Gravel grinding/grinder

[bicycletricycle]

What is a gravel grinder exactly?

Must it have certain specifications?

Is any bike that has ground gravel and gravel grinder?

They grind gravel in the giro on their regular race bikes, don't they?

[joosttx]

I think the the moots rout has the ideal geometry. Like with road bike and mountain bike geometry and set up differ among region and person.

[Cicli]

Its a marketing term.

[oldpotatoe]

Its a marketing term.

Agree. Bike sales in general have been really flat for a long time so words like 'aero' and 'gravel grinder' are heard. To try to make another "purpose driven" bike, to create demand not there, and to sell more bikes.

What I still don't get is the 'trend' toward 1by for these bikes ridden on gravel roads. Which clearly is a compromise in gearing, not only at the high or low end but also creating huge gaps in the cogset, even with 11s. What about 'gravel' riding means you can't shift a front derailleur on today's really nice shifting front ders, either mechanical or electronic? Simplicty? Then do a belt single speed.

[AngryScientist]

i think it's very much like a coffee grinder. lots of choices out there, and you can spend as much as you want on one. even the cheap ones work OK though.

[numbskull]

What is a gravel grinder exactly?


It is an excuse to own another bicycle, obviously, which is clearly necessary so you can spend much more on your road bike once durability doesn't matter.
Of course it is important to spend a lot on your gravel bike as well so that crashing it becomes a concern and you have a really good reason to buy a mountain bike which, if you get good at this whole bike owning thing, will be very high quality so you also can justify a fat bike for really nasty stuff, particularly now that they offer those in titanium or carbon fiber. Be careful, however, that when buying a gravel bike you don't get one that is too practical and messes up your need for a touring bike or else you may end up a bike short which will seriously damage your credibility on bike forums.

[guido]

From a less cynical (eek....) perspective riding on roads often feels a bit like a battle ground. It is very nice to be able to ride on dirt/gravel roads away from traffic. Often rides on dirt require some (to a lot) of pavement riding so a traditional mountain bike is a less than optimal solution. So my take on a gravel bike is more like an all roads bike. Normal road positioning, drop bars and your choice of shifting, clearance for wider tires with fenders, smooth file tread to small nob tires depending on moisture content of the surface, lower gearing, some like a higher BB, some like disk brakes. There are lots of way to get to this: a CX bike, a rando bike, a monster cross bike, a touring bike, a gravel grinder bike. Bottom line it should be a bike you will want to ride a lot, to just go have a blast on, to get away from traffic an chaos of modern life...

[oldpotatoe]

From a less cynical (eek....) perspective riding on roads often feels a bit like a battle ground. It is very nice to be able to ride on dirt/gravel roads away from traffic. Often rides on dirt require some (to a lot) of pavement riding so a traditional mountain bike is a less than optimal solution. So my take on a gravel bike is more like an all roads bike. Normal road positioning, drop bars and your choice of shifting, clearance for wider tires with fenders, smooth file tread to small nob tires depending on moisture content of the surface, lower gearing, some like a higher BB, some like disk brakes. There are lots of way to get to this: a CX bike, a rando bike, a monster cross bike, a touring bike, a gravel grinder bike. Bottom line it should be a bike you will want to ride a lot, to just go have a blast on, to get away from traffic an chaos of modern life...

Yup, or road bike..I ride my Moots Vamoots with 25c Vittoria Pave on dirt roads all the time around the republic.

[gomango]

I did the Almanzo 100 and a few other local gravel races on my Fargo the last few years.

I was usually the slowest guy out there, but I still had a blast.

Last year I wanted a cheaper alternative and bought this Alu Cross for peanuts, swapped out the SRAM for Campy and started riding year round on gravel and sometimes icy country roads with Nokians.

This year I have ridden in six gravel distance events and have seen everything from absolutely wasted old Treks all the way up to fancy schmantzy Moots, Speedvagens, Vanillas, Colnagos etc.

The bikes that seem to be especially well suited to gravel are the ones with a decent amount of wheelbase. A Raleigh Tamland Two is a reasonable example. I see lots of those at events.

That being said, one of the fastest guys I ride with runs a plain jane Ritchey Swiss Cross with Ultegra and a mid level wheelset. Absolute lightning.

So I'll keep running the old Merckx till I get the boys out of college, but I could easily see ordering up a Moots Routt 45. That bike looks like the ultimate all road bike to me.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8634/16003479069_0e55ba5d77_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qob1LV)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/qob1LV) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/14825137554_f2cf497659_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oA3GTU)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/oA3GTU) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[gomango]

Yup, or road bike..I ride my Moots Vamoots with 25c Vittoria Pave on dirt roads all the time around the republic.

