Gravel bikes & cyclocross bikes

Gravel bikes for off-road and cross-country rides

If you’re looking for something more adventurous than riding paved roads, gravel bikes can provide access to Canada’s huge network of dirt and gravel backcountry roads. Gravel bikes are increasingly popular for training rides, weekend races, commuting and long-distance touring. The big appeal of bikepacking on a gravel bike is getting off the shoulder of paved highways, escaping heavy car traffic and getting out to explore less-travelled backroads.

Differences between gravel, road and mountain bikes

The frame geometry of a gravel bike is more relaxed, with a longer wheelbase than either a road or cyclocross bike. This adds comfort and stability on loose surfaces and washboarded logging roads. Frame materials include light, sturdy aluminum or heavier, vibration-dampening steel. Carbon fibre forks are common, but carbon frames are found only on higher-end race bikes. Most frames have mounting points for racks, panniers and bags. Flared drop bars and disc brakes are standard features, but unlike mountain bikes, these are hard-tail rides without suspension built into the fork or frame.

Tires and wheel clearance

Tire widths on gravel bikes range somewhere between road and mountain bikes, from 36–48mm for 700c wheels and up to 54mm for 650b wheels. Pronounced tread or knobby rubber adds grip and traction in wet conditions. While it’s possible to convert a road bike into a gravel bike, you’ll be limited by the maximum tire width your frame accommodates, and you may have to swap in smaller wheels to create enough clearance for more aggressive tires.

Gearing configurations on gravel bikes

For climbing steep, rough roads and for speed over long distances, the gears on gravel bikes have a wider range than road bikes. Some are set up with a single front chainring and no front derailleur (1x systems) for simple, efficient shifting with fewer components to maintain. A 2x system with 2 front chainrings, offers a range of gears similar to a 1x system with tighter gaps between gears.

MEC bike shop services

If you’re shopping for a new gravel bike or thinking about converting a road bike to gravel riding, talk to a bike specialist at any MEC store. We offer expert advice and a wide range of components from bike wheels and tires to drivetrains. We also carry bikes from popular brands such as Cannondale and Salsa. Bike mechanics at our full-service bike shops can handle any upgrade, bike fitting or tune-up.

Expert outdoor advice for cycling

• How to build a lightweight bikepacking setup
• Understanding bike frame geometry
• How to choose the right tires for your bike