Characteristics of the gravel bike
The gravel bike is a versatile bike, designed to ride everywhere: on asphalt, on gravel roads, on secondary roads and on some more technical and forest trails.
It combines the strengths of both road and mountain bikes, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of activities: leisurely outings on gravel, long days in the saddle, multi-day adventures or simple discovery rides.
Overall, the gravel bike has a number of distinctive features.
- Curved, flared handlebars for enhanced control over rough terrain.
- Wider tires than a road bike (from 35 to 50 mm) for greater grip, stability and comfort.
- A more relaxed frame geometry promotes stability and comfort during long rides, while offering more
- clearance between tire and frame.
- A transmission that adapts to changes in altitude, facilitating steep climbs and progress over varied terrain.
- Numerous attachments are available for luggage racks, panniers and bottle cages.
Always ask about the maximum tire width the bike can accept: the wider the tires, the greater the bike's load capacity and comfort.
Find your rhythm
The gravel bike offers you the possibility of performing on hardened roads, strolling in the wilderness or traveling fully loaded. To choose the right bike for you, take the time to think about how you want to ride and what types of terrain you'll be using most often.
Gravel bikes are mainly classified according to their use. Performance models are more aggressive and lightweight, while adventure models are designed for comfort, carrying capacity and long distances. In between, the all-purpose gravel bike is aimed at mixed use for leisure.
Leisure: a compromise between comfort and handling
Without doubt the most common type of gravel bike on the market, and often the most appropriate for beginners. Designed for a wide range of uses, it's just as suited to a day's sport as it is to a short adventure lasting a few days.
Adventure: robust and able to carry a load
With wider wheel arches, more luggage attachments and increased load capacity, it's the ideal road partner for setting off for several days, panniers installed, and exploring at your own pace.
Performance: fast and responsive
Inspired by the road bike, but capable of evolving on gravel, it's the ideal choice for people who like to ride fast, take part in gravel races or simply cover long distances at a steady pace.
