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Cycling in the great outdoors, switching between smooth asphalt roads and gravel paths through colourful fields and woods - that's what defines gravel biking. This growing cycling practice, a cousin of road biking and cross-country mountain biking, is attracting more and more Quebecers who wish to explore the finest gravel trails in the Eastern Townships, the Quebec City region as well as in Gaspésie.
If you too would like to discover new cycling pleasures, here is a helpful guide to familiarize yourself with the equipment and the best gravel biking destinations in the province.
The difference between a gravel bike and a conventional road bike lies in its ruggedness and versatility. Its frame and curved handlebar look similar to those of a road bike, but its tires are wider and feature knobs for enhanced traction on gravel.
The gravel bike is generally equipped with disc brakes to offer greater stability on muddy or gravel surfaces. Many styles feature a single chain ring for ease of use. Last but not least, gravel bikes often feature attachment points for accessories such as water bottles, panniers, mudguards, tools and lights.
Gravel bikes are designed for nature lovers looking for versatility and comfort on all types of terrain. They allow you to leave home on an asphalt road, then join a stone dust bike path before turning onto a gravel-covered country road.
They offer better performance than a hybrid bike for long rides, and greater sturdiness than a road bike, allowing for a wider range of circuit choices. Some even prefer them for longer adventures, such as light cycle touring.
Are you primarily cycling on paved trails but looking for a more comfortable ride than a road bike?
Or perhaps, on the contrary, you prefer to avoid traffic as much as possible and what you love is getting lost on forest paths and less frequented country roads with a high-performance bike?
Unless you are drawn to the adventurous side and are looking for a sturdy two-wheeled companion able to carry your numerous panniers while exploring the wilderness? There are countless aspects to gravel biking; your type of riding will influence your selection criteria in finding the equipment that suits you best.
There are four main criteria for choosing a gravel bike:
1
The frame
In a gravel bike, everything has been designed to meet the specific needs of long-distance rides on unpaved terrain. The frame geometry generally offers good comfort with a higher and more upright position than on a road bike, which puts less tension on the back and shoulders. The frame is also longer, providing more stability on technical sections or uneven terrain. Lastly, it is typically made of one of these three materials: carbon, steel, or aluminum.
Carbon remains the top-of-the-range material choice. It enables to design bikes optimized for weight reduction, while performance and comfort are maximized. Aluminum is a lightweight and affordable material frequently used in bike manufacturing. Steel is a less frequently used material that offers comfort and durability.
Make sure that the frame of your gravel bike can accommodate wheels with tires of the selected width, allowing you to adapt to the terrain you want to ride on.
2
The wheels and the tires
One of the great features of a gravel bike is its versatility. This characteristic is particularly noticeable in the wheels and tires.
In fact, if the frame allows it, it is generally possible to install 650 mm or 700 mm diameter wheels and tires measuring between 32 mm and 47 mm in width. Keep in mind that the thinner the tire, the faster and more performance-oriented it is; the wider the tire, the more it ensures comfort and control.
Some even recommend having two sets of tires, thin and wide, to be able to adapt your bike to the type of ride you are planning. In any case, remember to adjust the tire pressure according to the terrain you will primarily ride on.
3
The transmission
Many gravel bikes come with a single chain ring transmission equipped with an 11 to 13-speed cassette. The advantage of a single chain ring setup is the elimination of the front derailleur, which reduces weight and makes it easy to use with just one shifter. On the other hand, using a double chain ring transmission allows for a wider range of gears, which can be less physically demanding on steep climbs.
4
The choice of accessories
While using a gravel bike is fun for a short ride around the house, it is also the perfect choice for longer rides, from several hours to several days. For that, you will certainly want to leave well equipped (snacks, warm clothes, shoes, sandals, camera, lighting system, camping gear, etc.) and will need accessories to carry everything. Gravel bikes often feature attachment points to fix racks, panniers, bottle cages, and mudguards.
Gravel bikes come in a wide range of prices, from just under $1,000 to a little over $10,000. It all depends on the brand, the quality of materials, and the technologies of the chosen style.
The advantage of a gravel bike is that it is so versatile that it allows you to ride on an impressive variety of terrains. It is suitable for both road and gravel rides, not to mention forest trails if they are relatively wide and free from too many obstructions (roots, rocks, etc.).
In Quebec, several regions are havens for gravel biking. This includes the Eastern Townships, the Gaspésie, the Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Outaouais, the Laurentians, and the Quebec City region.
In recent years, the enthusiasm for gravel biking has grown to the point where several competitive and recreational events have emerged throughout the province. These include La Buckland sur gravelle in Chaudière-Appalaches, the Gravel Bikepacking Challenge 500 (GBC 500) in the Eastern Townships as well as the Big Red Gravel Run (BRGR) in Outaouais.
Once you've selected the gravel bike that suits you, don't forget to complete your gear with these essential items for a successful ride.
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There are countless aspects to gravel biking, and it's important to be properly equipped to fully enjoy its benefits. We encourage you to consult our in-store assistants who will help you choose the equipment you need. Have a great time riding!
