Top 5 | Reasons You ONLY Need a Gravel Bike

Рет қаралды 1,116,752

Күн бұрын

Gravel bikes are certainly here to stay but if you could choose just one bike for life what would it be? It’s a question which always floats around BikeRadar towers, and often the answer is a gravel bike.
Is it because the cycling Illuminati are paying us to say this, or, is it because we’re genuinely passionate about gravel bikes? You’ll have to watch this video to find out.
And remember, bikes and videos like this are meant to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously.
As always if you want to see more content like this, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click that little bell icon, so you get notified every time we upload a new video.
5 More Reasons You ONLY Need A Gravel Bike
2022 update! 👉 • 5 More Reasons You ONL...
Follow BikeRadar on our social media channels:
/ bikeradar
/ bikeradar
/ bikeradar
BikeRadar is supported by Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus Magazine - For more information and to subscribe please visit bit.ly/38NBrxZ
For more content like this see our latest subscription offer -
www.cyclingplus.com/subscribe...
www.mbuk.com/subscribe-today/
#bikeradartop5 #gravelbike #gravelcycling

Пікірлер: 1 000

@bikeradar 2 жыл бұрын

5 More Reasons | 2022 update! 👉 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fpNprZudv66VYJs.html

@Dr4g0nW00d Жыл бұрын

can we talk about the prices for events 200 euro or more for 2 day events 60 euro for 1 day event ????? better talk about that

@xxnonstopdancingxx 4 жыл бұрын

I too have thinned out my collection over the years. I only have one bike now. It is ultimately really versatile with six wheel sets, four frames, eight saddles, four handlebars and a few different cassettes

@sundancer667 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha - great! :-)

@steunited1969 4 жыл бұрын

That you Trigger

@THillick 3 жыл бұрын

Is that George Wahington's original axe? Yep... Only changes the handle 6 times and the axe head twice! ;-)

@doctortabby 3 жыл бұрын

You're killing me. :-)

@nicolaspadron3167 3 жыл бұрын

You have more bike than Harry

@Jasonallansmith 4 жыл бұрын

I’m here to find justification to buy a gravel bike as a third bike...

@bikeradar 4 жыл бұрын

lolz

@DaveCM 4 жыл бұрын

That was me trying to explain to my wife how the gravel bike I just bought is different from my cross bike even though, to her, they look just alike. LOL!

@L.O.K.I 4 жыл бұрын

I have the minimum number of bikes humanly possible: - first road bike (outdoor) - second road bike (trainer only) - triathlon bike - gravel bike - fat bike for snow (with +tire for summer)

@Jeff-bd4gg 4 жыл бұрын

You ALWAYS need n+1 bikes.

@vomErsten 4 жыл бұрын

Loki Missing at least one proper full sus mountain bike!

@khaledsaeed6018 4 жыл бұрын

As a mountain biker I would confirm that a gravel bike can take me to my grocery shop to get some energy bars for my mtb rides

@Adrian-ky4bi 3 жыл бұрын

@AG Coarseman He doesn't want to destroy his soft tyres on tarmac xD

@tripleeyeemoji2685 3 жыл бұрын

This comment says it all.

@kingteb 3 жыл бұрын

your mountain bike would take too long to get to the store?

@mannyechaluce3814 3 жыл бұрын

Everything is in slow motion when riding a full suspension on the street :D real life experience after 15 years on a road bike and just took on mt biking.........

@carminered 2 жыл бұрын

tim the tool man taylor grunt . gif

@TheLadeef 4 жыл бұрын

Finally decided to say goodbye to my superlight racebike and picked up an endurance bike with gravel capability. I'm never going to be Peter Sagan :)

@howdyitsdavid 4 жыл бұрын

Thank god you're in touch with reality.

@PhilAndersonOutside 4 жыл бұрын

That was me a few years back. Smart move. Lots of happy rides ahead for you. 😊

@Hardcaslte 4 жыл бұрын

On the flip side, the only 'road' bike I've ever had and ridden is a Cannondale Slate with the Lefty Oliver. I'm just curious to see how much faster an actual road bike is compared to my bike. I think deep down it's a subconscious excuse to justify how hard it is to ride 20+mph solo.

@F1ll1nTh3Blanks 4 жыл бұрын

I have an endurance because I can't afford a gravel. Why is Gravel better than CX for most people?

@zachm9916 4 жыл бұрын

What'd you end up buying?

@DiscoMunkeyLP 3 жыл бұрын

When I was looking to upgrade from an old steel frame 26" mtb I decided to go with a gravel bike. I had never rode a drop bar bike before and was worried it would be uncomfortable but after plenty of research and asking around I'm very happy. I can do road stuff, trail stuff and I bikepack with it. Fits my riding perfectly

@DaftDroneYT 4 жыл бұрын

I've picked a Gravel bike over a Road bike. Best thing I could've done. with 2 set of wheels/cassete and I've got the a very versatile and fun bike .

@mrvwbug4423 4 жыл бұрын

I'm looking into the same thing. I mainly ride MTB but a 32lb full sus trail bike, while comfortable, is kinda slow on road haha. Been looking at selling off my hardtail and getting a gravel bike instead for N+1 for road, off-season and for my Zwift bike.

@DarkPa1adin 4 жыл бұрын

Can share your 2 sets of wheels specs? Tyre width etc?

@justindwyer3430 4 жыл бұрын

marco jardim I’m planning to do the same. Are you swapping the chain as well? Curious to know what wheels, tyres, cassettes you’re running for each scenario.

@hillcountrymax 4 жыл бұрын

Did this a year ago as my first drop bar and have been super happy. Stock Giant branded wheels with 40c gravel tires the Revolt came with and 28c Conti GP5000 on Fulcrum DB4’s. Both set up tubeless. 32/48 sub compact on the front, 11/34 on the road wheels. Sunrace 11/40 on the gravel wheels. Same chain but some tweaking (and adjusting the B screw) of the rear mech. Shifting isn’t crisp on the big cassette but it works with no extenders.

@darrenelbrow5144 4 жыл бұрын

Running my Orro Terra C with the stock 700c wheels with 32mm road tyres and 11/30 cassette. And have a pair of Fulcrum Rapid Red gravel wheels with WTB Nano 40mm tyres and an 11/32 cassette. I’ve changed the stock road bars for a pair of Richey Venture Max flared bars for more control and comfort off road, but not too wide for road rides.

