Gravel Grinders
Some say Gravel Bikes got their start when mfg.’s put mtb’s out of the average person’s price range. Some say they are a great way to add speed and challenge to the same old fire roads and trails. Others just wanted something less restrictive than a traditional road bike. Certainly, the desire to get away from traffic congestion and the limitations of lanes, MUP’s and trails has played a part.
I believe people have been crying out for a comfortable, versatile and efficient bike for decades. The success of Trek’s 90’s Crosstrak and Schwinn’s Crisscross and everyone else’s versions, attest.
A gravel bike usually has more comfortable geometry than a traditional road bike. Many are vibration absorbing steel or have carbon fibre forks for the same reason. With go anywhere wide tires, but ligher and quicker than a mtb, they are a breeze to ride all day.
I prefer purpose built bikes. Touring bikes work best for touring. Cargo bikes work best for carrying and mtb’s work best off road. Compromises have always made me uncomfortable. Gravel though really does fill a nitch. Not all of us can have sixteen bikes. Still others want the performance of a road bike, but take on more challenging terrain (I admit, I’m not real comfortable even on my touring bike riding The Hennepin Canal). I see these taking over on rides like RAGBRAI, Pedaler’s Jamboree and for riding rail trails. They are hard to beat on hard pack trails like Scott County Park, most of Steven’s Park and most of Sylvan Island. I suspect they dominate the fire roads out West. How would you use a Gravel Bike? Is it time to add one to your stable?