i dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Gustavo Conrad i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
I'm using 1x11 cx bike for road, gravel and xc courses. It's my first season on it and it's my first drop bar bike. I'm amazed how well it works for all kinds of terrain. Even in the mountains on technical courses it's been amazing. The only mod I did was to put 40c gravel tires - bontrager gr1 rear and gr2 front - cx bikes have plenty of clearance for mud. If you like responsiveness and offroad capability and don't need all these mounts, cx bike might be better choice for gravel. Cheers
Very useful information. Saved me from buying a Specialized Crux (cyclocross), but after watching this video I changed the order to a Specialized Diverge Pro
Short, simple, and informative. I was looking into getting gravel bike but not looking to go on stroll ride but to actual get burst of workout, its great that you mentioned that bout bike can tackle gravel and only difference is exactly that one is for long distances comfortability and other is for short racing distance
Great Clip!! I truly got some good info. out of it. Now, here's one idea for you. Can you have a Hardtail Mountain Bike for everything???? Maybe a How can I have 1 bike to do all things cycling???? Trails, (XC & Flowy Enduro) Gravel, Cyclocross and maybe even Touring.. That would be a great video for everyone to get something out of. Great stuff once again!!
I’ve got a CX bike, use it as an everyday and everything bike , personally I find it comfy over longer periods and happy ride all day, whether it be in it stripped down state or it’s wearing its bolt on panniers and mudguards it’s an excellent all rounder. Would a gravel bike do the job better? Maybe it would, but for the average person I think it’s down to personal comfort on their individual bike whether it CX or gravel .
im doing 3 to 4 time around 50 to 100km in a month , and maybe 30km maximum to go to work, im using a cyclocross, i dont see differents, in that distance, and im doing bike packing sometimes,
Clint, excellent comparison, short & to the point! At 55 comfort is most important to me so my next bike purchase will be a gravel bike to join my Trek Stache 9 & Fuji Carbon road bike in my garage. Loved the comparison vids. Good job!
Jim, I am 50 and just got into Gravel/CX just got a new Infinity seat for gravel grinding and so far it is very comfy. It is a bit expensive, but when you are on your bike for 60+ miles I think it is worth it. p.s. I ride a Giant TCX for gravel, it is definitely twitchier on the straight roads, but still is very fast.
Speaking of aging and comfort, I just added a Redshift stem to my gravel bike. My only regret is waiting to buy it. I ride on a lot of cobblestone and gravel roads the comfort difference is fantastic and I've never bottomed it out.
I bought a CX bike but it turns out it's really a gravel bike with 1030 mm of wheelbase on a 50cm frame. The bike has nice snappy angles on the head tube and seat tube and the long-wheelbase helps when you're climbing on loose dirt. It can easily fit 46 622 tires while maintaining my 53mm Bluemels Primus mud guards. Add a suspension stem and seatpost (not telescopic) Venturemax handlebars SMP Hybrid saddle and you've got a some comfort. Don't forget to double wrap your handlebars, be creative. Poseidon is offering gravel bikes starting at 600 American dollars. The frames are really pretty and the components could be upgraded easy. If I was new to gravel riding I would consider a Poseidon x and simply upgrade the components as they wore out. As it is I'm considering it because I want a bike with disc brakes that doesn't cost based on a name
good comparison. I would add the (slight) differences in handlebar shape (flared for gravel to be more comfortable) and overall weight (higher on gravel for increase strength, need to carry the weight of bags etc)
You can also use gravel for touring with additional mounts for bikepacking under the frame and on the fork , cyclocross doesn't have that , gravel is such a universal machine
I first bought a gravel bike, Merida Silex300, with Apex 1x11 gears. I did a 200km bike packing vacation in 6 days (one day-off) with my girlfriend. I noticed that I kept slipping front on the saddle that caused some soreness in my crotch that I had to stand up every no and then. After the trip I started to think that the bike was just too big. I tried the M size first but ended up with L by the first feeling and I didn't have a clue of the right position. Even the specs said the size should have been M. Well, I sold that bike and looked for new one, a smaller one and ofcourse a better one :D I found a nice deal of a new Cube CrossRace SL with Ultegra groupset for 1599€! I lost the fastening points but it has mudguard threads tho and there are accessories to fix bags and stuff so it should be a nice commuter/sport/bikepacking bike. I felt immediadly it is stiffer but at the same time it felt better to ride. At the same visit to the shop I tried Bianchi Intenso that is an endurance style road bike. It was very rocky and sensitive for any bumbs but I fell in love with the driving position! I wanted that same in the Cube and damn that felt good. I liked it with a bit lower position than Merida's upward position. I flipped the stem downwards and took off the spacers. Then that bike felt really good and even comfortable. In Merida that position was not possible at all. The groupset has compact chain set of 48/36t that is really nice to have since I don't have power for bigger chainrings :D Merida had 44t in the front so this bike is also faster on a paper. After bought it I also changed the tyres to Vittoria Terrano Dry that have almost slick surface in the middle and teeth on the sides so I can have low rolling resistance and some grip in the edges when needed. I've done about 30km loops and commuting and it feels just good. There were tarmac, gravel and some trails. I think I have a really good all-around bike that is like a fast, comfortable road bike thanks to the tyres. Only minus is that it is slightly heavy, around 10kg, tho it is the same as Merida. I've thought to buy Fulcrum DB3 wheels on it in the next Spring to make it lighter and maybe also better rolling. I noticed that just by looking at gravel bikes they look having higher stack than I might like to have so this thing is not black/white at all, I see. Really good video tho! The first thought for me was that I should get a gravel bike but I ended up in the cyclocross bike for the same purpose :D
I also bought a Cross Race (mostly because I like how CX handle, and it has everything I needed) and I can ride better and longer than on my old road bike... Do you still have it, what's your longer term advice?