That would work pretty well for most of the country roads we ride here in Minnesota. Somehow we were blessed with packed class 5 and limestone roads.

However, once they mud up or drop fresh gravel it might change your mind.

We also do a lot of riding on the edge of the BWCA in northern Minnesota and here's what the "road" looks like. :)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14566138231_3bb70c3ee4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocagqk)IMG_2031 (https://flic.kr/p/ocagqk) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14569522655_330f9abe49_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocsBut)IMG_2029 (https://flic.kr/p/ocsBut) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[bicycletricycle]

I think you need a new "grass pounder" style bicycle for those roads

:)

[commonguy001]

That would work pretty well for most of the country roads we ride here in Minnesota. Somehow we were blessed with packed class 5 and limestone roads.

However, once they mud up or drop fresh gravel it might change your mind.



I agree until you ride the ones that aren't.

I have a route (we call it the big dumb gravel loop) that takes you north of Scandia, loops past Wild River State Park and has some sections that would be unrideable on 25s. There is about a 3 mile stretch of Quinlan up to highway 8 that is seemingly always soft with endless washboards. It's tough on 35s, I can't imagine riding it on anything much smaller.

There is also a super friendly lab on that section that keeps me coming back as she usually wants to run with you far enough that you need to bring her home :D

[tumbler]

I think you need a new "grass pounder" style bicycle for those roads

:)

+1. If you show up for that ride on a road bike, gravel bike, cyclocross bike, or mountain bike, you'll just look like an idiot. The bottom bracket height and chainstay length must be specifically designed for each ride, give or take 1 - 1.5mm. Better go ahead and get disc brakes as well since that grass can be mighty treacherous. Again... otherwise, you'll look like an idiot.

[AJosiahK]

Id say there are lots of bikes that could be used as "gravel grinders"

That being said, the new stuff coming out and that has been coming out tend to have the following in common

disc brakes
road geo with longer wheelbase and lower bb
space for bigger tires

But really, ive ridden gravel roads with a 25c equipped steel race machine, worked for me too. Is more comfortable on a bike such as my seven evergreen however.

Marketing for sure

[bicycletricycle]

Or a "root rider"

"Root riders" will all have thru axles because of the punishing twisting forces angled root deal out.

[Neil]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10301121_10153462965713638_1280593088789198145_n.j pg?oh=ae7b24eba7f57ac6d60c6614df836f72&oe=5659AFBA

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11781621_10153462964983638_8311759164638982341_n.j pg?oh=8a0ba842206d60b0fe05047527b8ae66&oe=5655C298

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/19644831720_db7a5528be_b.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/343/19825495652_212382c186_b.jpg

This seems to be working fine:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/346/19825483072_9070a17c61_b.jpg

That said, if I was going to build a frame/bike for leaving here in Colorado I'd probably want to have clearance for some slightly larger tyres - up to 38c maybe.

11-28 and 52/36 seems to be working fine with standard road geo.

[Lewis Moon]

http://www.screenmachine.com/images/equipment/4043t-impact-crusher.jpg

[ceolwulf]

I am poor so I just use my CX bike. It's very compromised for the purpose but I hobble along somehow.

[tiretrax]

I think you need a new "grass pounder" style bicycle for those roads

:)

Best new marketing term of the year. Copyright it, now! You should receive an award (with lot of royalties) at Interbike.

I always thought it stupid to call a bike a gravel grinder. That's the term for the type of route. Are there single track bikes out there?

[gomango]

I think you need a new "grass pounder" style bicycle for those roads

:)

Misleading pic. :)

Those are 14 miles of pure hades. It's a mix of grass, brush, basalt, Ely Greenstone, bobcats, wolves and moose poop.

......and just for fun, loads of hills. Many are of the 10-15% variety which we all know can be be soul killers.

I'm always tempted to grab the 250 Elsinore on that route. :)

[gomango]

Best new marketing term of the year. Copyright it, now! You should receive an award (with lot of royalties) at Interbike.

I always thought it stupid to call a bike a gravel grinder. That's the term for the type of route. Are there single track bikes out there?

Yep, my Niner!

[gomango]

I agree until you ride the ones that aren't.

I have a route (we call it the big dumb gravel loop) that takes you north of Scandia, loops past Wild River State Park and has some sections that would be unrideable on 25s. There is about a 3 mile stretch of Quinlan up to highway 8 that is seemingly always soft with endless washboards. It's tough on 35s, I can't imagine riding it on anything much smaller.

There is also a super friendly lab on that section that keeps me coming back as she usually wants to run with you far enough that you need to bring her home :D

Let's go for a ride sometime.

