Did some rides this year on the gravel bike that I did on my cross bike last year. Difference was off the chart. I wouldn’t even consider doing the same rides on a MTB. I could do the ride, but it sure as hell wouldn’t be as fast or fun. But yeah, looking at pictures of different bikes is the ultimate litmus test, lolz.
It’s also okay to offer an unpopular and differing opinion, seeing as this is a forum for discussion eh? People can disagree without the other side being a negative asshole. My opinion is just that, an opinion.
The rest of this is not in reply to you, just a general statement so don’t take it personally; I don’t understand the point of making super specific sub genres of niche biking. But I’m sure the companies taking all your money for slightly different bikes understand it. I’ve rode DH trails on a dirt jumper, I’ve rode xc trails on a DH bike, etc. Did I have the best tool for the job? Nope. Did I have a good time? Yup. I was biking and having fun with people I enjoy.
These ultra specific sub genres seem to me like creating a fork (for eating) with one more/ one less prong. What’s the point? (Pun intended)
Anyway I didn’t realize it was such a touchy subject, so that’s my bad. I just wanted to make a couple jokes at the expense of ultra niche sub genres. However if any egos got bruised over a couple jokes and comments on some gravel bikes (shit or were they cross bikes?!) then maybe they should look into road biking. Personally I’m still waiting for them to invent a bike so I can do some grass riding, keep an eye out for the newest grass bikes, the tires move through the blades of grass like the wind.
Everyone have a fun long weekend!
My “gravel” bike. Great thing is it is comfortable, confidence inspiring, has 140 mm of travel at the touch of a button. I know bike shop owners who would rather just ride their hardtail and dont own gravel bikes. I’d say that’s relatively telling. (I guess something about skinny wheels and drop bars does not scream comfort and confidence for me, short of building a gravel bike with a min of 505 mm of reach.)
I don’t think anyone is arguing that you need a niche bike for whatever niche riding you may do, but bike companies exist to provide choice, and take our money. Nobody needs an F150 to drive to work, but don’t stats show its the most popular vehicle in North America?
I could probably argue that a lightweight 29er hardtail is the best all-round bike you can have for all types of riding…
Grass bikes exist, clearly, CX race bike…
Nobody is arguing, period. The fact people keep replying with serious “matter of fact” replies on gravel bikes just keeps proving my point. The horse is dead fellas.
This all seemed like a fairly civil discussion up until this post. There is absolutely no need for any sort of name calling. Just because someone doesn’t agree with your opinion, whether it is an informed one or not, does not make them a ‘negative asshole’ and it is not needed nor wanted on this forum.
Haha i didn’t call anyone a negative asshole… I said we can all disagree without the other side (me being the other side with the unpopular opinion) being a negative asshole. This was referring to how every time one of us says they don’t get the point of gravel or CX or whatever bikes, I keep being called negative and ignorant. If you’re going to jump in and be holier than thou, at least read the replies and ensure you’re responding correctly. I did the opposite of calling anyone a negative asshole, I said that none of us are, we can all have different opinions without someone coming at me and calling me ignorant or negative, we don’t all need to agree to not be negative.
Hey it’s a beautiful east coast day. Give your fingers a break and take your beloved bikes for a spin. Enjoy! You are all very welcome.
To quote a very good friend…yeah bikes!
It’s only a touchy subject if someone makes it one. Nova freely admitted that he had no idea what the difference was between road cross and gravel bikes. Tried to explain without getting too technical but it turned into a ‘these bikes don’t need to exist because there is already this type of bike’ discussion. Whatever. I didn’t think I was coming off as an asshole or arrogant but if that’s the case, enjoy your myopic circle jerk.
@tossedsalad again, never called anyone else an asshole, was stating we don’t need to agree to get along. Just because I don’t see the point of these bikes doesn’t make me ignorant and negative, no one called me an asshole either, I was simply stating it was quite implied by the “don’t be so negative” and “you’re ignorant” Responses.
My “gravel bike” is a carbon 26" hardtail that now fits 650 47’s on it added a Salsa drop bar and a ridged suspension corrected fork. I like it but as far as riding the cart path or rail trail goes my 1995 Rocky Mountain Equipe with a Salsa ridged fork is about the same speed and is a bit more comfortable. Gravel bikes are not new, they have existed since the 90’s but have been called hybrid I guess because of the flat bar. Race bikes regardless of discipline are just that race bikes, not designed to be comfortable just maximum performance. To quote a good friend “Every ride on the race rig is 1 minute too long”
What’s the saying ride what ya brung.
Gravel bikes are cool but not really geo that I’d be comfortable for my size I like long reach.
For me the best gravel bike is my hardtail. But milage may vary.
Well this really took to a trip down shit creek real quick. The original question was “who’s riding gravel bikes”. To be honest I’m not really interested in your personal opinion why gravel bikes are stupid or why you can do it better on bike “x” or “y” as its unrelated to the original question. But opinions are like arseholes, everyone’s got one.
You’re not wrong. Let’s blame it on the time change/crappy rain and cold.
I’d like to grind some more gravel! Unfortunately couldn’t make it to this years triple mountain crown, hopefully next year. Anyone know of any other organized rides in the same vein? Are there any local “gravel routes” posted anywhere, such as trailforks?
I’d love to know about some options, both for a couple hour rip as well as daylong or multi day trips that have minimal pavement/traffic exposure.
My wife just gifted me that new “where to cycle in Nova Scotia” book by Adam Barnett. Currently it’s mocking me from the bookshelf, but a brief skim has me hoping I’ll find some good routes.
In spring there is another even hosted by Highland Bike shop. The 3mtncrwn was great and will be back for sure.
And they had it well organized with rest stops, and good photography! Hats off