Love my gravel bike. 2022 Kona Rove DL. I’m running Maxis Receptors 47mm and it’s a very comfortable bike. I even did a fund raiser century ride on it a couple weekends ago. I was on that bike nearly 9 hours and I have no complaints.
I ride my gravel bike because of many of the reasons you mentioned. However, I do put wider slick tires for my work commutes because they do save me about 5 minutes each way in average speed, and I can still run lower tubeless pressures to boot. When I want to get a bit more dusty its easy to swap wheels with my gravel tires for that option. I may be in the minority with a spare (and cheap) beater wheel set, but if you plan to log a lot of miles, its a worthy investment as a backup or just for the convenience of having easy change tire options.
I commute 3-4 times a week. Use to do it on a road bike now on a hybrid/gravel/flat bar bike. And loving it. In addition to the reasons you mentioned: (1) more upright riding position makes it easier to look over your shoulder to check traffic (2) sitting more upright promotes better vision when riding (3) feel more relaxed on the bike (4) wider tyres provide a bit more grip on all surfaces and weather conditions. Lastly running tyres like Specialized Pathfinders, have a fast centre strip and knobs on the sides, giving you the best of both worlds. Still feel quite fast.
As you know I like to go fast (or feel like I am) on the road so I was hesitant to use my gravel bike for the commute home (🐢), but I really am loving the comfort and FUN factor of going from road to trail and back again, just to spice things up a bit. It’s growing on me :)
I agree & have long-planned to take this step when I can afford a 2nd bike. I'm currently on a great steel single speed _Wabi Classic_ w/ 28mm tires here on the crappy SF Bay Area roads.
Roadbike for road. City bike for commuting. I use it in winter for training up 16 ,% grades for vo2 and more . City is a little heavy but its a fantastic bike lol And yes my wife says i can buy a gravel bike . Which itll be a little quiker to work lol. Btw.im 54 just having fun staying in shape lol🚲🍺
@@TheCommutist I have experimented with different variations of the GravelKing SS and the treaded variations of that same tire. But looking to put some Pathfinder Pros with the slick tread down the middle once these tires are up for replacement.
I like the pathfinders a lot. My wife runs GravelKings on her aethos. Both solid options, but I think the pathfinder is a better all purpose tire. Like you said, slick in the middle, and the knobby outer provides grip in the the dirt corners where you need it.
I use gravelbike for commuting because from my daily 30km commute about 10-12 km goes through some kind of gravel roads and hiking paths and I can fit wider studded tires when the winter starts. When the proper winter hits then it's mtb and/or fatbike time :)
@@TheCommutist I had panaracer gravelking sk 35mm for couple of years, wore them out, and at the moment I have Maxxis Rambler 40mm. It's starting to get a bit chilly and the roads cab be icy in the mornings so it is almost time for Continental Contact Spike 240 42mm studded tires.
I bought a second hand gravel bike and it’s been my go to beater bike when I can’t be bothered to clean and maintain it. I have no problem taking it on or off road. On a side note, a lot of the random sounds you scattered through the video drown out your voice. I miss information and have to rewind
I'm currently in the market for a new bike (well, will buy used but..) And a cheapish gravel bike to mostly commute with or to drive into forest roads with would be my ideal. My concerns mostly are: 1. Would there be cheap enough options to feel like I don't need to be constantly scared of it being stolen? Feel like this is important for commuter bikes. 2. How good of a rack could I get? I do kinda want the ability to actually carry stuff on the bike rather than in a backpack like I did with my previous bike.
The used bike market is a buyer’s market right now. You can probably get something pretty cheap. I’d look to see if it’s got mounting eyelets on the seat stays/chain stays (or bosses near the dropouts). Those will give you the most rack options.
