Reddit for cyclists who enjoy riding and racing gravel

Hi all, I recently bought a used Giant Revolt Advanced 2 (2020) and the 48t original spec chainring looks pretty worn. I wanted to either replace the chainring or upgrade the whole crankset.

The current crankset is Praxis Alba cranks with LevaTime chainrings.

1. Budget option: replace 48t chainring

What chainrings would be compatible? Should I just replace with the a new Praxis LevaTime chainring or go with another brand?

2. Replace crankset

For the whole crankset was considering Shimano GRX, but heard a new BB would be required and perhaps a new FD because the chainrings are offset by 2.5mm.

Hey all,

I'm taking my wife's old 2003 Specialized Sequoia and converting it to a light gravel/bikepacking style bike for myself. It is currently running 700x28mm tires with stock sidepull caliper brakes. In measuring, there is about 7mm on either side of the tire to the front fork edges.

What is the largest tire with a little tread on it that I could realistically put on it? And do you have any recommendations for a tubed tire that would work on it?

https://preview.redd.it/ln72enpa0f0d1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e3875a038335e96ddc46f34d88bc89b63f7f9e4

Hey yall, Do these hoods look they are in the correct place? First time swapping handlebars. The placement/ andgle of the drops feels perfect, but I feel like I'm reaching too far and having to prop myself up on the hoods.

Thanks!

I finally picked up a gravel bike! I’ve spent the past three years strictly on MTB riding all my local trails but they’re all about 30 minutes from me. I have a ton of strava routes for gravel riding right by my house so I decided to get a gravel bike. Picked up a Rocky Mountain Solo C50. Took my first 10 mile ride and I gotta say I absolutely love it! Can’t wait to ride some more!

Looking for a lighter and faster wheelset to accompany my wheelset with 50mm tires. Looking for a wheelset with a Shimano driver that will work well with a 32mm gravel tire. Ideally I keep it under $700 for the wheels.

I have a 1L top tube bag on my gravel bike. I like it for storing my phone, wallet, snack, etc. However, I find it awkward when stopping and getting out in front of the saddle to rest. I feel like I will rip off the bag with my crotch or thighs. Does my bike has a smaller top tube length than normal or other riders also have this issue ? Kona Libre 2023, size 52cm.

Im in NW UK (near Liverpool), has anyone got any gravel routes? Tied myself in knots trying to use an OSMap

Hello everyone!

I’m looking for a recommended vehicle make/model to wheel in my bike and drive to a destination for an excellent bike tour of the day.

I appreciate any help you can provide.😁

Hi, all...

I have some Campagnolo Levantes on the way for my Canyon Grizl, with the GRX 11 speed. Looking over Campagnolo's instructions, for Shimano, it says this, and I wonder if it's a translation problem, as it makes no sense:
"IMPORTANT!

WITH THE 11S FW BODIES, USE THE ADAPTOR (M - FIG. 25), NOT INCLUDED IN THE WHEEL PACKAGE, ONLY FOR 9S AND 10S SPROCKET SETS FROM SHIMANO INC. AND SRAM CO. (THE ADAPTOR MUST NOT BE USED WITH 11S SPROCKET SETS FROM SHIMANO INC.)."

I can't figure out if it means I do need to use this with 11 speed or to NOT use it with 11 speed. I want to make sure I have the parts I need when they get here... has anyone put these on their Shimano 11 speed, and did you need some sort of adapter?

Thanks.

Aiming to do at least 45mins a day exercise until my holiday in July to hopefully lose a little weight and also improve general fitness. Motivated when the views are like this!

Bike: Pinnacle Arkose 1 2021 with added GRX 1x11

Hi to all,
 I own a Giant Revolt 2 bike (SX2 rims with Giant Crosscut tubeless tyres).  I've been riding it for 2 years and now I'd like to change the tires to tubed Conti GP 5000. Goal of this change is a lower rolling resistance. The reason I want a tubed tire is that in tests it has better properties compared to tubeless - mostly pucture protection (at least for the GP 5000).  The problem is that  the rims are declared to support a pressure of up to 5.5 bar and I would like to take Contiental GP 5000 tires, which are inflated from 6 to 8 bar. Is it ok to go over the rims limit since I'm switching from tubeless to tubed?
 Do any of you have advice on which tires to choose if I want to achieve a bit more speed with the same effort?
Thanks!