@buzzman4860 4 жыл бұрын

My gravel bike gets more use than my road bike. Can ride the obvious country roads, tame trails, and city riding where there’s curbs to be hopped and pot holes. When the weather gets bad the fenders keep me and the bike clean. Tire choice and wheel options are important

@johntucker9782 4 жыл бұрын

I'm considering a gravel bike because of it's versatility, but will be 90% on country roads. What size tires do you run?

@alankoslowski9473 4 жыл бұрын

For me it's difficult to choose between a touring or gravel bike, though gravel bikes are more fun for general riding.

@johntucker9782 4 жыл бұрын

@Mark Lewis That's good to know.

@jonathanzappala 4 жыл бұрын

“Well done you beautiful people” hmm someone is watching a lot of Blake haha.

@edwardjednacz1641 4 жыл бұрын

If I were confined to one bike it would be a Gravel bike. I remember the freedom I felt on my first grownup bike, an English bike, three speeds 😁. From that moment on my riding has been about going exploring, seeing places missed by people to busy to slow down. I want to go fast and far and not be confined to tarmac, if a dirt road looks interesting I want to take it.

@k-mac5511 4 жыл бұрын

Amen!

@anserrizvi3304 4 жыл бұрын

100% agree with this! What I would say though is as long as you have some wheel clearance and disc brakes even an endurance road bike can go off road. I've done loads on 28mm tires.

@fortunehunter9773 4 жыл бұрын

to ja polecam koge worldtravellera. mam jako jedyny i nadaje sie do wszystkiego (tylko zongluje oponami) :)

@johnm5385 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree

@TheMord1997 2 жыл бұрын

I have yet to try a gravel bike, but I'm looking for something like my old Bob Jackson touring bike but with better brakes and some off-road capabilities, and it seems to be it by what I'm hearing.

@epessoarocha 4 жыл бұрын

I still nedd 3 bikes. I use it everyday to go to the grocery store, to my job, everywhere. Sometimes I like to take a shortcut, so I ride my MTB. Sometimes I want to go as fast as I can, so I ride my road bike and sometimes I just want to go smoothier, so I ride my comfortable (but heavy) city bike. Thinking better now, I'll buy a gravel bike to add to my options. Maybe one day I would like to go as fast as I can, taking a shortcut with comfort. That's it, I made my mind. Thanks!!

@darthjohn0 4 жыл бұрын

Like all bike purchases, the best bike for you depends on your use cases. I certainly got caught up in the allure of gravel bikes...then I focused on my use cases and decided a gravel bike wasn't the best for me. My local area has roads, bike trails, and gravel/rocky trails with steep inclines. My riding would be 90/10 road/off-road and fairly long rides. I do not race and do not tour. Given these reasons, I went with an endurance bike as it's better for my riding than a gravel bike. For me, a gravel bike would be like having a swiss army knife in my kitchen: it gives me the option to do so much, but I really only need it to do one thing and it's not great for that purpose. Remember, effective, clever marketing is about creating new needs and selling solutions for them. People in the not-so-distant past lived just fine without many of the "indispensable" things we "need" today. I'm not saying people don't need gravel bikes, but don't be sheep either, people! Know thyself, then decide.

@stillness1296 4 жыл бұрын

darthjohn0 My riding is also 90road 10offroad, and i also planing to do some touring few weeks in future, so do u thing gravel is good for that or i should focus on something else? Currently I using mtb bike and I never tried anything else, so thats why I asking.

@walshman70 4 жыл бұрын

Good comment. Also... If you're only 10% gravel... Get a Cyclocross bike! At least that way you can do a little 'cross racing AND ride gravel too.

@rabomarc 4 жыл бұрын

darthjohn0 the line between endurance road bikes and gravel bikes is getting blurry. Trek Domane is better at being a gravel bike than Trek Checkpoint in many use cases, gravel bikes like 3T Exploro or Cervelo Aspero turn into amazing road bikes just when you swap the tires to 25-28c, better than many actual road bikes. The naming isn’t important. My use case is very similar to yours and I recently got a gravel bike and I don’t even ride much gravel. I run it with 38c slick tires and find to be as capable on road as my old road bike and yet it just gives me this great freedom of choosing any path I want when I feel like doing so.

@rabomarc 4 жыл бұрын

SVoJtA ; gravel bikes can be anything between “almost a road bike” and “almost a MTB”. There are quite a few gravel bikes built for touring (which basically just means more relaxed geometry and more mounts for stuff) and also some classic touring bikes can now be lumped under gravel bike name. The short answer is: it all depends. MTBs (but mostly the hardtail variety) also make great touring bikes if you wish to tour more off-road. And if you want to go on road more, just consider a less knobby tire set and most likely you’ll be good to go. If you want to go fast and pack light while touring then a gravel bike or an endurance road bike should indeed be better.

@ronchang9791 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, for my use, an endurance makes the most sense, as well. On all the surfaces I go on, I'd take the efficiency, posture, and lighter weight of an endurance bike over a gravel bike. If I moved somewhere else, that may very well change. For now, I'll take the more sporty feel of an endurance bike over the ultimate versatility of a gravel bike that will rarely be used to its full potential.

@PhilAndersonOutside 4 жыл бұрын

I live in New England where the vast majority of mtb trails are littered with rocks, roots, and intricate singletrack through endless trees. A gravel bike is brutal on such terrain (or you just walk). However, the US infrastructure is in such bad shape, gravel bikes are slowly becoming a necessity on all the crumbling, beaten up paved roads here.

@erik_midtskogen 4 жыл бұрын

LOL! That's exactly my experience, too. On my road bikes, I have to choose my routes very carefully. But my CX bike is totally OK with whatever apocalyptic, third-world-style surfaces of Mars the authorities in the U.S. want to refer to as "roads" these days.

@jneiberger 4 жыл бұрын

This is what is making me think of getting a gravel bike. I'm already overweight, which makes this worse, but there are *paved* parts of my neighborhood I have to avoid because they're in such poor condition. They just beat the hell of out of me when I'm riding my road bike on them. There are also some dirt trail sections I try to avoid if I'm on my road bike. A gravel bike might be a better option for me than a road bike. Then again, I already have a hybrid that I rarely use. I wonder how much different a gravel bike would be. The handlebars would obviously be different, but other than that, I wonder what the overall difference in riding experience would be.

