The rise of Gravel Bikes

In recent years, the bicycle industry has been marked by the meteoric entry of gravel bike models. And with good reason! Demand continues to increase, which has led manufacturers to develop new models and on our side to keep a wide availability of gravel bikes with or without electric assistance in stock.

WHY DO WE LOVE GRAVEL BIKES?

Gravel Bikes have become the darlings of cyclists for several compelling reasons. Their versatility is undoubtedly one of the main reasons. Whether you're riding gravel trails or paved roads, Gravel Bikes deliver uncompromising performance.

Their frame is designed to meet the needs of modern cyclists. You can carry more luggage, making it an ideal choice for those who use their bike to commute to work or for cycling trips.

The stability offered by the wider tires is another major advantage. You can carry trolleys or panniers without worrying about losing your balance. Whether you want to offer a free ride to your child or your dog, it’s possible with a gravel bike!

Additionally, wider tires provide a more comfortable ride on a variety of surfaces, making long rides more enjoyable.

TRANSFORM YOUR ROAD BIKE INTO GRAVEL BIKE

With all these benefits, many riders have considered adding a Gravel Bike model to their collection or transforming their existing road bike. For a quick transformation, simply replace the tires or wheels with wide, notched tires, with a section between 35 and 45 mm. However, be careful, your current bike may not be compatible! Road bike frames are often narrower, which can limit the space available for such a tire change.

For a more complete transformation, also consider choosing wider rims. Other adjustments, such as the installation of a more vibration-absorbing handlebar or the replacement of the pedals with a system allowing quicker unclipping, could also be considered. Depending on the intended use of your bike, our specialist maintenance team will be able to advise you accordingly.

However, although converting a road bike into a gravel bike is technically possible, we recommend the opposite. The Gravel Bike offers greater flexibility for a successful transformation. With a wider frame, it's easier to change tires quickly. Thus, the Gravel Bike represents a very attractive option for cyclists wishing to benefit from the advantages of both types of bike in one!

OUR FAVORITE 2024 MODELS

That said, we have selected our three favorite Gravel Bike models to help you make an informed decision.

FOR ITS PERFORMANCE

We are fans of Trek's Checkpoint SLR series models for their very high quality carbon frames, offering exceptional lightness.

The Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap is our most versatile gravel bike, capable of excelling in all disciplines. It was designed to provide stability, control and comfort. Its IsoSpeed ​​system absorbs blows and does not rebound uncontrollably. It is the ideal choice for long distances.

FOR HER STYLE

We love the Argon 18 Dark Matter bike, which is more reminiscent of a mountain bike than a road bike with its more robust frame. The little details of this bike charm us, without forgetting that it is a Quebec product. It offers comfort and stability. The Dark Matter is the perfect choice for beginner gravel bike riders or those who use their bike to commute to work.

IN ELECTRIC VERSION

In the electric version, if the Dark Matter from Argon 18 is suitable but you would prefer an electric model, the Subito Gravel from Argon 18 would be our choice for a fast and agile bike!

FOR ITS LOW PRICE

We've selected Giant's Revolt Series for men and Liv's Devote Series for women as our favorite product lines in terms of value for money.

If you prefer to support a Quebec product, we highly recommend the Gray Matter from Argon 18. As for Trek fans, the Checkpoint ALR series would also be an excellent choice!

TO REMEMBER

The Gravel Bike represents an interesting option for:

• Cyclists who want to use the bike as a means of transportation to get to work or go on a trip.
• Those who want to explore different types of trails without sacrificing performance.
• Families who want to enjoy rides with their children or pets in a cart.
• Although it is possible to adapt a road bike to become a Gravel Bike, we recommend the opposite. If you are considering transforming your bike, do not hesitate to contact our team of mechanics. They will be there to advise you best!