Before going to a comprehensive discussion, I would like to start my writing up with a question. What a Gravel bike actually is? Gravel bikes, the most accustomed one that is contemplated as an adventure bike to cyclists. These types of bikes are undoubtedly road bikes that are developed to embark upon different surfaces.
Cyclo-cross is a sort of bicycle racing mainly held every year in the winter and autumn season. It consists of several segments of short courses like 2 km or 3 km. Cyclists have to cycle through the pavement, wooden trails, or grass roads. To participate in this competition, good gravel bikes can be the best choice.
Can you Use Gravel Bikes for Cyclocross?
A group of people thinks that for Cyclocross racing, you must need a Cyclocross bike. In contrast, other groups reckon the good Gravel bikes can be used for Cyclocross racing. But the actual fact is Gravel bikes are evaluations of Cyclocross which holds some own characteristics relying on use and kind of track.
So it is not necessary to dispute the object of whether you can use Gravel bikes or not. There is not much difference between the Gravel Bikes and Cyclocross except tire size, gears, and controller. By altering a few things of Gravel Bikes while participating in the Cyclocross, you’ll be up to use it.
Difference Between Gravel Bikes & Cyclocross
As we mentioned above, there are not many dissimilarities between these two cycles. In this segment, we’ll portray the exaggerated difference between them that we have noticed. So, without any further fuss, let’s get started.
Gravel Tyres VS Cyclocross Tyres
Both Gravel tires and Cyclocross tires possess more textured and broader tires for handling dirt and mud. But there are some subtle differences between the tires of those bikes. Firstly, Cyclocross is under UCI rules, and the tires shouldn’t be above 33 Mm of width. On the contrary, Gravel Bikes are free from the UCI rules, and the tire size of the Bike is up to 47 mm.
Frames Geometry
Understanding different geometry between the two bikes is necessary to know about the design. Cyclocross is one of the most well-built of all designs that can be thrashing around obstacle conditions and muddy fields for thirty to 45 minutes. As we all know that, Cyclocross racing requires stiff and well-defined power transfer, lightweight features, and mud-shedding designs.
Gravel Bikes hold a much wider scope and which is crucial for long day riding within harsh conditions. You’ll get enormous designs within Gravels bikes for different categories like racing, riding, or touring.
Wheelbase of Both Gravel Bikes & Cyclocross
Cyclocross holds a shorter wheelbase, more oversized bottom bracket, and confrontational ride position. Thus, riders can ride over barriers or obstacles easier. In contrast, you’ll get a longer wheelbase and shorter bracket on the Gravel bikes, which is more comfortable than the Cyclocross.
Difference Between Gears
The Gravel bike has an excellent gear, which you can’t find on the Cyclocross bikes. To ride on the mountain heels, muddy rods, or through obstacle conditions, having a wide range of gear is elementary. Thus, most participants use Gravel bikes in Cyclocross racing events.
Why you Need Gravel Bikes for Cyclocross
If you could select one bike, what would it be? You are speculating, aren’t you? Stop thinking about it; here we’ll demonstrate why you should choose a Gravels bike. Let’s look and be clear why Gravel bikes are elementary for Cyclocross racing.
Gravel Bikes are Versatile
Are you looking for the most versatile bike? We prefer using Gravel Bikes; it is one of the most versatile you can purchase. If you intend to ride on mountain trails or rough surfaces, Gravel bikes can help you the most. As the bikes’ tires are big enough, you may be astonished what a Grable bike is strong enough for.
Road riding on a Gravel bike is so fast and comfortable that it is absent on the other types of cycle. If you intend to go touring, don’t worry, it has enough places where you can carry the accessories that you need.
Run Almost Every Tire
Gravels bikes can rustle an entire host of different tire sizes, broadness, shuffle patterns without confronting many difficulties. If you are ongoing 27 in each wheel, several Gravel bikes grab 2.1 in tires. Move to 700c wheels, and you can set near 47 mm tires. It is possible to run something like 30mm tires if you ride on a fast-paced road.
Limited Gearing
Gearing of Gravel Bikes can control the riding discipline. Indeed, gearing for any bike entirely relies on personal choice that can’t work for everyone. However, we assume, Gravels bikes confer you most options in your gearing selections. If you truly intend to get versatile gearing that will assist you in thrashing on the road, then settle gear like 46/30 on the frontwards with 11/ 34 could work perfectly.
Changing Ride Position
It is possible to alter the ride position with the Gravel bikes. Because the geometry of the bikes is more compassionate than the road bikes. It is a bit assaultive in comparison with mountain bikes. This means a Gravels bike invades a perfect balance between the two. You’ll be up to changing your bike into an upgraded focused machine as well.
However, if road riding is affixing on much longer, adding a higher stem or more compressed bars can make your riding smoother. On the other hand, for off-road touring, a short stem can bring a comfier riding position.
Final verdict
We hope you have been clear about whether you can use a Gravel bike for Cyclocross or not. Cyclocross racing is held on muddy, dust, and rough surfaces; thus, you need a well-built bike. In that case, Gravel bikes can be the first preference. Riding on the Gravel bike is smoother and faster than the other bikes. Last thing we assure you that, it is not necessary to use Cyclocross bikes for Cyclocross racing.
