7 Reasons You Only Need A Gravel Bike | One Bike To Do It All? | Cycling Weekly

Most people by now have heard the proverb that the perfect number of bikes to own is n + 1.But while a full stable certainly does have its delights, many of us are in the situation where we really need n to equal 1.
Which raises the question: what sort of bike should that single one be? Well with such a range of riding out there available to be enjoyed, versatility has got to be key and for that reason we think a gravel bike is that bike.

Here are five reasons why!

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[macscotsman]

Over 10 years ago I put drop bars and a front disc brake on my mountain bike. I got laughed at. Didn’t care one bit. It was my go anywhere and do anything bike. Still riding it today. Too much fun.

[daveybaa]

Completely agree with your points although my other 6 bikes wouldn't😂

[peterweber]

I agree. I bought a gravel bike recently to scaled down and simplify my life - reduce possessions, and live a more minimalist lifestyle. Well I think my gravel bike is perfect. I can ride on a variety of surfaces, on the road it is surprisingly fast (I have been able to easily keep up with the roadies I have encountered), on the gravel paths and even some single track the fat tubeless tires is confidence inspiring. Not to mention it is bike touring/packing ready with multiple mounting options for racks and bags.

[Animize]

If I were to buy a bike to rule them all - yes it probably would be a Gravel bike as well. It combines the road bike (for sports) and the trekking bike (everyday use as commuting) that I currently use. But truth to be told - I like the split up - as here in Berlin it's a good advice to have a "cheap" bike for everyday use - as not even the best lock can protect a good bike from getting stolen if you leave it outside.

[RolandAllen]

I'm a gravel-believer. My Franco is my n+0, It is a 1x12. I enjoy in riding my bike, and I like being able to explore off tarmac if something looks interesting. It's true that I ride 70 to 80% on tarmac. Yet, when I do get off road, it is so much fun. And I am gaining confidence as I learn additional bicycle handling skills. I also like having wider tires, even on tarmac. I just feel more confidence when paved roads get rough, as they do.

[AppetiteRose]

Bought a Boardman Gravel bike a couple of years ago and was my only bike for a range of riding for a couple of years... even got me started in Crit Racing before I bought a road specific bike for them

[JSC]

I've been riding road for years but next bike for me is Gravel, great video cheers guys.

[ramblingimbecile]

Buy 1 bike, even if it is more expensive, and you are going to be putting more wear and tear on the components. Nobody is splitting their time 50/50 between trails and road. I've really considered selling my road bike and MTB to just get a gravel bike but seeing as I am doing 80%+ of my riding on tarmac then it makes no sense. I will be keeping 2 bikes and using 80% of my budget for a better road bike

[mikefule]

Years ago, I rode regularly with the CTC and had a versatile bike which I rode on and off road. After a break of a few years, I now have both a 2 x 10 gravel bike and a fixed gear road bike. There is no doubt that the 2 x 10 gears give me more versatility on tough terrain and steep hills (both up and down) but both bikes get ridden on single track and bridlepaths as well as on the road. On mainly road riding, the average speeds over an hour or two's riding are about the same for the two bikes, which I put down to the excessive weight of the "over-built" gravel bike and its poor aerodynamics. Yes, the gears make me faster on some parts of the ride, but overall, the gravel bike is harder to ride — despite putting road-biased tyres on it.

[shawntakada]

My new bike is a gravel! Getting it May 15... Trek Checkpoint :) Commute by bike.

[ilanpi]

I got Easton cranks for my 1x. They are compatible with both Easton road chainrings up to 50 and RaceFace MTB chainrings down to 24, so choosing between one or the other just takes a few minutes to decide.

[roksva]

Ha~Ha. Rode several times with gravel bikes around 100km+ on routes consist of tarmac and gravel.

Gravel bikes can’t keep up at all on the road while roadbikes almost at par on gravel with them.

So the best bike, buy an all-rounder roadbike, change to 28mm tires, pump it to around 90psi-100psi based on weight, you’re excellent on gravel and tarmac.

[andreteixeira]

I have a gravel bike, a full supension trail bike and a hardtail mountain bike. The one I love best is my gravel GT Grade bike. That said, if you hit gnarly mountain trails often like me you wont be happy with only a gravel bike.

[johnmichaelpena]

My dream bike, that i can't afford, but it's nice to see people riding it

[ericvandamme]

Great plug for gravel bikes, probably the best explanation for buying one I have ever heard. Can I put bigger tires on road bike and save myself the big payment on a gravel bike?

[hugotorres]

I just got my first bike! It’s a gravel and I’m in love!

[arturobeltran]

MTBing over 25 yrs, Gravel riding over 6 yrs. 2 Mtbs, 2 Gravel bikes. Love to ride my gravel bike on alot of the same trails I Mtb on, but I could never ride as aggressively as I do with my mtb. No one bike can do it all. Maybe for you, but everyone is different. Your riding style, skill level, age and many other factors determine what type of bike you should ride. I agree that a good gravel bike can give you the best of both worlds if you cant afford both, but only to a certain limit. I not riding my gravel bike down Big Bear Snow Summit trails. Your theory is your opinion but not everyone's and definitely not a fact.

[richarddavis]

There is no reason why you should suffer the gearing restrictions of a 1x. The clutch mechanism coupled with electronic shifting (if you want to go that way) makes 2x effortless on all terrains for 90+% of riders.

[ianwright]

Great type of bike for riding in Kenya Up Country in the Great Rift Valley. Riding a Pinnacle Arkose 3.

[andreroxas]

My thought: Every bike is built different. I am just tired of hearing which is the best bike and which isn't. Just buy the bike(s) you want and ride them. pretty simple.