip to the north tip of the UK last year I didn't get a single flat with my slightly heavier touring tires whereas it was a regular occurrence with the road bikers (one had two flats at the same time). The GRX gearing lets me climb crazy steep stuff way more easily. I don't care what they call it, I love this bike.

[@richardbryanesq]

Part of that is increased awareness and appreciation of how dangerous it is riding along the roadways.

[@CastleKnight7]

Same here. I have a MTB, road and gravel bike. The gravel lets me go off-road and also allows me to go further, faster in search of those trails.

[@alethearobinson8132]

I have been a road rider for decades. But in recent years ( here in the States) it seems car drivers have become more aggressive. Bought a "proper" gravel bike 4 years ago and love it. No cars out in the woods. Not that many people either. Oregon is a great place for riding gravel. Thanks for another fine video.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think the opposite here; I think drivers are becoming a lot more aware of us cyclists and treating us fairly.

[@Johnpvb]

Where I live in Florida, drivers have become very hostile to cyclists. Better to come across an alligator in the woods!

[@InnuendoXP]

I wonder if it's anything to do with the astronomically increased share of truck-framed vehicles like SUVs & lifted trucks that seem designed to encourage aggressive, dangerous, selfish & inconsiderate driving. Where it's an arms race between motor vehicles out there & everyone else are like gnats.

[@RunRecoverRally]

@@jollygoodveloAt least from what I’ve seen on social media, there’s a bunch of posts slandering cyclists from the car community. It’s understandable, some cyclists have no respect of cars and vice versa. I appreciate both cars & bikes and believe both have a place on the road but in the end: cars are always gonna win if we butt heads…

[@reformedknight7506]

MTB hardtail will always be even more comfortable , and better for offroad ride , safer , far more durable and suited for heavier riders . And all of that for bargain , great hardtail can be found for less than 1000 $ easily .

[@goodobservers]

I think you nailed it. You're riding on the road and see a trail you want to explore. Gravel bike does both well enough, so it wins for people who want exploration and adventure.

[@another3997]

It's generally only "Roadies" who find the gravel bike to be some kind of revelation. They tend to be so focused on fast road riding, they forget other environments exist. Pretty much every combination of road and off road riding has existed since the invention of the bicycle, and hence every type of bike has been adapted to suit people's specific needs and budgets. Gravel biking isn't new, that's pretty much the origins of Cyclocross, well before all the organised regulations came in. It's just a new name from the marketing departments... they need to sell bikes. 😂

[@CiclistaMinimalista]

100% agreed!! A year ago I did some kind of experiment: just rid off all my bikes and get a gravel as a all purposed bike. With a extra pair of wheels (28c to hang out with my roadies friends and 35c gravel tires for solos and grand fondos) I must say it covered 99% of my needs....

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hey Marco, yes, it would be interesting to see if one bike really could do it all.

[@CiclistaMinimalista]

@@jollygoodvelo well, I got some interesting numbers with the gravel using road tires: top speed 78kph on descend and 49kph sprinting in flat terrain... for a underpowered cyclist as myself, I think those are decent results...

[@CiclistaMinimalista]

@Cycling God let say I do at most 45kph with gravel tires… also those are less responsive than road tires

[@siedmy]

That is not an experiment, that is a mantra they keep repeating. Plus set of two wheels is actually second bicycle.

[@RGentil123]

Last Saturday I’ve tried my first gravel bike. And I was amazed by it! After many years of road bikes, using 23 mm tires, the experience with the gravel was very comfortable, without compromising the road bike pedaling position and riding dynamic. And I could ride on tracks which I wouldn’t dare to with my road. Strongly recommend to all bikers.

[@TaylorAlexander]

I never saw the marketing. But I moved to Oakland and my road bike with skinny little tires just didn’t feel right riding on worn out city streets full of cracks and potholes. I picked up a 2012 Specialized Crux this week and had my first ride today. I’m in love! It felt so sturdy and confident even on horribly cracked asphalt. I love that it still feels like a road bike, with the racing style riding position and drop handlebars. And unlike my road bike, it has disk brakes!

