At first glance the
Gravel bicycles and of
Cyclocross They seem similar. Both gather characteristics of road cycling and
Mountain Bike and have a very similar aesthetic. But each of them also has particular elements that end up giving them a very different utility than we can think of starting. While Grailer is a cycling modality that took off just five years ago and focuses fundamentally to cyclo -tourism without asphalting not very technical, Ciclocross is a discipline born much before the Grance and aimed at the competition for high -performance circuits. This makes serious bicycles and cyclocross have elements that favor one or another type of cycling depending on their use. These are the main differences.
Geometry
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(Image: Logan Deborde - Unsplash)[/caption] The first substantial difference between a serious bicycle and one of Ciclocross is in its geometry. That is, what are the measures of the tubes and angles of their unions. On a serious bicycle, geometry seeks to provide more comfort and stability to the cyclist to complete long -distance tours, with a greater wheelbase and a more relaxed angle of the armchair tube. This last peculiarity allows the cyclist to pedal in a more upright and, therefore, more comfortable posture. In addition, the height from the pedalier axis to the ground is lower than in the cyclocross bike, bringing the center of gravity of the bicycle to the ground to add stability to the cyclist. In Ciclocross, however, the center of gravity is higher, which means greater instability, but also more agility and comfort to overcome obstacles. Remember that the cyclocross bicycle is destined to be fast, to be used in short but demanding circuits. On the other hand, its shortest pods and the lowest height of the direction pipe increase agility and contribute to an attack posture that favors rhythm changes and higher speed tips.
The picture
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(Image: Michael Tabolsky - UNSPLASH)[/caption] With regard to the type of construction of the picture and materials used, the serious bicycle is heavier (between 1 and 2 kg more average). They are usually made with more resistant than light materials, such as aluminum or even steel (although there are also carbon models). American brands like
Kona They offer bicycles made with steel
Chromoly, looking for that romantic side of the grave of pedaling for pure pleasure, without worrying too much about the weight and stiffness benefits of the carbon paintings. In the ranges of bicycle of cyclocross, on the other hand, the carbon prevails, which lightens the weight to give sensations to the cyclist of greater rigidity, lightness and agility, fundamental to gain seconds to the chrono. In addition, both wheel steps (the distance between the fork Bar ). Finally, another outstanding feature of the Ciclocross boxes is the straight or flattened section of the horizontal tube, which allows the bike to be taken to the shoulder in the pronounced ramps and so frequent steps of the circuits. The Grance, on the other hand, opts for a more classic, rounded and thick tubes design, in addition to reinforcement elements in tubes unions to increase their resistance, with imported solutions from
Mountain Bike.
The tires
We go to the component chapter, in which tires are of great importance when establishing differences between a serious bicycle and one of Ciclocross. The first usually is mounted with wider and less marked tacos tires. A combination that provides greater stability and adaptation to different lands in the same route (gravel, cobblestones, asphalt or land). Grave Bike tires are more versatile and there are more variety of sizes and width, from classic 700c road wheels to mountain cycling standards such as 650b (27.5 "). Widths usually vary between 30 and 42 mm, to adapt to tours of any technical level. They increase the grip, in addition to large channels between them to quickly evacuate the mud.
The transmission
Another fundamental difference between serious bicycles and cyclocross is in the developments used. Gravels opt for a wide range of developments, with double-plate options (50/34) or monopath (38 to 42 teeth) and 11-42 or 11-36 cassettes of 11 crowns. In the cyclocross, less versatile transmission groups are used, double-dish 46/36 or sear of 40 teeth and cassettes of lower developments rank (11-32, 11-34 or 11-36). It is therefore a combination for competition, aimed at large -state cyclists. In addition, in recent years, with the successful introduction of unique dish transmissions in cyclocross, bicycles have inherited elements of the
Mountain Bike more radical like
Guiacadenas to avoid jumps and exits of the chain.
If you are an adventurous cyclist, who does not think of medium or watt speeds, you like the long bicycle routes or even the stages routes, without a doubt the Grave will fill your needs.
The components
On the other hand, there are also differences between serious bicycles and those of cyclocross in other components and peripherals, such as the handlebars. In the former it is wider (20 mm more with 440 mm models) and with the lower open part that favors descent management and technical steps. On the other hand, in Ciclocross bicycles the handlebar is narrower and with straight tips, as in road bicycles. Other pieces, such as scams, are thicker and heavier for serious bikes, as are the powers, longer and with negative angles in the case of cyclocross. As for the tires, the Grave will have larger internal widths, 25 or 28 mm, a measure necessary to mount wide tires. Finally, in the chapter of the brakes there are more similarities between the two, opting in almost all the new ranges for the discs, although of greater diameter in the case of the Grave (160 mm).
The accessories
In this comparison you cannot ignore the cycloist essence of the Grance, which is embodied in the design of its bicycles. The paintings are prepared as standard to install one or two carriers, and even some brands include the accessory itself in the assembly, while in those of Ciclocross only only the screws to anchor one usually come. In addition, in the braces and vertical tube of the grass of entry or medium range it is common that they have anchors to install a transport and carry saddlebags with luggage.
Grave or Ciclocross, which one to choose?
Taking into account all these aspects, if you have finally decided to enter the wide world of cycling outside the asphalt, without completely neglecting the road, acquiring a serious bike or cyclocross will be the best option. But you must first reflect on what type of exits you want to make and what level you have, before throwing yourself at the purchase. If you are an adventurous cyclist, who does not think of medium or watt speeds, you like the long bicycle routes or even the stages routes, without a doubt the Grave will fill your needs. On the other hand, if what you want is to squeeze on the paths, in short but intense tours, a cyclocross bike is the most appropriate choice. It will allow you to complete your training with the greatest efficiency, although it will also require you to be in a great physical form.
