#gravel-cycling

#gravel-cycling

Gravel cycling is going through an interesting period of growth right now, and the line between gravel and MTB is a blurry one. We're seeing full-suspension XC mountain bikes equipped with drop bars, and increasingly more voluptuous tires in the sport. The new RockShox Rudy XL is here to blur the lines even more. How long before there's no difference between gravel and MTB? Are we just on a circular path like the Oroborus?

Specialized continues to redefine what's possible in gravel cycling with the launch of the Diverge 4, a bike designed for those who thrive on adventure, embrace rugged terrain, and chase the kind of rides that last all day - and sometimes all night. Positioned as the ultimate escape machine, the Diverge 4 blends speed, comfort, and capability into a single package built for riders who demand performance on every surface, from washboard backroads to flowing singletrack.

"Sure, you can get away with road or MTB shoes for gravel racing," says Pete Stetina, SHIMANO pro gravel racer who assisted in the development of the RX910 shoes. "But to optimize for gravel performance, we need a light and stiff shoe that has a solid contact patch for steady power transfer plus the capability to handle the occasional hike-a-bike or muddy race."

The DOGMA GR is the product of UCI gravel racing, designed for riders seeking a bike that blends road and gravel performance. It emphasizes speed and aerodynamics.

"The gravel space and environment has changed a lot, going back just four years. The beauty of it for me was that you could have a pretty balanced lifestyle, still be competitive - you weren't doing 30 to 40-hour weeks."

The Canyon/DT-Swiss gravel fork collaboration is moving to production, featuring a reverse arch design for enhanced performance on mixed terrain, highlighting innovation in gravel bike technology.

As gravel continues to grow as a discipline so too does the formal recognition of top riders from among its ranks and it's not just the rainbow striped jersey that comes with a world title in the discipline that is up for grabs.

Endura's GV500 Reiver cargo bibshorts offer adaptable off-road clothing for gravel cycling, combining durability with a design intended for various cycling styles.

Scribe Cycling revolutionizes cycling with hand-built performance wheels, combining wind-tunnel results and rider input, all while remaining industry-competitive in price.