[@Sck519]

Same for me. I get my ass kicked on my road bike riding around Denver and had way too many close calls. Moving to a gravel bike has made me feel way more safe and comfortable. Not to mention the actual gravel riding

[@marcusx3605]

Yea our streets in Oakland suck.. I’m getting a gravel bike

[@cosminhartie5457]

Longer wheelbase, bigger tires that make for the most comfortable ride on a road bike, relaxed geometry, off road capability, most models can fit racks and mudguards, great for bike packing, what is not to like about a gravel bike. Oh yeah...the fact that the bike industry has gone crazy again, as they usually do when they find a new thing to sell us, and at the extreme end of gravel bikes are basically trying to sell us 90's mountain bike concepts like suspension stems and 50 mm suspension forks. The Arkose is an excellent example what a gravel bike should be. If you need suspension and a smoother ride the better option is a mountain bike. Sorry for the rant Leonard. 😁

[@jollygoodvelo]

Yeah, can be a bit of a trend thing but the things you listed do make for a great ride.

[@elnebuloso9391]

In 2018 I bought a cyclocross bike that was marketed as "Could also be a Gravel Bike". It has an alloy frame and is a little more stiff than a designated Gravel bike.I'm quite happy with it, especially when I have to enjoy our rotten German roads and cycle paths. Catching up with a road bike for long time might also be a little exhausting - at least for me - 🙂. I'd say this is not only due to the tires but also because of the more stretched sitting position on my cyclocross bike.

[@richardfrancis5683]

As I've aged the average speed isn't so important anymore and the condition of the roads (along with the increased traffic) has led me to seek solace more off road these days. Being able to ride the country lanes as normal, then venture on to a track is a lot more interesting and relaxing. With this in mind I finally purchased a gravel bike late last summer after years of thinking they they were just a gimmick! I haven't ridden my carbon framed bikes in about a year as they just aren't any fun now as I found I was spending too much time looking at the road surface and trying to avoid all the pot holes. Life's far nicer now I have more freedom to roam.

[@goodobservers]

Wait until you discover mountain bikes!

[@richardfrancis5683]

@@goodobservers I had a Whyte T130 for a while, but sadly it was just too large to store in my flat. The damn handlebars where so wide I'd always catch on them when trying to squeeze by the bike! But I know what you mean. :)

[@goodobservers]

@@richardfrancis5683 Yeah they are burly, but they allow access to some amazing sights. It's a trade off for sure.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

I agree about the speed. I bought a Kona Rove DL last year and was surprised at how well and easily it moved on the road after not riding for well over 20 years.

[@bikenbeers]

I also got a Gravel Bike during Covid. To me, it is a bit slower than my road bike on the road, but the Gravel Bike allows me to ride much more varied terrain. I have tried riding my Road bike on gravel and it's a bit sketchy but the wider knobbly tyres on the Gravel bike give me more confidence and stability on loose surfaces. Horses for courses so the Road bike for paved surfaces and the Gravel bike for, well, gravel.

[@Volkbrecht]

I never really understood why people buy road racing bikes in the first place. I used to race as a kid, but once I stopped riding competitively, the distance travelled during workouts became irrelevant. For staying in shape, all that matters is time and intensity, not how far you get. Road racers are uncomfortable and prone to flat tyres. No need for that if you don't want to race.

[@IowaNinersFan]

@@Volkbrecht All about speed and aerodynamics with road racing bikes.

[@andrewnorris5415]

I applaud your honesty about the cheap gravel bike! Especially as not sponsored. Would like to see you take some offroad adventures on it come summer. I tend to think spending on clothing makes sense given the weather we often get in the UK. Was pleased to hear the cheap gravel bike performed well.

[@juangil7794]

Hi Leonard, love the content of the channel. I purchased a gravel bike last spring and it is by far my favorite bike to ride. In terms of enjoyment it beats my road, mountain and tandem bike.

[@alkeeling614]

Another interesting video Leonard. Something which may also be of consideration to those who like me own an older classic road bike (with modern components) with rim brakes, is that in wet conditions I reach for the gravel bike as it has disc brakes which makes a huge difference in stopping confidence on my hilly Devon lanes. Also I am surrounded by many unmaintained roads with pot holes and rough surfaces which I feel the gravel bike is more suited for and I am more confident on it.

[@newoldsteel]

Hey, sounds just like me! Got some vintage bikes with modern components but also have a gravel bike for the same reasons too.

[@paddymallory4080]

I bought a gravel bike last year to use for my winter work commute instead of a heavy mtb. I found it ideal to be honest, it was lighter and faster but still had that ‘grippy tyre’ confidence of the mtb. And one particular plus is I’m back on the road bike this week and flying to work after a winter of using a heavier bike.