Hello everyone,

I want to buy my first gravel bike, I already had a mountain bike a few years ago and a couple of years ago I bought a road bike, but the riding position is too aggressive for me, so I want a bike with a more relaxed geometry and off-road capable. At the moment my favorites are the Merida Silex 7000 and a Lauf Seigla Rigid with Apex transmission. I'm open to more suggestions, my budget is around €3000. I would like to have your opinion regarding the two brands, guarantees, assistance, etc.

Thanks

Uk recommendations for short costal camping routes/loops?

Looking for recommendations in the Uk, ideally somewhere we can camp near water and do some short daily gravel rides.

Currently looking at options in Norfolk, Yorkshire Coast, lakes etc. and wondered if anyone knows of any gems.

Thanks!

A short two day trip through the outskirts of the Eifel. It is not really remote, but there are still so many nice places and views!

Hi, Taher here from Hyderabad. I used to stay and cycle in Mumbai some 5 months ago. I am planning to buy a Carbonda Carbon fiber frame, fork and handlebar set from Shenzhen, China but I am really afraid on the customs. Legally, it shouldn't be more than 41%. Saw multiple subs where custom guys were quoting unnatural amounts in the name of import duties. Any recommendations on that part would be helpful! This bike frameset is being planned to be shipped to Mumbai but the company representative has denied to ship to India as they have to experience in shipping here. So I have to look for a freight forwarding service for it. Can you all recommend me any alternatives to it?

Thanks,

Taher

Dear fellow Grevilists,

Next month I am staying in Toronto for a work trip. Although I really look forward to this overseas adventure, it does mean I will miss out on riding gravel back home.

To overcome this loss, I figured Toronto/Ontario might also have some nice trails lying around.

Does anyone have tips on:

Where to rent a gravel bike and what routes I should cycle?

I don't think my company supplies me with a (rental) car, so ideally I'm looking for routes/rental locations accessible by public transport.

Thanks!

Hi fellow gravelers. I'm looking for a new set of wheels and have looked at too many options at this stage. I would like something about 40mm deep with 24-25mm internal for around $1k USD or less. I looked at hunt, ican and elitewheels so far but can't decide on one and was hoping to get some recommendations from the gravel community.

Sorry if this post is misplaced. I was adding drop bars to one of my mtb bikes. I have two bikes to choose from. One with SRAM and one with Shimano. Would like any info on what drop shifter levers and brake levers might be easiest to bolt up.

Been getting more and more into cycling over the past year since I bought my Straggler. Looking to make the jump into a more serious gravel bike that is significantly lighter.

I guess to make it simple, what’s the best value, lightest gravel bike I can find? Will be 50/50 road and gravel. Not looking to spend over $3k.

Right now I’m looking at: Rocky Mountain Solo c50, Salsa Warbird C GRX, Canyon Grail CF SL 7.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

I am riding about 63 miles on Sunday with 6500 feet of elevation. Some 20% grades. It’ll be my longest ride and most elevation gained. Half feeling underprepared but I ride almost everyday and have done 45ish miles with 5000 feet of gain. The elevation profile has a big 2000ft climb in the last 20 miles. That’s kind of like the last hurdle I’ll have to cross before a long descent.

I fully expect to be toast after the ride. What’s the best plan for the day? My plan is to ease into the day and take rests but not too long since I cool down during descents and stops. It’s a race so there will be aid stations along the way but I’ll still pack water, salt and snacks and get whatever I can at the aid stations. I think the last climb will by far be the worst just due to fatigue.

Goal is to finish and not be dead last but I’d also embrace the fact that I got out there and did a grueling race and ended up DFL.

Any tips and encouragement is welcome.

My beloved space horse in her element

Found out I have to use a Dub Wide crankset (2.5mm wider on each side) instead of regular Dub. Already had a Wheels BBright BB installed. Was going to just replace it with the Dub Wide version, but Wheels said they don’t have Wide-specific BBs and that they just add 2.5mm spacers on both sides. I’m sure that it works, but that just seems sub-optimal, doesn’t it? Considering just getting the SRAM Dub Wide BB, but hate the idea of not using a thread-together BB on a gravel bike.