Hi guys. I’ve been having issues with my cheap second hand road bike, and decided that it might be time to upgrade. I have never taken cycling too seriously, mainly going on shorter rides as a means to blow off steam and enjoy nature. With this being said, I’ve also only ever owned cheaper budget bikes. I recently moved away from the city to the suburbs, which out here in AZ means a lot of open desert. For this reason I’ve been looking into gravel bikes.
Would you guys say that a gravel bike is a good purchase for someone who is a bit more casual with cycling, but could see themselves getting more into it (in a training regard)? Should also note that although I live by the desert, I mainly still plan to ride roads. I think the idea of being able to explore a trail I find along the way would be really cool. From what I’ve seen even entry level gravel bikes are pretty pricey, so I figured I would ask and hear some opinions.
The bike I have been looking at: [State 6061 Black Label All Road](https://www.statebicycle.com/collections/gravel-all-road-cross-off-road/products/6061-black-label-all-road-dark-woodland-650b-700c)
Thank you!!!
by DaDaveski
5 Comments
I stumbled into a gravel bike and I freakin love it. It’s a Salasa Warbird and I’m running 38 specialized pathfinders and this bike is faster than my aluminum roadie. I basically only ride the warbird now, my roadie is on a trainer.
I’ve also found that 50-75 mile gravel races are my jam. The gravel community is so chill and nice those races are basically a big party.
I highly recommend.
As for the bike your looking at, I have no experience with it.
I would look into a hybrid if I were l you..same thing but a little better if you aren’t going distances and a more comfortable upright position.
You’re asking us?
Yes you should, I picked up a salsa journeyer just to see if I’d like it and now it’s the most used bike in my collection. I too live at the edge of the desert and it does awesome at crappy arizona paved roads and handles a little single-track when I don’t feel like I need the full squish.
IMO, the Gravel bike and the XC Hardtail MTB are in a close race for the most versatile bike you can buy. I think those two bikes unlock the widest range of riding conditions.
Gravel if you want to lean road, XC Hardtail if you want to lean trail.
Either way though, gravel cycling is dope. Its like road biking but comfortable, no cars, and more fun.