Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames0910
^ well that’s awesome. Now I just need to get myself a gravel rig  |
I definitely got quite a few strange looks riding this bike around Elbow.
My advice is to think carefully what you want out of gravel riding, where you'll ride, HOW you'll ride. Sure you can have a blast on less than ~42mm wide tires... but maybe you'll want to give it a super-gravel/cross look and be able to take larger. Remember that this is a bit of a niche type of ride... so you're not doing road/cross, nor are you doing mountain bike. So don't expect excellence in those categories either.
My bike is definitely a bit of a frankenstein and I've been riding it for 3.5yrs now, which is basically when gravel started being a thing, but before it was a fad. Key upgrades which have made a world of difference include Red Shift suspension stem, carbon seatpost, 2nd wheelset so I can rock the 38mm lightweight tubeless tires or choose my beefier 2.2" mtb wheelset (in the winter I install studded tires). I do think I need to find a better rigid carbon fork but those can be pricey too.
Because I actually do rides like Elbow and light MTB trails too the gearing selection is important - too many gravel riders use closer to road gearing and struggle or find some trails impossible to ride.
More than anything, this has become my "go-to" ride, and I ride it year round. Whatever you get, as long as your ride and enjoy that's all that matters.