[@bbanga5542]

Leonard, I think you made a wise purchase. I was a road rider for years, but when the pandemic struck, and we were encouraged to ride more locally, I thought maybe I should check out the trails. As it happened, I had an old (vintage) CX bike, that was shod in road tyres, as well as a hardtail MTB. On both of these bikes, I discovered a whole network of wonderful local traffic free trails. I now ride trails almost exclusively. My CX bike now has 38 mm knobbly gravel tyre, which is sadly the max tyre size you can get on a CX bike. So,I may have to invest in a gravel bike too!

[@LRF49]

I live in California. Gravel trails are appearing where a trail didn't exist. Now, there are more and more gravel group rides and this makes it more enticing to buy one. I'm a roadie, but I will buy a gravel next year😁

[@djduffy1000]

Thanks Leonard, great vid. I have a Gravel bike and love it, it really suites my needs like you said I use it to run around on.

[@ralphchristianson]

Great explanation and cleared up the differences very well. Your spring looks wonderful as always and ours in some parts of Canada will be here in about four weeks.

[@christhomas2644]

I think gravel is the best thing to happen to cycling. Definitely more accessible and inclusive than road riding.

[@pete1927]

With you 100% , I got a gravel my first “proper” bike for all the reasons you mention. My all year round bike and as a larger chap seems more robust. We stick to the back lanes and the two roadies I ride with are considering getting one.

[@newoldsteel]

I’ve been a vintage road bike kind of rider but did get a gravel bike because I was curious, and being able to GET AWAY from traffic and oblivious pedestrians and take not so popular paths has really converted me. I won’t get rid of my road bikes but any bike I buy in the future HAS to be able to handle gravel roads as well.

[@Jaqaroo]

Great video Leonard. I was particularly impressed by your smooth inclusion of the cycling holiday reference. Coincidently, my band at school were called The Crusty Crud Monkeys...

[@jollygoodvelo]

Love it!

[@bruce2404]

Agree with you about the weight. I had a cheap road bike and it always felt like it was going to crumple under me. Picked up my gravel bike and no longer have that underlying stress.

[@justalaymangoodatthings]

Count me in!! Gravel gang! Subscribed. Love the points you make and it makes sense eveytime.Thats what happen when you are an obejective person, thx for this content!

[@randyhale4181]

Before I bought a gravel bike I was riding my cycle cross bike on the gravel roads and on some mountain-bike trails.

[@lastpme]

I love my gravel bike since I don’t like riding my bike on busy roads. Where I live we have a lot of trails that are both paved and gravel…so it works for me 😀

[@CornishColin]

My gravel bike got me back to cycling again, love it. Built up a Sonder Camino Ti frame. I'm now moving to Oman for a few years and the bike is definately coming with me (along with the turbo trainer when it's too hot in the summer to cycle outside).

[@mattttt3057]

My 'gravel' bike is my 2006 Giant OCR 2, which has been and still is my commuting bike. Takes 30mm Schwalbe cross tyres easily. Has rim brakes that work as good off road as on. Mudguards and a rear rack...perfect. Wheels are team 35 Vision. Lots of fun on the railtrails etc around here.

[@tomaszwelerowicz1367]

Brilliant, thanx for sharing your view on gravel bikes.

[@gerlachsieders4578]

Yeah, I agree too, my Fairlight Secan is just a fantastic steel gravelbike. And like you said, they are not slow at all, I ride my Secan with 650b x 48mm tires by Rene Herse, super plush but fast, great fun to ride! And so versatile, I do road rides but mix it up with gravel tracks whenever I come across those. And I am even considering touring in the UK fully loaded on it too..... All the best Leonard!

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think the speed thing is an issue sometimes but the low gear ratio means I climb better.

[@Handletaken4]

Thanks for the tip on Secan Wow. Super nice stuffs

[@malmo1976]

mental how I just ordered my first gravel bike and strait after I click on YT and I am greeted with this video. I'm hoping that my new bike rekindles my forgotten love of cycling. great video by the way 🙂

[@markburton3306]

I’m 6ft6 and the Orbea gravel bike was the only one in the local shop I could fit on and was a reasonable price for the base model.

[@robinsonsadventures2174]

As a mountain biker and had all sorts of mtbs for over 25years and love them but bought my first gravel bike last year and absolutely love it to the point that I haven’t been on my mtb for anything other than the bike parks

[@bamf6603]

whats the most imporant things i should focus while buying a gravel bike?

