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Jun 2020
10:23pm, 23 Jun 2020
1,441 posts
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rhb
I just rode along some local gravel on my Kaffenback on 25mm tyres, and regularly do likewise on both my single speeds one with 28mm tyres, one with Schwalbe cx comp's (30mm iirc).
The main difference I could see a specific gravel bike making would be to help me go faster & further without increasing my risk of crashing or damaging my wheels, which would be useful if I wanted to go racing or on an adventure. There isn't space for those niches in my life right now, and for the latter I'd probably just use my MTB.
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Jun 2020
9:34am, 25 Jun 2020
3,968 posts
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Kieren
I saw a youtube video that explained gravel bikes have slightly longer seat stays and adjusted fork rake to give stability as most of the gravel riding in the USA are long point to point events, so agility is not a priority like it might be on a MTB or CX bicycle.
I think obviously different vendors and frames are going to offer extremes and everything in-between. I don't know much about it - all my bikes have been on the twitchy / reposnice side (brompton, Fuji track, CAAD12).
I would like the idea of something that could take wider tyres to handle gravel tracks, full mudguards & be relatively responsive. Decathlon and Evan's Pinacle range seem to fit most of my wants & budget but I already have a bike, so I can keep the N+1 to the daydreams.
The idea of doing a long weekend point to point ride, not too taxing with camping is quite appealing. For now that is lived vicariously through other people's photos, blog posts etc
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Jun 2020
6:36pm, 25 Jun 2020
130 posts
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ftrobbie
Cheers Kieran, so reading between the lines if the gravel bikes on offer are not European specific with a slight change to the geometry most people are likely to benefit from continuing with a CX. Long gravel tracks is not where most Brits are riding, however a wide tyre gravel bike for commuting probably isnt a bad option for the winter.
I must say I took the Madone out today and what a joy to ride, although it started to make weird noises towards the end, need to understand what needs a bit of TLC. That's compared to my CX with mudguards, luggage rack on the back, etc. The responsiveness was great.
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Jun 2020
8:52pm, 25 Jun 2020
1,911 posts
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MudMeanderer
It's similar to the difference between full on race and endurance bikes on the road. The latter have slightly slacker angles and possibly taller front ends to make them more relaxed and comfortable.
There will invariably by a continuum of geometry, but a pure cx bike will be designed for around an hour's ride with a sky high HR, and trying to dive through gaps on dead turns, shoulder to shoulder with other riders. You may not need or want something so aggressive if you're looking for doing rides of a few hours, and can take corners a little more leisurely.
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Jul 2020
10:48pm, 11 Jul 2020
195 posts
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ftrobbie
@ Gooner, how's your arm and did you make a decision on the bike?
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Jul 2020
11:10pm, 11 Jul 2020
16,797 posts
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Gooner
Hi Ftr, the arm is healing thanks. Not too bad in the day, just a bit of a pain at night/first thing. Can't wait to get the dressing off mind.
I went for the Merida in the end, the wider range/heavier/hill friendly gears with them also being the next tier of spec swung it for me. It is due to arrive by the 20th so I will be able to stare longingly at it for a month or so before being allowed out on it.
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Jul 2020
11:27pm, 11 Jul 2020
197 posts
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ftrobbie
Good to know you're healing well. Take it easy, you dont want to scratch the new steed. Hopefully you'll get to use and will will bring you miles on enjoyment. Have fun, stay safe and in your case heal well.
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Jul 2020
11:30pm, 11 Jul 2020
42,107 posts
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Lip Gloss
Bike in for its service. Second hand to me but the chap said it was in good nick and apart from having to turn the fork as it was the wrong way round he thinks just gears need tweaked
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Jul 2020
12:01am, 12 Jul 2020
16,801 posts
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Gooner
Thanks Ftr, appreciate the kind words.
Mavis, hopefully it comes back to you in tip top condition in time for the nice weather today.
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Jul 2020
7:30am, 12 Jul 2020
198 posts
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ftrobbie
LG, cool. I love the feel of a newly serviced bike, it's like new again. Mine needs a proper service, sorted the headset out a few weeks ago, but waiting for some derailleur cable so I can strip it right back and bring it back to new. Have fun and stay safe.
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TriSport Fetch: The smell of 220
Oct 2024
