Get to Know About The Gravel Bike: A Versatile Bike

You might have heard about gravel bikes before coming to look for more information about this bike. Gravel bike is an amazing bike with great versatility. It would be a great friend for you who like to travel around the city or spend time cycling on country roads. 

Perhaps you are curious about this bike. Do you want to know more about gravel bikes? 

In this article we will tell you all about a gravel bike: the characteristics of a gravel bike, where to ride the gravel bike, things you have to consider before buying the bike, and the recommendation of a gravel bike that we have carefully chosen for you. Let’s check it out!

What is a Gravel Bike? 

Are you looking for a bike that will accompany you touring within the city or just practice on some gravel road? Gravel bike might be the answer. The strong frame of a gravel bike might be good for you who want to go cycling while bringing your own lunch and picnic equipment. This amazing bike is very versatile and would be a great choice for you who want to start cycling but also want your bike suitable for long distance travel. 

Ride Your Gravel Bike Everywhere

A gravel bike comes to be the bike where you can ride it everywhere, including gravel roads and smooth asphalt roads. Since it is a combination of mountain and road bikes, a gravel bike is ready to conquer all terrain.

The Characteristic of Gravel Bike

Gravel bike has a stronger frame and wider tires than a road bike. These characteristics allow a gravel bike to traverse diverse terrain comfortably and stably. Gravel bikes are usually made from aluminum and carbon. But, we can still find gravel bikes made from titanium and steel.

Gravel bike geometry allows the rider to sit more upright during riding. The higher head tubes and slacker angles than cyclocross makes the gravel bike comfortable for long rides. 

The handlebar from the gravel bike has flared drop bars that allows the rider to get more comfort during the long gravel road. But, you can change it into a flared handlebar to have greater control during steering. Using 700C tires that could be upgraded up to 47/50c, gravel bikes allow the rider to have a big range of tire choice that could be customized based on the road where the bike will pass. 

Most of the gravel bikes come with a rigid fork to make it efficient during long rides, but there’s also some gravel bikes that come with suspension fork like Polygon Bend V9X.

In addition, room for adding accessories like bike racks and camping gear are hallmarks of gravel bikes. It would be great for you during long-distance rides or just discovering new routes

Type of Gravel Bikes 

Now, let’s find a gravel bike that is suitable for your needs. There are two types of gravel bikes: 

1. Adventure Gravel Bike 

This gravel bike emphasizes on the performance on off-road terrain. Even though adventure gravel bikes can be used on asphalt roads, this bike tends to be similar to a mountain bike. The firm and sturdy flat handlebars and slack head-angle make it way more stable to ride on off-road terrain yet still perform really well on asphalt road. It is also recommended to be used as a touring bike since this bike has additional mounting for bike bag, bike rack, etc.

2. Backroad Gravel Bike 

Backroad gravel bike has a similar geometric frame to a classic road bike. The weight is usually quite light. If you are a rider that loves to ride on asphalt and gravel roads, this gravel bikes would give you comfort and extra performance on those roads.

Things You Have to Consider Before Purchasing a Gravel Bike 

1. Think the purpose of buying the bike 

Since there are two different types of gravel bikes, it would be better to choose a bike that suits your cycling style and the cycling terrain you like. You can also go to the Rodalink Malaysia website and store to look for the gravel bike that catches your attention!

2. Consider the bike size and model 

Now, maybe you have already chosen the type of gravel bike. The gravel bike has several frame sizes based on the rider’s height. Knowing the frame sizes that are suitable for you would be the best way to avoid the uncomfortable feeling during riding the bike in a wrong size of bike frame. You can check the bike sizing guide here. 

The model of a gravel bike is also important to think about. The color and the frame model have to be the one you like. For the material itself, the gravel bike is no different than the other bikes. If you want to choose the affordable yet great bike material, aluminum or alloy would be the best choice for you. 

Rodalink Malaysia has a compare products feature on the website that would help you to compare some products. We do not want you to regret some details after purchasing the bike. So make sure you have done your research about these details too!

3. Consider your budget 

There is a wide price range of gravel bikes. Having some thoughts about the budget for buying the gravel bike would help you to choose which bike you might want to purchase without worrying about any unwanted spending. Rodalink has a wide choice of gravel bikes ranging from the most affordable gravel bike up to the gravel bike with extra features that you might like. Starting from RM 2,099.00, now you can go bikepacking with a wonderful gravel bike! 

4. Try the bike

After thinking about the type of the gravel bike, choosing the size and the model of the bike, it would be great if you can try the gravel bike before buying it. Since you will use the gravel bike for a very long time, we hope you are comfortable with the bike. So, try the bike! Do not hesitate to try the bike and consult with the bike expert at Rodalink Malaysia’s store to get the bike that suits your needs. 

Conclusion

The gravel bike might be your versatile bestie to conquer the road. If you are ready to get all the best experience of riding, considering owning the gravel bikes will be the best choice. Rodalink Malaysia has a wide selection of gravel bikes from the bicycle brands you can trust. Happy cycling!

CHECK MORE GRAVEL BIKE COLLECTIONS HERE