@erik_midtskogen 4 жыл бұрын

@@jneiberger I think a lot of whether you ride a bike or leave it in your garage has to do with the quality of the bike. A good quality bike is always a pleasure to ride, regardless of what type it is. I have a Trek Crockett 9 CX bike in addition to various road bikes. Although the Crockett isn't as fast on the road as my road bikes, that almost doesn't matter, because the Crockett is so well made it's a joy to ride both on and off the road. (Also, I've rigged it with a pannier rack, so I can use to to go grocery shopping.) I think if you buy a gravel bike at the same level of quality as your road bikes, you'll find that you'll use it any time you're planning to be out on rough surfaces. You could also look into a CX bike if you think you might like to start going completely off road and doing some less technical MTB riding such as you might find on walking trails in a park. It's a ton of fun to be able to just turn the handlebars and leave the pavement behind at will.

@bakerbrian41 3 жыл бұрын

This is way I’m having such a hard time giving up my hard tail mountain bike. I would like to sit up a bit most straight but riding in New England on something without front suspension 😬

@karenrichardson945 3 жыл бұрын

@@jneiberger I got a gravel bike last year - was looking to replace my 28-year old road bike. I wanted something faster than my hybrid - my gravel bike is much faster than my hybrid and I really like having slightly wider / more forgiving tires. As I age I feel like gravel bike might be my sweet spot! I can't keep up with faster people even if I have a super lightweight carbon fiber -- so might as well be comfortable!?

@guyd4067 4 жыл бұрын

I was an HT MTB stalwart for years, now my mid-range gravel bike is the most ridden bike I have.

@bikesbeardsbeers94 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve loved my gravel bike so far. Haven’t touched my mountain bike once this season. Makes easy singletrack fun again, it’s lighter, and faster. I think the only thing I’d change is the crankset, the road compact is a bit on the top end side for me.

@sammcloughlin 4 жыл бұрын

I'm just here to take it too seriously and take a firm and overly rigid stance.

@nicholasmasciaga4777 4 жыл бұрын

Sam McLoughlin lmaoo

@bikeradar 4 жыл бұрын

You also got the first comment! Have a heart and one billion gold stars from your friends at BikeRadar. x x x x

@timfalkenberg6879 4 жыл бұрын

Does this mean you disapprove of suspension on drop-bar bikes?

@MW-ud8zp 4 жыл бұрын

@@timfalkenberg6879 His stance is rigid but his bike is squishy

@JanTrenson 4 жыл бұрын

I strongly disagree with your rigid stance and insult you and your family. I also make a passive aggressive verbal attack vaguely aimed at anyone who thinks differently.

@wsmu 4 жыл бұрын

I didn't need to see this after buying a road bike just last week.

@hoobs4140 4 жыл бұрын

I'm about to get one myself so I have to ask, do you have any regrets?

@wsmu 4 жыл бұрын

@@hoobs4140 Haha, to be fair I mostly was saying that in jest. Firstly, I would consider the clearance that the bike you're considering has. Having wider wheels makes more a more comfortable ride, especially when off-road. The difference in comfort between 28mm wheels and 32mm wheels is notable, even if it makes you notionally slower. (A road bike can be adapted to better suit off-road conditions.) I'd also consider what your main aim for the bike is: if you're really gung-ho about doing off-road cycling, then a road bike is probably not the right choice; however if you're mostly going to be cycling on the road or paved bridleways then I'd still go for a road bike.

@IshmaelSimpson 4 жыл бұрын

@@wsmu Great advice. Makes me feel better about the road bike I've just bought. Was starting to regret the purchase over a gravel bike (I hadn't considered one beforehand but I've always been a roadie) but I live in London where roads are prominent so perhaps this is a better deal for me.

@wsmu 3 жыл бұрын

@@IshmaelSimpson No worries - it's easy to succumb to buyer's remorse over these things. Of course, modifying a road bike for gravel conditions is dependent on the bike's frame, and gravel bike frames tend to have a slightly different geometry than road-specific frames. But in your case, as in mine (I live in Cambridge rather than London), a road bike works just fine. Safe cycling!

@MicheleGardini 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I had this idea of a do-it-all bike 25 years ago, starting from a cyclocross frame, before gravel was a thing. It ended I bought a road bike after few years, and the cyclocross now is in the basement.

@ratoneJR 4 жыл бұрын

1. HT MTB's when ridden for fun, are more versatile. 2. There are more types of 26er tires. They are not all good, but there are bad tires in every size. 3. A 3X will give you more gearing choices you could want/need. 4. Any bikes geometry can be tuned for "Flavor of the Month" by changing components. 5. All bikes are fun.

@conman1395 4 жыл бұрын

One of those statements is true

@cookingconfessions 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. the key word here is 3X. This is the reason why Mtb's today are not fast. I have a 29" XC bike and with the right tires it is almost every bit as fast as my Cannondale racing bike. It takes more watts to maintain speed and go fast BUT fact of the matter is that I have no problems keeping up with most carbon fiber racers out there and I still have a bike that I can throw around on the trails in the weekend. Decent fast and climb anything is what a 3X system allows for. Call me old-school but its more pure and more challenging in my view.

@simondavanzo4716 4 жыл бұрын

Totally agree - in fact I've had a 'gravel bike' for years before such a thing existed. Its a rigid 26in wheel steel MTB with flat bars and most importantly a road triple chainset. Doesn't quite match road bike speeds but eats up the miles at a quick pace. It just wasn't ever cool....

