This Mountain Biker Hates Gravel Bikes - Can We Change His Mind?

Summary

In this fun and engaging video, two riders compare gravel bikes to mountain bikes, debating their versatility and performance. One rider, initially skeptical of gravel bikes, is convinced after riding a Canyon Grizzle and a Propain Tyee CF on varied terrain, including gravel roads, single tracks, and technical descents. They discuss different tire sizes, drivetrains, and bike setups while racing and tackling challenging climbs and descents. By the end, the skeptical rider admits that gravel bikes are versatile and fun, even contemplating signing up for a gravel race.

Takeaways

• 🚴‍♂️ The video features a comparison between gravel bikes and traditional road bikes, with one person initially skeptical about gravel bikes.
• 🛣️ The host introduces two gravel bikes: a Canyon Grizzle and a Propane Terrell CF, both equipped with full carbon frames and different wheel sizes.
• 🌍 The bikes are set up with different wheel and tire combinations to handle various terrains, emphasizing the versatility of gravel bikes.
• 🏞️ The video showcases the bikes' performance on gravel paths and single tracking, highlighting their adaptability to rough tracks.
• 🚲 The debate between gravel bikes and XC (cross-country) mountain bikes is discussed, with the presenter arguing for the gravel bike's versatility and lighter weight.
• 🏔️ A climb is attempted to test the bikes' capabilities on more challenging terrain, comparing them to mountain bikes.
• 💨 The video emphasizes the fun and excitement of riding gravel bikes, especially on descents and technical trails.
• 🍽️ A friendly bet is made over who has to buy lunch, adding a competitive element to the test ride.
• 🏁 The conclusion is that gravel bikes are a great all-rounder, suitable for various terrains and capable of providing a fun riding experience.
• 📢 The video ends with the participants considering signing up for a gravel race, suggesting that gravel biking could be a growing trend.

Q & A

What types of bikes are the riders discussing in the video?

The riders are discussing gravel bikes and comparing them to mountain bikes (XC bikes).

Why is one of the riders skeptical about gravel bikes?

One of the riders believes that gravel bikes are just road bikes pretending to be mountain bikes, questioning their capabilities on rougher terrain.

What are the different wheel sizes the riders are using on their bikes?

One rider is using 650 wheels with Vittoria Terreno Dry 2.0 on the front and Terreno Zero on the rear, while the other has 700 wheels with 38c Vittoria Terreno tires on both the front and rear.

What is the drivetrain setup for the two bikes mentioned in the video?

One rider has a SRAM Rival AXS 1x12 speed drivetrain, while the other is using a SRAM Apex AXS group set.

Why does one rider prefer 27.5-inch wheels?

He prefers the 27.5-inch wheels because they allow for bigger, more cushioned tires, providing more comfort on rough tracks.

What are the advantages of gravel bikes mentioned in the video?

The video highlights that gravel bikes are versatile, faster, lighter, and more fun on various terrains, including gravel paths and even some single tracks.

What concerns does one of the riders express about using gravel bikes on rougher trails?

The rider is worried about the gravel bike's tires handling rougher terrain, such as rocks, roots, and small jumps, which he believes might be better suited for a mountain bike.

How does one rider try to sell the benefits of a gravel bike for single track riding?

He emphasizes that gravel bikes are nimble enough for tight turns, don't carry the extra weight of full suspension, and can feel fast on single track trails.

How does the rider respond after trying the gravel bike on challenging terrain?

After trying the gravel bike, the skeptical rider admits that it was fun, despite his initial doubts, and compares it to the simplicity of old-school mountain biking.

What modification does one rider suggest to make the gravel bike even more capable for rough trails?

He suggests adding a front fork and dropper post to make the gravel bike more like a mountain bike for rougher trails.