Thinking of giving a gravel bike a crack
- Thread starter johnny
- Start date
silentbutdeadly
has some good things to say
I run the same bars on the hardtail XC MTB that's been 'converted' to a gravel bike. If the riding is straightforward and I want to pretend I'm aero then I just move my hands to either side of the stem.
Mind you, these are Answer pro taper 20-20 bars that are probably only 700 and something mm wide anyway but 20 degree back sweep. Had them for years but not sure if they are even still available...
Mind you, these are Answer pro taper 20-20 bars that are probably only 700 and something mm wide anyway but 20 degree back sweep. Had them for years but not sure if they are even still available...
PJO
in me vL comy
Looks OK, but why does the BB have to be so low?All this is quite some time away, totally cant justify a new bike spend at present... But am considering this now
Contend AR 2 (2024) | bike | Giant Bicycles Australia
www.giant-bicycles.com
Alloy, and more road orientated which is where it will spend 80% at least of its time. Comes with basic kit - so will sell off the wheels and group and fit 12 speed mechanical 105 and some chinese carbon wheels. Will take 38mm tyres, comes with modern features, doesnt have stupid headset cable routing and has a nice flex carbon seat post.
Mr Crudley
Glock in your sock
They can gradually make gravel bikes longer, lower and slacker over a few year period which is always going to be better than last years model so you really need the new and shiny. It isn't about you sir
Surely full face 'gravel inspired' helmets and 'aero' knee pads have to be next up.
Jabubu
let you google that for me
And gravel bike compatible chain lube.They can gradually make gravel bikes longer, lower and slacker over a few year period which is always going to be better than last years model so you really need the new and shiny. It isn't about you sir
Surely full face 'gravel inspired' helmets and 'aero' knee pads have to be next up.
Mr Crudley
Glock in your sock
Wait for the Minion DHF in 700cc. That has to be on the list.
PJO
in me vL comy
Enjoy!
Never really interested me, but have plenty of mates that love it and keep trying to get me to go along.
100km is a long way on dirt roads!
Stredda
Runs naked through virgin scrub
steve jobs' pancreas
Eats Squid
I've done one 100 km dirt race, box ticked, unlikely to go back, it wasn't fun and the training sucked
Stredda
Runs naked through virgin scrub
I'm not really going to do any actual proper gravel rides for training. Just a few old school MTB stuff that has some gravel in it.
I did this on the weekend and technically it was all gravel, I doubt you'd be very comfortable on a gravel bike.
silentbutdeadly
has some good things to say
Same story in the Pilliga on Monday...
steve jobs' pancreas
Eats Squid
@Stredda when I did my race gravel bikes weren't a thing, I saw only one cyclocross bike at the start of the race. At the end of the race he had his arm in a sling with a buggered shoulder. Seemed the bike of choice on the day was a hardtail. There were some gravel roads involved but there was this techy section across the top that made me thankful for lugging the dually the whole way
Stredda
Runs naked through virgin scrub
The Devils Cardigan is on the rougher side of traditional gravel races. It ranges from some tarmac sections, smooth gravel, chunky bluemetal forestry roads to muddy double track. A gravel bike would be faster overall, but a bit sketchy in some parts and a higher risk of punctures. They recommend the widest gravel tyre you can fit on your bike. I'm racing my totally overkill 130mm travel Stumpy, and I'm not going to be battling it out for any podiums, so I may as well be comfortable.
The devils' horns will be making a comeback again this year!
teK--
Eats Squid
Yeh I reckon the same.
I see ads for these events and wonder why anyone would want to pay and travel afar to ride around on fire roads, or as they like to call it, "champagne gravel"
Stredda
Runs naked through virgin scrub
They seem to get huge fields for the gravel races. Maybe it's just a fad, or roadies just wanting to feel "Hardcore" or a bit of both.Yeh I reckon the same.
I see ads for these events and wonder why anyone would want to pay and travel afar to ride around on fire roads, or as they like to call it, "champagne gravel"
A lot of the events aren't actually 'races' and I think this has a lot of appeal for people.
Also gives people an opportunity to ride somewhat remote places in a supported way (people who aren't comfortable with navigating or riding remote solo or in small groups).
Also gives people an opportunity to ride somewhat remote places in a supported way (people who aren't comfortable with navigating or riding remote solo or in small groups).
Stredda
Runs naked through virgin scrub
You are probably right there. I wouldn't bother to ride the Devils Cardigan course outside the event.