Gravel bikes and road bikes are remarkably similar, but they also have significant differences, with the most noticeable difference being the tire size. Speed is an important factor when comparing two types of bicycles; hence when it comes to gravel and road bikes, you’ll likely want to know, is a road bike faster than a gravel bike?
A road bike is faster than a road bike mainly because of the tires’ width. Gravel bikes have larger tires; hence they form more resistance, which slows the bicycle. However, the difference is marginal in the long run.
If you are curious about gravel bikes and road bikes or looking to get one, you came to the right place.
Is A Road Bike Faster Than A Gravel Bike? How Much Slower Is A Gravel Bike Than A Road Bike?
It isn’t easy to offer a definitive figure because that may vary based on different gravel and road bike models, their build quality, the terrain, and the rider’s experience.
However, gravel bikes are about 1.5mph to 2mph slower than road bikes. Gravel bikes are slower because the wide tires are heavier and catch more wind, creating airflow resistance.
Many gravel bikes have very wide cranks, giving these bikes a wide Q factor, making the cranks more challenging to spin. Cranks in road bikes rarely go over 150mm.
Should I Get a Road Bike or Gravel Bike?
The choice for a bike to purchase between a gravel bike and a road bike depends on the environment it will operate in.
If you generally live within an urban area, which is typically full of paved roads, the obvious choice would be a road bike.
If your setting is much more outdoorsy, in much rugged and rough terrain, then a gravel bike would be better as it can be used on any surface easily. However, let’s take a deeper look into both options.
Road bikes
Road bikes are typically lightweight bikes with narrow tires and dropped handlebars. They have been aerodynamically built to ensure low drag coefficients and are lightweight due to the alloy used in their construction to reduce weight.
The problem is, road bikes are less comfortable and more prone to damage. However, here are the reasons to pick them.
1. High Performing
Most road bikes are purposely built to be used on smoother harder paved surfaces, where top speeds are easily achievable. They usually feature a lot of technological updates, such as disk brakes, which are becoming a norm in road bike manufacturing.
Road bikes are performance and speed-oriented. You can do 45mph in the right conditions, but that will also depend on your riding skills.
2. More durable
The construction quality and maintenance dictate the durability of a bike. However, if we have similar factors, a road bike will last longer than a gravel bike since gravel bikes ride on higher terrains leading to more tear and wear.
If you are looking for a road bike that’s excellent for long-distance riding and high speed, consider the Schwinn Phocus Road Bike (View on Amazon). This bike has 14 speeds, revved-up 700 cc tires that help solve demanding street racing issues and reach top-speed.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes offer a balance between mountain bikes and road bikes, giving you a versatile machine that can shine off and on the road. They are drop-bar bikes with clearances for multiple tire sizes for various riding experiences.
Although they are slower than road bikes, they have the upper hand in some areas.
1. They Are Versatile
Gravel bikes offer optimum performance in less than suitable environments. They usually feature bigger wheels, a bigger spoke, and a bigger frame.
You can fit different tire sizes, tread patterns, and widths to your gravel bike without much trouble if you have two contrasting wheelsets.
The bigger, more rugged wheels are best suited for multiple environments and enable the user to ride through different terrains. If you want to enjoy riding on the road, mountain, or even go touring, a gravel bike will get you there with your luggage.
2. Better Suspension
Gravel bikes have more suspensions because they operate in rough terrain. This gives you better control of your bicycle when riding at a challenging altitude.
Gravel bikes have MTT suspension and use strong lubrication to offer more friction and a better grip. The suspension facilitates a more effective brake application, hence a smooth stoppage.
On the other hand, road bikes don’t create resistance to soft movement and require more momentum to move; thus, higher speeds can be attained.
3. More Comfortable On Poor Roads
Riding a road bike on country lanes and back roads that have been maintained poorly can be pretty uncomfortable. You get more comfort on a gravel bike with wider tires with low pressure.
For more comfort, pick a gravel bike with a bit of flex on its frame, double-wrapped handlebars, and install a shock-absorbing stem and the widest tires. This is especially important if you have some issues with your wrists and hands.
However, gravel bikes are not flawless. It is hard to achieve and maintain high speeds, and you must have extra gear like racks and mudguards to achieve optimal use.
If you decide to get a gravel bike, consider Royce Union Men’s Gravel Bike made of lightweight aluminum, mechanical disk brakes, and Shimano EZ fire-16 speed.
How Can I Make My Gravel Bike Faster?
Here are some modifications you can undertake to make your gravel bike faster.
1. Switch The Construction Material
If you have a gravel bike that features metallic construction, you can swap out those specific parts for lighter and stronger materials that improve stiffness and give smoother rides. This applies to parts like the frames, tire spokes, and even the brake parts.
Such materials can be carbon steel or carbon fiber used in the high-end construction of road bikes. Any weight reduction gives a substantial increase in top speed.
2. Improve Drivetrain
A switch can also be made in the bike drivetrain, changing the gearing system and swapping it with a higher gear drive train. Since a gravel bike can be used on any surface, the alteration will improve the bike’s performance in the road surfaces as well as the more rugged surfaces, such as gravel.
You could even try and swap a road bike gear system with the one in a road bike. The low gear range found on such drivetrains ensures that off-road use is just as good as the gravel bike drivetrain.
3. Improve Aerodynamic Design
If your gravel bike’s frame can be designed using lower drag coefficients in mind, this would significantly increase your gravel bike’s speed ranges in different terrains.
An aerodynamic design enables the bicycle to become easily maneuverable and lowers the air resistance, making the bike more stable.
FAQs
Is Gravel Riding Harder Than Road?
It is more jarring to ride on gravel than the road, so you must rely on your mobility and strength. Your upper body does a lot of the work, so it will take much of the beating.
Can I Make My Road Bike A Gravel Bike?
A road bike can perform a modest gravel grind with the correct conversions. Although you will not have the gravel bike’s slacker, longer geometry, or the option to use wider tires, a few upgrades you can ride your road bike off-road.
Are Gravel Bikes Slower Than Road Bikes?
Gravel bikes are marginally slower than road bikes because of the wider tires, heavier construction, air resistance, and the Q factor.
What’s Good Average Speed On A Road Bike?
10mph is pretty good for a beginner rider, but they should be able to do 15mph quickly. Regular training will get doing higher speeds like 22mph.
Conclusion
So, is a road bike faster than a gravel bike? Road bikes are generally quicker than gravel bikes because they are built for speed and smooth surfaces.
If you must pick between them, consider the intended use. Gravel bikes are more attractive to adventurous riders who like to explore rough terrains for leisure and relaxation.
On the other hand, a road bike will do better in road competition and cycling.
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