The perfect gravel frame in my opinion…

What is the ideal gravel frame?
What is the best part and tread design to choose for a gravel bike?
These are two questions we often ask in the editorial office and I hear them a lot from friends.

Gravel is a very diverse field, from racing to cycling, so it is not easy to give a single answer. The right thing to do is to learn more about the ideal gravel tire for your application.

However, after trying many bikes and tires, I believe it is possible to determine the type of tire (regardless of brand) that is able to meet the needs of the majority of the audience: Semi-smooth, wide and of course tubeless.

As stated in the title, this is the view of the signatory below (Nicola Ceccarelli) and does not claim to be the absolute truth. Also because, as we will see, there are exceptions…

Ideal gravel frame? At least 700×40

Wide frame allows you to get it. Bigger footprintThus greater traction and greater safety when descending slopes, regardless of the tire design (and this is the most important thing).
By choosing a large section, you can dare to achieve more in terms of tread softness.

In addition, the wide rubber allows you to Amplify to reduce pressureoften approaching two bars. This way The frame structure “works” more strongly and absorbs shocks better, To take full advantage of the comfort and off-road capability of the vehicle.

In my opinion, for most users it is the perfect section. Between 700×42 (hard to find) and 700×45. Measurements ensure a good balance between comfort, softness, grip and weight.
Those who race, try their hand at fast gravel, or simply have limited wheel clearance can opt for the 700×40. The lower, with current gravel bikes, makes no sense in my opinion.
Upper sections may be suitable for very specific uses, such as long rides where comfort must come first. Or for those who only use MTB-like roads, but does it make sense to use them in this way?

All this always and in any case with an internal channel for the edge which for fun, It cannot be less than 23 mm.

Sliding in the middle, covered with mosaic on the sides

I use gravel in a very diverse way and I do not often disdain the tough technical sections bordering on MTB. For this reason, especially until recently, I installed tires with a fairly aggressive design, but which had limits on the tighter sections.

With the use of internal channels and wider tires increasingly, I realized that to get the right feel, you don’t need an overly aggressive design.
This is why there is high quality rubber, with the central part of Semi-smooth tread, combined with a more pronounced side tread, In my opinion this is the best solution for most users.

It allows you to exert less effort on smooth sections (whether asphalt or dirt), but ensures sufficient grip when leaning, especially on “soft” terrain, such as dirt single track. On the most difficult and complex sections, What makes the difference is the pressure, section and compound, at least in dry areas.

If you ride almost exclusively on compact surfaces, the need for wider side grips may disappear. If you need them instead A little bit of securityYou can choose a smoother tire in the back and a knobbier (and possibly wider) tire in the front, as in MTB.

Obviously it doesn’t need…

The ideal gravel tire should be tubeless.

While on the road, the tubeless or tubeless debate may still make sense, it doesn’t in a gravel environment.
Tubeless is the solution we have always recommended and should be the first upgrade to consider for those approaching this niche.

It ensures more comfort, better grip, better traction and above all, Significantly reduces the risk of punctures and pinching.
We do not add anything else, if you want to know more, we refer you to the content below:

Having fun with your gravel bike? Two updates make the difference..

Are poor comfort and constant bouncing making gravel bike riding less enjoyable? Here’s how to fix it

Read all

www.bicidastrada.it

Are there any exceptions? Confirm

Are there exceptions? Definitely yes and the main concern is Muddy roads. In this case, with the semi-smooth tread, it is like stepping on ice.

If you often encounter mule trails or muddy roads in the winter, it may be worth considering a second set of tires. Scattered and more clear. Although when the surface is slippery and there is a lot of mud, no piece can hold up. What you need above all is a handle…

The perfect gravel frame in my opinion: In short

• • Display 700×42/45
• • Semi-smooth tread in the middle, and grooved on the sides
• • Strictly tubeless
• • Medium to high range (unfortunately expensive), thus high quality of compound and carcass

If you like this content on Perfect Gravel Frame, Here you will find other technical tips published on bicidastrada.it