@shemshem9998 4 жыл бұрын

A 3x? I fuse if your going to ride road all day but even gravel bikes use mtb 10x50/51 Gear ranges, huge range and a beter chain line and tension, but most of all the chain doesn’t just decide to fall of anymore. And if you really want to, there’s the shimano deore, slx, xt, and even xtr if you have too much money, they are all modern mtb drivetrains that still use a 2x but now it’s a way larger 2x12. Better then the old 3x in my opinion

@shemshem9998 4 жыл бұрын

Simon Davanzo have you seen the new specialised gravel bike, the evo version is literally a really old mtb but decked out with modern components

@arbjful 4 жыл бұрын

MTBs do come with 3x and 2x setups also. The gearing ratios are more than adequate for most uphills. MTBs do take different types of tires; knobbly, grooved etc. also the tire sizes need not be on the plus side. Riding position is all about getting used to it. Road bikers find that crouched position comfortable, many MTB riders find the flat bar comfortable. So I guess its all about getting used to it. The sturdy feel of an MTB gives you more comfort when riding over potholes. Cycling is not always about racing....for me its more about enjoying the ride....

@kxf2610 4 жыл бұрын

gravel bike (or any other drop bar bike) has more riding positions than mtb and that is why it's better and more comfy on long distance rides

@ShahnewazYT 4 жыл бұрын

@@kxf2610 The video says Gravel bikes have a more aggressive riding position than an XC bike... Not everyone's cup of tea.

@TunjungUtomo 3 жыл бұрын

@Shahnewaz not all of them have agressive riding position you know, there are gravel bikes whose geometry leans towards those of touring bikes

@Robinators 4 жыл бұрын

i have a CX bike, put a 11-42 on the rear, and boom, gravel bike!

@howdyitsdavid 4 жыл бұрын

Here for all the middle-aged commentators that are 20lbs overweight and trying to get to Cat3 to tell you how a gravel bike isnt enough of a road bike for them.

@11robotics 4 жыл бұрын

Lucky me, I don't take advice from wannabe racers or anybody who believes cycling equals racing.

@DrewskiTheLegend 4 жыл бұрын

11robotics OK Grant

@JonnyImpreza 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I was only 20lbs over..

@12mountain 4 жыл бұрын

😂😂👏🏼👏🏼

@The_Dude_420 4 жыл бұрын

Cat 3?

@unbee73 4 жыл бұрын

So I just upgraded my Mountain Bike and my Road Bike. Next thing I know is I'm browsing gravel bikes. Thanks N+1Radar

@OwenCrowley 4 жыл бұрын

This one really spoke to me. I live in New York City, which, considering the state of some of its roads and trails, could be fairly characterized as a gravel course. I got the On One Bish Bash Bosh carbon frame with a SRAM Force 1x11 hydraulic disc brake group set. I absolutely love it. For New York City, it is the ultimate post city bike, suitable for any excursion, whether to the beach or to the fresh market. This bike, with 35mm tubeless tires, is so nimble that it just wants to go fast. At the same time it is very stable, which has saved me from painful spills several times when hitting potholes at night.

@jamesbutcher8258 4 жыл бұрын

I've had a GT Grade since 2017, only upgrade so far was lighter wheels and some 28mm Durano tyres and I'm more than happy with it. I'm completely on board with this video!

@FelixtestetBikes 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid, thanks! Love my Rondo Ruut AL 2. It’s my first gravel bike and I am hooked now :) love to shred singletrails with this bike 💯👌🏼

@Gamepro2112 4 жыл бұрын

The first bike I ever bought was a flat bar gravel bike, with a 1 by 9 gearing. Before I bought it I didn’t know how to shift or hold a drop bar. They are so much fun to take onto gravel roads. I’d recommend them as a first bike since they’re so versatile and you can find a decent one for cheap.

@tgtech7074 4 жыл бұрын

Love my Giant Revolt and how versatile it is. I have two wheel sets - one with 40 tubeless gravel tires for the tougher stuff and one with 32 slicks for road riding. It’s perfect.

@9thwave9th 4 жыл бұрын

Hadn't thought of doing this with my Revolt. How much did you roughly spend out for another set of wheels?

@tgtech7074 4 жыл бұрын

@@9thwave9th I got the stock set of Bontrager wheels that comes on a Trek Domane of a similar price as my Revolt Advanced 2...I think they were around $200 for the set. I definitely went cheap, but stock wheels are good enough for me.

@h.s.5995 4 жыл бұрын

The best bike is just that one I can maintain without going bankrupt.

@KieranJR26 4 жыл бұрын

Fully agree with this, I commute multiple times a week on mine with my 'commuer wheel set', then on weekends out my skinnier 'road wheel set' on and get up to 100 miles out of it. Or if I fancy some more fun I get the 'gravel wheel set' on and get off-road. The MTB (Scott spark) has hardly moved since getting the specialized diverge!

@Hubjeep 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear... I got a Fuji Jari a few years ago. Really like the single ring up front, nice and simple!

@Tom-S1981 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for simplifying it for me. Now I can have just three road bikes and keep my 7 gravel bikes 😁👍

@mikenaus 4 жыл бұрын

Wife: "I just saw this new video that you only need a gravel bike" Me: "How many?"

@TikeMyson69 4 жыл бұрын

n+1 of course

@magnusdagbro8226 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! I use a gravel bike with two wheelsets as my do-a-lot bike. Plenty fast with road tires and TT sticks on, but with gravel tires it also opens up the quaint little unpaved forestry roads and gravel exercise paths around here. But for legit trails I'm keeping my full sus MTB.

@taavinen 4 жыл бұрын

Great video BR. Agree with you, and two sets of wheels for different purposes is a great idea. My next ride will be a gravel set up

@Bungle 3 жыл бұрын

I ride my gravel bike and think "This is the perfect bike. This is the only bike I need." Then I get on my road bike again and remember how good it feels to ride a perfectly specialized bike. I'm not getting rid of that road bike until it falls apart or I get a newer one. I do need more than one bike, and I'm lucky to have them all.

@OtavioFesoares 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah... Roadies are just too special. There's absolutely nothing like riding a road bike through smooth asphalt.

@travelinganvil5711 4 жыл бұрын

Of all my bikes, my gravel bike sees the most use. It is the most efficient and comfortable bike I have. I love my hard tail. I love my full squish MTB. But they go out when the going gets tough. For absolutely every thing else, gravel bike.

@tjb8841 4 жыл бұрын

TravelingAnvil agree on where use them, but I would think most mountainbikers spend most of their time riding mtb trails. Mainly my gravel bike is for when the trails are closed. So the mtb still gets the most use.

@matttherrien9608 Жыл бұрын

What's better than a hybrid for dodging traffic around my city?

