Gravel bikes are faster than mountain bikes on average. This is in reference though, to less technical trails, as mountain bikes would be superior on truly mountainous trails. Because of this, some people say that gravel bikes are not necessarily faster than mountain bikes.
Mountain Bikes can be made lighter and used in technical terrain. This helps develop bike handling skills which later translate into faster riding for road racing cyclists such as triathletes.
As an alternative to the roads, cross-country mountain biking is a very fun way to get or stay in shape during the warmer months of the year. Many modern cyclocross designs fit this description, except they aren’t nearly as comfortable nor practical when compared to modern gravel bikes.
Why do people want a gravel bike?
The recent booming popularity of the gravel bike has resulted in a multitude of different models and while there are plenty out there, finding one with dependable components can be tricky. While some will argue that this is unnecessary, spending extra money on features like disc brakes or thru axles is worth it for consistent performance that better prepared you for long-distance rides over rough terrain.
Many people prefer riding a modern gravel bike because they are made of lightweight frames that provide efficiency and speed when pedaling uphill. However, this does not mean that these types of bikes have no disadvantages. Here are some issues you should consider before purchasing your first gravel biking machine:
- They have more gears than a typical road or hybrid bicycle (40 – 53). These additional gears will help you climb hills with ease but they may be too much for beginners who don’t know how to use such professional tools. You may spin too fast or waste energy in higher gears when you don’t need them.
- You can easily reach to high speeds as there is less resistance using a gravel bike on hilly roads compared to riding a traditional road bicycle (with drop handlebars and 700c wheels). However, this does not mean that you feel more comfortable while pedaling with these bikes because they have narrow tires and thin frames.
- They are not built for handling rocks or other debris found in dirt roads. If your route has large rocks and roots, consider the possibility of damaging the frame or dropping the bike entirely by accident.
So why are gravel bikes faster than mountain bikes?
Now let’s talk about whether gravel bikes are faster than mountain bikes:
You will decide whether it is worth the extra money to upgrade from a traditional mountain bike to your new gravel bike after considering the points mentioned above.
When you compare riding on hilly roads or trails, it is definitely faster and more comfortable using a dedicated bike. Many who prefer mountain biking argue that they have better control over their bikes, allowing them to speed downhill more safely than on a road bike. This technique may allow a mountain biker to stop quicker than a road cyclist, but this comes at the risk of skidding or crashing a mountain bike.
However, gravel bikes are more versatile, and despite being designed for roads, they can easily be used on dirt trails when there is no other option available, provided they have enough clearance. Gravel bikes feature wider tires that provide better traction on soft surfaces than thin mountain bike tires. They also come with disc brakes which offer more stopping power during technical downhills than caliper-style rim brakes commonly found on cross-country mountain bikes.
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Racing road cyclists generally use lightweight (aerodynamic) frames made of carbon fiber to improve speed. A typical gravel bike has more relaxed geometry that makes it slower but easier to ride over long distances and rough terrain due to its more relaxed geometry.
While the average rider will never notice a difference between cross-country mountain bikes and gravel bikes, if you plan on riding in areas where there are rough roads or dirt trails that might get damaged easily by thin tires, disc brakes and thru-axles may be worth the extra money. Many of these components can be found in road bikes too, but their use is more common among off-road riders due to the conditions they often encounter out in nature. Though, it all depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Don’t forget that both types of bikes are high-quality machines made by reputable manufacturers. They cost about the same (somewhere around $1000-$3000). All bicycles have pros and cons; it’s up to you how these attributes match your needs and requirements.
Conclusion
Are gravel bikes faster than mountain bikes? Yes, they are if you are looking for speed when cycling uphill on hilly roads or trails. If not, stick with what works for you – riding a mountain bike or hybrid bike, as they are also good types of bikes.