[@OnlineRadioSchool]

My Giant Roam 2 is great for the road and gravel. It was only about £700. I often cycle a gravel path to Loch Ness. It's pretty comfy too. I also got a Trek FX3 for £775 for the road and that bad boy flies in the city. It's nice and light and very nippy. I kind of like having two bikes myself - so if I ever get a puncture I can still get to work without cursing lol :) I've been caught out with the morning puncture many a time. But that's just me!

[@w13rdguy]

Thanks. I was under a rock for ten years. I had a "hybrid comfort" bike during that time. Its almost the same thing, but with flat bars, pannier rack, full fenders, and a cushy seat.

[@rickwhitehill1801]

Just one more point. I think modern gravel bikes resemble early MTBs when single track riding was more popular that shredding down hill on full suspension monsters. In fact converting and old MTB to a gravel set up can be a fun pastime.

[@frasersamuel2867]

Gravel bikes are brilliant. Its a great way to explore the Australian Alps. Its like bushwalking on a bike. It is fast on rough roads & fine on the bitumen. In the city its a stable superb commuter. Gravel bikes aren't a fad they are the best all round bike you can buy. Brilliant way to explore those seldom used dirt tracks in state forests, national parks & great countryside

[@dennishenderson6988]

Agree. Added a Trek 6500 aluminum hard tail with 1.75 all around tires. Bingo…gravel bike with flat bar enhancement. Much better than nice steel frame road bike on 25s on the rougher roads where I moved.

[@another3997]

That's where the idea of the "Hybrid" bike came from several decades ago. Not a pure road bike, not an MTB, but something inbetween. But it all goes much further back than that. The origins of cyclocross lay in the same idea, but there were no official regulations, so people used any bike they felt would work for them. Before that, touring bikes adopted bigger tyres, better clearances and wider gearing. Before that, people used and adapted typical "Sports" bikes and Roadsters to ride trails etc.

[@harewoodm]

"Smooth" plug. I laughed so loud when that part of the video hit. The wink sealed the deal! I am looking at a Domane but the Diverge gravel option is on the table too. Who knows...might see you next year in Italy. Keep up the great vids.

[@rickwhitehill1801]

I'm on my second gravel bike but bit the bullet and went for an Orbea again e bike and love it. I use the power only when I need it so believe I still get a good workout for a 66 year old. I use my Bianchi road bike mostly in the summer when I dont plan on attempting big hills.

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

My 2006 Specialized Tricross has all features of a gravel bike, apart from the name. It has also eyelets at the front and rear fork for mounting carrier racks and using it as a touring bike.

[@mshowers5246]

"Smoooth" ... great humor! Loved it!

[@fetbetty]

Well the roads in south australia are absolutely rooted,

[@jenserjenson4407]

you got me with 2:34 :D well done, lovely video!

[@Muppetkeeper]

Because they are insane fun. So much fun has been sucked out of cycling, these put the fun right back.

[@Alex.8081]

I also love my Gravel bike and twice on Sunday!!! Very versatile, use it in all weather and all year round! The road condition where I live is horrible at times and I like to cut through the forest so no need to worry about the terrain my gravel bike is so much fun to ride!

[@antunmcmagnais8856]

I totally love my Whyte Gisburn. Comfy, incredibly well-built, good acceleration, superb centre of gravity and handling, and it has opened up lots more routes to get around off road. I hardly touch my Giant TCR anymore as a result.

[@jollygoodvelo]

There are some great gravel bikes out there. Hopefully you will ride your road bike again from time to time.

[@davesimmons8640]

Another smoooooooth video, Leonardo! Well done humor!

[@tkpeters]

Me & the wife have only ever owned gravel bikes since giving away the MTB 10yrs ago & we enjoy the more relaxed position. We both completed the Coast 2 Coast in a day on the Specialized Diverge last year, albeit with Mavic Road rims with 32mm road tyres, #499/#500

[@michaelbeuoy4293]

Luckily for me there are a couple hundred miles of gravel roads near my home that I ride regularly. And for years now I've been using a gravel bike as my winter and bad weather bike.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds like that is the ideal place to ride. I use my mine as my Winter bike as well.

[@2cats4tea79]

Late posting here, but really enjoyed the video and wanted to comment. In the States, another reason for their popularity is, I think, that the "rails to trails" type of trails are more often than not unpaved: gravel, crushed limestone, packed dirt, etc., is more common. These are wonderful trails, many without significant elevation, so perfect for many levels of riders, but not a fun ride on a proper road bike. Gravel bike manages them so well.