@peterg2744 4 жыл бұрын

I just purchased a Cannondale Topstone 105 for all the reasons that you covered.

@ronkirk5099 4 жыл бұрын

I started using a 'gravel' bike for all touring when I did a 6 month tour in Australia and knew a lot of good roads to ride were going to be gravel. Glad I did. A gravel bike is a more comfortable ride on pavement and it allows you to safely move off onto a gravel shoulder to get out of the way of traffic when necessary which is important here in the U.S. where there are so many cars and trucks on the road today (not that much of a problem 45 years ago when I first bike toured). It is never a good idea to assert you right of way privilege on a bicycle to aggressively against vehicles, you'll always lose!

@reneortega5248 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's what I did. I'm a roadie but do the occasional gravel ride. I got a gravel bike but with double chainrings. I run 32s on the road and it's great. The frame can handle 42s. The local xc race series has a drop bar class and I may try it. It's my only bike and I don't see myself needing anything else...at least for now :)

@gkame8501 4 жыл бұрын

I thought about about consolidating to one bike but I just love my road bike (which is currently being rebuilt) and my 29er. I think the only justification for a gravel bike is that the roads where I live are abysmal.

@MrDrewbies 4 жыл бұрын

Love my Genesis Croix de Fer gravel bike. I can tackle any surface I'd want to be riding on with 35mm tyres. Yes, I may be losing a something a tiny bit of power on smooth tarmac, but I'm more than happy to compensate with my fitness, and the comfort and versatility is incredible. I commute every day on this bike and take it out for adventures at the weekend knowing I'm not limited to asphalt. I'm never going to compete in any way, so life's too short to be emptying my savings account chasing marginal aero/weight gains. It's all too easy to fixate on the next bike or upgrade (always done when off the bike), and forget the fun when actually riding.

@TheGrayWolf81 4 жыл бұрын

It really depends on the person and what they plan to do. I personally found a hardtail XC bike to be the most versatile because I could go long distances if I needed to, it was plenty quick, yet had more off-road capability than a gravel bike.

@kolbemorgan2999 3 жыл бұрын

I have never ridden a gravel bike in my life but with these arguments I kind of want to get one.

@LVQ-so5th 3 жыл бұрын

That's what the bike industry intended.

@hansschotterradler3772 4 жыл бұрын

Gravel bike was my first bike when I restarted cycling. I took it on Grand Fondos as well as some single tracks. It was OK. However, I still ended up adding a road bike and a full suspension MTB to my fleet as the gravel bike was a little sluggish on the road and didn't handle rooty and rocky single track.

@dudeonbike800 4 жыл бұрын

And this is what they said about "Hybrids" in the 80's. Those bikes are now called city bikes. And cross bikes are now gravel bikes... which were like touring bikes of the 60's and 70's. Then mountain bikes came along. Then 29" wheels. Then 27.5" wheels. Seeing a pattern here??? :)

@gareth_drums4373 4 жыл бұрын

Bought a gravel bike a couple months ago and couldn't be happier! I usually ride DH(North Shore and Whistler) being from Vancouver. But this bike can do most things and as I get older I prefer the Gravel bike style riding, and like the bike packing idea(already have a frame bag) I run tubeless, and love the option of lowering the tire pressure for more aggressive riding. By far the most versitile bike!

@diy_dirtbag 3 жыл бұрын

It's the best all around type of bike! Thanks for sharing!!

@inferno4001 4 жыл бұрын

Since I fell in love with the GT Grade, I totally agree with this video! OMG! The best bike that can do pretty much anything!

@hotsky83 4 жыл бұрын

Been neglecting my mountain bike since i got the GT grade. So versatile.

@cartilagehead6326 4 жыл бұрын

Did you guys get the carbon or the alloy Grade? I see a ton of love for the carbon with its fancy bendy parts and no word on how its much more affordable sibling compares....

@andreteixeira5635 3 жыл бұрын

@@cartilagehead6326 I got myself a Carbon GT Grade. The bike is fast, fun and very confortable. I have other bikes built in aluminium and honestly I cannot see how a GT Grade built in aluminium could be as confortable as its version built of carbon fiber. Aluminium is far too stiff.

@KeepSmilingAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

One bike is never enough. Thats just fact

@hipnutikdpretender8357 3 жыл бұрын

Why do you think one bike is "never" enough Keep Smiling. Do you have any supportive argument for that..?

@KeepSmilingAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Hipnutik Dpretender I break bikes and it’s my only method of transportation. 😃

@johnnygunz2300 3 жыл бұрын

@@hipnutikdpretender8357 for any serious technical single track you need a decent mountain bike. In my area most people are running dual suspension trail and enduro bikes and you still break stuff (i.e. jumps, drops, extremely rocky terrain that tears tires apart). For me it would be a two or three bikes: I'd run my enduro on most single track/downhill, bmx bike for dirt jumps and skateparks, and a gravel bike for all that other riding which to be honest is the majority of riding, but there are things I'd definitely would not personally attempt on a gravel bike (4' drops into rock gardens, half pipes, dirt jumps...etc).

@KeepSmilingAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Johnny Gunz n+1 you will always come up with a reason for another bike

@johnnygunz2300 3 жыл бұрын

@@KeepSmilingAdventures ha for sure...I got about 7.... Only a couple are fancy but they all serve a purpose!!!

@TrailsofCalifornia 3 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to research what my next bike will be. Thanks for the advice!

@linustakee7547 4 жыл бұрын

Super Top video jajajajaj. Now I feel big motivated to get on the trail myself, what gets me going the longest while bike is *Delta Parole* or other rokk music!

@chromebomb 4 жыл бұрын

i use a "gravel" bike for: Commuting, touring, gravel riding, and road riding

@samueldelvalle9201 4 жыл бұрын

How do I know what a gravel bike is?

@samueldelvalle9201 4 жыл бұрын

Is it the same as a hybrid?

@gobybike99 4 жыл бұрын

I have a Salsa Journeyman 650b that I have used for commuting, gravel race (unPAved), mountain biking plus and a road ride on rainy days

@busoptr 4 жыл бұрын

I can see if youre not into racing this is an all around bike. You can go light trails or road.