Hi, id appreciate your advice please. I ride a Giant CrossCut City 2 on 700c 32mm. I'm 52 year old 186cm male. Main riding is as a mode of transportation, with some limestone track riding as well, plus occasional light gravel. My bike is my main mode of transportation, including my job as a self employed insurance broker. I need a rack and fenders as well. My main commute is 10km each way with a short steep hill at the end. I enjoy my current bike but it's a bugger to ride when going into a strong headwind. My wife rides a Trek Allant 7 ebike. I don't want an ebike but am looking for a slightly faster bike that's also reliable and durable, with good value for money. I don't need or want high performance like carbon etc. Do you think an alloy gravel bike would suit me best? Maybe a Trek Checkpoint ALR5 alloy? Also what's your viewpoint on Gates carbon belt set up vs traditional chain. Carbon belt seems more durable with less maintenance. Though not as wide gear range. Using a car analogy I'm wanting a Toyota Corolla for 90% commuting, and 10% limestone tracks and light gravel. Many thanks. Regards Glenn
Do you already have a rack/fenders that you want to use? Asking because most bikes, even ones without bosses, can be fitted with rack and fenders…but if there are no bosses, you’ll need a special rack. I do like the checkpoint. I almost bought one. As for the belt drive, I’ve only ridden it on e-bikes and didn’t like how it felt. Maybe it’s the next big thing and I’m being a Luddite, but I like traditional gears, at least until the carbon drive starts to *feel* better
@@TheCommutist Hi, thanks for taking the time to reply. Ideally I want a bike with rack and fenders mounts on the frame. I'm after a sturdy commuter bike with drop bars, that offers good value for money. I'm 52 and fit, and want a fairly quick bike whilst also recognising that I don't race and are breaking any lands peed records. So would you recommend the Trek Checkpoint for that profile match? Many thanks.
Great vid, Ivor! Only thing I slightly disagree on is that road tubeless doesn’t seal. I’ve had very good experience with it and it saved me countless of times. That said, you’re better off going with 30mm tires that don’t go up to 90PSI. You’re making me think twice about selling my Sequoia :)
@@TheCommutist Never used tubeless with anything narrower than a 28. I currently used 30 and it works like a charm. I clean sealant off the bike a few times a month, so I know it did work that would force me to stop and change tubes if I had them.
Yeah - I agree completely that it’s great on 28+. It’s just when you get down into the more narrow tires that require higher PSI that I’ve had issues with the sealant spraying out before it can seal
Nic, owner of Backyard Bike Shop in Newcastle (UK), _strongly_ recommends the *_Silca_* sealant for road (& gravel) tubeless setups b/c the carbon fiber filaments work much better than 'lesser' sealants.
First time seeing this channel. I'm not a roadie or a mtb'er and I only have one hybrid bike for everything. "Everything" for me is commuting, occasional longer trips/mini tour, utilitarian, carrying luggage/cargo/shopping on racks and bags and pulling trailers (I have two) with anything from 70kg of shopping or anything else to a full sized lawnmower or stacked 80x60cm containers. And I'm 2 metres tall so need the largest frame size. And I don't own any lycra or any other cycling sports gear. Apart from a helmet. So.... If I am going to need only one bike, what is a gravel bike going to do for me? I ask because I'm thinking about upgrading and I've only called into two bike shops so far and they have both annoyingly tried to sell me what I don't want because it was the only bike large enough for me they had.
Does your hybrid bike have drop bars or flat bars? Drop bars on a gravel bike, IMO, are better because they give you more grip options - which I like in long rides. Generally a gravel bike will be lighter than a ‘hybrid’ - though fully laden with touring gear, you could look at it one of 2 ways: the weight of the bike is inconsequential relative to the gear on it, OR, every gram/pound matters, and saving weight on the bike helps keep the total system weight down. The geometry on a gravel bike is also different from a hybrid, sometimes dramatically. This can be good or bad, depending on what makes you comfortable. Funny you should mention that you don’t own Lycra. I’m currently filming a video, the first point of which is “wear whatever you want”. Happy to chat more and possibly help you source a bike if you hit me up on Instagram (easier to chat there). Otherwise, I can reply more here.
Also yeah, I’ve got a few friends your height, and the struggle to find a frame is real. I’ll hit them up for suggestions…but yeah a bike shop just wants to make a sale, unfortunately.
Gravel bike commutes ftw. They open up all the options to get off the beaten path.
Totally agree, my Checkpoint has transported me to work over the past 14 months/5700 miles thru all weather conditions.
Love my gravel bike. 2022 Kona Rove DL. I’m running Maxis Receptors 47mm and it’s a very comfortable bike. I even did a fund raiser century ride on it a couple weekends ago. I was on that bike nearly 9 hours and I have no complaints.
Great info. Thanks for sharing!
I ride my gravel bike because of many of the reasons you mentioned. However, I do put wider slick tires for my work commutes because they do save me about 5 minutes each way in average speed, and I can still run lower tubeless pressures to boot. When I want to get a bit more dusty its easy to swap wheels with my gravel tires for that option. I may be in the minority with a spare (and cheap) beater wheel set, but if you plan to log a lot of miles, its a worthy investment as a backup or just for the convenience of having easy change tire options.
I agree completely. A gravel bike with 2 sets of wheels is definitely cheaper than 2 bikes, and more versatile.