@@DR_1_1 nope. I sold that the next summer and bought carbon framed Rose Backroad GRX600. That has mounting points so I can get some bags. I’ve been in love with bike since! It doesn’t hit on hands that much and it is lighter. Very comfortable to ride!
Very helpful. Some bike shops aren't big on the distinction, pushing you into getting a cyclotrons bike for gravel, which I don't appreciate. Your video highlights the fact there are important differences.
I think it depends what you are using your bike for. There are some gravel bikes now that handle single track MTB trails very well which opens up a new dimension to the sport. I am not racing but I don't find a lot of limitations with a gravel bike. It would be nice to have the opportunity to shoulder my bike which I can't do well because of the water bottle cages and the sloped top tube.
Hi Clint, good to see you experimenting with video formats. That was a great video for someone wanting a quick explanation, very informative but brief. I always watch your long form videos and wouldn't wish to loose them but sometimes I feel they could be edited a bit more to condense the content a little i.e 15 rather than 20 minutes. Anyway, thanks for the videos and keep experimenting :-)
I'd say it depends on where you are coming from. I went from a TCR (an actual crit racing machine) to a TCX, and I'm not really much if any slower on the road because the TCX can be a very fast road bike with a set of slicks and the right cassette/chainring combo. And because of the higher bottom bracket, I can really hit corners and accelerate out of them as if I was on a track bike if I want to. But compared to the TCR, the TCX *is* an endurance bike. It is less twitchy then the TCR was, and I can ride 2x as far on the roads around here (crappy) on it and not feel like I had the snot pounded out of me like I did on the TCR. Now plowing down a crappy mountain gravel road at 50mph, that I can't say because I think anyone who does that is nuts no matter what bike they are on LOL.
theres always gonna be some overlap. I find gravel bikes are built much more sturdy, tend to weigh more and you sit "in them" rather than "on top" of them.
I just picked up a Kastle Trekking X-Ride hybrid bike at a thrift store for $30, I'm going to strip it down and put some cx parts on it and see what I end up with. I don't intend to race competitively, just for speeding around single track and old logging roads.
Got a deal on a 2016 crux e5 with at my LBS because it had not sold just wanted a decent road bike that could go down dirt/gravel roads as well love it so far but longest trip has only been about 40 mi any thoughts
Not all brands provide a gravel and CX bike. For example in Scott the gravel and CX bikes have the same geometry. Im thinking that most brands provide CX bikes but not all have a gravel bike. Why is that?
Some companies may still think that there is not much of a difference between the two. It's not significant but it is there and it does make a difference. Then there are some companies who blend the two, like Pivot Cycles. I think the more Progressive companies, like Specialized and Niner, have both. Then there are companies like Giant who have a really decent aluminum gravel bike but not a high and carbon one. So yeah, it's all over the board!
surprised i was able to fit clement xplor mso 40mm in my focus mares cx with about 3.5-4mm on either side of the chain stay. wheel is a velocity aileron, and the tire measures 40mm inflated
What's the difference between gravel bike and cross country bike? I have a feeling that all these different format of bicycles benefits manufacturers more than actually helps users. wider tyre in gravel bike means more comfort? heck, cross country bike has even bigger tyres and suspensions.for extra comfort.
in my opinion, you don't need the thicker tires for gravel rides and the gravel/cx bikes weigh several pounds less. BUT, having front suspension on a hard tail mtn Bike sure cuts out a lot of hand numbness. Full suspension mtn bike would be awesome for comfort, but not as great for gravel speed. What i could ride for Gravel and comparative weight Rigid - Giant TCX Pro 1 (650b/27.5) about 18/19 lbs (fast and twitchy, but very quick acceleration) - hand vibrations are a big problem) - this is a full cyclocross bike(same one Clint has) Hardtail - Giant XTC SL 1 (29er) about 24.5 lbs (fast and comfortable - 5 lbs more makes it a little slower than the TCX, but it is a rocket ship) Full Suspension - Giant Anthem Advanced 0 - (27.5) about 25.5 (most comfortable by far, but slowest for straight gravel roads - but is SOOOO fun on single tracks) - if you do get a FS for gravel grinding, get a 29er (make sure you can lock out front and rear shocks)
I'm debating wether I need to buy another bike or would changing the wheels and tires on my felt f40x cyclocross do me any good? I primarily use my bike on smooth roads and trails, hardly ever venturing off road. Would I be better off buying a road bike?
