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How to position 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?
Modified at: 2023.11.16Posted at: 2022.10.31
Table Of Contents
Basically the same as on a road bike
The riding position for gravel bikes is basically positioned in the same way as for road bikes. Specifically, the following four points should be considered.
- saddle height
- saddle front and rear
- stem length
- handlebar height
Regarding the saddle, there is no problem with the standard positioning of “around the hip bone when standing sideways” or “sitting on the saddle with heels on the pedals and knees slightly bent,” as with a road bike. As for the front and back of the saddle, adjust according to the height of the handlebars and the length of the stem.
Handlebar position can be set up for gravel.
Basically, the same position as on a road bike is fine, but there is also a more gravel road-like position. That is handlebar height and stem length.
When riding mainly on trails and other rough terrain, the handlebars should be slightly higher to increase stability on rough terrain and reduce the risk of forward roll.
Also, if you are riding on a MTB course where there are sharp curves, a shorter stem is more effective because it allows you to make turns with shorter handlebars.
Beware of too high or too short.
However, when cruising on paved roads, for example, a higher/shorter handlebar position may cause some people to have a “shoulder up” posture while riding, which may cause pain in the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, etc. This is due to the fact that riding with the shoulders up causes the muscles to work strangely.
If you choose a higher handlebar position or shorter stem length than the road bike position, check the position on a short ride, such as a 20 km ride, to see if it causes any physical pain, and find a position that fits your body.
Should the handlebars be wider?
Narrower road bike handlebars are said to be more aerodynamic and faster, while wider handlebars are said to be more stable.
In terms of riding on gravel and other rough terrain, a slightly wider handlebar will give you more stability, but it will sacrifice a bit of pavement riding.
The flared handle is the best of both worlds. Flared handlebars are a type of handlebar with the drop portion extended outward. The bracket position used primarily for cruising is the same as on a road bike, and can be wider only when used on the lower handlebar.
Pay attention to clearance when bikepacking!
Gravel bikes are used for bikepacking, bike touring, and bike camping, but when bikepacking, the clearance between the bag and the tire is important. 38C, 40C, and other large tires require special attention when installing them.
It is easy to think that tire clearance is OK as long as the bag does not rub on the tire, etc. However, it is best to leave a little extra clearance between the bag and the tire, about 1 to 2 cm. This is because when riding on muddy roads, mud may adhere to the tires and increase their thickness by about 1 cm.
Some manufacturers of gravel bikes also include a cautionary statement that says, "Keep at least 1 cm of clearance from the frame.
If the tires are thickened by mud with just enough clearance, the tires will rub against the bag and damage the bag, and it is not good mentally to drive while constantly listening to the sound of rubbing.
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