10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GRAVEL BIKE

Both for those of you who are lovers of cycling and for those who are not, this article is of interest to you. We are going to talk about the gravel bike, an all-terrain bike that will allow you to move with it from the smoothest asphalt in the city to the most extreme excursions in the mountains. It seems that the gravel bike is here to stay, so we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this instrument of the future.

1. WHAT ARE GRAVEL BIKES?

So as not to miss any details, let's start at the beginning: what is a gravel bike? It is a bicycle that allows you to enjoy cycling anywhere and in any conditions. The gravel bike allows you to do mixed routes that mix road and mountain sections in a safe and comfortable way thanks to its latest technology.

You are surely wondering that perhaps this bike is not just specialized on the road or in the mountains, however, quite the opposite! The gravel bike is a specific bicycle and, as we tell you, it is not a mountain bike, although the model is similar. It basically differs in that its tire ranges between 35 and 40 millimeters and allows us to access areas of forest tracks or dirt roads.

The famous Gravel bikes were born in the United States like many innovations in the world of cycling. They appeared recently, in the 2000s, out of a desire to experience new trails on routes that were isolated and over difficult terrain. In addition, in the interior of the US it is common to find gravel roads. From its birth until today, gravel bikes have grown at the speed of foam creating long-distance Gravel events in which thousands of cyclists cover several hundred kilometers. It was born out of a passion to take the bike to the most difficult conditions and has become an enormously popular sport.

2. ITS GEOMETRY AND DESIGN

On the other hand, the geometry of a gravel bike allows a more comfortable position presenting a longer wheelbase to improve stability, a lower pedal box and has a wider wheelbase to fit wider tires to have a better grip.

A gravel bike must meet the following factors that differentiate it from a mountain bike:

- Have a moderate sloping or drop in the upper tube without being an MTB (Mountain Bike)

- A slightly shorter stem than a road bike

- A higher address than an asphalt one

- More compact frames

3. GRAVEL BIKE BRAKES

The gravel bike brakes are a type of disc, hydraulic or mechanical brakes that differ from those of a conventional bike in that they are more similar to the operation of a car. This operation involves the following path: the brake fluid advances until it presses the piston and pushes the brake pads against the disc, at which point the wheel brakes.

There are gravel bikes that are cheaper models and that normally contain mechanical or semi-mechanical disc brakes that offer high braking power in any of the weather conditions that we encounter.

4. THE ROOFS

The first thing to know about this element is that there are no perfect covers. The bike tire is the contact point between the bike and the ground, so the tire will depend to a large extent on the performance of your bike. We advise you to ask a professional when choosing the tire when buying your gravel bike, since it will depend on the routes that you are going to do the most and in the stores where they are sold, they will know how to guide you. towards one or the other.

Most of the gravel models have 700 by 40-millimeter tires that are perfect for mountain routes. On the other hand, there is a size that is 700 by 37 millimeters with which you can go very fast on asphalt and it also allows you to go through more sandy areas. So, if you are going to do a route with a wide variety of ground conditions, we recommend this measure for your tires.

In fact, tires are one of the most outstanding features of gravel bikes since they can be up to 45mm wide. The combination of wide and fast tires has been what has made these bikes successful and a favorite among fans.

5. TRANSMISSIONS

Transmissions, as their name suggests, are the system of parts that transmit the force from your legs to the wheels. That is, basically the chain that carries the movement of the pedals to the wheels.

On gravel bikes, transmissions also vary and it is important that we take them into account. Both the single chainring and double chainring transmissions can be perfect for your gravel bike, here we explain which ones will be ideal depending on the route you want to do.

We are used to seeing one-chain drivetrains in road and mountain biking. Its main advantage is that it is a much simpler system because it only requires a gear change. In addition, its maintenance is much less complicated. As for the two double chainrings they are the ones usually used by those who come from road cycling and gravel prefer to opt for 50% asphalt and very little technical forest tracks.

6. PANEL AND OTHER COMPONENTS

The frame of a bike could be said to be like its skeleton, since it is the central part where the rest of the components are inserted, such as the handlebars, the saddle, the fork or the wheels.

Most commonly, the frame is made of aluminum or carbon, although other materials such as steel and titanium also work. According to experts, the only difference that we must observe between a conventional bike and a gravel bike is that its frame must be more reinforced. If your routes are going to be trips over varied terrain and for many days with the load of a backpack, we recommend choosing a gravel with a robust steel frame and with many welds.

