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12% offLiv Brava Advanced Pro 0 (2023)
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What Is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes look like road bikes but are designed for more than just sealed roads. Key features include:
- Wider tyres for grip, control and comfort on mixed terrain.
- Robust frames with clearance for mud and accessories.
- Disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.
- Accessory frame mounts for bags, mudguards and bottle cages.
Gravel bikes let you ride wherever your curiosity takes you. From sealed roads to unsealed single and double tracks.
Relaxed Riding Position
Compared to cyclocross bikes, the front-end of gravel bikes can be up to +30mm higher.
Your hands being higher means you're not leaning over and you sit more upright.
However, if you have good flexibility, there are several spacers under the stem/handlebar section. Removing these will help riders get lower and more aggressive, if that's your preference.
Speaking of head stems.
Gravel bike stems are shorter to offset the lazier/calmer steering.
Calm handling
Calm handling is critical for gravel bikes.
That's because they are designed to be ridden over unstable surfaces. The calmer steering angle helps you maintain control when surface grip is lacking
So it's not just the wider tyres that help maintain grip. The steering angle is just as important.
Vibrations and Fatigue
A good gravel bike needs to flex but in the right areas - that's the important part.
Giant, Cannondale and Orbea have engineered flex zones into the seat post, rear stays and handlebars.
All these areas are designed to flex and absorb high-frequency vibrations.
These areas are your main contact points. If most of the impacts and vibrations can be cancelled out before they reach your body, you're going to for longer and feel less fatigued.
Gravel vs Road Bikes
Gravel bikes feature a similar drop-bar style to road bikes, but with greater versatility. Compared to a road bike, a gravel bike gives you:
- Better handling on gravel and dirt.
- More stable, upright riding posture.
- All-day comfort for long rides or rough surfaces.
- Wider gear range for climbing steep terrain or carrying gear.
Gravel vs Mountain Bikes
Gravel bikes are a great middle ground between a road and mountain bike:
- Lighter and faster than most mountain bikes.
- More efficient for mixed terrain and commuting.
- Great for riders who don’t need full suspension but still want off-road capability.
Electric Gravel Bikes
Looking for longer range or a little extra help on the climbs?
E-gravel bikes combine all-road versatility with electric assist. Ideal for:
- Long-distance touring
- Steeper terrain
- Recovery rides or daily commuting
Consider the new Orbea Denna e-Gravel bike.
Where Can You Ride a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are built for:
- Roads and sealed bike paths
- Rail trails and country roads
- Forestry tracks and light trails
- Weekend bikepacking and touring
Add some panniers and racks and head out on your next adventure.