@m.a.7459 4 жыл бұрын

Best All Around Bike is..."A HARDTAIL MTB with XC TIRES!!!" You can ride fast on the road, ride MTB if you want. go BIKEPACKING and ride gravel if you have to!!!!

@doc.toadex 4 жыл бұрын

imo, gravel is what you mentioned with wide drop bars... (increased versatility on road, greater no of hand position)

@AwwSweet 4 жыл бұрын

Week point - riding in the wind. On gravel you just go on drops and continue your commute.

@peterwatson9047 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe a top-end 29er one from 10-15 years ago - steeper angles, narrower bars, narrower rims, 2x9 or 2x10. Slightly less trail capable but lighter and still good all round.

@sonsofmatriarchy5552 4 жыл бұрын

Nope!

@The_Dude_420 4 жыл бұрын

@@doc.toadex No, because a fucking gravel bike has no suspension fork. Wanna see you doing jumps and tricks with that pos

@ZeriocTheTank 4 жыл бұрын

I got a Roll GR-1 about two weeks ago, and I'm loving it. I bought it for commuting to work, but I find myself riding all over town everyday. Right now I'm having a blast with it. I should probably clean it after running into that tunnel that was full of mud soonish.

@originalkontrol 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid guys! I 100% agree. I use my Giant Revolt primarily for road. Set up with a lowered stem, 3T Aeronova bars, 28mm Conti GP 5000 tires, and clip ons. Will be getting a set of Hunt carbon aero wheels this year for road duty. Stockers will be for gravel, and I’ve got a set of Hunt 650b gravel wheels with 47mm WTB Sendero knobbies for more aggressive dirt focused rides. I would still like a dedicated MTB, and aero road bike, but as I’ve only money for 1 bike right now, this is ace!

@Konzuug 4 жыл бұрын

Just slapped gravel tires on my Canyon endurance. I feel way more comfortable now riding around in the forest.

@anthonyychapa 4 жыл бұрын

I did the same with my Ultimate but ended up going back to the Endurace for a slightly more relaxed setup. Going to put some 33c tires on it and ride some gravel near me.

@tuomasd 4 жыл бұрын

How wide tires can you fit on it? I find this solution interesting but id like to have at least 35 mm wide tires.

@Starkid28 4 жыл бұрын

Bought my Kona Jake just on a whim, and not once have I ever looked back. It’s my rugged road bike, who keeps up with my mtb friends

@basedury 4 жыл бұрын

honestly, buying my first "real" bike a couple years ago, I had narrowed the choice down to a hardtail or a gravel bike. after two years of riding, my gravel bike is perfect for my mix of city, gravel trail, and single track riding. these bikes are seriously a blast on some single track through the woods!

@johnkinsel5027 4 жыл бұрын

My "last bike I.will.ever need/retirement bike" is a gravel bike. I.had to swap.the stem and bars out to something more like a hybrid for a bad neck disc. Everything else is everything I ever wanted. 1 x 11 gearing is light simple and plenty.

@bikeradar 4 жыл бұрын

Can you think of any reasons we've missed? Or do you disagree with our Top 5? Let us know in the comments!

@mahiru20ten 4 жыл бұрын

Please make a similar video about why you don't need a gravel bike and seek either a road or mountain bike.

@driventomadness117 4 жыл бұрын

Spot on. Don't forget that those old MTB wheels probably fit your bike: 12x142, 15x100 converted to 12x100.

@YellowBoltTC 4 жыл бұрын

XC bike is the best bike to have for everything

@lisapet160 4 жыл бұрын

Among roadies, you can keep-up with them at some extend and brag how fast are you off-road. Among MTBers: same, but on-road.

@tristandesade8635 4 жыл бұрын

I do not think you are wrong. I just think you have forgotten an even better option: fully rigid XC HT.

@quwers 4 жыл бұрын

46/30 with an 11-30 cassette would cover all of my riding.

@mrvwbug4423 4 жыл бұрын

If you're more on road than on gravel the typical 50/34 with 11-34 cassette might work just fine.

@quwers 4 жыл бұрын

@@mrvwbug4423 An 11-30 has the five close gears for fast riding whereas the 11-34 is jumps of two throughout.

@hellosunshine1090 4 жыл бұрын

Hi guys: just got a Hyper Explorer 29 Hardtail w/ 1x9 to become my new flatbar Gravel bike. With 32t @ 14-42t gearing is good & double mechanical discs stop well. I'm flipping the 60mm stem & deleting the MTB tires for 42c Speed Ride tires. It's a "budget Gravel Build" but already having loads of fun.

@juicysteaklover2102 4 жыл бұрын

I put Schwalbe Hurricane tires on my hardtail and also Ergon barends for different grip positions. Now it's the perfect bike for everything. Even on the road i like the comfort of the front suspension.

@jamesj6901 4 жыл бұрын

Can’t help but think gravel bikes are just a compromise. They’re ok on road and ok on trails but not as good as a road bike and mtb respectively. I think I’d rather have a £1000 road bike and a £1000 mtb than 1 £2000 gravel bike

@ME-hm7zm 4 жыл бұрын

Toss some flat bars on a gravel bike and you have a...hybrid bike.

@dominicpakula7813 4 жыл бұрын

I agree

@Jon-hb6gx 4 жыл бұрын

More comfortable on a road for me (even one without pot holes) and faster on trails with plenty of control. Gravel bikes are perfect for most UK trails. If you prefer slower, technical mountain biking then obviously an MTB is better for that. Getting a gravel bike saved me buying multiple bikes and (my favourite thing) is that I can really enjoy multiple terrains on ONE RIDE, while mounting any necessary kit.

@samhayward5350 4 жыл бұрын

I like the fact that you can have a road ride, and then if you happen to see somewhere off road you want to explore, there's nothing stopping you. Gravel bikes are great for exploring.

@ianclunie9753 4 жыл бұрын

I like riding to my trails. I won't drive there, so cyclocross bike is a good way to feel you're making progress both on the road and on the trails. I'm too old to go looking for technical downhill singletrack, so no need for an MTB for me

@jaimeisreal 4 жыл бұрын

With a cyclocross bike, it doesn't take much modding to make it into a legit road bike. I own one bike, an aero-designed cyclocross bike. I use it all year and it works in all four seasons flawlessly. I overhaul it once a year (regrease, replace chain, etc), and it's never let me down -- on almost daily riding! I'm sure gravel bikes can do the same but I love my cyclocross bike.

