Gravel bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason! The bikes can be ridden on a variety of surfaces and are a real outdoor specialist. The robust bikes cannot be used for just one purpose. They become masters of their craft when it comes to off-roading.
A gravel bike is a perfect companion because it adapts to your needs. Discover the most important information on the topic here and find out why a gravel bike is so special.
Gravel Bike – What is it actually?
You hear the term gravel bike more and more often, but you still can't imagine what this bike is? Gravel means something like gravel. There's a reason for that, because a gravel bike is great for riding on gravel, gravel or forest paths. The bike stands for independence and versatility.
The tires of the bikes provide grip and stability, so that the next outdoor adventure is a lot of fun. Whether on the way to work, including a shortcut through the country lane, in the city center or on long tours, a gravel bike supports you and ensures new discoveries on off-road tours. With a gravel bike there are almost no limits.
When comfort meets speed – the most important features of gravel bikes
A gravel bike can do a lot and combines versatility, comfort and speed particularly well. The bikes are also light and, with their all-terrain tires, are the ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. But that's not all - a gravel bike also offers many practical features in the city that make a ride particularly pleasant and fast.
Gravel bikes are often seen as hybrids between racing bikes and mountain bikes. This is partly due to the profile of the tires. They have off-road qualities and are at home on gravel roads and bumpy paths. Similar to mountain bikes, gravel bikes can easily handle dirty forest paths, rocky downhill rides or bumpy dirt roads.
The racing bike aspect is covered by the speed, because the bike hardly loses any speed even on bumpy roads. However, you shouldn't compare a gravel bike directly with a racing bike, because they offer significantly more comfort.
The frame is the heart of the bike and ensures safety
The bikes are durable and robust, not least because of their high-quality frame. This feature supports the geometry and ensures that the appeal of gravel riding is particularly high.
Due to the frame, the seating position on a gravel bike is much more upright and not as sporty as on a racing bike. The additional comfort is particularly beneficial for bikepacking fans who are looking for a robust and fast bike without having to forego comfort. The slightly longer wheelbase and the flat steering angle also ensure a safe riding experience.
- Sitting position: The position allows for comfortable driving over longer distances.
- Wheelbase: Due to the length, driving stability is increased and driving straight ahead is made easier.
- Rear triangle: The long wheelbase is made possible by a long rear triangle. This also ensures smooth handling and a pleasant driving experience on long journeys.
Which material provides power and dynamism?
Modern gravel bike frames are made of aluminum or carbon. Both materials have special properties. Aluminum is very robust, hard-wearing and a good choice for beginners. Carbon is a flexible and high-quality material. It impresses with its comfortable and cushioning properties, which is why it is often used.
Our MYVELO Mortirolo Gravel Bike has a high-quality full carbon frame. The combination of comfort, agility, stiffness and the right geometry make the bike an ideal companion. The frame offers up to 5 cm tire clearance. Fast cornering and grip are therefore guaranteed.
The tires – only this way can the gravel bike master any surface
The tire is what makes the gravel bike special, so it must be chosen well. The gravel tire is a true all-rounder and provides important properties such as grip, rolling resistance and durability.
The tire owes its ability to create a safe driving experience on many different surfaces to its width. Common tire sizes for gravel riding are between 32-42 mm. These dimensions lead to additional control and comfort on long distances. With a gravel bike, you are not tied to a specific tire. Depending on the area of use, you can change the tires quickly and easily.
The versatility of Gavel Bike tires
With a gravel bike you have different options when it comes to choosing tires. For example:
- 700C tires
- 650B slicks
- 29-inch mountain bike wheels
Narrow tires are ideal for paved roads. Wider models offer grip and stability on off-road adventures. The gravel tire profiles can also be adapted depending on the area. If the frame offers increased tire clearance, you can freely decide which tires to put on even after purchase and can adapt them individually to your tours.
With a high-quality brake you are safe on the road
Gravel bikes are one of the newest bicycle categories, which is why they also have modern disc brakes.
The reason disc brakes are the preferred choice for gravel bikes is because of their great advantages. Reliable braking is guaranteed in heat, cold and rain.
Disc brakes are divided into mechanical and hydraulic models. A hydraulic disc brake is the clear winner for a gravel bike. Its precision, high quality and braking power make it a clear winner in comparison. Another plus point is that hydraulic brakes require a little less care and maintenance than mechanical models.
The gearshift – top quality for a unique driving experience
The gravel bike gear system has a special feature: the well-known front derailleur does not have to be installed. If you do not use it, you benefit from a single gear system. This type of gear system makes it easy to handle off-road and reduces chain noise on uneven surfaces.
If you opt for a 2-speed system, this is also tailored to the special features of gravel bikes. Some manufacturers such as Shimano even offer the option of installing both types of gear groups.
That's why we also use Shimano's GRX gear system, which was specially developed for gravel riding, on our MYVELO Gravel Bike. The individual parts are prepared for rough terrain and are a suitable choice on gravel or gravel. The optimized gear options ensure a smooth drive.
Mounting points – cleverly placed they offer additional functions
Gravel bikes have a clear advantage over conventional racing or cyclocross bikes: they have various mounting points for luggage. A bikepacking tour or the way to work becomes much more comfortable thanks to the option of a luggage rack. These mounting points are helpful on a gravel bike:
- luggage rack mounting points
- mounting options for headlights
- mounting points for a top tube bag
Good to know: Our MYVELO gravel bike has mounting points for the front derailleur if you want to choose a double chainring. Additional mounting points for luggage and drinks are also available.
Important points about the gravel bike at a glance
If you spend a lot of time off-road and love off-road adventures, a gravel bike is the ideal support. Thanks to the robust construction and the adjustable wheels, the bike is perfectly equipped for many different areas of use. The following points are particularly helpful:
- offers great advantages on gravel, pebble, forest and field paths
- comfortable seating position thanks to longer wheelbase and flat steering angles
- additional control through high-quality tires with tread
- hydraulic disc brakes score with precision and braking power
- 1-way or 2-way circuits are possible depending on the application
- extra mounting points allow you to carry luggage and water bottle
If you pay attention to the most important points before buying and think about the area in which the gravel bike will be used, you will quickly find a suitable model.
