By Bhawna
The word ‘gravel’ is something that is uncertain. Gravel means any terrain between rocky mountain biking and smooth road biking. Gravel does not just mean stony roads, it’s very much all about the roads that lie between paved roads and technical single track. Gravel speed is slower than road speed.
So, let’s get started with the basics of gravel cycling:
Gravel Bikes
You do not require a new gravel bike for gravel cycling. You can ride road bikes on gravel. You can just attach the biggest tires that you can with your road bike. You can attach the thinnest tires that you can with your mountain bike. You can go with your cyclocross as it is and go gravel cycling.
But you should have a bike designed specifically designed for gravel. It will make your gravel cycling more efficient.
All Road
Image source: trekbikes.com
The gravel category has the All Road bikes foremost. These are endurance road bikes. The bikes have clearance for tires within the mid-30 millimeters. Some of the bikes that are good in this brand are Allied’s Alfa All Road, Trek Domane, and Liv’s Avail Advanced. They are fast. They work well on gravel.
The All-Rounder
Image source: cyclingboutique.com
This is the biggest category. There are many bikes in this category. The All-Rounder is made for mixed-terrain rides. There are extra mounts for bottles and bags in it. Salsa Warbird is a good example of an All-Rounder.
The Workhorse
Image source: cyclingtips.com
The bikes in this category are sturdy. They are stable. There are so many mounts on the frame. They are comfortable. The Surly Straggler is an example of this category. They make steel bikes. Another one is the Norco Search XR. There are bottle mounts in it.
The Aero Gravel Bike
Image source: velonews.com
These are aerodynamic bikes. The 3T Exploro was the first aerodynamic gravel bike. The aero gravel bike is known for its speed. They are magically fast.
The Super Gravel Bike
Image source: offroad.cc.com
To really go to a place and stay there for a longer period of time, the best one is The Super Gravel Bike. There are mounts for bottles, bags, and cargo carriers. It is a longer bike. It is slower steering like a mountain bike. Salsa Cutthroat is a super gravel bike.
The Pedal Assist
Image source: desertcart.com
This is an e-bike. Wabush is the first pedal -assist gravel bike released by Yamaha Motor Corporation. If you want to go up hills with speed and no effort, then this bike is for you. It is handled differently than a lighter, standard bike. It has four levels of power assist up to 20 mph. it has a max power output of 500 watts.
How to choose a gravel bike
There are certain factors that you should take care of. These factors are: Where are you going to mostly ride it, how are you going to ride it, the frame material, stability, gear range, drivetrain configuration, tire clearance, brakes, handlebar, and wheel size. How long you are going to ride is also a factor worth considering.
Gravel Gear
Tires
Image source: theproscloset.com
The right tires will make you go far in gravel cycling. Make sure the tires are tubeless. The ability to run low pressures is also important.
Width
25-28mm
Image source: bartthebikeman.com
It is good for those roads that are paved but there are also well-maintained gravel sections in it. These will feature rough dirt road riding. Some areas are Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Loop Gran Fondo in Virginia.
30-32 mm
Image source: gravelstoke.com
These are for the ones that have mostly gravel sections with some pavement sections. This is the size of the Belgian Waffle Ride. There are 46 miles of rough singletrack climbs in it with gravel.
33-38mm
Image source: bikeperfect.com
It is a wider range. It is the most popular one. It is used the most. It is comfortable.
40-44mm
Image source: bikepcaking.com
It is like a monster-size tire. This size works for many terrains. It has super-fast rolling rubber.
45mm+
Image source: advntr.cc,com
If you want to go adventurous, this is for you. These are massive tires. These are high-endurance ones.
Tread
Image source: freepik.com
Choosing a tire tread can be difficult. If you are riding 70% pavement and 30% gravel, then you should have a tire that is slick on the center and has a texture on the shoulder. If you are riding mostly gravel, then you should have a more textured centerline. If the roads are mostly muddy dirt roads, then you should have knobs in the center. If you have roads that are mostly anything, then you can go for all-rounder tires.
Bags and Packs
Image source: cyclingabout.com
When you are going to go on gravel cycling for days, then you would need many things like food, repair tools, emergency equipment, and many other things. Some gravel bikes have a bento box on top of the top tube. This is like a bag pack for keeping things.
Gravel Skills
Stay Relaxed
Image source: velovixen.com
Be relaxed. Wrap your hands on the top of the bars. Keep your elbows bent. Keep the arms relaxed. On rough terrains, you would need more stability. When you are going downwards, move your hands into the drops. Bend your elbows and stay relaxed. This will lower your center of gravity.
Balance your weight
Image source: cyclingweekly.com
Smooth gravel cycling requires proper weight balancing. This is especially important when you are on difficult terrain. Your tires need to be properly weighted for this. The front wheel is especially important.
Using eyes
Image source: racv.com
Keep your eyes forward. Use your long vision, when you get into difficult terrain. Scan the path ahead. Keep your weight between the centers.
Gravel Mindset
Image source: siroko.com
Change your internal dialogue from positive to negative. Self-talk should be positive. It has a significant impact on performance. Your self-talk is in your control. You need to train your mind to get there.
Distract yourself from difficulty. Focus on the positives and repeat certain phrases during hardships. These can be some quotes or lines.
Mental fatigue can it harder for you when you face physical fatigue. You can listen to music. You can make an energizing playlist.