@owyzzzz 4 жыл бұрын

What bike do you have?

@jaimeisreal 4 жыл бұрын

@@owyzzzz It's an ebay Chinese aero cross frame. No problems so far (but it's only 16 months old). Buy at your own risk because if something happens to your Chinese frame, there's limited to no warranty service for it, and no known actual safety standards to rely on. I'm a light rider, so I get away with things that most medium to heavy riders wouldn't get away with. For example, my buddy's Chinese cross frame developed a loose BSA BB shell (a built-in part where your bottom bracket cups thread in), and once that happened, it was very difficult to repair. Might as well get a new frame. Buyer beware basically.

@ryancarreras732 4 жыл бұрын

There's a reason I only have 2 bikes now, and a large part of it is my 1x drop bar rigid 90's mtb. Basically just a slightly more slack geometry than most gravel bikes, and fits up to 2.5in tires. It functions as an excellent everything bike.

@simonmiles1972 4 жыл бұрын

Changed to a gravel bike this year to fit bigger tyres for more comfort on the ruinously cracked and broken back roads around Dartmoor. What a game changer. Comfortable and fast (enough). The fact that the same bike will happily tackle light trails is a welcome bonus come the summer months. Will never go back to a standard road bike.

@Jeff-bd4gg 3 жыл бұрын

“If you could have only one bike what would it be?” Dumb question. If you only have one bike, you clearly need another.

@an2niotransitproductions813 3 жыл бұрын

I live in the city and every now and then encounter grass and dirt at parks. As well as potholes. The one bike I would need is a hybrid or mountain trail bike.

@johnm5385 4 жыл бұрын

Love my gravel adventure bike. Does everything I need it to

@wallcarpentry2006 3 жыл бұрын

What are you on, thinking of getting one, but there is too much choice

@hacylon 3 жыл бұрын

Is it any different compared to hybrid bike?

@justinf1343 4 жыл бұрын

I'd have to agree. I love my Niner RLT Steel for it's ability to be able to sneak off road when I so wish. Plus it's amazing when fully loaded for touring too 😀

@MustardKetchupMayo 4 жыл бұрын

I got a gravel bike a few days ago, a Cannondale Topstone, and it is now my only bike. My end goal is to eventually upgrade the components and get multiple wheel sets for different conditions, but for now I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I didn't watch this vid before purchasing but it mimicked my thought process.

@georgefleetwood7740 3 жыл бұрын

I have 7 bikes 1 fs mountain 2 ht mountain 1 carbon hybrid 1 electric mtb 1 Brompton folder 1 road bike now l am about to commit myself to purchasing a gravel bike.

@vgjhlgjhfuyfjhfjkhgyghj 3 жыл бұрын

And so you should 😂👌

@tangc 4 жыл бұрын

No!!!! Can you delete this video? If my wife sees this video, I can’t buy any more bikes......

@matthiaskettner6686 4 жыл бұрын

By C as you said - it’s a „joke“ which means it’s not here to be taken serious...

@seanoconnor8551 4 жыл бұрын

@@matthiaskettner6686 yea but the point is y is it the joke people turn to? ..alot of truth is said in jest. It's the sheep like mentality. The joke, in the real world of co tent relationships doesn't even make sense

@catalintimbus8616 3 жыл бұрын

@@byc1013 his wife: OUR money.

@johnfalcon3335 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@doctortabby 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought a comfort hybrid (Giant Sedona DX..a leftover 2020, IN MY SIZE PREFERENCE AND COLOR CHOICE!! :-) ) for the aforementioned reasons addressed in your video. I have no plans for racing though. I have no plans for trans America traveling with it ( although, very possibly trans-Southern Michigan). Good video though, and it makes good sense. I think my particular bike has a lot of similarity with many gravel bikes. Different seating and handlebars, of course. It's cool that we have so many choices. So far I am very happy with Giant's workmanship, and I am happy with my bike choice. Cheers, and God bless. Thanks for posting this.

@jrudymorganclark2072 3 жыл бұрын

I need an extra bike to go to work and come back, but there's a long uphill on the way there which it makes it more difficult unless I install a good brakes when going downhill.

@Salvotation 4 жыл бұрын

I thought they could only ride on gravel. Urgh! This is so confusing!!!

@bikeradar 4 жыл бұрын

hahaha

@mrvwbug4423 4 жыл бұрын

It must look really confusing when I I end up riding my full sus MTB on road haha

@noj1yt 4 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of every roadies bitching about MTBs on roads

@fatman7100 4 жыл бұрын

@@noj1yt in the parts of SoCal where I ride, I see more folks on mountain bikes for everyday commute and cycling then road bikes. Tweakers on the other hand are different stories, they use BMX dirt bikes AKA tweakers mobiles. Cuz we all know how tweakers love competitive dirt bike racing. Lol!

@ernie12man 3 жыл бұрын

@@noj1yt Well duh, MTBs on the road are ridiculously ill-suited to that and were never the answer. 'Gravel' bike is the stupid-ass name that should not have stuck to what these bikes are, 'All-Road' Bike ;) . Way way more versatile not to mention infinitely better riding and handling.

@chriskalantzis7429 4 жыл бұрын

Bought a gravel bike without ever owning a street bike before. I haven't regretted it for even one single moment...

@pencil123ify 4 жыл бұрын

Gravel bike and fitted road tyres

@pizsamavonflanel 4 жыл бұрын

I always used my hardtail MTB for mixed tarmac/gravel rides, but always missed to versatility of a drop bar. Switched to a gravel bike. I still use my old MTB sometimes, but the gravel became my main bike.

@joynalmotin8427 4 жыл бұрын

Got a Focus mares CX , Love it ! Very fast and comfortable to ride . (sold my carbon road bike ). All I did was put some hybrid tyres on and it’s ready to tackle on and off road !

@vigenrshtuni6804 4 жыл бұрын

Prices tend to be too high for a frame on two wheels. They all seem to have shortcomings and most of them don't have rear rack fixation points for a baggage carrier.

@driventomadness117 4 жыл бұрын

Look at the Vitus Energie.