[@megane230f1]

bought a cannondale topstone 4 made it tubeless, loved the look of it as well as the colour, its my go to bike at the minute, the de restricted e bike and the full sus mtb have sat in the garage for last 10 months since i got it, rode a racer as a kid in the early 90s and loved it, its give me that feeling back again love pottering about on it

[@Don1atUTube]

Great point of view. I personally have 4 mtb's, converted 2 to e-bikes. One rigid mtb into a training road bike and a full suspension 3x9.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

I’ve wanted one for a while but as I get older I get stubborn. Still want one but use my MTB for combined road and dirt road (which will jar your insides they’re so rough in places!) I now only ride the MTB because it is soooo smooth and lower pressure, less aggressive tires with Flat Attack or Slime offer protection against “goat head” thorns. Also I’m a solo rider in a rural area and find the MTB better for several other reasons. A wider tire gravel or hybrid bike would be as good or better though. If I was starting out now a gravel bike (or hybrid) would be my only bike! Enjoyed this video! Take care brother!

[@pedal-ninja]

Thanks for great explanation. I live in Indonesia and been riding gravel bike for about a year. And I love it. it's budget alloy frame, 10speed, local made, but it suit the road condition. since many road around suburb, and even some in the city are bit rough for my roadbike. thanks again and have a great ride.

[@shogun884]

Hi leonard, I bought a felt broam gravel bike because I've a touch of arthritis in my neck and the more relaxed geometry is a great help, here in Ireland the roads can be a bit on the rough side and the 40mm tyres give you a magic carpet ride , I don't notice any significant drop in average speed in fact on rough back roads I seem to make better progress as I'm not worried about damaging wheels as on my road bike ,cheers

[@pauldavies1416]

It gets me off the road away from traffic and also allows me to ride in the wind and and rain with more confidence.

[@JTimothyHudson]

Great! I might try one myself

[@pmb9944]

I ride in the states and I think a gravel bike is the perfect because the roads here make you feel like your on an adventure.

[@ganantharaja]

Great content Leonard, You have made me to buy one😍

[@bradlyttle]

Years ago I enjoyed the old steel framed road touring ways before switching to MTBing. Afterwards deciding what I'd really love would be that love child you refer to, I found none. They hadn't hooked up yet, so I found myself on a hybrid instead. Steel frame-check, front shocks-check, touring tires-check, off road capability-no. And then the gravel bike craze arrived. So here I am pining for the fjords...and a gravel bike. I am sure one more bike would be worth it...gravel bikes do look like cycle perfection. Thanks Leonard, ATB.

[@dunkwilsable]

You need more gravel bike vids… love ya stuff, motivation for us all :)

[@grahambowes756]

I got my gravel bike for fun and for winter use. It’s a BMC Road Machine. Ali frame, 1x and has mudguards. Used it in lots of situations even crashed on it on black ice. In winter my carbon bike is on the Kickr. And as you say, nice to have something that can explore the lighter trails.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s great having that flexibility

[@jrm1946]

I had my moment of madness last week and ordered an entry level gravel bike similar spec to yours to replace/supplement my 12year old Trek hybrid. I fancied getting a drop handlebar bike again but I'm not as flexible as I was so this seems like a good compromise without compromising the ride. Hill climbing takes a lot of effort these days too so, although it's 2 by 48/32, the gearing is not too far from my 3 by 48/38/28 hybrid. The lanes round my way are often single track and most are covered in crud from farm trafffic, 4x4s etc, wet mud in winter, dusty and gravelly in summer. There's also a lovely stretch of tarmac free canal towpath. All in all, I'm hoping it turns out to be the do it all bike I need and can't wait' til Tuesday to pick it up.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Lucky you. Enjoy your new bike. Sounds amazing.

[@brianmiller5444]

I do want one, because I don't enjoy riding on dirt and gravel paths on my road bike with narrower tires (28s) (BMC Roadmachine-their more randonneur oriented road bike). It is next on my list. Probably an Open CDn or a Time. Glad your channel came up in my feed. I used to watch you surreptitiously on my work computer but I retired November 2021!

[@shanebracey9862]

I bought a 2019 diverge for purely the fit and comfort. I use 2 wheelsets, one 28 mm for road and 38 mm for gravel. I gave up mountain biking after 35 years and sold my mtb. My diverge is almost a go anywhere bike,even on some of my old mtb trails. Love this channel by the way!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad you enjoy it! Two wheelsets give you the best of both worlds.

