5 Reasons You Only Need a Gravel Bike - 1 Bike to Rule Them All?

Is a gravel bike really the only bike you need. In this video I give five really good reasons why that might just be the case, from lower gearing to bigger tyres, these are bikes that let you conquer just about any terrain or situation.

Contents
00:00 Intro
00:47 Versatile and adaptable
2:16 Accessible - Gearing and Geometry
4:17 Comfort and Tyres
7:52 FUN
8:59 Summary

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[michaelmoore]

Thanks for the great video! I actually bought a Giant Revolt2 aluminum w/9sp Sora and mechanical breaks. The only reason I “settled” for it was due to the bike shortage and a planed gravel ride of the Trans VA trail. I figured I would use it for my ride and then replace it the first chance I got. After 400 miles of gravel, stream crossings, and two lane black top I fell in love! At $1200 this bike is $2000 less than the one I originally wanted. This bike can’t be beat!!!! I hardly ride my expensive carbon road bike anymore as the Revolt is now my go to bike.

[allenk]

David, you are so spot on!

I plan to complete the Audax Super Randonneur challenge in the 2021 season (completing 200, 300, 400 & 600km within the same season) and I need a bike with disc brake, relatively easy gearing, big comfortable tires and endurance geometry. After researching for months, I collected the exact Giant Revolt Advance 0 early this month and am totally thrilled by its comfort, capability and flexibility. After trying out the bike with all factory-fitted components on both road and gravel for about a week, I reckon I need two wheelsets with different tires and cassette to make the max out of the bike. And to make things a little simple, I also fitted both wheelsets with respective cassette and disc rotors. That way, swapping between wheelset just require quick minor adjustment of RD.

I installed a pair of WTB Expanse 32C onto the Giant CRX2 carbon wheel with 11-30T cassette and XTR disc rotor for long distance road use. The tires rolls really well and take corners confidently. 48/31 chainring + 11-30T gear ratios is fast enough and could climb almost any paved road. For gravel use, I installed the factory-fitted Maxxis Velocita 40C, 11-34T cassette and GRX disc rotor onto an inexpensive but versatile Mavic Open alloy wheelset. The tires are OK for gravel use but you ought to consider acquiring a pair of WTB / Panaracer / Scwhalbe gravel specific tires if you are serious about gravel ride. Oh, I forgot to mention I use Ultegra SPD-SL pedals for road riding and a flat peddles with hiking shoes when I go off-road. Trust me.. it's disastrous if you use road shoes even for mild gravel riding.

with a bit of extra components, tools and some basic bike maintenance and tuning know-how, you really can have a bike that goes anywhere, anytime, with just about anyone. The only problem left is deciding whether I should keep or sell my other road bike.

[MattSwain]

I love my Giant Revolt Advanced, it’s really brought the enjoyment of cycling back for me. It doesn’t hold me back on club road rides and also allows me to head off down some tracks thatI’d never attempt on a road bike. The main limiting factor is me and my bike handling skills! All that said, as much as I love the bike, it is my 1 bike to rule them all, it’s just not quite as sexy as a lightweight race bike… it’s probably only a matter of time until it has a friend!

[scottwatson]

I couldn't agree more, I have the 2020 version of this exact bike and love it ! I have a Defy and TCR and don't ride them anymore, road riding has become a bit dull since being able to mix it up with the gravel bike.

[frizzen]

Sweet bike. I have a 1985 mountain bike (rigid - no suspension) - it's like a gravel bike with flat bars and I've done a lot of epic rides on that bike.

[Andy_ATB]

Yes is the answer. For most recreational riders, a 'gravel/all road' bike is basically all you need. Buy another 'road' wheelset and your pretty much covering all types of terrain. (not including gnarly, rocks & rooted MTB trails) And with the state of the UK roads, you're already riding on light gravel.
Why buy a lightweight road race bike designed for skinny superfit athletes - which aren't great on less than smooth roads.

[dirtyparsnip]

Great video, I sold my road and mountain bike, and bought a Bombtrack hook ext-c, makes me smile every time I go out on it.

[tommslc]

I just bought that exact bike 3 weeks ago and I love it! I have come to the conclusion I love riding bikes I have MTB, Road and Gravel. So for the last 3 yrs. I just find myself grabbing the Gravel bike most often.

[KingdomArmor]

I've recently scanned thru multiple bike channels finally settling on your site because your content is informative, easy to understand and well explained. Thank you

[michaelsrealm]

Have the same bike for last two years. Bought Hunt's Mason X 4 season wheel set and have road tubeless on them. The bike with the slacker geometry is the most comfortable bike I have ridden. 160 km rides are common.

[todd]

I agree with this completely. Went from road to gravel road to dirt road, and then to singletrack on our last ride. It handled them all amazingly!

[gregmorrison]

This is correct for me, I use my Trek Checkpoint for most riding, turned one of my road bikes into a SS just for something different to use, my carbon race bike hasn't been ridden all this year, even though I love it. The gravel bike is so versatile that it's the one I grab most of the time.

[normanderson]

It really is true. I recently bought the Scott Addict gravel 30 and I have never felt more like I am one with a bike. These bikes are simply incredible.

[konstantinborus]

I had Cannondale 29er then I've got bitten by gravel bike bug. Sold my lovely hardtail and bought Eddy Merckx Strasbourg 71(nice bike don't get me wrong) .Had it for two years and went back to hardtail , Specialized Epic this time. I did some modifications to it. Changed stem from 80mm to 110mm, cut handle bar and put bigger chain ring 36T instead of 32T. Perfect combo for my needs!

[aaronedgeart]

Never thought I'd agree with only a single gravel bike + two separate wheel sets (one with 45s, one with 30s)... but, I'm headed that way. Particularly since plastic space whips like Cervelo's Aspero is so light and fun. Great vid!

[JayGreezy]

I have a Giant Revolt Advanced as well (2021 model) and they are SUPERB bikes. Never looking back, i'm hooked on gravel bikes now.

[tgtech]

I got a revolt advanced 2 as my first road bike and have two wheel sets. Going to upgrade to a carbon wheel set soon to save some weight and add a mountain bike to the quiver. I’ve thought about getting a fast road bike as well (TCR), but thanks for the reminder that this is a great primary bike for versatility.

[NYGiantsLife]

I got a Trek Domane SL5 2021. One of the best decisions I’ve made. I wanted to upgrade my old road bike tires but couldn’t, because of the break caliper I could only do 26c.

[TechTraction]

Excellent overview. I've been researching gravel bikes for a couple of weeks now and your overview makes the best argument for dropping some cash on another bike. Too bad COVID is making it difficult to find new bikes. Thanks.

[isgrimner]

Pretty happy with my '21 Kona Rove LTD. When I decided I wanted a bike, just thought about the places I would ride the most and what kind of rides I wanted to do and it seemed like a gravel bike was the best option. I was a bit heavier (50 lbs.) when I got it, so I wanted a steel bike for durability. I can go about as fast as I can pedal on the paved roads on it, and have had it on some tame single track. I do actually ride the most on gravel though. I eventually plan to take it bike packing, possibly riding the full length of the Katy Trail. Would like to add a mtn. bike to do some small jumps and a bit gnarlier single track, but for the bulk of my riding, the gravel bike is the perfect bike for me.