🚵‍♀️ GRAVEL BIKE contra 🚴 CICLOCROSS Diferencias de geometría y uso | BIKEPACKING | Javier Bañón Izu

Hello gravel riders and bikepackers! I've had many questions about the difference between a gravel bike and a CX bike, given the apparent aesthetic similarities. But there are many differences in geometry and components that result in very different performance. Stay with me, and I'll tell you what differentiates a gravel bike from a CX bike. Some say gravel has been around for a century... And in essence, that's true. But on a technical level, this discipline has really taken off in the last 5-10 years with the rise of travel and adventure cycling. It's true that cyclocross was born in France at the beginning of the 20th century, and that numerous sections of the Tour de France included hill climbs and tracks on sand and gravel, when many roads were still unpaved. The first use of asphalt on roads occurred in 1824, when asphalt blocks were laid on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. But many, many years passed before the great mountain passes in the Alps or the Pyrenees. Hence some of the legendary images of the Tour de France, with riders competing on authentic mountain trails, where there is a clear nod to the practice of modern gravel riding. GRAVEL BIKE One of the characteristics that differentiates gravel bikes from CX bikes is their geometry. Gravel bikes are more focused on a more comfortable position for long rides, and therefore the riding position is more upright, with a slightly sloping head angle and more relaxed dimensions. A longer reach and wheelbase add elegance, especially when riding with a load. Additionally, the head tube and stack are usually slightly taller to offer more front-end support. Like the axle length, the chainstay length is also longer to provide stability and control, making them less reactive than CX bikes. However, in technical terrain, the use of flared handlebars offers good control in technical terrain. This, combined with wider tires, offers much greater safety compared to a CX bike. Gravel bikes offer single- and double-chainring drivetrains depending on the intended use and type of route. Weight isn't as important as it is on CX bikes designed for competition, but rather the versatility it offers when covering miles on different surfaces. As for the wheels, we find wider tires, as there are no technical limitations as this sport is not regulated by the UCI. There are also changes in terms of accessories, as gravel bikes are designed to be used with both bikepacking bags and, in some cases, panniers, making them perfect tools for multi-day trips and riding efficiently on a wide variety of surfaces. This means that gravel bikes often have several eyelets distributed around the frame and fork to accommodate different accessories and bags. CX BIKES Cyclocross bikes are machines designed for competition and technical circuits with tight corners, so lightness, responsiveness, and stiffness are often considered essential elements for CX competitors to get the most out of their bikes. In terms of geometry, these bikes are similar to aero road bikes, but with a shorter wheelbase and even shorter chainstays, improving responsiveness on explosive climbs where the rider doesn't want to get off the bike. Another very differentiating feature is a slightly higher-than-normal bottom bracket to make it easier to overcome obstacles while riding. Lightness is important, as in any performance-oriented discipline, but in cases where the bike is being carried on the shoulders, the weight of the bike plays a significant role, so the lighter it weighs, the better. Regarding tires and wheelbases, another important difference is that CX is limited by the UCI to 33c tire widths. These tires are thinner and have less aggressive tread than those typically used for gravel, and are always geared toward 700mm wheels. Drivetrains tend to use a single chainring, seeking lightness and mechanical simplicity on muddy or sandy circuits. Disc brakes are now fully adapted to gravel, and regarding components, it's worth remembering that the handlebars are usually narrower to facilitate overtaking maneuvers and tight turns, and there are no water bottles on the frame, allowing for easy shouldering. Javierbañonizu.es's personal channel Gravel, Bikepacking, Cycle Touring, Adventure Bike, Mountain Bike, Cycling Buy the Bikepacking Manual: https://amzn.to/366x6HI