I’m rather disappointed about the new bike I bought. I am new to cycling and therefore I bought the Cinelli zydeco lala just because I liked the way it looked. Riding it though I realized that it is sold as a Gravel bike but the shape of the frame has nothing to do with a gravel bike. So at the end you have a bike that has a cyclocross frame, weighs a lot more then a cyclocross bike (11,2 kg) , hasn’t got internal cable routing, and is generally not comfortable for long gravel rides. What do you think?
My bike is a MTB Merida Big Nine and planning to convert it to gravel bike. I already replaced my tires to 700x40cc. What are the other things or parts to consider to make it or atleast closed to be a gravel bike. Thanks for your answer and more power to your vlog.
could we do a video on the difference between cycle cross , gravel , and adventure bike , I was considering the Trek check point ALR 5 vs the Trek 920 and ended up going with the ALR 5 because of pandemic availability but i feel like im missing out.
anyone else hate the dfuse seatpost on giant bikes?? It does work i guess because it did help me deal with lower back pain but you break it you have to buy since its proprietary and the carbon sells for 160. i mean seats with zerts or seatbost with suspension works just aswell and i can get it anywhere
hey there. i am thinking about building up a hard-tail 27.5, as a drop-bar. i already have a Ritchey Swiss Cross, and want something slacker, more upright, and able to run fatter tires. its got plenty of room for 50 x 700c the frame i'm looking at has a 44mm BB-drop. which from a terrain standpoint, would be quite nice. but i'm wondering how it will handle with that shallow drop?
Which bike should I get if I want comfort, speed and lightness since I live on a fifth floor apartment for carrying up and down? I'd appreciate any help. My budget is $1000 or under. I ride in my neighborhood, New York Manhattan and central Park West and some commute to work but just sometimes.
I just bought a Giant contend ar at around a grand definitely glad I did ...look into it loving it a few days in as it is my “first road bike “ being a bigger dude I usually went for mtn bikes which are heavy AF
Do you have any opinions on hybrid bikes? I can't decide between getting a mountain, hybrid, or gravel bike. I want the wide range gears, especially slow gears for soft terrain, but I need some decent road speed, durability, and the utility of carrying supplies on the bike.
seems to me that the difference between gravel and cx is similar to the difference between endurance and race bikes, respectively. it's a compromise between comfort and speed, going fast vs going long.
Is that a hand pump velcroed in with your water bottle holder? If so has it ever slipped out or does it stay well? I saw that and have never thought to put one there.
Can you cover the important difference of what bottom bracket drop is and how it's different for each bike? I know CX can be around 60mm and gravel bikes 70-75 mm.
It's an interesting subject and I really didn't go into it on this video because different manufacturers have different viewpoints of bottom bracket drop. Some cross bikes have low bottom brackets and some, like Giant, have higher ones. Think there's a good argument for both. For cross I prefer a little bit higher button bracket so I can pedal through the corners. But it does make the bike feel top heavy.
hey nice description. I live in Nepal. I commute 28 kms. everyday. The road is black topped but it is bumpy. It is almost like gravel road. I like comfort seating position. It takes me about 45 minutes one way. Which one would be better for me? I would appreciate your suggestion.
Unless you plan to race cyclocross I would go with the gravel bike. More stable and you will have options for racks and fenders. You will also most likely be able to run bigger tires in case you want to do so in the winter months.
Great short video! Maybe someone can help me, I got an Oldtimer Cologne racing bike which I really love but don't like to take onto gravel roads. Now I am looking for a sporty alternative which can handle gravel roads well but should be real sporty on roads as well. Should I rather co sider buying a cyclo-cross or a gravel bike? Cheers and thanks for your help ;)
Tough call. I spend a lot more time riding a gravel bike than I do a cyclocross bike. The cyclocross bike mainly gets used for 12 to 20 races in the fall. But where I live the cross bike with a single chainring does fine. The gravel bike is more versatile because of the gear range but it's lower in the cross course.
Cyclocross bikes are pretty straightforward, so I recommend looking at some of the big brands... Kona, Cannondale, Specialized, giant and trek. Just find a local bike shop that you trust that carries one of those brands.
Hey Clint, I'm planning to buy a bike that can drive fairly good across town and sometimes a little off road, gravel even. But mostly road. Should I buy a Cyclocross or Gravel bike? Maybe even a Road bike? My main point needs to be what rides better, faster and easier on road. Sorry for my english, and greetings from Berlin
@@ClintGibbs Thank you, I thought Gravel was better for my purposes but wasnt really sure cause I'm really new to the Bike scene. But you just gave me the last push to order the bike I had my eyes on. Thanks a lot.
If i primarely want the bike to be as fast (like a racer) as possible, but dont want a 100% racer. Lets say i like the option of changing tires between racer and one that handles rougher roads. Do i want gravel or cross when riding on asphalt mainly?
