How to Choose a Road or Gravel Bike
Road and Gravel Bike Buying Guide
Shop Endurance Road & Gravel Shop Performance Road
Why Choose a Road Bike?
Looking to build fitness? Want to get out on the open road and feel the wind in your hair? Attracted by friends’ tales of riding up and over Highwood Pass in an all day, gate-to-gate epic or enjoying the incredible beauty and fresh tarmac of the 1A? Want to take on the local crit series and see how you stack up to your friends after a winter spent on the trainer? Looking to explore our seemingly infinite gravel roads or seeking out the adventure and camaraderie that comes with epic gravel races? Sounds like you need a road or gravel bike!
Prep Before Buying a Road Bike
There is a lot of information and options when it comes to road bikes, so here are some things to think about before you purchase:
Where you would like to ride?
The type of riding and where you want to ride can really help narrow down the road bike that’s right for you. Are you wanting to go for long distances and endurance events? Rough roads and gravel paths? Are you racing, commuting, or recreationally riding? Choose a bike that will align with your needs, ensuring it provides the necessary performance and comfort.
What's your budget and what do you need?
When you buy a road or gravel bike there are other items you might need to improve your riding experience. Try to include items such as helmets, shoes, pedals, padded shorts, and water bottle cages and bottles into your budget.
Different types of Road Bikes
There are several types of road bikes, each designed for a specific use and riding style. Here is how they are categorized:
Performance Road Bikes
Performance road bikes come built for a variety of purposes ranging from road racing, time trialing, triathlon racing, criterium racing, and track cycling. While these bikes are used for a wide variety of purposes, performance road bikes will balance aerodynamic tube shapes, lightness, and fit to offer the highest level of performance for the specific use. Performance bikes are generally built with aerodynamic tube shapes to allow riders to cut through the air and get the most out of their effort. This historically comes with a weight penalty, but modern carbon fiber mixes and construction technologies mean aerodynamic race bikes are lighter than ever.
Benefits of performance road bikes:
• Lightweight & stiff
• Offers an aerodynamic advantage
• Aggressive handling and riding position
• Purpose built to unlock speed
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are an excellent choice for those who want one bike that can truly do it all. True versatility, from commuting to work to having the capability to load up the bike for multi-day cross country or backcountry adventures. Or maybe you want a bike to explore city pathways on the weekends, but also to do your local group ride? If you want one bike that allows you to continue to ride no matter what the road in front of you looks like and that you can kit out just right for every adventure, a gravel bike may be the perfect choice for you!
Benefits of gravel bikes:
• Wider, high volume tires are comfortable and capable for a wide variety of terrain
• Relaxed riding position is just as capable in the city as it is shredding single track
• Equipped with a variety of mounting points for bags, racks, bottles, etc.
• Gearing similar to a road bike and is capable on the road with a simple change of tires
Endurance Road Bikes
Endurance road bikes are built to handle endless miles with ease. These bikes typically feature wider, higher volume tires that soak up the bumps. Additionally, they feature a more relaxed geometry which has the benefit of positioning the rider so that they can ride for longer and feel less fatigue.
Endurance bikes also tend to feature technologies and carbon layups specifically designed to increase vertical compliance without adding a significant amount of weight and without compromising stiffness. The endurance riding position coupled with wider, higher volume tires, and purposefully comfortable carbon layup and frame technologies will allow you to ride longer and further than ever before.
Benefits of performance road bikes:
• Drop bars provide multiple riding positions for comfort on long rides
• Balances comfort and stiffness
• Keeps you comfortable in the saddle longer
• Tackle longer rides with comfort
Road & Gravel Bike Frame Material
Common materials for road and gravel bike frames include aluminum and carbon fiber. Each has its own advantages in terms of weight, stiffness, and durability. When comparing carbon and aluminum road and gravel bike frames, several key factors come into play. Ultimately, the choice between a carbon or aluminum frame depends on your budget, riding style, and preferences.
Carbon Frame Benefits
• Lightweight and stiff, offering excellent power transfer and responsiveness on the road.
• Smooth ride, absorbing more vibrations than aluminum frames.
• Aerodynamic Efficiency: Carbon fiber allows for complex shapes and designs that can be optimized for aerodynamics.
Aluminum Frame Benefits
• Generally more affordable making them a popular choice for riders looking for a reliable bike.
• While aluminum frames may be slightly heavier than carbon frames, they are still relatively lightweight and offer a great balance of performance and value for many riders.
Road & Gravel Bike FAQs
General Questions
Q: What's the main difference between road bikes and gravel bikes?
A: Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, featuring lightweight frames, narrow tires, and aerodynamic geometries. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, are built to handle a variety of terrains, including dirt and gravel paths, with wider tires, more relaxed geometries, and additional mounting points for gear.
Q: Can I use a gravel bike on the road?
A: Yes, gravel bikes can be used on roads. They may not be as fast as dedicated road bikes due to their geometry, but they offer versatility for mixed-terrain riding.
Choosing the Right Bike
Q: How do I choose the right size bike?
A: Bike sizing depends on your height, measurements, and riding preferences. Most manufacturers provide size charts to help you select the correct frame size. If you're unsure of your sizing, reach out to us and we are happy to provide guidance!
Q: What should I consider when selecting components for my bike?
A: Consider the type of riding you'll do most often, and your budget. For road bikes, prioritize lightweight components and efficient gearing. For gravel bikes, look for durable components, wider range gearing, and disc brakes for better control on varied terrain. We are confident in all of the components that come stock on the bikes we sell and even our price point road and gravel bikes come with great quality components.
Q: Are there any specific brands you recommend?
A: We stock the best brands the industry has to offer including:
- Specialized
- Trek
- Rocky Mountain
- Cervelo
- Giant
- Allied
- Factor
We are confident in all of the bikes these brands have to offer, as well as their warranty and after purchase support. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, but we stand behind any bike that we sell. If you're unsure, reach out to our chat or give us a call, we are always happy to assist where we can!
Maintenance and Upgrades
Q: How often should I service my bike?
A: Regular maintenance is crucial for bike longevity and performance. Basic checks (tire pressure, chain lubrication) should be done before each ride. A full service, including brake and gear adjustments, should be done every 6-12 months, depending on usage. When you purchase a bike at The Bike Shop you get one free full tune-up within the first year, and a life time of service checks.
Q: What upgrades can improve my bike's performance?
A: For road bikes, upgrading to lighter wheels and high-quality tires can significantly enhance performance. For gravel bikes, consider wheels and tires or depending on how you use your gravel bike, a dropper post for improved handling on technical terrain. For all bikes, upgrading the touchpoints like bar tape, saddles, bars, and stems, can significantly improve the comfort and fit of your bike. This is relatively inexpensive and makes a big impact.
Budget & Purchasing
Q: What do I get when I purchase a bike at The Bike Shop
A: With every bike purchase, we offer:
- One free tune-up within the first year
- Lifetime of service checks
- 15% off parts and accessories for 30 days after your purchase
- Support and guidance with your purchase
Q: Is it better to buy from a bike shop?
A: Buying from a bike shop offers several advantages, including professional fitting, personalized advice, and after-sales support. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, we have a team of bike experts and enthusiasts that are happy to talk about everything bike related. There are also perks from buy with us including a free service, and exclusive discounts.