Gravel bike meets zeitgeist
The zeitgeist doesn't live in the forest, but in all of us. And gravel bikes are a trend that brings it to the fore. The gravel-ready bikes with racing handlebars are the perfect compromise for all those who uncompromisingly follow the pleasure principle.
When it comes to gravel bikes, there are really only two possible reactions: Questioning looks or shining eyes. Some have never heard of it, others would at least like to try it out. Those who look askance will initially be satisfied with the explanation that they are all-terrain bikes with racing handlebars. Gravel bike is the catchy generic name under which these bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gravel, the English word for gravel, sounds more modern than the slightly dusty term cyclocross bike. Wait a minute, connoisseurs will object, cyclocross is yet another story. And they're right.
Cyclocross
In cyclocross or cyclo-cross, men and women on racing bikes chase over muddy circuits with wider tread tyres in the cold season, carry their bikes over obstacles and after a short time are covered in mud and exhausted at the finish line. The sport has a tradition going back over a hundred years and originated from the idea of preparing for the road season that begins in spring. Cyclo-cross was particularly popular in this country from the 1970s to the 1990s. Albert Zweifel won five world championship titles and the sport was present in the media before it gradually disappeared in the shadow of mountain biking.
As this is a racing sport, the bikes are designed to be correspondingly aggressive. The top tube and head tube lengths correspond to those of road bikes. The wheelbase is short, the steering angle steep and the bottom bracket slightly higher in order to be manoeuvrable and to be able to pedal through corners. Their 28-inch wheels must not be wider than 33 millimetres for racing. Incidentally, the next World Championships will take place at the beginning of February in Dübendorf.
As the versatile and lightweight competition bikes have gradually been used for other purposes and converted for longer tours, the boundaries with gravel bikes have become blurred. This makes them close relatives. The gravel approach is also more relaxed than cyclocross, and the bikes are designed differently accordingly. They are also comfortable to ride over long distances without giving up their sporty roots. This enlarges the target group and makes them attractive to many people.
Gravel bikes
It is the details that set gravel bikes apart from their relatives and make them more versatile. A more upright riding position. A longer wheelbase, which means the bike doesn't pass on every bump directly to your spine, but is more comfortable and stable to ride. A slightly lower bottom bracket, which also provides more stability.
Disc brakes are standard and give you leeway when it comes to tyre choice and wheel sizes: instead of the classic road bike size 28 inches (700c), 27.5 inches (650b) with a width of up to 47 millimetres can often be fitted. A compromise between rolling characteristics and manoeuvrability that is also popular on mountain bikes. As the boundaries are so fluid, extremely wide tyres are also referred to as "Gravel Plus".
Trails? Gravel? Road? No problem at all. Depending on your requirements, you can adapt the bike further to your plans and change the frame geometry in just a few simple steps. With the bikes from Rondo (pictured below), for example, you can convert the bike using a "flip chip" in the fork and thus change the steering angle, caster and bottom bracket height - depending on whether you want to be sportier or more comfortable on the road.
One for all
Basically, everything about gravel bikes is designed to keep you rolling on the road and not skidding off it. There are also various eyelets for mounting mudguards, bottle holders or a pannier rack. This will delight bikepackers who will be hard pressed to find a lighter and more versatile bike for their plans.
A gravel bike is largely what you make of it. A promise of great freedom on two wheels. A kind of SUV without the environmental shame. And that's where the zeitgeist comes in. Who likes to be tied down when life is full of possibilities? Who wants to risk their life and limb on congested roads instead of simply turning left and graveling through the forest? Who wants to leave their racing bike in the cellar for six months when they can ride a gravel bike at any time of year? Who doesn't want to simply follow the pleasure principle when in doubt?
I gravelled off to see where this would lead. And you can follow me with a click on my profile if you're interested in the results.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer, dad of two. Likes to be on the move, shimmies through everyday family life, juggles with several balls and occasionally drops something. A ball. Or a remark. Or both.