I typically recommend a gravel bike for most people who aren't racing cyclocross. It's just a bit more stable and a bit more versatile with wider gear ranges. Your speed is going to be determined by your Tire Choice When comparing those two bikes.
Good stuff. thanks! Im on the verge of buying a cyclecross bike (as I really love how light it feels) but have concerns about its max speeds on downhill roads and limited gears if I ride equally on the road. Would you recommend gravel for my case?
Either one with the right type of tires. the cross bike will be a little bit more snappy and aggressive if that's the type of around town riding you do. The gravel bike will feel a little bit more flowy and smooth.
There is a difference in bottom bracket height between the two bikes, but I've noticed the bottom bracket height is all over the board. Some Cross Bikes have low bottom bracket some have high, so bottom bracket height doesn't really distinguish whether it's a gravel or cross bike. This particular cross bike has a pretty high bottom bracket compared to others I've seen.
I bought a used TREK FX 7,3 , I want to change it around into a gravel bike , so I am wondering do I have to get all new groupset , brakes, shifters, cranks , derelia chain bla bla bla , or can I just get the gravel handlebar and shifter/brake combo that goes onto that kind if steering bar, the groupset that was on is shimano Deore
Clint great video, I'm looking at picking up a Gravel/Cross bike that I can swap wheels on and be adequate on the road, which of the two would you recommend? Gravel or Cross frame?
@@ClintGibbs you should do a video on your thoughts or the differences since you have owned all of them . Gravel bikes the hotness right now so I'm sure it will get views lol I'm just curious because I just got my 1st carbon gravel bike . Only even owned aluminum before this
Thank you for this. I ride a gravel bike and keep a set of road wheels for quick swaps when I know I'm sticking to asphalt. Would you say a CX bike is better on the road (performance over comfort) than a gravel bike if both had road tires?
Hey man thanks for the very nice and learnful video! I've got a Focus Mares Al Commuter, cyclocross bike, but actually, it look more like a gravel bike a you decribe in the video, so is kind of perfect for me as i want to make a long long trip on it! Wouldd you have ome advices for me to make it even more confortable than it is?? i found it a bit heavy to ride. Thank again!
Typically gravel bikes have more of a flare on the bar, but it's really whatever bar you or the manufacturer choose. There are people who put flared bars on cyclocross bikes.
This was probably the most direct, no-nonsense summary I have seen. Very useful. Thanks!
Wow that was a great comparison in 4 minutes! I learned a lot
i dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly lost the password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Gustavo Conrad i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process atm.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Gustavo Conrad it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my account :D
@Edgar Castiel you are welcome =)
Probably the best vid I've seen on the topic, and nice and short. Perfect video for a beginner such as myself 👍
I'm using 1x11 cx bike for road, gravel and xc courses. It's my first season on it and it's my first drop bar bike. I'm amazed how well it works for all kinds of terrain. Even in the mountains on technical courses it's been amazing. The only mod I did was to put 40c gravel tires - bontrager gr1 rear and gr2 front - cx bikes have plenty of clearance for mud. If you like responsiveness and offroad capability and don't need all these mounts, cx bike might be better choice for gravel. Cheers
Very useful information. Saved me from buying a Specialized Crux (cyclocross), but after watching this video I changed the order to a Specialized Diverge Pro
Excellent. Clear, concise, no annoying music, just facts and explanations. Loved it.
Short, simple, and informative. I was looking into getting gravel bike but not looking to go on stroll ride but to actual get burst of workout, its great that you mentioned that bout bike can tackle gravel and only difference is exactly that one is for long distances comfortability and other is for short racing distance
Gcn made a full hype video about it and i couldn't get a single thing. This guy did a brilliant job
I've seen videos which have taken 20 minutes for the same information. You the man!
Really man. When there other video where people speak too much. That was precise and straight to the point. Respect from Canada, Sk
Finally someone who does a proper simple explanations, thanks!!!
Great Clip!! I truly got some good info. out of it. Now, here's one idea for you. Can you have a Hardtail Mountain Bike for everything???? Maybe a How can I have 1 bike to do all things cycling???? Trails, (XC & Flowy Enduro) Gravel, Cyclocross and maybe even Touring.. That would be a great video for everyone to get something out of. Great stuff once again!!
I’ve got a CX bike, use it as an everyday and everything bike , personally I find it comfy over longer periods and happy ride all day, whether it be in it stripped down state or it’s wearing its bolt on panniers and mudguards it’s an excellent all rounder. Would a gravel bike do the job better? Maybe it would, but for the average person I think it’s down to personal comfort on their individual bike whether it CX or gravel .
im doing 3 to 4 time around 50 to 100km in a month , and maybe 30km maximum to go to work, im using a cyclocross, i dont see differents, in that distance, and im doing bike packing sometimes,
Glad that you went right to the front. Short, concise and informative.
Clint, excellent comparison, short & to the point! At 55 comfort is most important to me so my next bike purchase will be a gravel bike to join my Trek Stache 9 & Fuji Carbon road bike in my garage. Loved the comparison vids. Good job!
