Gravel

When people think of a gravel bike made of carbon, they usually have the weight in mind. Several hundred grams saved compared to aluminum frames speak for themselves – especially when going uphill. But carbon has other advantages as well: It makes the frame extremely stiff for direct power transmission. In addition, it can be flexibly designed in desired places to provide more comfort. The fact that carbon is more sensitive than aluminium is only true to a limited extent. Nevertheless, if you use your gravel bike as an everyday bike and park it frequently, you might be better off with an aluminium frame.

When it comes to the drive, opinions differ: The trend is clearly towards the single drive, where there is only one chainring in front. The advantages: Easier shifting off-road, less weight, fewer sources of error. On the other hand, for those who want to cover many miles on the road and value fine shifting and constant cadence, double drives are worth considering. Whether you want to shift mechanically or electronically is also up to you. The modern electronic systems only work with a full battery. In return, there are no shift cables and the gears run faster, quieter, more effortlessly and more reliably. Once ridden, few shift back. More about gearshifts.

Fast, all-terrain and long-distance capable: A gravel bike is made for multi-day cycling adventures. Even when fully packed, you remain agile enough to really step on the gas – whether on or off the road. To avoid wasting space in your bike bags, all BACKROAD models also have numerous mounting points on the frame and fork – for bottle cages, luggage racks and much more. So everything stays in place even over hill and dale.

If you ride in all weather conditions or regularly carry luggage, mudguards and / or luggage racks can also be useful on the gravel bike. For this purpose, all BACKROAD models have corresponding attachment points to mount both safely. Who basically wants a luggage rack and mudguards for their gravel bikes, the BACKROAD, BACKROAD AL and BACKROAD+ are also available in an EQ version (EQ for equipped = equipped). Here the mudguard and luggage rack are already pre-assembled.

Like most sports bikes, gravel bikes have to withstand high forces while remaining as stiff as possible to efficiently convert your pedal power into propulsion. Offering women's models with a low top tube would therefore be at the expense of durability and performance. However, all BACKROAD models have a slightly sloping top tube, which reduces the standover height compared to classic diamond frames. For less tall women and men, the BACKROAD is also available in up to 50 cm frame height, the BACKROAD AL even in up to 46 cm frame height.

Gravel bikes usually have road handlebars, called drop bars. These offer plenty of grip options and put you in an aerodynamic riding position. If you want to experience the versatility of a gravel bike in a more relaxed position instead, the BACKROAD FLATBAR or BACKROAD+ FLATBAR could be your bike. The flat handlebars give you a wide, controlled grip with a more upright riding position – ideal for sporty, fast touring or your daily commute.

Or you can take it easy – with our concept bike HOBO. It has a robust retro steel frame and can be ridden playfully but very relaxed with its flat bar bent slightly backwards. Like the BACKROAD models, the hip steel gravel bike also offers many attachment points and even the option of attaching a front rack.

Are you unsure which gravel bike suits you? You can also test all gravel bikes on site in the ROSE Biketown Bocholt – or visit us in one of our stores or shop-in-shop areas in over 15 cities in Germany and Switzerland. You can easily check the availability of the gravel test bikes in advance on our store pages. Here you also have the possibility to make an appointment for a test ride directly. If you are already sure, you can of course also conveniently buy your gravel bike online – or, if you prefer, make an appointment in advance with our telephone support.