Finally, theres something to be said for any commuter bike that is pretty simple overall. Quick-release racks can still take a lot of weight and are very sturdy (I wrote about them here). Another difference between gravel bikes and road bikes is the riding position. However, due to the UCI regulations (the sports governing body), cyclocross bikes are limited to a 33mm tyre width. However, gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on a variety of . (link is external) Find out more. Geometry is one of the basic ways to know. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Shifting quiet and reliable off-road shifting with GRX800 parts. Cycling on Clouds. Some bikes advertise themselves as being made for commuting, but some like to look beyond that category. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. When comparing a gravel bike to a touring bike, there are a decent amount of similarities. But if youre looking for a bike thats generally more comfortable for commuting, a gravel bike is a great option. They are quite fast and nimble just like road bikes, and they dont weigh too much more. All three bikes look similar, especially with their characteristic drop handlebars at the front. All of the above is calmed down in an endurance bike, which is solely designed for comfort over long distances while still qualifying as a road bike. There are too many bikes out there that make it very cumbersome to carry anything on board. For commuting purposes, I would advise to stay away from the 500-700 dollar gravel bikes and move up a little. The tire pressure depends on the tire size, rider weight, and preference and road type, but gravel bikes usually run at pressures of 30-40 psi (2.1 2.8 bar). You can find some solid gravel bike options in the 800-1200 dollars price range. The final difference between a gravel bike and a cyclocross bike is the bottom bracket. If you are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrain, a gravel bike is a great option. The biggest difference is in the tires. If they're comfortable, keep using them, but if you want to change to drops . Granted, you're likely giving up the baskets, racks and panniers that these bikes often offer, but messenger bags and backpacks are cooler anyway. Gravel bikes derive from a combination of a cyclocross bike, and a traditional sports-touring bike. They share a lot of similarities, and it might even entice people to stick with gravel bikes over others. For a performance gravel bike setup, riders want to go fast, far, and have some versatility. Mongoose Selous Sport Gravel Road Bike 830 dollars. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This groupset uses SRAMs Orbit fluid damper to manage chain tension rather than a clutch. That means that if you're riding faster on tarmac it's easy to. Unlike the road bike, heavier tires and a suspension system make the commuter bike a good candidate. They have almost the same geometry as a gravel bike, but they just dont have that tire width for off-road rides. They offer great quality at a reasonable price, and they have a wide variety of models to choose from. More expensive models are loaded with the latest tech, but even cheaper gravel bikes make good commuters over varied terrain. On high-quality gravel bikes, Ultegra is a nice groupset to aim for, because the components are better-finished than the tiers below (hence gear shifts are smoother) and historically more durable than Dura-Ace. A lot of things. For technical singletrack, it's a NO from me. A Gravel Bike typically has a wide clearance with endurance geometries which creates a comfortable ride that can be adapted to suit different riding styles. link to Five Essential Bike Chain Tools and How To Use Them. . A lot of people will want to make sure that they store the carbon fiber framed bikes inside so that they dont run the risk of getting them stolen. This is a perfect blend that provides the best of both worlds. So, you also have to factor in its potential for speed, too. You still have potential for fast riding on flat roads. Flare flared handlebars for wrist-clearance and extra control. This bike promises a reliable performance. They are neither the cheapest nor the prettiest, but they always come out as the most durable and reliable option. The answer is yes, gravel bikes make great commuter bikes. C$119.95. Fat bikes have turned into a pretty mainstream option for all different types of off-road riding. You can do tricks on them, race them or just cruise around town. All three usually have drop handlebars and superficially look the same. With a gravel bike, the bottom bracket isn't quite as high. You can get up some good speed when you need to, but wider tires absorb the bumps that much better. That comfort transfers to the road, and to a degree is controllable by you with the bike parts you choose to fit (e.g., tires). They are a very popular choice among cyclists and they are available for a reasonable amount of money. The Circuit unit from Bontrager is a well-thought-out helmet that will satisfy road, gravel, and commuter riders alike. Theyre durable and can handle a wide range of road conditions, making them perfect for riding in town. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There are a few other things to consider when using a gravel bike for commuting. There is a 3-tier hierarchy in the GRX range: Gravel bikes equipped with SRAM usually incorporate a 1x single chainring version of SRAM Red, Force, Rival or Apex groupsets. Any comparison in speed among bikes is always relative. Let's face it, riding gravel is getting popular because it's a lot of fun. Are mountain bikes good for commuting? Before that, consider checking that you are inflating your tyres enough, using antipuncture tyres such as Vittoria Randonneur or Schwalbe Marathon, and avoiding pinch flats by being careful not to hit the potholes etc with full force. I recommend having a rear-mounted rack as opposed to a front rack, just because of how a front rack changes the steering. Wheels on any type of commuter need to be tough and rugged so that they can withstand the daily wear and tear. But what makes gravel bikes so good for commuting is that they are extremely