In the last five years or so ago, many people have no idea about gravel bikes, but nowadays, the use of this bike has been significantly raised, and it has gained more popularity than ever expected. These days it is one of the most common bikes you will see on the road, or if you are a cyclist everywhere you go, you will see most cyclists talking about gravel bikes.
This bike has exploded a new style of cycling onto the scene. One of the best solutions to take your bike on all roads is going for gravel bikes. Visit here for some expert’s suggestion on the top gravel bikes. However, does this question come to your mind- Why are gravel bikes so popular? If so, here this article will provide you why these bikes are so popular and many more. So, read on!
Why Are Gravel Bikes So Popular?
In recent years, the gravel bikes popularity has increased rapidly. This bike is winning the hearts of more and more cyclists due to evolving bicycle technology and changing the cycling landscape. But do you know- Why are gravel bikes so popular? Or what makes it so popular? Well, below we have outlined the top 5 reasons that make this bike so popular –
1. Gravel Bikes Offer Versatility
The gravel bike offers versatility and it is one of the best things about this bike. So, one can ride a gravel bike on any kind of surface without facing any obstacle. Surfaces include tarmac, mud, and most surfaces in between, or a mountain trail without any hindrance.
Where other bikes are suitable for a specific surface, gravel bike riders can enjoy taking it on all the roads. And it may be one of the most noteworthy reasons behind the popularity of gravel bikes.
2. Gravel Bike Can Run Almost on Every Tire
One can ride a gravel bike on almost every tire without facing any issues since when it comes to the tire options gravel bikes offer almost endless tire options- different tire sizes, widths, and tread patterns.
Though a gravel bike rider may need two different wheelsets to run the bike in any tire, it is affordable when compared to buying a whole new bike for other reasons.
3. Gearing Is Rarely Limited in a Gravel Bike
In the bicycle world, the gear options vary from rider to rider based on their personal preference because one specific gear that works perfectly for one rider may not work for the other riders.
But gravel bikes enable riders to unlimited gearing options since it offers almost endless or rarely limited gearing options. More and more cyclists are falling for this bike because it is providing plenty of gearing choices.
4. Rider Can Vary Ride Position in a Gravel Bike
Gravel bike riders can vary ride position and strike a good balance, which means you can ride it as a road bike, mountain bike, or even a hybrid bike. By sticking on a slightly longer, negative rise stem, you can ride it as a road bike, and by sticking on a shorter stem, you can ride it as a mountain bike.
So, why does someone want to spend money on two or three types of bikes if he or she can enjoy all types of bike riding with just one bike?
5. Gravel Bike is More Than a Traditional Bike
With the gravel bikes daring designs and new standards, it has become something that a bike could ever offer. And a gravel bike is the best for the cyclists who want to ride a beast beyond tradition with fun.
This bike provides more durability than a road bike and designed to be brisk than a mountain bike.
Should I Buy a Gravel or Road Bike?
One of the most common questions that beginner cyclists ask is- Should I buy a gravel or road bike? Let us take a closer look at the dissimilarity between a gravel bike and a road bike to understand which one is best to go with-
1. Durability
A road bike is less durable than a gravel bike. Like we mentioned earlier, gravel bikes are much more sturdy than a road bike to resist the wear and tear of rough road riding such as trail and unpaved or gravel road.
It also offers the rider to attach racks and bags for carrying since it comes with a more massive weight frame than a road bike. But on a road bike, you will not be able to attach racks and bags for touring because the road bike frame will not handle the stress of the additional weight.
2. Versatility
Gravel bikes offer you versatility in many ways whereas a road bike does not offer this benefit. You can ride a gravel bike as a road bike or as a mountain bike whenever you prefer with some settings and without facing any hassle.
And most importantly, you can ride this bike comfortably on any surface you want since it is designed to tackle the standard road to rough road. On the flip side, road bikes are more suitable for a specific surface such as standard roads or super light gravel.
3. Brakes
Most road bikes come with rim-style braking systems whereas a gravel bike exclusively comes with disc brakes which make them more reliable and efficient.
Disc brakes offer maximum brake control and stopping power than rim brakes. So, if you want to better stop controlling in a variety of conditions you should buy a gravel bike.
To sum up, if you are an average rider, a gravel bike will be the best option for you since it will allow you to enjoy cycling, whether it is on or off-road. But if you have a tight budget and want a bike for regular or paved road riding you can go for a road bike. However, since it is your choice, it will be better if you choose a bike that suits you best instead of selecting the one that everyone says is the best!
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you know the answer to the question- Why are gravel bikes so popular? The gravel bike’s capability to do more than any other bike has made it win the heart of a cyclist and become so popular.
With a gravel bike, the rider is no more limited to one specific thing. It offers the rider mountain bike capability, road bikes speed, and hybrid bike comfort. What else can riders ask for their garage?
