Language Menu
- 日本語
- English
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.
Modified at: 2023.7.6Posted at: 2022.9.6
Table Of Contents
The standard weight that gravel bikes can accommodate is around 100 kg
Most gravel bikes and other sport bicycles have no basic weight limit (they can accommodate any conceivable weight of a person who can ride a bicycle), but some manufacturers may have a specific weight limit for wheels.
For example, Mavic’s Ksyrium Pro Disc ALLROAD has a weight limit of 120 kg. Generally speaking, even a very obese person would weigh around 100 kg, so the weight limit is wide.
Wheel manufacturers often list weight limits on their websites, but not for complete bikes, so if you are concerned about this, contact the manufacturer before purchasing.
Gravel bikes are best for those who weigh more
They are compatible with larger tubeless tires.
The reason wheels have a weight limit is because there is a limit to the load that the rim and spokes can withstand. Conversely, the less load on the rim and spokes, the less damage to the wheel as a whole.
Clinchers, the predominant tire type on road bikes today, structurally require high pressure inside the tire so that the tire, wheel, frame, and rider’s body all take the impact from the road surface.
Tubeless tires, on the other hand, can hold their shape without a tube, allowing them to be inflated to lower pressures than clinchers.
Moreover, the larger tires that gravel bikes can handle have more air inside the tire than thinner tires, so the tire can be well cushioned even at lower pressures.
Rugged construction for rough roads
Compared to road bikes, which are designed to be lightweight and aero efficient, gravel bikes are built to be somewhat sturdier, as they are designed for rough roads.
In this sense, heavier riders can ride on paved roads with a certain degree of confidence. However, when a heavier rider rides on gravel or other rough roads, the bike may be subjected to more load than the manufacturer expects, so it may be necessary to introduce tubeless tires and suspension.
How to choose a gravel bike if you are overweight
So what kind of gravel bike should you choose if you are overweight?
The first thing to look at is the frame and wheel material.
The top gravel bike models use carbon, but carbon is not suitable for heavy weight riders, as it is vulnerable to loading to a single point. Models that use supple metals such as aluminum or chromoly are better.
Next is size.
Heavy riders have more muscle mass in their legs, so they can generate more power, but they also have to lift their legs more. Therefore, if the frame size is too large, the rider will not be able to straddle the frame when riding, so it is better to choose a frame size that is one size smaller.
Finally, there is the loading aspect.
Many gravel bikes have a high load capacity so that camping tours can be enjoyed, but in some cases, a complete set of camping gear can weigh more than 10 kg. A person weighing 70 kg may have no problem loading 10 kg of gear, but a person weighing 110 kg may be caught in the weight limit if he or she loads 10 kg of gear.
In this sense, it is best to avoid installing “heavy parts” such as rear carriers and front baskets to increase loading capacity, and to use lighter items such as saddlebags for loading.
The standard for gravel bikes! Tubeless Guide
Tubeless tires, which can reduce puncture risk and increase ride comfort, are a staple of gravel bikes. This is a guide on how to choose and operate tubeless tires.
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.
Why so many gravel bike users love tubeless tires? Advantages and disadvantages
One of the most popular customizations for gravel bikes is to convert the tires to tubeless. The following is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of tubeless and why it is a favorite on gravel bikes.
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.
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.
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 choose gravel bike wheels
This section explains gravel bike wheel customization, including whether gravel bike wheels should be specially designed for gravel bikes, whether road wheels are acceptable, and whether MTB wheels can also be used.
Which wheel is better for a gravel bike, 700C or 650B?
When choosing gravel bike wheels, a common concern is whether to go with 700C or 650B. 700C or 650B is better, and we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of both, as well as how to choose.
What is the best rim width for gravel bike wheels?
One of the standard customizations to improve the performance of a gravel bike is to replace the wheels. And when choosing wheels for gravel bikes, the inner width of the rim is the most important factor to consider.
Summary of the best 650B wheels for gravel bikes
The 650B wheel, which is slightly smaller than 700C, is slowly gaining popularity in the gravel bike community. 650B wheels are a great way to enjoy larger tires on a 700C bike.
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.
Deep Rim Wheels - Yes or No? Advantages and disadvantages of using them on gravel bikes
Deep rim wheels are a favorite of many road bike users because of their light weight and excellent aero effect. The following is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using them on gravel bikes, which are often used for adventure purposes.
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.
Current Article
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.
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.