I've been commuting on my cross bike with tubeless tires. Very versatile setup for trails, gravel, road, etc...
What are your favorite commuting tires?
@@TheCommutist been riding gravel king SK tires. No complaints about them.
I love gravel kings!
I commute 3-4 times a week. Use to do it on a road bike now on a hybrid/gravel/flat bar bike. And loving it. In addition to the reasons you mentioned: (1) more upright riding position makes it easier to look over your shoulder to check traffic (2) sitting more upright promotes better vision when riding (3) feel more relaxed on the bike (4) wider tyres provide a bit more grip on all surfaces and weather conditions.
Lastly running tyres like Specialized Pathfinders, have a fast centre strip and knobs on the sides, giving you the best of both worlds. Still feel quite fast.
I love pathfinders
As you know I like to go fast (or feel like I am) on the road so I was hesitant to use my gravel bike for the commute home (🐢), but I really am loving the comfort and FUN factor of going from road to trail and back again, just to spice things up a bit. It’s growing on me :)
I agree & have long-planned to take this step when I can afford a 2nd bike. I'm currently on a great steel single speed _Wabi Classic_ w/ 28mm tires here on the crappy SF Bay Area roads.
Steel is real.
Single speed with Bay Area hills? Your legs must be jacked! 😮
Great video very informative Ivor. 😉 If we rode bikes it would be a gravel bike. 👍
Roadbike for road. City bike for commuting. I use it in winter for training up 16 ,% grades for vo2 and more . City is a little heavy but its a fantastic bike lol
And yes my wife says i can buy a gravel bike . Which itll be a little quiker to work lol. Btw.im 54 just having fun staying in shape lol🚲🍺
Love my Jamis Renegade Gravel bike. I just dont like how unstable at speed it is but whatever it gets me to work safe and sound 98% of the time lol.
That's a sweet bike. What tires do you run?
@@TheCommutist I have experimented with different variations of the GravelKing SS and the treaded variations of that same tire. But looking to put some Pathfinder Pros with the slick tread down the middle once these tires are up for replacement.
I like the pathfinders a lot. My wife runs GravelKings on her aethos. Both solid options, but I think the pathfinder is a better all purpose tire. Like you said, slick in the middle, and the knobby outer provides grip in the the dirt corners where you need it.
@@TheCommutist and cheaper than the GK as money is important in life. To buy more upgrades for the rest of the fleet lol.
I use gravelbike for commuting because from my daily 30km commute about 10-12 km goes through some kind of gravel roads and hiking paths and I can fit wider studded tires when the winter starts. When the proper winter hits then it's mtb and/or fatbike time :)
What tires are you running?
@@TheCommutist I had panaracer gravelking sk 35mm for couple of years, wore them out, and at the moment I have Maxxis Rambler 40mm. It's starting to get a bit chilly and the roads cab be icy in the mornings so it is almost time for Continental Contact Spike 240 42mm studded tires.
That sounds…extreme!
@@TheCommutist heh, I live in Northern Europe in Finland at the same latitude as Alaska, the winter is coming :)
I bought a second hand gravel bike and it’s been my go to beater bike when I can’t be bothered to clean and maintain it. I have no problem taking it on or off road.
On a side note, a lot of the random sounds you scattered through the video drown out your voice. I miss information and have to rewind
What brand and model is your gravel bike?
It’s a specialized Diverge, but not the latest generation.
I'm currently in the market for a new bike (well, will buy used but..)
And a cheapish gravel bike to mostly commute with or to drive into forest roads with would be my ideal. My concerns mostly are:
1. Would there be cheap enough options to feel like I don't need to be constantly scared of it being stolen? Feel like this is important for commuter bikes.
2. How good of a rack could I get? I do kinda want the ability to actually carry stuff on the bike rather than in a backpack like I did with my previous bike.
The used bike market is a buyer’s market right now. You can probably get something pretty cheap. I’d look to see if it’s got mounting eyelets on the seat stays/chain stays (or bosses near the dropouts). Those will give you the most rack options.
Hi, id appreciate your advice please. I ride a Giant CrossCut City 2 on 700c 32mm. I'm 52 year old 186cm male. Main riding is as a mode of transportation, with some limestone track riding as well, plus occasional light gravel. My bike is my main mode of transportation, including my job as a self employed insurance broker. I need a rack and fenders as well. My main commute is 10km each way with a short steep hill at the end.
I enjoy my current bike but it's a bugger to ride when going into a strong headwind.
