In the evolving world of cycling, a question often arises: what truly sets gravel bikes apart from their cyclocross counterparts?
Amidst debates and discussions, some speculate that gravel bikes are merely a passing trend, overshadowing the once-popular cyclocross bikes.
However, this shift in preference raises a pertinent question about the fundamental differences between these two types of bikes.
Are gravel bikes genuinely redefining the landscape of cycling, or are they just a fleeting trend? This article delves into the specifics of gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes, dissecting their distinctions and exploring whether gravel biking is simply taking the place of cyclocross or charting a new path in the cycling world
What are cyclocross bikes?
Cyclocross bikes are specifically designed for cyclocross courses. But why can’t you just use a racing gravel bike? Apart from their intended use, they differ most when it comes to geometry. Cyclocross bikes put you in a more aggressive riding position.
What are gravel bikes?
While gravel bikes generally have a more upright riding position compared to cyclocross bikes. You probably already have a base understanding of what a gravel bike is. Simply put they are a good mashup between a road bike and a cyclocross bike. Essentially a road bike with more relaxed geometry (not in all cases) allowing you to explore those less traveled terrains. They come in a range of different types for all types of riding while cyclocross bikes are solely dedicated to racing.
However, the gravel bike scene is seeing much more innovation and improvement meaning the term gravel bike is synonymous with bikes that are ideal from all-road racing to epic off-road bikepacking adventures. Some only offer tire clearance for 35mm tires while others can fit juicy 2.4″ tires or sometimes even wider.
Gravel Bike Vs Cyclocross Geometry
As you can see from the above geometry chart cyclocross bikes on the left are in red and gravel bikes on the right are in green. There are some significant overall differences between the two types of bikes. The gravel bikes I selected for the example are some more adventure-focused and racer gravel bikes. The first two are more suited to longer-distance bikepacking adventures and events. While the Devote is still decent for bikepacking and is a rather good all-rounder, the Aspero is more racer. But most gravel bikes depict a well-rounded look at differences in geometry across the board.
Steering (Gravel Bike vs Cyclocross Bike)
When it comes to steering there are generally three different types of measurements that we use to identify how a bike steers. Head Tube Angle, Fork Rake (or Offset), and Fork.
When we take a look at the comparison table above we can see that all the results were a mixed bag. On average 71.7 for cyclocross bikes while gravel bikes had 70.8 average headtube angle. Which is what I expected
This smaller angle means slower steering and more effort is required to steer. Cyclocross bikes need faster responsiveness when it comes to steering if you are racing. The Slacker head tube angle on a gravel bike also makes the bike feel more stable. As you can see with the Kona Sutra LTD, this bike has the slackest headtube in the comparison, and it makes sense because this bike is one of the better options if you want a bike for adventure. A heavier load up from this 69.5 angle means better control. With the wheel pushed further out in front of your centre-mass, it adds confidence when riding down steep technical sections making it harder to go over the handlebars.
In comparison with cyclocross bikes, they generally have steeper head tube angles which make for faster steering and less effort required to steer the bike. Which is what you want when it comes to being fast.
When looking at the fork rake, increasing the rake the faster steering, and a shorter rake means slower steering. However, there is more to steering than just rake so it’s not recommended to just base how a bike steers on just the rake measurement.
However, looking at the examples above you can see that the rake measurement is all over the board. and the averages are really close 49 (cyclocross) and 50 (gravel bikes) comparatively.
Head tube angle and rake combined are what we call the trail. This is often the best way to see how a bike’s steering is. You can clearly see that the more adventure-focused gravel bikes have more trail (into the 70’s) which means slower steering than the other cyclocross bike examples. Which makes these gravel bikes more stable than cyclocross bikes. While cyclocross bikes have less trail and offer faster steering. However, some of the racing-focused gravel bikes surprisingly have shorter trails than most of the other cyclocross bikes.
Adventure-focused gravel bikes feel more stable like you are steering from the hips with more leaning. While most cyclocross bikes feel more nimble like you’re steering with your hands.
Also having more trail means gravel bikes handle much better with wider bars. If you wish to run 50mm or wider drop bars you get greater steering leverage and therefore require less steering input when turning.
It’s important to note that most gravel bikes (all-rounder and adventure-focused bikes) are actually good for most bikepacking adventures. Much more superior when it comes to steering compared to cyclocross bikes. Especially if you are after a truly capable bike for off-road cycling adventures rather than just racing.