versatile. I regularly update my blog with new articles, and I also offer a newsletter subscription for those who want to stay up-to-date on the latest news in the world of sports and fitness. You will need a reliable bike rack to mount your panniers on if you want to avoid the discomfort of back sweat. Giant Toughroad SLR GX 1100 dollars. Cons: Heavy; must be recharged; expensive (for now) Three of the best electric commuter bikes, as rated by our expert testers This is a small selection of the best electric bikes for. This bike has a sturdy double-butted aluminum frame with an alloy fork and decent wheels, and it comes equipped with more than just the entry-level components. Theyre also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a great option for budget-conscious riders. There arent many downsides to commuting on a gravel bike unless youre keen to achieve your fastest possible speed on asphalt. Just as people dont want a super skinny tire when they are commuting, they also dont want an extra fat bike tire. Gravel bikes do not need a short wheelbase to perform. Since it closely resembles a road bike, it comes as no surprise that a gravel bike can theoretically be used for a commute. Decathlon bikes are usually among the best in terms of value for money ratio. A gravel bike fits that description perfectly. This is Treks entry-level gravel bike, but it is packed with features that make it a great commuter for any new and experienced rider. A professional gravel bike rider will want to really focus on one type of ride in general. And it offers extra benefits you can't get commuting on a road bike or gravel bike. Not only that, but it increases the longevity of the bike so that the investment is there for a long time. Some of the technology in gravel groupsets benefits bike commutes. All of the above makes the gravel bike a more relaxed, less frenetic ride, but not necessarily a slow one. It is cheap and can improve your overall fitness. The lines are often blurred between cyclocross and gravel, so you can end up with a hybrid CX/gravel machine (not a bad thing for commuting purposes). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bikecommuterhero_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',600,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bikecommuterhero_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Its hard to predict how fast you will be on your gravel bike, because it depends on so many variables, such as your weight, fitness level, terrain, load just to name a few. They are often used by cyclists who enjoy riding on mixed-surface routes. Gravel bikes are not more comfortable for commuting than other types of bikes. This has led some people to ask whether gravel bikes are good for commuting. For reasons well get into, this is a comfortable bike over any smooth or mildly bumpy terrain. Read more: Best handlebars for commuter cyclists. If youre looking for a bike that can handle any terrain and is comfortable for long rides, a gravel bike is a great option. Why Are Gravel Bikes Good for Commuting Gravel bikes make great commuting bikes because of their versatility. Because they are more robust than road bikes they are slightly heavier too. Even if riders have to go off-trail, they can obviously do so with a gravel bike. If you take a mixed-terrain route into work, itd be hard to find a quicker bike than a gravel bike. Your email address will not be published. For more on CX bikes, check out our ultimate guide to buying a cyclocross bike. In terms of its geometry, a gravel bike will have a slacker head tube angle and a longer wheelbase than either a road or CX bike. -Gravel bikes typically have a lower gear range than road bikes, which makes climbing hills a bit easier. Durability: Gravel bikes are built to last. Ideally, it would be nice to have very smooth roads and ride a road bike setup, but most people know thats not going to be the case. They're also comfortable, which means you'll be able to ride them all day without getting tired. When people initially think of a specialized bike like a gravel bike, they might think that it is going to be too complicated to ride on a regular basis. A gravel bike is designed for comfort on moderately rough surfaces over long distances. The more relaxed geometry also makes them a good choice for those who want a bike that feels like a road bike, but without the more aggressive riding position. Trek Checkpoint AL 3 1200 dollars. The CX bike is often considered the all-rounder of the three bikes. They are designed to handle all types of inclines, so a person is never working too hard to get where they want to be. This is especially great for a commuter not trying to go out there and set speed records. If youre in the market for a new commuter bike they are a very interesting option indeed.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bikecommuterhero_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bikecommuterhero_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The versatility of gravel bikes makes them excellent for commuting. Gravel riders want a wheelbase that is a little longer to help spread out the weight as much as possible. Although there are many drawbacks to this, they can still be used as a decent commuting service. C$39.00. We love writing these guides for you and sometimes we are compensated when you use one of our links to buy a product. The gravel bike is closer to a mountain bike, does not have a straight handlebar, is more expensive, and is designed for on-road and off-road riding coupled . These types of tyres offer the added benefit of being puncture-resistant. Gravel bikes are fast, nearly as quick as a standard road bike. They care about comfort to a certain degree, but its all about how well it rides the way it is supposed to. I am a professional blogger with years of experience writing on sports and fitness. It also offers some ideas for how to be economical about winter commuting, thus making the winter wonderland accessible for all. Finally, gravel bikes typically have a lower gear range than road bikes, which can make climbing hills and accelerating from a stop more difficult. This bike will have a headtube