My wife rides a Trek Allant 7 ebike. I don't want an ebike but am looking for a slightly faster bike that's also reliable and durable, with good value for money. I don't need or want high performance like carbon etc. Do you think an alloy gravel bike would suit me best? Maybe a Trek Checkpoint ALR5 alloy?
Also what's your viewpoint on Gates carbon belt set up vs traditional chain. Carbon belt seems more durable with less maintenance. Though not as wide gear range.
Using a car analogy I'm wanting a Toyota Corolla for 90% commuting, and 10% limestone tracks and light gravel.
Many thanks. Regards Glenn
Do you already have a rack/fenders that you want to use? Asking because most bikes, even ones without bosses, can be fitted with rack and fenders…but if there are no bosses, you’ll need a special rack. I do like the checkpoint. I almost bought one. As for the belt drive, I’ve only ridden it on e-bikes and didn’t like how it felt. Maybe it’s the next big thing and I’m being a Luddite, but I like traditional gears, at least until the carbon drive starts to *feel* better
@@TheCommutist Hi, thanks for taking the time to reply. Ideally I want a bike with rack and fenders mounts on the frame. I'm after a sturdy commuter bike with drop bars, that offers good value for money. I'm 52 and fit, and want a fairly quick bike whilst also recognising that I don't race and are breaking any lands peed records. So would you recommend the Trek Checkpoint for that profile match? Many thanks.
If it’s got the mounts you want, I think you’ll like the bike. It’s plenty fast, and I thought it was really comfortable.
@@TheCommutist Hi thanks heaps for your advice. Greatly appreciated. Regards Glenn
Great vid, Ivor!
Only thing I slightly disagree on is that road tubeless doesn’t seal. I’ve had very good experience with it and it saved me countless of times.
That said, you’re better off going with 30mm tires that don’t go up to 90PSI.
You’re making me think twice about selling my Sequoia :)
What size tires? I have great luck with 28 and bigger. 25s are better than tubes, but not a sure thing for me
@@TheCommutist Never used tubeless with anything narrower than a 28. I currently used 30 and it works like a charm. I clean sealant off the bike a few times a month, so I know it did work that would force me to stop and change tubes if I had them.
Yeah - I agree completely that it’s great on 28+. It’s just when you get down into the more narrow tires that require higher PSI that I’ve had issues with the sealant spraying out before it can seal
Nic, owner of Backyard Bike Shop in Newcastle (UK), _strongly_ recommends the *_Silca_* sealant for road (& gravel) tubeless setups b/c the carbon fiber filaments work much better than 'lesser' sealants.
Yes
This almost made me buy a gravel bike 😂
Only almost?!
First time seeing this channel.
I'm not a roadie or a mtb'er and I only have one hybrid bike for everything.
"Everything" for me is commuting, occasional longer trips/mini tour, utilitarian, carrying luggage/cargo/shopping on racks and bags and pulling trailers (I have two) with anything from 70kg of shopping or anything else to a full sized lawnmower or stacked 80x60cm containers.
And I'm 2 metres tall so need the largest frame size. And I don't own any lycra or any other cycling sports gear. Apart from a helmet.
So....
If I am going to need only one bike, what is a gravel bike going to do for me?
I ask because I'm thinking about upgrading and I've only called into two bike shops so far and they have both annoyingly tried to sell me what I don't want because it was the only bike large enough for me they had.
Does your hybrid bike have drop bars or flat bars? Drop bars on a gravel bike, IMO, are better because they give you more grip options - which I like in long rides. Generally a gravel bike will be lighter than a ‘hybrid’ - though fully laden with touring gear, you could look at it one of 2 ways: the weight of the bike is inconsequential relative to the gear on it, OR, every gram/pound matters, and saving weight on the bike helps keep the total system weight down. The geometry on a gravel bike is also different from a hybrid, sometimes dramatically. This can be good or bad, depending on what makes you comfortable. Funny you should mention that you don’t own Lycra. I’m currently filming a video, the first point of which is “wear whatever you want”. Happy to chat more and possibly help you source a bike if you hit me up on Instagram (easier to chat there). Otherwise, I can reply more here.
Also yeah, I’ve got a few friends your height, and the struggle to find a frame is real. I’ll hit them up for suggestions…but yeah a bike shop just wants to make a sale, unfortunately.
...wheels and tyres ...the difference.
What’s your goto general use tire?
@@TheCommutist Pirelli Cinturato Velo..35mm.. Great grip .. and can handle potholes ..🙃
I was just thinking about ordering these! Definitely will now.