Jim, I am 50 and just got into Gravel/CX just got a new Infinity seat for gravel grinding and so far it is very comfy. It is a bit expensive, but when you are on your bike for 60+ miles I think it is worth it. p.s. I ride a Giant TCX for gravel, it is definitely twitchier on the straight roads, but still is very fast.
Speaking of aging and comfort, I just added a Redshift stem to my gravel bike. My only regret is waiting to buy it. I ride on a lot of cobblestone and gravel roads the comfort difference is fantastic and I've never bottomed it out.
That is as on point and concise as you can get! Very nicely done!
Best video on RUclips on comparisons. Hands down.
As always top notch Clint, as someone looking for a do-all gravel/road and maybe a cyclocross or two this was good info.
Top drawer comparison. Focussed and just what we need to know
👍
I bought a CX bike but it turns out it's really a gravel bike with 1030 mm of wheelbase on a 50cm frame. The bike has nice snappy angles on the head tube and seat tube and the long-wheelbase helps when you're climbing on loose dirt. It can easily fit 46 622 tires while maintaining my 53mm Bluemels Primus mud guards. Add a suspension stem and seatpost (not telescopic) Venturemax handlebars SMP Hybrid saddle and you've got a some comfort. Don't forget to double wrap your handlebars, be creative.
Poseidon is offering gravel bikes starting at 600 American dollars. The frames are really pretty and the components could be upgraded easy. If I was new to gravel riding I would consider a Poseidon x and simply upgrade the components as they wore out.
As it is I'm considering it because I want a bike with disc brakes that doesn't cost based on a name
good comparison. I would add the (slight) differences in handlebar shape (flared for gravel to be more comfortable) and overall weight (higher on gravel for increase strength, need to carry the weight of bags etc)
You can also use gravel for touring with additional mounts for bikepacking under the frame and on the fork , cyclocross doesn't have that , gravel is such a universal machine
I first bought a gravel bike, Merida Silex300, with Apex 1x11 gears. I did a 200km bike packing vacation in 6 days (one day-off) with my girlfriend. I noticed that I kept slipping front on the saddle that caused some soreness in my crotch that I had to stand up every no and then. After the trip I started to think that the bike was just too big. I tried the M size first but ended up with L by the first feeling and I didn't have a clue of the right position. Even the specs said the size should have been M. Well, I sold that bike and looked for new one, a smaller one and ofcourse a better one :D I found a nice deal of a new Cube CrossRace SL with Ultegra groupset for 1599€! I lost the fastening points but it has mudguard threads tho and there are accessories to fix bags and stuff so it should be a nice commuter/sport/bikepacking bike.
I felt immediadly it is stiffer but at the same time it felt better to ride. At the same visit to the shop I tried Bianchi Intenso that is an endurance style road bike. It was very rocky and sensitive for any bumbs but I fell in love with the driving position! I wanted that same in the Cube and damn that felt good. I liked it with a bit lower position than Merida's upward position. I flipped the stem downwards and took off the spacers. Then that bike felt really good and even comfortable. In Merida that position was not possible at all. The groupset has compact chain set of 48/36t that is really nice to have since I don't have power for bigger chainrings :D Merida had 44t in the front so this bike is also faster on a paper.
After bought it I also changed the tyres to Vittoria Terrano Dry that have almost slick surface in the middle and teeth on the sides so I can have low rolling resistance and some grip in the edges when needed. I've done about 30km loops and commuting and it feels just good. There were tarmac, gravel and some trails. I think I have a really good all-around bike that is like a fast, comfortable road bike thanks to the tyres. Only minus is that it is slightly heavy, around 10kg, tho it is the same as Merida. I've thought to buy Fulcrum DB3 wheels on it in the next Spring to make it lighter and maybe also better rolling.
I noticed that just by looking at gravel bikes they look having higher stack than I might like to have so this thing is not black/white at all, I see. Really good video tho! The first thought for me was that I should get a gravel bike but I ended up in the cyclocross bike for the same purpose :D
I also bought a Cross Race (mostly because I like how CX handle, and it has everything I needed) and I can ride better and longer than on my old road bike...
Do you still have it, what's your longer term advice?
@@DR_1_1 nope. I sold that the next summer and bought carbon framed Rose Backroad GRX600. That has mounting points so I can get some bags. I’ve been in love with bike since! It doesn’t hit on hands that much and it is lighter. Very comfortable to ride!
Great comparision as always coming from you Clint! Thanks a lot!
Excellent. I know to go for a gravel bike now.
That Niner RDO is gorgeous!
Very helpful. Some bike shops aren't big on the distinction, pushing you into getting a cyclotrons bike for gravel, which I don't appreciate. Your video highlights the fact there are important differences.
even the old specialized cyclocross bikes are technically gravel bikes and the difference and "quality" of the ride is huge.
I think it depends what you are using your bike for. There are some gravel bikes now that handle single track MTB trails very well which opens up a new dimension to the sport. I am not racing but I don't find a lot of limitations with a gravel bike. It would be nice to have the opportunity to shoulder my bike which I can't do well because of the water bottle cages and the sloped top tube.