@k-mac5511 4 жыл бұрын

Trek does.

@bananasstuff3344 4 жыл бұрын

I'd just have a hardtail

@thomasraaberg8400 4 жыл бұрын

Id probably do the same, posibly an E-hardtail, so it isnt as exausting on paved roads

@Connect-Photography 4 жыл бұрын

on a gravel bike you could do a red MTB trail, then ride 100 miles on/offroad to another trail center and do the red there. Swap your wheels over and you can easily do 22mph+ on roads. Its not the same animal as a hard tail. (but not a million miles away) Personally, I think the ultimate combo to be able to do anything is a full sus and a gravel bike...

@seanoconnor8551 4 жыл бұрын

@@thomasraaberg8400 yea that's lame...dont think this bid was aimed at people lacking the ability to cycle themselves

@James-il3tq 4 жыл бұрын

I'd stick with full suspension XC bike with front and rear lockouts 👍

@bullfrogboss8008 4 жыл бұрын

A mountain bike is a pain in the ass for long distance road riding

@StevenStearns 3 жыл бұрын

Love it! I just started Gravel riding this summer and I've found it to be a tremendous amount fun. It's so versatile and the perfect ride for exploring. I'll always favor my fat bike in the winter of course but for the rest of the time I plan to be riding my gravel bike. (who knows maybe I can do a little winter road riding when the weather allows it?) Any advice on riding gravel bikes in winter months?

@cycletrade2276 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

@stephenbeattie4005 4 жыл бұрын

I disagree. Regardless of discipline, a true cyclist should always follow the golden rule; N+1

@Od1nsBeard 3 жыл бұрын

Ifht

@Od1nsBeard 3 жыл бұрын

Wildstallion 2.0 n+1 is an equation that calculates how many bikes you should have n being how many bikes you currently have

@ghazypangerang6118 3 жыл бұрын

@@wildstallion2.048 go watch IFHT Films' series called "How to be a ____"

@yoda112358 4 жыл бұрын

I definitely need two bikes, because I need one nice bike and another bike that's cheap enough to be comfortable locking it up in town.

@darrenwallis7630 4 жыл бұрын

Helicase21 that’s exactly what i’ve done - road bike for the sunday ride, gravel bike for everything else

@k-mac5511 4 жыл бұрын

just two? 😂 Why limit yourself? 😆

@ek8507 4 жыл бұрын

Can confirm, fitted my surly crosscheck with 29 xc tires for singletrack and had loads of fun. currently its fitted with 23's and has become my go to bike for distance. its got enough comfort for long rides and mounts for some light touring. it was initially planned as a commuter but has done so much of everything else, it's been hard to pin down its "category". perhaps i'll fit it for monster tracklocross some day soon. I too would like my Check please, surly! ;)

@eelzaitmi 4 жыл бұрын

I use my Cannondale Bad Boy 9 as my “gravel” bicycle... I look forward to videos regarding modifying ideas or should I get that gravel or fat bike that has caught my eye 😃... nice post team 🤟🏽.

@user-os5sd7sz4v 3 жыл бұрын

gravel bikes are basically what bikes were in the 90's with just road handlebars

@mokotramp 3 жыл бұрын

Retro MTB is the way forward! 😁

@speedycarft 3 жыл бұрын

But much lighter and better components including hydraulic discs

@visskiss 4 жыл бұрын

Top five reasons why the only chair you’ll ever need is a folding stool.

@sabiti5428 2 жыл бұрын

But everyone wants 3 $3k bikes. 😐

@TimSchmidt_art 4 жыл бұрын

I've been riding 40 years....road and mountain, every shape and size. My current Cannondale TopStone gravel bike is my favorite bike ever (so far).

@csdvideouk 3 жыл бұрын

Which model did you get? Been debating a Topstone for a year or so... this comment might have finally twisted my arm.

@Lughnerson 4 жыл бұрын

I have a 33-year-old gravel bike. It was the first generation of "mountain bikes" and I have ridden it everywhere with many sets of tires, and only changed the canti brakes to linear pull. Love It Still.

@DilbertMuc 4 жыл бұрын

I think BikeRadar got it completely wrong because their hypothesis contradicts the basic natural law, which is n+1. :D

@driventomadness117 4 жыл бұрын

Sort of, they said gravel bike, they never said only one gravel bike right?

@VictorBeltran 4 жыл бұрын

Nope. Hardtail mountain bike with a few spares to switch around: wheelset, chainrings and maybe a rigid fork.

@bullfrogboss8008 4 жыл бұрын

With versatile handlebar, like Jones h-bar or velo orange crazy bar

@speedycarft 3 жыл бұрын

Got a 1990s one they are shit

@GravelFilmsDivision 3 жыл бұрын

Good video, thx.

@DRM1891 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. Really helpful. I’m tempted to sell both my road and MTB and just get a gravel bike. To ease up space and also to have a bike that can just do it all. Do you have any recommendations on a good one to get for a beginner please? I’d want to use one for road, gravel trails, and commuting.

@indigowendigo8464 4 жыл бұрын

Never understood drop bars. I guess I started out on a mtb so...

@thescriptorium1206 3 жыл бұрын

I cant speak for others but for me the main position of the drop bar has been the most comfortable for long range cycling (though classic dutch bars have a similar effect minus the wrist pressure). Since everyone has slightly different body geometry and cycling styles different bars for different peeps :)

@o0o0o0o0o01 4 жыл бұрын

this really depends on where you live. I rather have a hardtail and a roadbike because gravelbikes get overwhelmed on our non paved roads really quick. on tarmac I‘m faster aswell on my dedicated roadbike. I‘m fine riding hardpack on my 25mm tl contis whereas real gravelroads here require 2.2 -2.35“ fast rolling mtb tires. horses for courses

@alexkulla4106 3 жыл бұрын

I agree- very well argued and a compelling reason why one really only needs to watch one bike radar review video.

@Gasssolo 3 жыл бұрын

I'm running a Merida 900, which is by principle a road bike, but has a flat bar and generous tire clearance, along with hydraulic disk brakes and an ultegra set. It combines the low weight of about 9kg (aluminum) of road bikes with the versatility of gravel bikes, has front and rear pannier mounts. It is a beast and great value.