If you take a look at the current market for road bikes, you can see that more and more categories are being combined. The GRAN FONDO community has decided: most of you ride gravel bikes or want to buy one. At the same time, specially optimised bike models naturally offer clear advantages for specialised riders who know exactly what they want. Instead, you get the feeling that you have to be classified as a gravel racer, pleasure rider, adventurer or commuter. For the gravel fan in search of his perfect companion, this is of course both a curse and a blessing! Because apparently it is suddenly no longer enough to want to ride a bike that can simply take on any adventure.
GRAVEL BIKE TRIAL
From gravel bikes for MTB light trail use to time trial gravel machines, there is hardly anything left that is not available. Although there were already considerable differences between the brands’ gravel interpretations at that time, a lot has changed in recent months: the market for gravel bikes is moving further away from its “one bike for everything” approach towards a finely segmented mass market. All models seemed to have the same all-round characteristics. For quite a while, it was enough for bike manufacturers to have a single gravel bike in their portfolio. The bike industry has long recognised this. Our comparison test should make your purchase decision easier, and explains clearly which bike suits which type of rider. In a field as diverse as the gravel market, everyone is guaranteed to find a suitable model – provided you know what you want and are honest with your self-assessment. We invited the 19 most exciting models for the 20 season to test and find out which bike is the best all-rounder.
As multi-talented bikes that know almost no obstacles, they bridge the gap between paved roads and natural surfaces. For many of us, gravel bikes are freedom machines, shrinks, expedition vehicles, tour operators, training tools and everyday companions all rolled into one. Gravel is an attitude towards riding and towards life itself. And so, gravel bikes present themselves as comfortable, versatile training and touring partners that happily ride over most any terrain.This is it: the biggest gravel bike test we have ever done – the gravel world championship of all gravel tests! For us, gravel bikes are much more than just road bikes for the gravel road and since you are reading these words right now, there is a very high chance that you feel the same way. No need to worry about long descents, serpentine paths and bad weather conditions with the reliable and strong disc brakes doing their bit.
Gravel bikes also win points in terms of safety since they are usually equipped with disc brakes. All tyre formats with generous dimensions have the benefit of being more comfortable, which is a distinct advantage on long routes.
Wide tyres with a good grip have an easier time on gravel, field, and forest paths, while narrower ones are made for mostly paved roads cycling. It is quite normal to see tyre widths between 28 and 35 mm. Both the gravel bike’s all-rounder characteristic and the ability to clear most any terrain are possible due to its very wide tyres. This means that the geometry is especially well-suited to long tours. Better directional and riding stability are the result of a larger wheelbase, as well as a longer chain stays, which contribute to the bike running more smoothly. The better view and relaxed posture make the ride more comfortable. Comfort is an important aspect for this class of bikes, so frames and components are constructed accordingly The sitting position is notably more upright compared to pure racers, the top tube is shorter, and the head tube is somewhat longer. The gravel bike has become the choice of cyclists who find the racing bike to be too specialized and want to travel over rough terrain. The concept was born in the US, where fitness, exercise, and adventure enjoy a remarkably high status. First it was an idea, then a trend, and now a whole movement: Gravel bikes are mixing things up in the cycling world! Covering the space between cross bikes and marathon road bikes, a whole new category of bicycles has been established that is just as versatile as the terrains it loves to ride on.
0 kommentar(er)