Hi Clint, good to see you experimenting with video formats. That was a great video for someone wanting a quick explanation, very informative but brief. I always watch your long form videos and wouldn't wish to loose them but sometimes I feel they could be edited a bit more to condense the content a little i.e 15 rather than 20 minutes. Anyway, thanks for the videos and keep experimenting :-)
Slim fit jeans vs skinny jeans. It's nice to have choices that best fit your riding style and area. Nice comparison!
Simple and straight to the point. 👍
Thank you for getting directly to the point. Excellent summary.
so CX is more like pure crit racing machine on asphalt and gravel bike is more like endurance/sportive road bike??
Yes, that's a pretty good analogy
I'd say it depends on where you are coming from. I went from a TCR (an actual crit racing machine) to a TCX, and I'm not really much if any slower on the road because the TCX can be a very fast road bike with a set of slicks and the right cassette/chainring combo. And because of the higher bottom bracket, I can really hit corners and accelerate out of them as if I was on a track bike if I want to. But compared to the TCR, the TCX *is* an endurance bike. It is less twitchy then the TCR was, and I can ride 2x as far on the roads around here (crappy) on it and not feel like I had the snot pounded out of me like I did on the TCR.
Now plowing down a crappy mountain gravel road at 50mph, that I can't say because I think anyone who does that is nuts no matter what bike they are on LOL.
theres always gonna be some overlap. I find gravel bikes are built much more sturdy, tend to weigh more and you sit "in them" rather than "on top" of them.
KingProne they’re definitely not built more sturdily. Or less. All made in the same Chinese factory to the same tolerances pretty much.
Thanks, I've been trying to figure out what a gravel bike is.
Love the efficiency
I just picked up a Kastle Trekking X-Ride hybrid bike at a thrift store for $30, I'm going to strip it down and put some cx parts on it and see what I end up with. I don't intend to race competitively, just for speeding around single track and old logging roads.
Nice. Got right into it, no BS. Thanks!
Great job. Very informative and easily digestible!
Inflige from Canyon is my favorite cx bike but because is expensive af I bought a Specialized Diverge (gravel) and it's quite nice but a little heavy
Got a deal on a 2016 crux e5 with at my LBS because it had not sold just wanted a decent road bike that could go down dirt/gravel roads as well love it so far but longest trip has only been about 40 mi any thoughts
Not all brands provide a gravel and CX bike. For example in Scott the gravel and CX bikes have the same geometry. Im thinking that most brands provide CX bikes but not all have a gravel bike. Why is that?
Some companies may still think that there is not much of a difference between the two. It's not significant but it is there and it does make a difference. Then there are some companies who blend the two, like Pivot Cycles. I think the more Progressive companies, like Specialized and Niner, have both. Then there are companies like Giant who have a really decent aluminum gravel bike but not a high and carbon one. So yeah, it's all over the board!
surprised i was able to fit clement xplor mso 40mm in my focus mares cx with about 3.5-4mm on either side of the chain stay. wheel is a velocity aileron, and the tire measures 40mm inflated
Clear and concise. Good job.
Simple and clear ! Thanks for this content !
Awesome video!
What's the difference between gravel bike and cross country bike? I have a feeling that all these different format of bicycles benefits manufacturers more than actually helps users. wider tyre in gravel bike means more comfort? heck, cross country bike has even bigger tyres and suspensions.for extra comfort.
in my opinion, you don't need the thicker tires for gravel rides and the gravel/cx bikes weigh several pounds less. BUT, having front suspension on a hard tail mtn Bike sure cuts out a lot of hand numbness. Full suspension mtn bike would be awesome for comfort, but not as great for gravel speed.
What i could ride for Gravel and comparative weight
Rigid - Giant TCX Pro 1 (650b/27.5) about 18/19 lbs (fast and twitchy, but very quick acceleration) - hand vibrations are a big problem) - this is a full cyclocross bike(same one Clint has)
Hardtail - Giant XTC SL 1 (29er) about 24.5 lbs (fast and comfortable - 5 lbs more makes it a little slower than the TCX, but it is a rocket ship)
Full Suspension - Giant Anthem Advanced 0 - (27.5) about 25.5 (most comfortable by far, but slowest for straight gravel roads - but is SOOOO fun on single tracks) - if you do get a FS for gravel grinding, get a 29er (make sure you can lock out front and rear shocks)
marketing departments have to justify their paychecks somehow. job security.
Extremely Well presented.
I recently picked up a 2015 Trek crossrip elite as my do everything except mountain biking bike. Hopefully it serves me well.
I'm debating wether I need to buy another bike or would changing the wheels and tires on my felt f40x cyclocross do me any good? I primarily use my bike on smooth roads and trails, hardly ever venturing off road. Would I be better off buying a road bike?
