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What kind of road is gravel? The kind of riding a gravel bike is designed to do
What kind of "gravel" roads can gravel bikes be ridden on? We have compiled a definition and a summary of how the manufacturer expects you to ride it, and how it is not expected to be ridden.
Modified at: 2023.10.11Posted at: 2022.8.30
Table Of Contents
In bicycling, “gravel” includes dirt roads
The English word “gravel” means gravel or gravel road. The word originally came into use in motorsports, and in motorsports, gravel is often used to refer not only to gravel roads, but also to unpaved roads in general.
What kind of roads are gravel bikes designed for?
On the other hand, if we look at what kind of roads gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on, for example, by the characteristics of each manufacturer, we find that they are designed for the following three types of roads
- paved road
- gravel road
- muddy road
Since gravel bikes can be used on almost all roads, it is understandable why they are called “gravel bikes are highly rideable”.
What are some roads that gravel bikes are not designed for?
On the other hand, there are roads that gravel bikes are not designed for. Those are roads that are intended for MTB riding.
Specifically, these are roads that are
- large rocky terrain
- steps with jumps
For example, CANYON’s “Gravel Bike vs. Mountain Bike” page includes the following description
The rougher it gets, the more you will want to have suspension. It not only makes your ride more comfortable, but also improves traction and keeps you in control. And if you plan on clocking up airtime, you should definitely opt for a mountain bike with a generous amount of travel to absorb the impact of your landings.
Gravel Bike vs. Mountain Bike | CANYON
Gravel bikes can also be used to go over rocky terrain and jump, but bikes without suspension can cause excessive stress on the wheels, frame, and fork, which can cause damage.
Mavic’s “All Road” wheel for gravel bikes use clearly states “road and offroad with jumps less than 15cm”.
Choose MTB if you want to ride more aggressively on rough roads
Although gravel bikes can be ridden on significantly more roads than road bikes that are designed for paved roads, they still do not offer the same riding experience as MTBs.
If a gravel bike, like Mavic’s Allroad, is designed for “road + off-road with jumps up to 15 cm,” it is quite dangerous to ride on the downhill course of an MTB park, and a gravel bike with forward lean and braking is also a concern in terms of braking.
If you are going to enjoy MTB parks or similar courses, it would be best to prepare a straightforward MTB.
Customization for comfort on rough roads
Gravel bikes on gravel roads, for example, are subject to more vibration and shock from the road surface than those on paved roads. Optimizing for rough roads can make riding more comfortable.
Advantages and disadvantages of suspension and seat post on gravel bikes
When riding a gravel bike over rough terrain like MTB, you want suspension. An easy way to add suspension to your gravel bike is with a suspension seatpost.
How to add suspension to a gravel bike
Gravel bikes can be ridden on unpaved roads, but the basic standard is a "rigid fork" without suspension. In this article, we summarize how to add suspension to a gravel bike without suspension.
How should you decide on a position for a gravel bike, which is intended to be between a road bike and a MTB?
Why so popular on gravel bikes? Advantages and disadvantages of flared handles and how to choose
Flared handlebars are being increasingly adopted on gravel bikes. We will look at what flared handlebars are and why they are so popular, starting with their advantages and disadvantages.
How to customize a gravel bike with MTB wheels and how to choose
Gravel bikes can also enjoy MTB-like riding with fat tires. If you are going to enjoy riding on rough roads, one way to have fun is to customize it with MTB wheels to make it more MTB-like.
The Perfect Guide to Choosing Gravel Tires
One of the most fun and most affordable customizations for gravel bikes is changing tires. However, gravel bikes, by their very nature, are also the most difficult to choose tires for. In this article, we will thoroughly explain how best to choose tires for gravel bikes.
Is tubeless the best? Which type of gravel tire is best?
Tire selection is one of the most enjoyable and difficult aspects of gravel bike customization. In this article, we will look at the differences between tire types and the types of tires to choose for your gravel bike, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Ride more comfort! Ride gravel bike with proper air pressure!
There is a "proper air pressure" for bicycle tires. This section summarizes what the correct air pressure is, how to check it and how to get the correct air pressure, and the changes in riding that can be achieved by changing the air pressure.
Current Article
What kind of road is gravel? The kind of riding a gravel bike is designed to do
What kind of "gravel" roads can gravel bikes be ridden on? We have compiled a definition and a summary of how the manufacturer expects you to ride it, and how it is not expected to be ridden.
Expand your gravel bike enjoyment!
