![]() ![]() Long days spent at a moderate effort are made more intriguing when you can ride on new roads out in the countryside. This makes gravel grinding perfect for building your aerobic base. As you get out and explore, you’ll likely find that you want to ride longer to see what’s around the next bend. In the long term, this can help you stay in the sport longer by keeping things fun and avoiding burnout.īuilding your aerobic base is another way an adventure bike can make you a better cyclist. On adventure bikes, the dirt roads and bumpy paths that you have avoided on your tri bike can be explored to open up an entirely new set of routes. The monotony of riding the same roads can drive down your motivation. The very name of this category of bikes-“adventure”-hints at one major benefit: variety. The point of having a bike like this is not only that it can do many different things, but that it can actually help you become a better cyclist. The races range from 20 to 200 miles and mix racing with a sense of adventure. You can race them, or simply enjoy a well stocked long ride with others. These events are like Gran Fondos, but on a mix of pavement, dirt roads and sometimes trails that have become increasingly popular. Of course there are also gravel races, known commonly as gravel grinders. In addition to hitting the unpaved road, you can commute, race cyclocross and-yes-even ride on the road. All of this makes what can be considered the Swiss Army knife of bikes. In the back, wide range cassettes are used to give you the ability to tackle whatever gradient the trail throws at you. Gearing options are more sporadic, ranging from a compact road 50/34 to a 46/36, and some bikes simply go with only one front chainring. This creates a smoother ride and gives you better control. ![]() ![]() To achieve those qualities, these bikes have a longer wheelbase, more relaxed geometry, have clearance for wider tires and are often set up for tubeless tires. Overall, these bikes are designed with compliance and comfort in mind. Adventure bikes (also called gravel bikes) meet the needs of these explorers by offering a mix of road bike efficiency with mountain bike comfort and gearing. In the past few years, riders have increasingly wanted to explore new roads, and often those roads were not paved. However, the case can be made easier when that bike can perform multiple functions and help you get faster. For triathletes who own only a triathlon bike, considering a second bike can be hard to justify. Not only is it expensive, but it takes up plenty of room in your garage, basement, and maybe even your living room. Triathletes struggle with the mountain of gear that is necessary to perform just the basic functions of the sport. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! ![]()
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