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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.
Modified at: 2024.9.17Posted at: 2022.9.5
Table Of Contents
Replacing a fork with a suspension fork for MTB
Since bicycle frames are designed separately from forks, forks can be replaced as long as the head parts are of the same standard.
Some users who stick to gravel bikes use MTB suspension forks for their front forks for better travel and racing on rough roads.
However, the disadvantages of replacing the fork with an MTB suspension fork are that it looks more MTB-like and because suspension forks are several times heavier than forks for road use, the vehicle body weight becomes heavier and less nimble like a road bike.
Replace with a gravel-specific suspension fork
Replacing a fork with a suspension fork designed for MTB has the disadvantage that it reduces the road bike-like characteristics. To solve such disadvantages, each company has developed its own suspension system.
New types of suspension systems designed for gravel bikes, such as Specialized’s “Future Shock” and Cannondale’s “Lefty Oliver,” are available.
As for Future Shock, it is only for Specialized gravel bikes, but for Cannondale Lefty Oliver, it is also available as a standalone product.
Use a suspension stem
If you want to add suspension easily, a suspension stem is another option.
A suspension stem is a stem that has its own travel function and can be used on basically any bike. REDSHIFT’s ShockStop is a well-known suspension stem.
The disadvantages of suspension stems are low travel and high price: MTB suspension has at least 100 mm of travel, while suspension stems have only about 1/5 of that, or 20 mm, making suspension less effective. However, on gravel roads and on-road riding, suspension stems will provide good shock absorption.
Another disadvantage is that suspension stems are still a nascent item and are expensive, costing more than $150 for a single item.
Considering that they do a good job of absorbing shock on gravel, and are easy to install with no special compatibility or installation required, they are the first choice if you want to add suspension to your gravel bike.
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.
Current Article
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?
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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.
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.
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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.
Current Article
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.
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.
