Gravel frames - how to choose the best one?
The flood of gravel bike parts this season can be dizzying. Cyclists are thrilled with this new segment, and for good reason. A gravel bike is an incredibly versatile machine that's also a ton of fun. And while there are plenty of ready-made models, many people want to build their own bike from scratch using their dream components. And where to start? The heart of the bike, of course. Today we'll talk about how to choose a gravel frame. We'll cover materials, geometry, and all-important details. Gravel frames are a fascinating topic that has significantly refreshed the discussion about materials. Join us!
Or maybe a cross bike? Check it out - Cross bike, what kind and for whom?
The Basics - The Most Important Features That Good Gravel Frames Must Have
Gravel frames may seem identical to those used in cyclocross, but aside from room for wider tires, they also have many other differences. These are the areas to pay special attention to. The first is geometry. Compared to CX frames, it's always smoother, but it varies significantly between models. If you're looking for a bike strictly for touring, a longer wheelbase and a flatter head tube angle are a good idea. A versatile gravel bike , on the other hand, should have a bit of bite. A shorter bike is better suited to city riding, can also be used for training, and can still handle panniers. A gravel frame is therefore a compromise, but one that's often very satisfying.
Mounting two racks is an important thing on an expedition bike.Accessory mounts. This may seem trivial, but remember that we're talking about bikes designed for long distances. Therefore, a gravel bike frame must be equipped with at least two bottle cage mounts. The second issue is rack mounting. A rear rack is standard, but not every frame has a fork that allows for panniers. And that's a significant factor! Internal cable routing is also worth considering. This isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also the quality of derailleurs and brakes (in the case of mechanical ones) regardless of weather conditions and dust.
Internal cable routing protects cables from dirt.Gravel frame size
This is actually the most important thing. There's nothing worse than a bike that's too big or too small. Even at a bargain price, nothing can compensate for an uncomfortable position, especially on the road. How do you choose the right gravel bike frame size? The best solution is always to try it on with an experienced salesperson. If that's not possible, we recommend our article on the subject . We've also created a special calculator that also takes gravel frame size into account. You can find it here .
Worth a look - "Mullet" in gravel - how to combine MTB and road components? A guide for custom bike builders
Material for gravel frames - steel, carbon or aluminum?
While weight isn't as important on gravel bikes as it is on racing bikes, no one wants to ride a clunky tank. In this respect, nothing compares to carbon fiber, which also provides decent ride comfort. Their biggest drawback is the price. Aluminum, a healthy compromise on most bikes, doesn't perform well here. It's lightweight, but its very high stiffness becomes a drawback on a touring bike. Ride comfort simply suffers, as the frame transmits all the vibrations and shocks, which is why aluminum gravel frames are quite rare.
Steel gravel frame - the best choice?
We think so. Steel absorbs vibrations and minor bumps beautifully, providing unparalleled ride comfort. Unfortunately, many cheap gravel frames are made of low-quality tubing. The result? Extremely heavy and mediocre comfort. That's why we used double-butted tubing in our frame and combined it with a carbon fork. This results in a lightweight yet incredibly comfortable overall package. Steel frames also have another significant advantage – they simply look great! And not just for gravel bikes!
Elegant steel combined with a carbon fork is, in our opinion, the best choice. You can find this frame in our online store .
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