[@dukekaboom4105]

Hi Leonard, I have an Arkose Pinnacle 3 which I bought in 2014 and having put 28mm tyres on it after my first ride I have used it as my road bike ever since. I have a 29 er hard tail which I use for the bumpy stuff. I was out with a local group doing an off road night ride on my mtb, whilst all the others had gravel bikes, they we’re definitely faster than me but I caught up with them when they walked over some technical sections or when they got caught in the mud. I suppose it’s horses for courses, you would want a flat bred horse over a steeplechase but you might pop it over some hurdles to keep it interesting.

[@JoeBManco]

I bought a gravel bike and changed out the handlebars to Jones loop bars. It came with wide 650B and skinny 700C wheels and a bunch of mounting points for front and rear panier bags. With 11 speed with a single chainring, it is a great do-it-all bike. It won't win any races, but it is as comfortable as a beach cruiser with the handlebars, rugged as a mountain bike and quick enough to be a decent road bike.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds great.

[@TurkeyShaman]

Been riding "gravel bikes" for 2 decades now and I love them. I always just thought of it as a custom hipster bike though. Usually, I would find an 80s/90s road bike frame, put thicker tires/wheels than what I found it with, and boom I'd have a hipster custom bike, but now they're called gravel bikes.

[@grahampurvis5160]

I couldn’t agree more.I gravitate (I had to say it😅)to my one. Trek Checkpoint .Added mudguards and it keeps a lot of gunge off the frame,the running gear and when it’s wet out I don’t get a muddy streak up my back. It’s also the cheapest bike I own.If only I had bought it first.😂

[@JamesSocialCycling]

My Topstone is my Winter bike and then Gravel bike come Spring. Seasonal, best £1200 I spent I think, well it helps me keep my Summer bikes clean for Summer😁😉

[@jollygoodvelo]

Great strategy.

[@GregGrude]

Excellent video.

[@stevemuzak8526]

You video style and quality is fantastic. PS: Good thing about gravel bikes that they are customizable.

[@stephenwhite546]

I just added a gravel bike to the fleet about a month ago . Was on a whim also . Looking forward to getting out on it .

[@richardjones2006]

For a good few years i had an alloy cross bike that got used more and more with the road bike reserved for high days and holidays. Then some fiend put a Cervelo Aspero in a shop window and now the road bike is barely used at all. I can attest that it is bomb proof.

[@PNW_Phillip]

I have one hardtail mountain bike and I ride it everywhere.

[@erlendsteren9466]

Mountainbikes are good for gravel, especially with gravel-happy tyres. I think something between 35 and 50mm tyres does great job, depending on the road. Washboards invites fatter tyres than smooth roads. My old MTB has ca the same tyre fatness as my new gravelbike with 44 mm.

[@RJA]

As someone who only does off-road cycling gravel bikes aren't for me, if I wanted to cycle on the road I'd probably just buy a cheap road bike

[@erlendsteren9466]

@@RJA I agree. For me gravelbikes are primary for long distance training and commuting on asphalt and gravel/dirt roads.

[@alicejwho]

😂😂 'heaven forbid...your other half' I love that, especially as mine makes me buy bikes so he can feel less guilty about his guitars!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds like the perfect arrangement. He’s a keeper.

[@anielyantra1]

You are absolutely correct. Gravel bikes are the latest version of the original MTBs from the 80s-and 90s. That is what I have. Nearly the same geometry. The only major difference is that I am on 26" (559) tires instead of 650B. Potato/Patatto. Oh! I have V brakes instead of disc brakes. Mine are easier to maintain.

[@andrewnorris5415]

I read matching the rim size to the tyre size matters in terms of drag. They have wider rims which keeps the contact area low for wider tyres. But still have the cushioning. Only drawback is more rotational weight and slower acceleration. But if not a speed demon it will likely not matter so much. Once up to speed they are pretty efficient. Even stiffness does not matter so much unless we are a racer pushing out 300w or above lol

[@afpx8065]

Excellent video

[@djbayr9516]

I have one too and my son took over it. His first comment was how fast it was compared to his old MTB lol

[@tomrodriguez9052]

I bought a CX bike back in 2014, closest thing to a gravel bike then, I like the speed and durability. Bad roads would often lead to punctures with my earlier road bikes, going from 23C to 32c I've had 1 flat in 8 years. I've recently moved up to 35c, about the limit for the frame and still seem fast, even with a knobbier tread pattern. I have a mountain bike but unless I doing really rugged trails it just seems sluggish to me and at 61 I'm not fooling that I need an aero racing bike.

