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.

front on shot of‌ a Giant gravel bikeA ‌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.

close up‍ shot of Giant gravel bike disc brakesDisc 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.

close up of forks of a Giant gravel bike38mm 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.