As the warm days of summer fade away and the white shoes and socks are packed away, it’s almost time to put away the fast bikes. For those of us with a collection in the garage, now it’s time to dust off the winter bike. But wait, before you settle for your usual winter setup, have you considered upgrading to a gravel bike? If not, maybe it’s time.
At Maillot Jaune, we wholeheartedly support the N+1 philosophy because hey, one more bike won’t hurt, right? Plus, with our generous 60% off multi-bike discount, adding another steed to your stable won’t break the bank when it comes to insurance. So here are five reasons why gravel bikes might just be better than your road bike.
To the untrained eye, a gravel bike may look like a regular road bike, but the differences are significant. Gravel bikes are designed to tackle a wide range of terrain: gravel roads, dirt trails, rough pavement, and even light off-road trails. They are designed to be fast, agile and capable on almost any surface.
Gravel Bike Key Features:
Longer wheelbase for better stability and off-road handling.
More clearance for larger tires, providing better grip and comfort.
Disc brakes (yes, most road bikes have them too, but gravel bikes take them to another level).
Reduce speed to help you handle those steep, gravelly climbs.
More relaxed geometry for added comfort, making them ideal for longer, more challenging rides.
Let’s face it, winter roads can be dangerous. Between wet leaves, mud, gravel and potholes, you need a bike that keeps you comfortable and confident. With the wider tires of a gravel bike, you’ll get better traction and a smoother ride, making cold, messy roads more bearable. You don’t have to worry about aerodynamics in winter: what you want is to enjoy calmer routes without sacrificing comfort or control.
With its off-road capabilities and extra grip, a gravel bike gives you the freedom to leave busy roads behind. You can venture out on beautiful bike paths and gravel trails that would be too rough for your road bike. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our selection of Markus Stitz’s blogs here.
Gravel bikes aren’t just for weekend adventures; they also make great commuter bikes. The relaxed geometry, wider tires and clearance for mudguards make a huge difference on urban roads, especially in less than ideal weather. Additionally, many gravel bikes come with rack or frame pack mounts, allowing you to carry your gear without resorting to a bulky backpack or flashy jersey pockets. And when it comes to dodging potholes or jumping over road obstacles, gravel bikes excel where road bikes might struggle.
Adventure bikepacking is all the rage these days, and a gravel bike is your best friend if you’re planning a self-guided mini-tour. The versatility and comfort of gravel bikes make them ideal for long trips over unpredictable terrain. For more inspiration, check out Markus Stitz’s books on British gravel roads: a great read, and maybe even a Christmas gift idea for the adventurer in your life!
Let’s be honest: no bike is perfect for everything. A gravel bike won’t be as fast as your aero road bike, nor as capable off-road as a dedicated hardtail. But can it do a little bit of everything? Absolutely. That’s why it’s so popular. With an extra set of wheels, you can transform your gravel bike from an off-road warrior into a fast, road-ready machine. It’s like having two bikes for (almost) the price of one!
As the saying goes: “A jack of all trades is master of none, but he is often better than a master.” » A gravel bike embodies this versatility. And at a time when many of us are looking to consolidate or simplify, trading in a few bikes for one bike that does it all might just be your smartest move.
Do you agree? Or do you think the bike industry is just inventing solutions to problems we’ve never encountered? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget that at Yellow Jersey we offer comprehensive bike insurance, including coverage for gravel riding anywhere in the world. Need help? Call our support team on 0333 003 0046