Are you looking for a new challenge away from the road or mountain bike? Gravel bikes, also known as adventure bikes, are the perfect choice! This relatively new trend is rapidly growing as people seek new ways to explore. Born out of the growing US gravel race scene, they are increasing in popularity due to their excellent versatility to ride just about anywhere. Dirt paths, light trails, farmers paths, winter road riding and commuting are just a few of the many possibilities – wherever you want to go, it’s a decent bet that the bike can handle it.
To make it versatile, the adventure bike has merged some of the best bits from road, cyclocross and mountain disciplines to create a lightweight all-round exploration bike that’s just as happy tackling tough terrain as it is on the tarmac.
Frame Geometry
Although they are similar in appearance to adventure road or cyclocross bikes, there are several differences that make gravel bikes easier and more comfortable to ride, especially over longer distances.
Firstly, they have a more relaxed riding position. A taller head tube combines with a shallower head angle to put the rider more upright while riding. If we compare the Revolt, a dedicated gravel bike, versus a TCX, a dedicated cross bike, then the numbers tell the story – in a medium, the TCX combines a 148mm head tube with a 73-degree angle. On the Revolt, the headtube is taller at 150mm, with a 70.5-degree head angle.
An upright riding position has multiple benefits – it’s less aggressive so therefore reduces fatigue on the back and shoulders, improves visibility and creates a more stable platform to ride from. Plus, the bottom bracket is lower and the wheelbase is longer too (1036mm vs 976mm); having a longer wheelbase and lower headtube angle results in more controlled, more confident steering and a more stable ride – especially important on uneven terrain.
A taller head tube and sloping top tube creates a more upright riding position
Brakes
Disc brakes dominate gravel bikes, and it’s easy to see why; better-stopping power, increased reliability and more frame clearance are just some of the key benefits of running disc brakes. The ability of disc brakes to handle adverse conditions is perhaps the crucial factor, as they are not as affected by rain and mud when compared to their rim-brake counterparts.
Disc brakes are the go-to choice for gravel riding
The only other question that remains is whether the brakes are mechanical or hydraulic. It usually comes down to budget, with hydraulic disc brakes preferred due to superior performance, but either way, you’ll still get all the advantages of disc brakes.
Wheels & Tyres
As the only contact point between the bike and the ground, making the correct tyre choice is crucial to getting the most out of your gravel bike. Our range of gravel bikes come with 38mm tyres as standard, however, there’s the ability to run anything from 32mm up to wider 48mm tyres. This range opens up a lot of possibilities, with 32mm making it faster on road, and 48mm more capable on trails but sacrificing speed.
If you’re not sure what terrain you’ll be doing most of your riding, 38mm is a great starting point until you find out. Should you need to switch regularly, there is the option to invest in another gravel wheelset with different sized tyres to make it easier to change – it’s a bit more expensive, but if you can afford it then makes your bike much more adaptable without the hassle of constantly changing tyres.
38mm is a great starting point on a gravel bike, although there’s the ability to run wider tyres up to 48mm
Most gravel tyres feature a fast-rolling centre tread with a tackier, more grippy on the shoulder of the tyre to improve cornering ability on mixed surfaces. Tubeless tyres are also commonly found on gravel bikes, as the sealant provides a degree of insurance against punctures while also offering the ability to run tyres at lower pressures for increased grip.
Giant’s Fondo tyre is designed with mixed-terrain riding in mind and features an endurance-specific tread pattern and great puncture protection, so it’s a strong option to consider if you’re new to this style of riding.
Gears
Cyclocross bikes do provide some degree of versatility; however, their preference for a 1x chainring setup can be problematic. Most gravel bikes come equipped with a 2nd chainring, giving a much greater range of gearing and a greater degree of flexibility while riding, making it more capable of tackling steeper trails and hills on the road whilst also ensuring that they can be pedalled faster on the downhills without spinning out when you want speed.
Racks & Mounts
When versatility is the key selling point, it’s essential to make it compatible with all sorts of extras and add-ons. Having the ability to quickly add mudguards,
Gravel bikes offer a unique form of cycling that has been gaining appeal in the UK; they blur the lines between traditional road and mountain bikes, allowing riders to explore different terrain in style. Giant bicycles UK is proud to offer the perfect option for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of riding a gravel bike.
Gravel bikes are designed to handle a variety of different terrains, with increased tire clearance, relaxed geometry and disc brakes providing the perfect mixture of control and stability. With Giant Bicycles you can experience the best of both worlds with their selection of gravel bikes specifically designed for comfort and confidence on varied terrain. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the trails or you want to explore the roads less travelled, Giant have the perfect bike.
The latest range of gravel bikes from Giant uses the latest technologies, designed around a customised frame equipped with features like wider tire clearance, an Intelligent Positioning System for ideal stance and a D-Fuse dropper seatpost that provides added comfort. With a full selection of Shimano components and a PedalPlus 4-sensor technology that enables riders to customise their power output, these bikes offer a truly thrilling experience.
For ultimate control on the trails, the latest range of Giant gravel bikes is equipped with wider tires and a variety of different frame sizes. You can choose from an Elite, Advanced or Competitive range, each containing a range of bikes with different wheel sizes and suspension options, enabling you to tailor your ride to suit your needs.
Whether you’re a BMX veteran looking for a new challenge or an off-road novice looking to explore, Giant bicycles German has the perfect option for you. So discover the thrill of riding a gravel bike today with Giant Bicycles UK.