Bike Conversion From Road to Gravel Many of us love the speed and efficiency of road bikes, but sometimes we crave a little adventure on unpaved paths. Or perhaps we just want more route options than the same-old road shoulders. Converting a road bike into a gravel bike is a practical way to unlock new riding experiences without buying a new bike. With some key adjustments and added gear, we can enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Gravel biking opens up tons of new terrain while still enjoying the familiar ride of our road bike. Plus, with the right gravel setup, your bike will still be ready to tackle pavement whenever you need to — perhaps just at a slightly slower clip. Here are the big things to know about converting a bike from road to gravel. Key Takeaways Yes, you can convert a road bike into a gravel bike with a few key modifications. There might be some limiting factors on how much of a conversion you can do. Adding accessories can enhance the gravel riding experience. Major Differences Between Road Bikes and Gravel Bikes When we compare road bikes and gravel bikes, we see some important differences. Each type of bike is designed for different riding styles and surfaces. Namely, you will see some differences in tires and wheels, gearing, durability, and comfort. Tires and Wheels Road bikes usually have narrow tires that are around 23-28 mm wide. These tires are designed for smooth pavement, providing low rolling resistance, while riding at a very high PSI. This helps with speed on flat roads. By contrast, gravel bikes feature wider tires, typically ranging from 35 mm to 50 mm. This extra width offers better traction and stability on rough surfaces. Gravel tires often have more tread, which helps grip loose dirt and gravel. Wider tire clearance on gravel bikes also allows us to tackle a variety of terrains without fear of flats. You ride a gravel bike at a much lower PSI as well. Gearing Road bikes often come with a broad array for a gear setup, with 2 or even 3 chainrings on the front and some heavy gears for fast riding on the back. This setup lets you really fly on those long, flat straightaways. Gravel bikes often have a different gear range. They typically feature a 1x or 2x drivetrain. This setup allows for lower gears, making it easier to ride on steep or uneven paths. You might not have the same high gearing, reducing your top-end speed if you find yourself on a nice, hard, flat road or a slight descent. Durability Road bikes are generally built with lightweight materials wherever possible to maximize speed. However, this can make them more susceptible to damage when riding on rough surfaces. Gravel bikes are usually constructed to be more robust. They often have stronger frames and components to handle bumpy roads and off-road trails. This added durability gives us more confidence when exploring diverse terrains, knowing our bike can withstand some wear and tear. Comfort Road bikes are designed for speed, which often comes at the cost of comfort. The riding position can be aggressive, leading to discomfort during long rides. The more the bike is built for speed, the less comfortable it is to the typical rider, generally speaking. In comparison, gravel bikes typically offer a more relaxed geometry. This design helps us maintain a comfortable riding posture. With features like wider handlebars and a more forgiving frame, gravel bikes can make longer rides more comfortable. Of course, a good bike fitting can help you strike that balance of having a comfortable ride and one that puts out good power. Outfitting Your Road Bike for Gravel OK, let’s get to it. To convert our road bike for gravel riding, we need to make some important changes. This process involves checking frame compatibility, ensuring we have enough tire clearance, upgrading brakes, evaluating gearing, and modifying our cockpit setup. Frame Compatibility First, we should check if our road bike frame is suitable for gravel riding. Not all frames are designed for this purpose. Gravel bikes often have different geometry that allows for better handling on rough terrain. We need to look for features like: Frame material: If your road bike relies on an excessive amount of carbon fiber for its build (seat post, bars, stem, wheels, plus the frame), you might find that it is not ideal for gravel, especially if you plan to do a lot of low-maintenance road or jeep trail riding. However, a carbon frame itself can absolutely work for gravel. It will just give you a little more vibration on rough gravel. Space for wider tires: Gravel bikes usually call for tires between 32mm to 50mm. Mounting points: Extra mounts for racks or fenders can be helpful. If our bike has the right compatibility, we can proceed with the conversion. If not, we might need to consider a different frame. Checking Clearance for Larger Tires Next, let’s assess the clearance on our bike to fit larger tires. This is key for gravel riding, as wider tires provide better traction and comfort. There are 3 places to examine to understand what width tire you can handle: Measure the current tire width and the space in the frame. Check the clearance between the fork, seat stays, and chain stays. You will want to ensure no rubbing of your tire on bike parts. Keep in mind that when you sit on the bike, the tires will bulge outward a bit, so you want some wiggle room. Take a look at your brakes, and identify if you can go much wider given the current brake setup. You will want the widest setup possible. We should aim for at least 4mm of space on either side of the tire. This will help us avoid any rubbing, especially when riding on rough surfaces. The diagram below notes the two major spots where issues might arise. In our … Read more
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