I don't get gravel bikes
02-22-20, 09:36 AM
#51
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But with bicycles you get more fun per dollar pissed away!
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02-22-20, 10:22 AM
#52
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02-22-20, 11:39 AM
#53
Non omnino gravis
I've got 20,000 miles on a CX frame that will never in all of its future days see a CX race. I ride that bike anywhere and everywhere, and the only thing it's missing is fender mounts-- and that's because I would like to run fenders now and again, but it's a CX bike, and doesn't know what "fenders" means.
I don't see the need for N+1 just for fenders, a few more millimeters of tire clearance, and slacker geometry.
I don't see the need for N+1 just for fenders, a few more millimeters of tire clearance, and slacker geometry.
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02-24-20, 03:19 PM
#55
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Saw this one recently:
Personally, I agree with some of this. But calling mountain biking boring...maybe they aren't riding in the right places.
Could it be that the gravel bike is simply the best do-it-all bike? Gravel bike features and geometry cover the biggest spread out there, so it's not only appealing to current cyclists, but also people getting into riding who don't want to invest in multiple bikes.
Another thought: parallels with what's happening the in auto industry (in the US), which is the massive wave of crossovers and SUVs taking over and pushing companies like Ford to give up on sedans and economy cars in the US. People want utility and it doesn't have to be boring.
Personally, I agree with some of this. But calling mountain biking boring...maybe they aren't riding in the right places.
Could it be that the gravel bike is simply the best do-it-all bike? Gravel bike features and geometry cover the biggest spread out there, so it's not only appealing to current cyclists, but also people getting into riding who don't want to invest in multiple bikes.
Another thought: parallels with what's happening the in auto industry (in the US), which is the massive wave of crossovers and SUVs taking over and pushing companies like Ford to give up on sedans and economy cars in the US. People want utility and it doesn't have to be boring.
02-24-20, 03:22 PM
#56
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02-24-20, 05:02 PM
#58
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02-25-20, 10:53 AM
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I'll admit I did not read all the replies. I have a Cross bike (Trek Boone) that I have never raced Cross on, but have done thousands of "gravel" miles on (dirt roads, gravel trails, riding across South Dakota, riding the hills around Boulder, including some rough stuff in Moab and Boulder that was really mountain bike terrain). I just put the largest tires I can on the rear (38s). I'd like to go wider, but they would rub, particularly in the snow/mud. When I bought it 4 years ago there weren't nearly as many true "gravel" bikes, so this was a good option for me. Today, I would buy a true gravel bike that can take a wider tire. But I feel no real need to buy a new bike, because the Boone is really just fine. But if you have $$ burning a hole in your jersey pocket, buy a gravel bike!
02-25-20, 11:04 AM
#62
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didnt read the whole thread but...
i rode a cyclocross bike set up for commuting. fenders and a rack. I never raced it. I rode a gravel rail trail with 33mm cross tires on it. I have since ridden the same trail on my Salsa Journeyman. 650bx 47mm Much more comfortable ride.
02-25-20, 11:16 AM
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And this fellow road around the world on a Pennyfarthing. Its all marketing!
https://www.pennyfarthingworldtour.com/
https://www.pennyfarthingworldtour.com/
02-25-20, 12:36 PM
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Road, Mountain, Cross (why pick up a bike and run?), gravel.....
What's next, grass bike, sand bike, rock bike....
Marketing is what drives the various types because we "HAVE" to have one, right?
What's next, grass bike, sand bike, rock bike....
Marketing is what drives the various types because we "HAVE" to have one, right?
02-25-20, 12:49 PM
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Race bike, crit bike, TT bike, climbing bike ... do these only sell because somebody used a word to describe them?
I wonder if anybody ever rides gravel or dirt roads?
I wonder if anybody ever rides gravel or dirt roads?
02-25-20, 01:09 PM
#68
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N + 1
02-25-20, 04:32 PM
#70
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Back in college a compatriot's cousin had a 750 Super Sport Desmodromic with full cafe kit, and I got to try it a few times. No motorcycle or car I've driven has had such a sense of sheer push when you accelerated even moderately! Amazing! My poor Suzuki 550 triple was very over matched!
02-25-20, 04:36 PM
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02-25-20, 05:11 PM
#72
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Specialization and personalization is normal when it comes to interests/hobbies.
Bowling, fishing, hunting, equestrian, photography, yad yad yada. All have their specialization and segmentation.
Marketing can create initial interest, but it will quickly go away if interest isnt there. Sustained interest is the actual driver.
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