[@davehollingworth5537]

@2:33 😂 that alone was well worth the price of admission. 🎉

[@timothyades9983]

I’m not entirely sure how a ‘gravel’ bike differs, but in 2015 I bought myself a cyclo-cross bike. It was an instant game-changer for me. Unless someone has very specific requirements, it’s hard for me to recommend anything else as my bike is just so versatile & capable!

[@yonghominale8884]

It's mostly in the tires.

[@zedddddful]

The frame is made wider to make it easier to fit over your shoulder to carry the gearing is also different 👍

[@another3997]

A proper cyclocross bike has specific limits to tyre width. They usually don't have mounts for racks etc, and are designed so that carrying them on your shoulder won't stab you or catch on clothing. Before the regulations were standardised, people rode cyclocross events on whatever bike suited their needs and budget, irrespective of the label given by the bikes manufacturer. Touring bikes, racing bikes, city bikes, roadsters, flat bar, dropped bar... anything could be used and adapted.

[@PRH123]

The geometry of gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes is very similar. Gravel bikes have more braze-ons, especially on the forks. And gravel bikes have a bit wider clearance for larger tires. Other than that, pretty much the same. I've been riding a Kona Jake for years, essentially as one would a gravel bike. Just no touring, I have another bike for that :)

[@timothyades9983]

@@PRH123 haha, I’m also riding a Kona Jake. They’re such great bikes! I did have to replace the rear-derailleur. But other than the usual consumables, it’s basically all stock - and still going strong!

[@A_AAA232]

gravel bikes are great Leonard! - so many roadies are realising that off-road riding and adventuring is much more fun than playing in traffic :) I do prefer my hardtail though but the g bike let's me keep up with folks on group rides...hopefully! I've seen some g bikes take on MTB trails - I'm not into under biking but fair play to those who do ride those trails on drop bars and skinny 40mm tyres :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

I still have a lot to learn about off road riding!

[@A_AAA232]

@@jollygoodvelo wait until the weather gets a bit better and we can venture out off road on the g bikes - the other thing I like about the g bike is the relaxed geometry and riding position compared to the road bike, but overall, hardtail is more fun :)

[@AB-kg6rk]

"Some crusty crudmonkey"! Love your use of metaphor my brother in size🙂😀 Ive been riding commuter, mountain and folding bikes the past 2 decades but ive largely quit a couple years ago due to a bad knee and spoke/wheel issues on my bike. Ill likely trade my commuter for a gravel bike soon and sell the Mountain bike altogether. Incidentally: my last folding bike, a higher end Dahon never had wheel issues and did well in the gravel.

[@mudonsunday]

I resisted for a long time then finally gave in. very glad I did.

[@garryshirreffs9645]

I got one a couple Of years ago love it use it for commuting very comfortable use it for bike packing in the new Forrest :)

[@mister_ray]

I like a CX bike for gravel. I have a Trek Boone with tubeless Schwalbe G-One 700x35mm tires. I can ride the weekday group ride and also ride a good mix of terrains with it. I do not need a ton of water and bag mounts.

[@s1alker564]

Same here. CX bikes have a a fun and lively geometry. If I were going to ride real gnarly terrain I would go with an MTB.

[@DavidBrown-rm6nz]

I bought a gravel bike to go touring on. The intention is to be able to get off busy roads as much as possible and cope with moderate rough tracks. I think that this is the reason why Gravel bikes are popular for general riding as opposed to out and out road riding and mountain biking.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think you made a great point. Many people are out off by riding in traffic.

[@dynasty4851]

Good info subscribed

[@zureai]

I’m so glad I’m a casual rider .. I don’t get caught up in all of these different bikes labelled differently but do the same purpose with the right tires.

[@CanItAlready]

There are differences, though. My old road bike, for example, could never take wider tires that are better for unpaved surfaces.

[@johnsampson2544]

I just got my Trek Checkpoint SL5 a few weeks ago. I'd been riding a hardtail mtb for the last 3 years. My riding is 95% on roads and bike paths. I did 1550 miles last year. I finally realized I'd been using the wrong tool for the job I was doing. I've been out a bit on the new bike and it's like night and day. Lighter, faster, quicker. I can go in the dirt if I want, but can still roll quicker on the roads.