Most manufacturers choose to use carbon for forks because of its weight, stability and damping. So, in the more expensive models we are going to see how the handlebars can also be made of carbon. On the other hand, there are experts who consider that the handlebars and forks should be made of aluminum since in adventure cycling, weight is not so important.

7. THE BEST SPORTS GLASSES FOR GRAVEL BIKE RIDING

This modality of cycling is still an outdoor sport for which the best protection and equipment is needed, since in this way, the person will enjoy the experience much more. At uller we have the best selection of sports glasses so that they blend in with your face and become your second skin, protecting you from the sun thanks to their UV400 protection. In addition, you have a large number of models among which to find the perfect one for you, because we design for people like you: who live life to the fullest and look for the perfect accessories for all adventures. uller sports glasses feature a lens that covers the eye perfectly without leaving any space for debris to bounce off the ground, and allows them to fix on in a much more organic way to the face

8. WHEELS, PEDALS AND BOOTS

The wheels are the most important element of the bike. Generally, gravel bike wheels have a slightly wider rim which allows the tires to sit securely. The lighter the wheel the faster the bike moves.

They opt for MTB-type shoes or even sports shoes or shoes with a smooth sole and special for cycling. As for the pedals, you can choose platform, double-sided mixed or MTB type.

9. THE FUTURE OF GRAVEL BIKES IN SPAIN

As we have seen, gravel bikes are something very recent that many people are still unaware of and that has only become popular in the United States. In our country, the purchase of the typical rigid mountain bike or the top of the most prestigious brands still predominates. However, many brands are already working on gravel projects and it will be the type of bike that will grow the most in the coming years , according to some experts and lovers of this type of bike.

Not only because of the important advantages it brings us, but also because of the technology that will be incorporated into its elements, such as the electric gravel bike. Also, Spain is a perfect place to show off your gravel bike. Many cyclists who have done the Cycling Tour of Spain have seen the potential of many places such as the Meseta, La Rioja, the Valencian Community, Cuenca or Teruel.

10. NO PROBLEMS WITH TRAFFIC

The person for whom this type of bike is ideal is the road cyclist. Since it allows you to flee from traffic, feel a little more protected and be able to practice sports without constantly being aware of traffic. The road bike is too heavy to carry on asphalt and in areas of forest tracks or dirt roads it also allows you to move at a speed similar to that of a road bike with similar sensations. Despite all these advantages, you will have to practice first with this bike and be careful especially in the rockier areas, but it is all part of the excitement that the gravel experience will give you.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• WHY CHOOSE A GRAVEL BIKE?

The reason to choose a gravel bike is that they are very versatile and allow you to access all types of terrain, while with conventional bikes you are limited to asphalt.

• HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BIKE?

What I have to take into account when choosing the correct bike size is the height of your hips and not the height of your body. Therefore, one of the essential factors is the length of your legs.

• IS A GRAVEL BIKE WEIGH A LOT?

A gravel bike with a carbon frame weighs about nine kilograms and the most exclusive models will drop to eight kilograms.

• WHAT ROUTES ARE THERE TO USE YOUR GRAVEL BIKE IN MADRID?

In the Community of Madrid, less than an hour from the center of the capital, there is an incredible area for cycling with your gravel. The Sierra Norte de Madrid is a protected territory that includes the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve.

• WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING TO GO BY BIKE?

The equipment that must be brought to ride a bicycle is, as a minimum, a helmet, gloves and your sports glasses, as well as knee and elbow pads. The use of these elements, especially the helmet, can save you from serious accidents.

• WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A GRAVEL BIKE?

The purpose of gravel bikes is to pedal mainly on dirt roads, but also to make bicycle trips. It is a combination of route and MTB.

• IS GRAVEL CYCLING SAFER THAN MTB CYCLING?

In general, gravel biking is safer than mountain biking due to the absence of car traffic on gravel roads. However, if you pedal at high speed you have to be careful due to changes in the road surface.

• AROUND HOW MUCH MONEY CAN A GRAVEL BIKE COST ME?

A gravel bike can be a very good investment if you like cycling due to its high technology. It can be around between 1,000 and 5,000 euros.

• WHAT FACTORS OR ELEMENTS CAN DETERMINE THE SPEED OF A BIKE?

The factors or elements that can determine the speed of a bike are the geometry of the frame, the chainring or star that is where the right pedal is supported, the sprocket that is the various rear lubrications and is connected to the chainring through of the chain and the physical condition of the cyclist.

• WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BIKES?

The most common types of bicycles are urban, fitness, MTB (Mountain Bike), gravel and route. Each of them is oriented to a type of route.