The gravel bike is the workhorse of modern cycling. While road bikes, with their sleek lines and increasingly aerodynamic designs, are built for speed and precision, gravel bikes are designed to go where road bikes simply can’t – or at least not without a lot of discomfort for both the bike and the rider. While a gravel bike’s versatility is certainly appealing, it’s no substitute for a fast, high-performance road bike.
Even a non-cyclist will notice the difference in tyre width between the two. Road tyres are narrow and gravel tyres are chunky but it’s not just about looking cool – it’s all about purpose. Road tyres are meant for smooth surfaces like tarmac while gravel tyres are built to handle loose terrain like gravel, as the name suggests. Road bikes typically have tyres around 28 mm wide while gravel tyres range from 40 mm to 50 mm, offering more comfort and durability on rough trails.
The gearing system on these bikes is also quite different. Most road bikes use double chainrings and gear setups designed for speed while gravel bikes often feature a single chainring system suited for off-road adventures. As a result, gravel bikes can feel a bit limiting on smooth, flat roads when you’re trying to go fast. For road cyclists used to fine-tuned gear ratios, gravel gearing can feel too “jumpy” – you’re either pedalling too hard or spinning too freely. The gear jumps are larger on a gravel bike so it’s harder to find that perfect rhythm.
One of the biggest factors separating these two types of bikes is geometry – the shape and structure of the frame, which dictates how the bike feels and responds. Road bikes are designed to be nimble and fast while gravel bikes prioritise stability and off-road handling. To put it simply, a gravel bike is like a road bike that can handle rough terrain and be ridden like a mountain bike.
You’ve probably seen those action-packed videos of pros flying through bike parks on their gravel bikes, hitting jumps and tackling rough trails. While gravel bikes can handle this, unless you’re Peter Sagan or Danny MacAskill, you might want to start a bit smaller. And don’t even think about trying that on a road bike! Many gravel riders will tell you that if you could only choose one bike, a gravel bike could do it all. Hardcore road cyclists, on the other hand, will probably say they care about just one thing – speed – and leave the rest to others.
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Weight is another big distinguishing factor. Road bikes are generally lighter than gravel bikes because they don’t need the extra material to handle the constant pounding and impacts of rough terrain. This lighter weight translates into greater agility and speed on the road, whereas the more rugged gravel bike is built to handle bumpy off-road paths.
Pedals are also different between the two. Road bike pedals tend to be larger and single-sided, while gravel bikes usually have smaller, dual-sided pedals, like those found on mountain bikes, which make it easier to clip in on uneven surfaces. But hey, don’t hold us to that – there’s a wide variety of pedal options out there and, ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you.
Even the handlebars, while they may look similar, serve different purposes. Both road and gravel bikes often have drop bars but gravel bikes don’t put as much emphasis on aerodynamics and weight. Gravel bars are usually flared outward for a wider grip, offering better control in rough terrain. Plus, you can change your hand positions more easily, which helps relieve tension in your hands, arms, shoulders, and back.
Finally, gravel bikes tend to have more mounting points than their road counterparts. These allow riders to attach bags, racks or fenders, making gravel bikes versatile machines that are perfect for bikepacking or commuting.
To sum it up, road bikes excel at speed and efficiency on smooth tarmac while gravel bikes are designed for stability, comfort, and versatility in more rugged environments.
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At this point, you might be wondering – can a modern gravel bike be modified to perform just as well as a top-tier road bike? With their similar geometry, it’s not an entirely far-fetched idea. The most important factor affecting a gravel bike’s road performance is tyre width and the associated rolling resistance. Swap your gravel tyres for something sleeker, and you’ll definitely feel an improvement in speed on flats and descents where the original chunky tyres slow you down. But the reverse isn’t true. A road bike’s frame doesn’t have enough clearance for the wider tyres designed for off-road riding.
Simply put, while gravel bikes can come close to matching road bikes in some ways, they will never fully replace them. Each has its pros and cons and it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs.
If you’re already riding a gravel bike, here’s a word of advice: don’t try to join a pack of road racers for a group ride. Unless you’re an amateur racer yourself, they’ll leave you behind before you even reach the city limits. The same goes the other way around – once you hit the trails, the road cyclists are done for.
So, give a gravel bike a try and you’ll see that the difference in feel between a gravel and road bike is much greater than their outward appearances might suggest.