Sounds like fun. :)

[campy man]

http://www.screenmachine.com/images/equipment/4043t-impact-crusher.jpg

Will Riv Jack Brown tires fit?

[bicycletricycle]

that just sounds like mountain bike territory, what would be a good marketing term for rigid mountain bikes?

terrain tanglers?



Misleading pic. :)

Those are 14 miles of pure hades. It's a mix of grass, brush, basalt, Ely Greenstone, bobcats, wolves and moose poop.

......and just for fun, loads of hills. Many are of the 10-15% variety which we all know can be be soul killers.

I'm always tempted to grab the 250 Elsinore on that route. :)

[bicycletricycle]

wonder if that can be fitted with fenders?

http://www.screenmachine.com/images/equipment/4043t-impact-crusher.jpg

[oldpotatoe]

I am poor so I just use my CX bike. It's very compromised for the purpose but I hobble along somehow.

Heresy!!!burn him!!:D

[gomango]

that just sounds like mountain bike territory, what would be a good marketing term for rigid mountain bikes?

terrain tanglers?

I've tried the route with my Fargo, the Merckx and my Niner.

The Niner wins, of course.

Although, the kids think the Kubota 4x4 is the right answer. :)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/479/19350851729_1c1c0e45cc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vtYb3D)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/vtYb3D) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[Kobe]

I've tried the route with my Fargo, the Merckx and my Niner.

The Niner wins, of course.

Although, the kids think the Kubota 4x4 is the right answer. :)



If there was room enough in the back I would jump in the back with the kids. That's the best way I have seen yet to ride gravel.

[gomango]

If there was room enough in the back I would jump in the back with the kids. That's the best way I have seen yet to ride gravel.

Every last one of them is learning how to drive this summer. :)

Just have to keep them off the paved roads and they're fine.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/303/19511219126_f7c761591e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vJ96FL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/vJ96FL) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[denapista]

I say the same thing. If it's too much for a road bike with large tires and your cross bike can't handle it. Get a hard tail.

[sandyrs]

This is how you grind gravel

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10424242_10205029095231775_5940068448729650179_n.j pg?oh=b9b99e9a5fccbe80ddc6620540328485&oe=565683D9

[GRAVELBIKE]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8680307563_a18c072185.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ee3R2e)

[firerescuefin]

This question has been kicked around so much....that this almost seems like a troll thread at this point.

Ride what you want on "gravel" terrains. No one but you cares what you're riding anyway. People are riding off road more...more smiles are being had....fewer rides taking place where people are battling motor vehicles.....some people use it as a fun excuse to buy something they want...and the bike industry puts some money in their pockets.

I'm neither alarmed or offended.

[Ken Robb]

Gravel Grinders used to be called "Bicycles" 30+ years ago when they could all use tires fatter than 23mm. :cool:

[William]

I've been "Gravel Grinding" well before there was "Gravel Grinding". That said, I'm happy people are venturing off the beaten path.



Some of my favorite roads around here are....DANGEROUS!! :D






William

[bicycletricycle]

Gravel Grinders used to be called "Bicycles" 30+ years ago when they could all use tires fatter than 23mm. :cool:

i got a sweet 76 masi gc , takes 30s and was a race bike.

[William]

Next Ramble I'll take you folks on some of my Grinding roads!



William


PS: BBDave knows the hurt!:D

[gmcampy]

Yup, or road bike..I ride my Moots Vamoots with 25c Vittoria Pave on dirt roads all the time around the republic.

No way Im riding a LOADED road bike on gravel/dirt roads with LONG climbs in the teen percentages. My Frago is the simplest solution and makes a GREAT road bike too with a 9 speed 12/36 cassette and triple I have plenty of gear "options"

[gmcampy]

next ramble i'll take you folks on some of my grinding roads!



William


ps: Bbdave knows the hurt!:d

nice!!!!!

[4Rings6Stars]

You couldn't pay me to do a gravel ride (a real one, I don't mean a 1/4 mile detour on hard packed dirt to get to the next paved road) on 25c tires...

I just decided against using my Hampsten for the upcoming D2R2 because I can't fit larger than 28s...

[RFC]

Gravel grinding requires the right tool for the specific surface.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0414r_zps1187d1bb.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0414r_zps1187d1bb.jpg.html)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0407r_zpsb8e396dd.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0407r_zpsb8e396dd.jpg.html)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0403r_zpsf3e84462.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0403r_zpsf3e84462.jpg.html)

[guido]

Next Ramble I'll take you folks on some of my Grinding roads!



William


PS: BBDave knows the hurt!:D
Nice pics!

Looking forward to it!