Gravel Bike vs Road Bike - What's The Difference? GCN's Epic Gravel Ride

What can a gravel bike do that a road bike can't?

Gravel bikes - they've got bigger tyres, disc brakes and a bit more stability built in. But how does that translate when it comes to tackling some off-road terrain? And can it's skinny-tyred road bike brother keep up when the path gets rough? We went for an epic gravel ride, putting the new Ridley X-Trail up against Dan's road bike to find out some answers!

Music:
The Mammal Club - Out of the Playground
Humble Bones - Labyrinth Ear

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

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Music - licensed by Cue Songs

[nixie]

Here's the weird point:
I do not ride road bikes, just mountainbikes, however, GCN is so much more fun, fluid and coalesced than GMBN, that I prefer watching them, even if I can't learn as much in my topic.

[killadroid]

I love this channel.
It's like Top Gear for cycling!

[west]

I really like this kind of episode. Having Dan, Simon and Matt all riding together and exploring an aspect of cycling with humor as well as good information. Thanks.

[TheWaxChainFanClub]

All this puncture talk reminds me of the conception of my first child.

That was an epic ride too.

[massspike]

As to the difference between road, gravel, and CX bikes, I think Ben Serotta nailed it early on (before he got kicked out of the company that then went under). For a period of time you could order Serotta's with the "all roads" option where they would make a road bike with slightly wider forks and stays to allow for wider tires (and rims). I am pretty sure everything else stayed the same.

[omgaud]

I'm 58 and I am returning to cycling and phasing out ice hockey (at least for the summer months April-October). I was quite avid in my twenties and I still own, and occasionally ride my 1982 Peugeot CP 12, my first real bike. I love this channel, and the guys who are the presenters. It's entertaining, informative, and makes you crave a ride every time I watch. I'm a fat old guy on his way to being a fit old-guy cyclist. Thanks for such great fun!

[BoxCarBoy]

"Sod off!" As an American, this makes me laugh every time!

[itsyoutubemartin]

Obviously the key to an epic video is an epic soundtrack. Well done GCN.

[velofisher]

I've watched this now 4 times. This video shows what I love best.... beautiful country, adventure, diverse terrain and down right fun!

[AltitudeProductions]

This was filmed beautifully. I'd love to see more videos from you guys that look like this.

[oscaralm]

Can you also make a film about the same question in reverse?
What can a road bike do that a gravel (and please also a cyclocross) bike cant?

I own a cyclocross and sometimes i wonder how big the difference on the road would be to a roadbike if i just swapped tyres.

Thank you for all your films!

[philspaghet]

I find gravel bikes are also good for harsher roads and university riing where you can take dirt shortcuts and things like that. Plus wider tires with tread is nice for dealing with riding in rain

[Mattdabbs]

In North Western Idaho/Eastern Washington (USA) we ride A LOT of gravel. We throw it in on every type of ride; ranging from pacey weekly drop rides to more relaxed recovery/group rides. Most of us just whip the road bikes. It just doesn't make sense to lay down the extra cash for such a minor "gain". Slap some 28s on your road bike and you will be fine. Seriously.

[ewanlivlingstone]

it's funny that when it's Matt's turn to buy the drinks he has a half pint, tighter than Dan Lloyd's Cervelo test team shorts!

[cjthebikeguy]

watched this again after seeing Simons thru axle video, disappointing to find it already liked it a year ago, definitely deserves 2 thumbs up!

[cameronrs]

That moment when the new kit order arrives and everyone decides to wear it. Nice arm/leg warmers guys!

[mountainbikenetwork]

Hey Guys I Agree With Armilar Zifferblatt, I am Also A Mountain Biker, Love The Channel, And I also See The GMBN Channel But Your Channel Makes My Day and Gets A Big Smile
On my face, In Fact I Get To Learn New Things From GCN.

[dallamdude]

This is the first time I've listened at the end of a video and clicked the in the top right. This is such an epic ride they go on, GCN take me next time!!

[richarde]

Not everyone can afford, house, or maintain multiple bikes; it seems like the gravel bike is a serious option for someone looking for that one bike that does it all, an SUV bike of sorts. It’s not necessarily the best of anything, but it does a lot of things well.

I have a flat bar commuter bike made by Norco, a company more renown for its mountain bikes. The bike comes standard with Deore cranks, shifters, derailleur, and hydraulic disc brakes, and 700c WTB rims. The frame can easily accommodate wider tires, say 43s. Thinking outside of the box, this bike has become my “affordable” gravel bike. I have other bikes, but this bike is the one I grab when I’m not sure what kind of terrain I will be riding or I go on a week long road trip and want to take just one bike.

Love the gravel bike concept!

[etobiCRACKscorpions]

You'll never beat Dan in a sprint for free beers. Matt you should never have suggested that. lol