I’m rather disappointed about the new bike I bought. I am new to cycling and therefore I bought the Cinelli zydeco lala just because I liked the way it looked. Riding it though I realized that it is sold as a Gravel bike but the shape of the frame has nothing to do with a gravel bike. So at the end you have a bike that has a cyclocross frame, weighs a lot more then a cyclocross bike (11,2 kg) , hasn’t got internal cable routing, and is generally not comfortable for long gravel rides. What do you think?
My bike is a MTB Merida Big Nine and planning to convert it to gravel bike. I already replaced my tires to 700x40cc. What are the other things or parts to consider to make it or atleast closed to be a gravel bike. Thanks for your answer and more power to your vlog.
That's the main thing unless you want to make it a monster cross bike and put on drop bars. But then you have to replace the brakes and shifters.
could we do a video on the difference between cycle cross , gravel , and adventure bike , I was considering the Trek check point ALR 5 vs the Trek 920 and ended up going with the ALR 5 because of pandemic availability but i feel like im missing out.
anyone else hate the dfuse seatpost on giant bikes?? It does work i guess because it did help me deal with lower back pain but you break it you have to buy since its proprietary and the carbon sells for 160. i mean seats with zerts or seatbost with suspension works just aswell and i can get it anywhere
What about the price comparison for similar class bikes?
hey there. i am thinking about building up a hard-tail 27.5, as a drop-bar. i already have a Ritchey Swiss Cross, and want something slacker, more upright, and able to run fatter tires.
its got plenty of room for 50 x 700c
the frame i'm looking at has a 44mm BB-drop. which from a terrain standpoint, would be quite nice.
but i'm wondering how it will handle with that shallow drop?
That front derailleur cable end!
Right to the point, very clear, thanks
Which bike should I get if I want comfort, speed and lightness since I live on a fifth floor apartment for carrying up and down? I'd appreciate any help. My budget is $1000 or under. I ride in my neighborhood, New York Manhattan and central Park West and some commute to work but just sometimes.
I just bought a Giant contend ar at around a grand definitely glad I did ...look into it loving it a few days in as it is my “first road bike “ being a bigger dude I usually went for mtn bikes which are heavy AF
Do you have any opinions on hybrid bikes? I can't decide between getting a mountain, hybrid, or gravel bike. I want the wide range gears, especially slow gears for soft terrain, but I need some decent road speed, durability, and the utility of carrying supplies on the bike.
seems to me that the difference between gravel and cx is similar to the difference between endurance and race bikes, respectively. it's a compromise between comfort and speed, going fast vs going long.
Lol, I'm fine with my old $40 Trek. You guys have a case of the technology god.
and im fine with my 1€
fixie bike
Is that a hand pump velcroed in with your water bottle holder? If so has it ever slipped out or does it stay well? I saw that and have never thought to put one there.
It’s a special mount that comes with the pump that mounts behind the water bottle cage
Features and there benefits or there dficits.
thanks a lot!
Can you cover the important difference of what bottom bracket drop is and how it's different for each bike? I know CX can be around 60mm and gravel bikes 70-75 mm.
It's an interesting subject and I really didn't go into it on this video because different manufacturers have different viewpoints of bottom bracket drop. Some cross bikes have low bottom brackets and some, like Giant, have higher ones. Think there's a good argument for both. For cross I prefer a little bit higher button bracket so I can pedal through the corners. But it does make the bike feel top heavy.
hey nice description. I live in Nepal. I commute 28 kms. everyday. The road is black topped but it is bumpy. It is almost like gravel road. I like comfort seating position. It takes me about 45 minutes one way. Which one would be better for me? I would appreciate your suggestion.
Unless you plan to race cyclocross I would go with the gravel bike. More stable and you will have options for racks and fenders. You will also most likely be able to run bigger tires in case you want to do so in the winter months.
hello, can you tell me which saddlebag that is?
Great short video!
Maybe someone can help me, I got an Oldtimer Cologne racing bike which I really love but don't like to take onto gravel roads.
Now I am looking for a sporty alternative which can handle gravel roads well but should be real sporty on roads as well.
Should I rather co sider buying a cyclo-cross or a gravel bike?
Cheers and thanks for your help ;)
Personally I would stick with the gravel bike unless you plan to do cyclocross racing.
This was perfect! Thanks a ton!
Great side by side comparison Clint. If you could only add one bike to the stable, would it be cx or gravel?
Tough call. I spend a lot more time riding a gravel bike than I do a cyclocross bike. The cyclocross bike mainly gets used for 12 to 20 races in the fall. But where I live the cross bike with a single chainring does fine. The gravel bike is more versatile because of the gear range but it's lower in the cross course.
and which one is better for road cycling in case i need to do that with any one of them
Cyclocross bike will feel more like a road bike but you'll be limited in gearing if it's a 1X system.
Great commentary, thanks !
Great vid Clint!
I am a beginner biker, What are some cyclocross bikes you recommend for a beginner such as myself?
Cyclocross bikes are pretty straightforward, so I recommend looking at some of the big brands... Kona, Cannondale, Specialized, giant and trek. Just find a local bike shop that you trust that carries one of those brands.