But if you want a bike for racing, the nuances are more complex when it comes to racing gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes. Which could be a whole other article altogether.
Chainstay & Wheelbase Length (Gravel Bike vs Cyclocross Bike)
In general gravel bikes have longer chainstays and wheelbase lengths when compared to cyclocross bikes. (Approx 433.2 mm average compared to 425.4 mm). A longer chainstay generally means a longer wheelbase. This makes gravel bikes more stable especially if you want to go bikepacking. But also because you will be riding rougher terrain you need that extra stability. Again a longer wheelbase provides more comfort and stability which is what you want when riding off-road. The shorter at the back means quicker and more nimble handling.
Stack/Reach Ratio (Gravel Bike vs Cyclocross Bike)
The stack reach ratio is one of the best ways to see how comfortable and upright a bike would be to ride. This measurement paints the picture of how upright or more performance-focused the bike was designed. Generally, a 1.5 or more upright stack/reach ratio is ideal for those looking to explore days on end and looking for the most optimal on-bike comfort. A smaller stack/reach is best for those looking for performance not worried about being too comfortable compared to the need for speed!
From the data above you can easily see how most gravel bikes are designed with more comfortable stack/reach ratios. Making them better bikes for bikepacking. However, some offer more performance-focused seating positions. And same goes for gravel bikes, many have a comfortable stack/reach numbers while some others are just made to go fast sacrificing comfort. Some cyclocross bikes stack/reach down to around 1.43, while most gravel bikes average around 1.5 and above, with the more racing-focused bikes dropping into the mid-1.45’s and up.
Bottom Bracket Drop (Gravel Bike vs Drop Bar MTB)
When looking at the data for the example bikes above gravel bikes tend to have a lower bottom bracket than cyclocross bikes. However, the numbers can sometimes be all over the board depending on what the manufacturer had in mind. The lower bottom bracket allows gravel bikes to maximize stability however this puts them at risk of pedal strike at times.
This is why most cyclocross bikes have higher bottom brackets when compared to gravel bikes, offering pedal clearance over obstacles when riding a variety of terrains; mud, sand, rocks, and even snow.And sometimes even requiring you to bunny hop at times.
Gravel Bike Vs Cyclocross Bike Geometry Summary
As you can see by all the data in the 10 example bikes above. It is quite clear that most gravel bikes have better-suited geometry for riding rough terrain in comfort as opposed to cyclocross bikes, which main purpose is to get you across similar terrain fast and without all your camping gear.
There are some gravel bikes that are quite similar to cyclocross bikes when it comes to more aggressive riding and going nothing but fast. Which makes it more difficult when it comes to select a bike for your racing needs.
Gravel Bike Vs Drop Bar MTB Specs & Bike Build
Weight and bike material vary and it’s common to find both types of bikes made from carbon, steel, titanium, or aluminum.
Also, weight varies, as some gravel bikes are not that light while others are. However, cyclocross bikes are generally lighter weight in comparison. Approximately cyclocross bikes run 20 pounds / 9 kg or less. While gravel bikes are as light as 7 kg all the way to 13 kg but average around 9.5 kg. Which overall is slightly heavier than your average cyclocross bike.
When it comes to gearing gravel bikes offer a larger range of gearing overall while cyclocross bikes have gearing more suited to mid-range terrain and riding fast. However just because gravel bikes are more suited to adventure cycling and riding with all your camping gear, sometimes the gearing is not ideal. This is why it’s important to check the bike’s gear inches and aim for something around 20″ or lower.
CX bikes are restricted by UCI regulations to a maximum clearance of 33mm. While Most gravel bikes offer around 40 to 45mm tire clearance. While more adventure-focused gravel bikes can run 2.3″ or wider 29er tires. If you want a bike with large tire clearance gravel bikes are your go-to choice.
It’s hard at times to really tell these two types of bikes apart. As the gravel bike space is continually evolving there are more and more capable for racing fast.
Gravel bikes offer a large array of build options for a large pool of potential riding disciplines. Some with larger tire clearance and a more comfortable and upright geometry make the bike feel more stable on rougher terrain when compared to cyclocross bikes, which are solely designed to ride fast on all types of terrain, with comfort falling at the wayside. Making gravel bikes is generally the better option if you want to go bikepacking. But if you want to just go fast these types of gravel bikes are worth checking out.
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