I am on the hunt for a new bike, currently riding a 2003 Trek 5200 that has seen better days. I am interested in doing some gravel events in the future, but have no gravel to train on nearby, so will be doing 99% of rides on roads. Just wondering how much of a difference/speed there would be on a …

[image] AgingCannon: gravel (650x44) Why not 700x44 for gravel? The 2021 Diverge easily fits this size.

I think this question can be broken down into two essential questions: frame weight and geometry. Features like 1x or 2x or the ability to carry stuff are all secondary or tertiary. I suspect the one-bike model here is better when you want or lean toward an “endurance” geometry for your road bike. I…

I have a dedicated road bike but often use my CX for long distance stuff, road and gravel. if you set up the reach right it can be a comfortable ride, or surprising fast if you use, say a 17 deg flipped stem. You also often get wider gearing for relaxed climbing. Below is my Marin cortina set up fo…

If I had to pick between my road bike and my gravel bike, i would choose my gravel bike. I can do more with it. I have one set of wheels with fast road tires and one set of wheels with fast gravel tires. If i only had a road bike, i couldnt do gravel, or CX if you really wanted to.

I did this. Cervélo Aspero GRX 2x11 with 3 wheelsets. First is the stock alloy 700c wheelset that hardly gets used. I might sell them. Then I bought some 650b alloy wheels to maximize my tire width (48 mm) for more volume and comfort vs maxed out 700x42. Then I bought Light Bicycle WR50 (Carbon, 700…

[image] CruX as only bike Equipment I was thinking about getting a Tarmac or Allez, but I live in Philly and there are some great trails around me. I still want to go fast on the road, but I don’t race and I always just ride alone for the cardio so I’m fit on my motocross …

Yup, been running a stock Allez on road and maintained gravel. Works great! I prefer the road though, which is why I chose the Allez.

Have you tried adding spacers on your crankset spindle? I also have the Easton/GRX combo with 2x 46/30 and with a few spacers on the drive side, shifting has been spot on.

[image] DaveWh: Why not 700x44 for gravel? The 2021 Diverge easily fits this size. My preference is 650 for gravel so I can have more air/tire on a smaller rim. I can ride lower pressures, be more comfortable, and worry less about the tire when off-road (which is new to me).

OP here, thank you everyone for the great advice. If I am planning on being 90-95% road, is there maybe a better option than the Diverge? I assume some of the gravel bikes have a more race like geometry.

TrainerRoad

Big difference between road bike and gravel bike with road tires?

Equipment

onemanpeloton August 12, 2020, 11:54am 13

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