[@MrDavid650]

i just just ordered one of these hope its good !

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

I got 27.5 plus hardtail . I was keen to a long distance bikepack race in summer but I realise the bikes gonna be too slow on the roads and a tad too heavy. So I'm lookin at xc hardtail. For a brief moment yesterday I looked at the Whyte Gravel bikes 😅. Do you miss the front suspension ? The other thing is I'm not used to road handlebars ? Bit I think if trail bridle conditions are dry a gravel bike might just work for me 🤔🤠

[@johnsampson2544]

@@Foxtrottangoabc I don't miss the extra weight from the shocks and the aluminum frame, that's for sure. The Checkpoint is carbon and about 10 lbs lighter than the Marlin was. Since I'm mostly on the road and not doing gnarly single track, the carbon frame/forks do a pretty good job of absorbing the bumps that I do find. The drop bars are new too me, too. I'm getting used to them and find that I kind of like them. I enjoy having the multiple hand position choices. The road-like aspects of the Checkpoint are what I really needed for where I mostly ride... and I can still go play in the dirt if I want to.

[@CB19087]

Great bikes. I was very surprised at how well it handles off road. super light in comparison to my 90's mountain bike

[@sipapito]

Wait aa minute, Road bike,MTB, touring bike, city bike now a gravel bike, just get on what ever you got and ride!

[@HughDWallace]

I'm delighted with my gravel bike, though I basically only ride it on the road as my 'winter' bike (though 'winter' can strike in July in Scotland so it is really my all year round bike). For actual gravel riding I much prefer my old hardtail MTB. On both bikes the tyres really make the difference. We've just started summer club rides again and everyone else in my group is on their good bike with 25mm tyres while I've got the 'gravel' bike with 38mm and I really notice the difference in speed (at least, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it). I could buy 32-35mm tyres I supposed but then I lose some versatility (and lose the reason for having a 'good' bike as well; I must get the it back into a rideable state pronto!). With my MTB I've fitted pretty slick tyres that are fairly brisk on road and surprisingly good off-road, though I wouldn't be in a hurry to meet any single track (that's what the second wheel-set fitted with knobbly tyres is for).

[@samcaws7920]

The utility of a gravel bike varies depending on where you are. I live in Cardiff and it’s great for gravel. All the forestry roads and bridleways that are boring on a MTB become fun. I rode from Port Talbot home and the longest gravel sectuer was 50km!

[@Jason-rk4xc]

Which way Sam? Route 47?

[@ChrisyC567]

This is my favorite video, Because it's all true, do anything, wear anything... ❤

[@justinkalaker8427]

I love my gravel bike too Leonard. And given the state of the roads here in Hampshire as we come out of winter the wheels and wider tyres make it the sensible choice. Plus we have the New Forest, surely the best gravel roads in the UK ?? How about organising a ride over there soon ?

[@anthonymarsh880]

I bought one when I took up cycling in 2020 for these reasons...the riding position is much more sensible, the tyres more shock absorbing but above all, the gearing is more realistic. It has a 46-30, 11-34 setup and to be honest I'd like a 40 on the cassette.

[@erlendsteren9466]

I have 40 on the crank and 11-42 cassette, 1 consider swopping the 40 cog for 46-30. 44mm tyres. 40-42 is actually climbing 5% very easy at 8,5 kmh speed, but it s hard work to climb 10%. 40-11 is heavy when its flat, I think that ratio likes 2 or 3% descending. I am a bit fit and a bit fat.

[@anthonymarsh880]

@@erlendsteren9466 I have no idea how any recreational cyclist pushes a 52 chainring. It's not surprising people buy electric bikes but it's madness to pay 3k when all you really need are sensible gears.

[@alicejwho]

My gravel bikes are my favourites. I still can't rIde them at the mo, due to my back UGH, so I'm watching your video, longingly 😊

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hope you are back on the bike soon, Alice. I seem to remember you’ve been off for a while now.

[@alicejwho]

​@@jollygoodvelothank you😊, and I'm afraid you're correct! I did cycle 8 miles on Monday and thought I might have to be rescued after 4. Made it home but it set me back, so now I'm resting. At least I'm not missing out on perfect cycling weather (gosh, the RAIN!) So it could be worse!

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@alicejwho At least you rode. Sadly yes, the weather over the last month or so has been awful.