angle that is almost as steep as a road bike, a fairly long wheelbase (longer than a road bike, shorter than gravel), and a short bottom-bracket drop to allow clearance for obstructions on rocky or stumpy terrain. If youre only riding on paved roads, then you dont need a gravel bike. However, if youre planning on riding on any unpaved roads or trails, then a gravel bike is a good choice. If youre looking for the best gravel bike for commuting, then the best thing to do is to try out a few different bikes and see which one you like the best. Mountain bikes are a great option if you want a flexible, adaptable vehicle with an upright riding position and flexibility for both leisure and commuting. It makes a ton of sense for people to have everything very easy to maneuver so that the ride is never a complicated part of the overall experience. The difference between a gravel bike and a hybrid bike can be subtle. Plus, the extra gears let you tackle even the steepest hills without breaking a sweat. Its a great bike for traversing gravel and dirt paths, forest trails, and the tarmac or asphalt of a road. I have been commuting a variety of long roads and inner city riding for the last two years on a "gravel road" bike. However, if youre planning on commuting long distances, then a gravel bike with all the extra gear is a good choice. They are often used by cyclists who enjoy riding on mixed-surface routes. The suspension system enables the wheels to move independently of the bike frame to efficiently absorb shock. Like the sport-touring bikes of old, a gravel bike also makes a great commuter bike - especially if distances are longer. However, many people believe that ginger snaps may help to alleviate the symptoms of, Read More Are Gravel Bikes Good For Commuting?Continue, Yes, GT BMX bikes are good. After having purchased several different lights I have found the Cateye Volt 800 to be the perfect balance of price, weight, light quality, battery life. Niner RLT 9 RDO 2X 4-STAR BIKE 2021 (Money Is No Object), 2. Good quality e-gravel bikes should be around 40 lbs (18kg) in weight with a battery that slips out the side for charging and standard tire clearance for 700c and 650b wheels. But what benefits does it offer over road bikes or any other bikes? For example, while they arent as stiff and strong as steel frames, they still do a pretty good job for lighter commutes. Halogens are a type of light bulb that uses an electrical current to heat a filament until it produces light. Each gravel bike is designed to enhance the rider's stability and face a constantly changing terrain. Stack height will be higher and reach will be shorter. 4 yr. ago I commute on a gravel bike (Norco Search A) and would highly recommend it, especially if the roads round you are rubbish. Commuters want pretty tough wheels overall so that they can go over just about any type of terrain on their way to a destination. You may lose a couple of seconds, but its barely noticeable. Though its possible to buy cheaper gravel bikes than the Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Adventure Bike, youll struggle to find one kitted out with a Shimano Claris groupset. Making some slight upgrades to the bike can allow for more storage, more comfortable riding, and so much more. This column takes a look at bikes, tires and some of the gear you need to think about to be ready to take your commuting into the winter months. That's if you value comfort over anything else. The only drawback that people find with a steel frame is that its a bit more vulnerable to rusting out. They understand that when they buy a commuter bike, they arent getting the best of the best. They combine the speed of road bikes with the ruggedness and all-terrain capability of MTBs and also the cargo-carrying capacity of touring bikes perfectly. Compared to a gravel bike, the road bike will have more responsive steering. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'bikecommuterhero_com-box-4','ezslot_3',194,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bikecommuterhero_com-box-4-0');Most gravel bikes come with a rigid fork, although some have a suspension fork. They're also good for cycling around town and enjoying the scenery. -Many gravel bikes come equipped with disc brakes, which offer superior stopping power in all conditions. I recommend at least a foot pump with a gauge so you can check it regularly. Fatbike Planet is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new fat bike, or information when trying to find the right one. Their wheels can be up to 50 mm wide, which efficiently absorb shocks coming from road imperfections, crossing tram or train tracks, etc. Significant differences to gravel bikes include a little less tire clearance, a narrower gear range, faster handling, less stability. Commuters might not have a lot with them, but a little bit of storage can go a long way. What makes a gravel bike different from a cyclocross bike? Changing gears are easy, as is making any other adjustments on the fly. They take aspects from road and mountain bikes and blend them together. Those who might not live close to areas where people can ride off the road right now might not find gravel bikes as valuable overall. The 2022 Specialized S-Works Crux is an exceptional gravel bike for fast riding that can still excel in cyclocross races. Which one you go for will partly be down to budget. Gravel bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Bike commuting is my primary way of keeping fit. It has fast handling almost on a par with a race-ready road bike, but certain parts of its anatomy put the rider in a fractionally more upright, relaxed position. So if youre looking for a good BMX, Yes, Giant mountain bikes are good because they are sturdy and have a comfortable ride. I told him that, yes, mountain bikes are good for commuting. Here are some of the best features of gravel bikes for commuting: 1. The best features of gravel bikes for commuting are their versatility and durability. These bikes can overcome all obstacles in off-road rides and are also commended for a little adventure in a mountainous area. For hybrid and gravel bike commuting, rimless tyres are a great