Gravel bikes are designed to be comfortable and efficient on both paved and unpaved roads, as well as trails, dirt, and gravel. They have wider tires, disc brakes, and relaxed geometry that allow them to tackle various challenges. But how do you choose your first gravel bike? Here are some factors to consider and some bikes to check out.
Budget: Gravel bikes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the components, the frame material, and the features. You should set a realistic budget based on your needs and preferences, and look for bikes that offer the best value for money. Some of the things that affect the price are:
Frame material: Gravel bikes can be made of steel, aluminium, carbon fibre, or titanium. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of weight, durability, comfort, and cost. Steel is strong and comfortable, but heavy and prone to rust. Aluminium is light and cheap, but stiff and harsh. Carbon fibre is light and stiff, but expensive and fragile. Titanium is light and durable, but very expensive and rare.
Components: Gravel bikes usually have drop bars and road-style shifters and brakes, but they may differ in the type and quality of the drivetrain, brakes, wheels, tires, and accessories. The drivetrain consists of the chainrings, cassette, derailleurs, and chain. You should look for a drivetrain that offers a wide range of gears to cope with different gradients and speeds. The brakes can be either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and modulation than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes are more powerful and responsive than mechanical disc brakes, but also more expensive and complex. The wheels and tires are important for the performance and comfort of the bike. You should look for wheels that are strong, light, and compatible with tubeless tires. Tubeless tires allow you to run lower tire pressures without risking punctures, which improves traction and comfort on rough surfaces. The tires should be wide enough to provide cushioning and grip, but not too wide to cause drag and weight. The optimal tire width depends on your riding style and terrain preference, but generally 35-45mm is a good range for gravel bikes. The accessories include things like pedals, saddle, handlebar tape, bottle cages, lights, fenders, racks, bags, etc. These are mostly personal choices that depend on your comfort and convenience needs.
Fit: Gravel bikes come in different sizes and shapes to suit different riders. You should look for a bike that fits your body dimensions and riding style. A bike that is too big or too small can cause discomfort, pain, or injury. A bike that is too long or too short can affect your handling and efficiency. You should measure your height, inseam length, arm length, and torso length before buying a bike online or trying one in a store. You can use online calculators or charts to find your ideal frame size based on these measurements. You can also adjust the fit of the bike by changing the stem length or angle, the saddle height or position, or the handlebar width or shape.
Features: Gravel bikes have some features that distinguish them from other types of bikes. Some of these features are essential for gravel riding, while others are optional or personal preferences. Some of the features to look for are:
Bikes: There are many gravel bikes available on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
You should do some research and compare different models based on your budget, fit and features preferences.
Here are some examples of popular gravel bikes in different price ranges that we can supply
Pinarello