Hey Clint,
I'm planning to buy a bike that can drive fairly good across town and sometimes a little off road, gravel even. But mostly road. Should I buy a Cyclocross or Gravel bike? Maybe even a Road bike? My main point needs to be what rides better, faster and easier on road.
Sorry for my english, and greetings from Berlin
Gravel...if you want to mainly do road rides on it you can get some smaller tires. Then you have a bike that's really versatile.
@@ClintGibbs Thank you, I thought Gravel was better for my purposes but wasnt really sure cause I'm really new to the Bike scene. But you just gave me the last push to order the bike I had my eyes on. Thanks a lot.
Nice info Mr. Gibbs
If i primarely want the bike to be as fast (like a racer) as possible, but dont want a 100% racer. Lets say i like the option of changing tires between racer and one that handles rougher roads. Do i want gravel or cross when riding on asphalt mainly?
I typically recommend a gravel bike for most people who aren't racing cyclocross. It's just a bit more stable and a bit more versatile with wider gear ranges. Your speed is going to be determined by your Tire Choice When comparing those two bikes.
finally some good content on bike
Thank you. That's what I needed to know.
Difference between gravel and touring?
Good stuff. thanks! Im on the verge of buying a cyclecross bike (as I really love how light it feels) but have concerns about its max speeds on downhill roads and limited gears if I ride equally on the road. Would you recommend gravel for my case?
Honestly, I recommend gravel for everyone unless you plan to recr cross or you just like a super light and agile feeling bike.
Good video. Which would also be best to use for pavement rides around town?
Either one with the right type of tires. the cross bike will be a little bit more snappy and aggressive if that's the type of around town riding you do. The gravel bike will feel a little bit more flowy and smooth.
what is the purpose of the frames i have seen that have one of the chain-stays that dip downward near the BB,i presume always on the drive side
It's an asymmetrical chain stay designed to reduce flex in the frame when pushing hard on the cranks.
Good explanations 😎😉
Thanks for clarifying that in the time you did. So no difference in B.B. height between the two?
There is a difference in bottom bracket height between the two bikes, but I've noticed the bottom bracket height is all over the board. Some Cross Bikes have low bottom bracket some have high, so bottom bracket height doesn't really distinguish whether it's a gravel or cross bike. This particular cross bike has a pretty high bottom bracket compared to others I've seen.
I bought a used TREK FX 7,3 , I want to change it around into a gravel bike , so I am wondering do I have to get all new groupset , brakes, shifters, cranks , derelia chain bla bla bla , or can I just get the gravel handlebar and shifter/brake combo that goes onto that kind if steering bar, the groupset that was on is shimano Deore
The max I would do is tires and rims for a start. Then I might consider different front crank ( hopefully you can just replace the gears).
how do you like that mirror on the bike, is it effective ?
Absolutely. I'm actually about to do another review on this mirror in the next few weeks.
Clint great video, I'm looking at picking up a Gravel/Cross bike that I can swap wheels on and be adequate on the road, which of the two would you recommend? Gravel or Cross frame?
Gravel typically has a lower BB (depends on the manufacturer) and will ride more steady on the road. That would be my choice
quick and very welle explained
Great vid! Would an aluminium gravel frame lose it's comfort edge versus a slacker carbon CX bikes like a Cannondale SuperX?
There's a good chance. The aluminum rlt 9 I felt was more harsh than my carbon cyclocross bike.
Really great! Thanks
What's your thought on carbon vs aluminum for a gravel bike frame ? Money not the deciding factor just purely off the frame material?
I prefer carbon. I had an alloy gravel bike, Niner RLT9, and sold it and got the steel version. Then converted to the carbon version.
@@ClintGibbs you should do a video on your thoughts or the differences since you have owned all of them . Gravel bikes the hotness right now so I'm sure it will get views lol I'm just curious because I just got my 1st carbon gravel bike . Only even owned aluminum before this
Great video! Thanks!
Thank you for this. I ride a gravel bike and keep a set of road wheels for quick swaps when I know I'm sticking to asphalt. Would you say a CX bike is better on the road (performance over comfort) than a gravel bike if both had road tires?
I would pick the gravel bike for road because of the geometry. Slacker angles and lower bottom bracket will be more comfortable and stable.
Hey man thanks for the very nice and learnful video! I've got a Focus Mares Al Commuter, cyclocross bike, but actually, it look more like a gravel bike a you decribe in the video, so is kind of perfect for me as i want to make a long long trip on it! Wouldd you have ome advices for me to make it even more confortable than it is?? i found it a bit heavy to ride.
Thank again!
40c tires and thick bar tape should help
Brilliant video thanks!
Great explanation . Thank you..
nice video dude. i'm just wondering about their differences when it comes to their drop bars(flare, width, etc.), are there any?
Typically gravel bikes have more of a flare on the bar, but it's really whatever bar you or the manufacturer choose. There are people who put flared bars on cyclocross bikes.
Got a cx but got an excuse now to buy a gravel bike 🤣 N+1
What are all of the bike types?