choice. Specially, Hybrid bikes are very comfortable and useful for daily commuting, weekend trips, and leisure trips. They are designed to be ridden on off-road trails and have a more upright riding position. Likewise, if you yearn for adventure. Aside from that, due to their more relaxed sitting position, hybrid bicycles are mainly used for commuting purposes. Good to be reminded what real speed actually feels like.". Generally, no. Its easy to lock up, and theres not a fear of rust being a huge problem. The aluminium frame and carbon fork carry all the usual . If you're looking for a bike that can do it all, a gravel bike might be the right choice for you. They are perfect for riding on roads that are in poor condition, or for exploring off-road trails. A gravel bike is much more relaxed, which the average rider seems to enjoy more overall. This has led some people to ask whether gravel bikes are good for commuting. This steel gravel commuter bike by Surly, is tuned for cross-over exploration on a wide variety of terrain conditions. They're durable and can handle a wide range of road conditions, making them perfect for riding in town. The Orbea Gain is a 700c gravel ebike built for commuting on both adventurous gravel and comfortable road-like terrain. Theyre also comfortable, which means youll be able to ride them all day without getting tired. Another important factor to consider is the distance youll be commuting. Gravel bikes rarely come with suspensions so seriously rough terrain is likely to be more difficult and uncomfortable unless you are an experienced and skilled rider. Carbon helps to soak up some bumps and . This is especially true for people who already ride on pretty smooth roads as well, because a thinner tire might pay off a bit more. The Fuji Jari 1.3 Adventure provides a ride that impresses both on- and off-road, making it one of the best gravel bikes for under 1,500. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are Gravel Bikes Good For Short-distance Commuting? My colleagues swear by their gravel bikes, but are gravel bikes good for commuting? First, gravel bikes are typically designed for off-road use, so they may not be as comfortable or efficient on pavement as a dedicated road bike. Despite the extra weight, the speed of the bike is on par with road bikes as far as cycling to work is concerned. And since theyre designed for off-road use, they also tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic than traditional road bikes, so you may find yourself working a bit harder on the pavement. While these critical parts might look like they're all the same, bike chains come in many widths and need to be cut to the correct size for your My name's Sam. Some people say that gravel bikes are too heavy and slow for riding on the road, while others claim that they are just as fast as traditional road bikes. Adding mudguards could help keep people clean when they are commuting to work. If youre looking for a new commuter bike, consider a gravel bike you wont be disappointed. Pros Or Commuting On A Mountain Bike. They keep the water from splashing on your rear side or on your belly. Think of gravel bikes as one of the most versatile bikes out there right now, and its pretty easy to see why they are taking off in popularity in the commuting world. Give it a try! Sturdy, comfortable, has racks and mudgards, can handle heavy loads. There are multiple locations for people to put bags if they want to, as some riders will go on long expeditions with a gravel bike. basically a more relaxed geometry version of a cyclocross bike. If you go off-road on your commute, youll be going faster than almost anything on a semi-rough surface. Gravel bikes are perfect for long-distance rides. If youre looking for a bike that can do it all, a gravel bike might be the right choice for you. Bike Commuter Hero is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Commuters might not be carrying nearly as much, but being able to carry something certainly helps. Kona Dew Deluxe. I'm here to help you along the way.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bikecommuterhero_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_7',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bikecommuterhero_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. The net result is that gravel bikes give the most stable, comfortable ride. Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2 E-Bike A versatile gravel road bike, built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less traveled or accelerating your commute. It's a day-tripper and a weekender. First, gravel bikes have a more upright riding position than road bikes, which can help you stay more comfortable on longer rides. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, so if youre looking for a comfortable commuter bike, its best to test out a few different types to see what works best for you. A clutch-equipped derailleur maintains chain tension when riding over rough surfaces. . -The Kona Rove is a great choice for commuting on both paved roads and unpaved trails. Heres an example of how a gravel bike can be used for commuting: If you live in a suburban area with a mix of paved roads and dirt trails, a gravel bike is a great option for commuting. The nastiest water isnt that falling from the sky, but that splashing up from the ground. Gravel bikes, also known as adventure road bikes, have become very popular in recent years. The answer is yes, gravel bikes make great commuter bikes. Theyre also relatively inexpensive, making them an affordable option for those on a budget. Its a bit expensive, but its worth it if youre going to be doing a lot of riding on unpaved surfaces. Please feel free to leave your comments, too. Easy to maintain: Gravel bikes are relatively easy to maintain, thanks to their simple design. More and more manufacturers offer them nowadays as part of their portfolio. What we found might shock some people who are shopping around looking for a perfect option that truly fits them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Gravel bikes are not typically designed for short-distance commuting.
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