「中途半端」とも言われるグラベルバイクですが、実はカスタマイズやセッティング次第でいろんな道を楽しめます。グラベルバイクの楽しみの幅を広げる方法を解説します。
Bicycle travel, which involves biking around a destination, is an activity that is growing in popularity. However, the type of bicycle you choose will greatly affect the enjoyment and safety of your trip. In this article, we will discuss the best types of sports bicycles for bicycle travel and how to choose the right one.
Is it a good idea to use a gravel bike for commuting to work or school? No?
Due to health consciousness and other factors, more and more people are commuting to work and school by bicycle. In this issue, we will compare and verify whether gravel bikes are a good choice for commuting to work and school, based on the characteristics of each bike type and the different routes to work and school.
Don't want a gravel bike? Will you regret buying one?
Gravel bikes are rapidly gaining popularity in the sports bicycle community, but some buyers say they don't need them and regret buying them. In this issue, we summarize why people say they don't need a gravel bike and how to enjoy such a gravel bike.
How should you decide on a position for a gravel bike, which is intended to be between a road bike and a MTB?
How to convert a gravel bike into a road bike
A gravel bike, a derivative of a road bike, can be ridden on paved roads without modification. However, when converted to a road bike, they can be "ridden more like a road bike.
How to choose gravel tires for those who just want to go fast
Gravel bikes are said to be slower than road bikes. If you want to go faster on a gravel bike! If you want to go faster on a gravel road bike, you can make it lighter and faster by simply customizing the tires.
How to customize a gravel bike with MTB wheels and how to choose
Gravel bikes can also enjoy MTB-like riding with fat tires. If you are going to enjoy riding on rough roads, one way to have fun is to customize it with MTB wheels to make it more MTB-like.
Which type is best? Get to know the different types of gravel tires.
Gravel tires are in between the properties of road tires and MTB tires, and there is a lineup of tires with both properties. In this issue, we will introduce the different types of gravel tires and how to choose and customize them for different uses.
How to add suspension to a gravel bike
Gravel bikes can be ridden on unpaved roads, but the basic standard is a "rigid fork" without suspension. In this article, we summarize how to add suspension to a gravel bike without suspension.
Current Article
What kind of road is gravel? The kind of riding a gravel bike is designed to do
What kind of "gravel" roads can gravel bikes be ridden on? We have compiled a definition and a summary of how the manufacturer expects you to ride it, and how it is not expected to be ridden.
What you need to know before buying a gravel bike
Gravel bikes are rapidly growing in popularity. But for those who are worried about buying one, with some people saying they regret buying one, we have compiled a list of things you should know before you buy.
Bicycle travel, which involves biking around a destination, is an activity that is growing in popularity. However, the type of bicycle you choose will greatly affect the enjoyment and safety of your trip. In this article, we will discuss the best types of sports bicycles for bicycle travel and how to choose the right one.
Is it a good idea to use a gravel bike for commuting to work or school? No?
Due to health consciousness and other factors, more and more people are commuting to work and school by bicycle. In this issue, we will compare and verify whether gravel bikes are a good choice for commuting to work and school, based on the characteristics of each bike type and the different routes to work and school.
How to convert a hybrid bike into a gravel bike
Hybrid bikes and gravel bikes are similar in concept. Hybrid bikes can be converted to gravel with little replacement cost, depending on the component parts.
Don't want a gravel bike? Will you regret buying one?
Gravel bikes are rapidly gaining popularity in the sports bicycle community, but some buyers say they don't need them and regret buying them. In this issue, we summarize why people say they don't need a gravel bike and how to enjoy such a gravel bike.
Is there a weight limit for gravel bikes? How do I choose if I'm heavy?
In some cases, sport bicycles such as gravel bikes are made lightweight, which limits the weight they can accommodate. In this article, we summarize how to choose a gravel bike for heavier riders.
What is a gravel bike? What is the difference from a road bike or MTB?
Gravel bikes have been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years. The following is a summary of what gravel bikes are and what makes them different from road bikes and MTBs.
Why are long rides on gravel bikes tiring? How to avoid fatigue
Gravel bikes are said to be "unsuitable for long rides." Why do long rides on gravel bikes become tiring? We have summarized what you can do to avoid fatigue.
Current Article
What kind of road is gravel? The kind of riding a gravel bike is designed to do
What kind of "gravel" roads can gravel bikes be ridden on? We have compiled a definition and a summary of how the manufacturer expects you to ride it, and how it is not expected to be ridden.
