{"id":45718,"date":"2023-01-16T18:00:43","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T17:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=713158"},"modified":"2023-01-16T19:34:10","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T18:34:10","slug":"gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Gravel-specific everything and endless bickering about rules | 6 gravel cycling trends and predictions for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Jack Luke\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 16 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body> <p>2022 brought heaps of exciting new gravel tech and plenty of trends to talk about, but there\u2019s more to come for a discipline that is, in many ways, still finding its feet.<\/p>\n<p>What will the gravel races of the future look like, and how can they be run safely? Who is eligible to compete in these events? What does the modern <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes\/&quot;\">gravel bike<\/a> look like? And what the heck even is \u2018the spirit of gravel\u2019?<\/p>\n<p>These are all questions gravel racers, bike brands and governing bodies will need to tackle in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Among lots else, we predict this tireless debate will result in yet more gravel-specific components and endless bickering at the top tier of the sport \u2013 at least it keeps us in a job!<\/p>\n<p>You can listen to the thoughts of Jack, Ash and special guest Ben Delaney in the podcast below, or read on for more of our 2023 gravel cycling trends and predictions.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"&quot;Our\" gravel=\"\" tech=\"\" trends=\"\" and=\"\" racing=\"\" predictions=\"\" for=\"\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/embed.acast.com\/bikeradarpodcast\/our-gravel-tech-trends-and-racing-predictions-for-2023&quot;\" width=\"&quot;100%&quot;\" height=\"&quot;180px&quot;\" scrolling=\"&quot;no&quot;\" frameborder=\"&quot;0&quot;\" style=\"&quot;border:none;overflow:hidden;&quot;\"\/>\n<h2>Jack Luke | Suspension tech won\u2019t go mainstream<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-669659\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/32TC-FOX-09-2100x1400-3cecbec5-0327-4e8e-b0ce-1eb3112a98fa-2810818.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Does the gravel bike of the future look like this? We\u2019re not so sure.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Fox<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gravel bikes got squishier than ever in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Last year saw the arrival of suspension-equipped bikes from <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/lauf-seigla-review\/&quot;\">Lauf<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/bmc-urs-lt-one-review\/&quot;\">BMC<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/berria-belador-allroad-ltd\/&quot;\">Berria<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/yt-szepter-core-4-first-ride-review\/&quot;\">YT<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2023-specialized-diverge-str\/&quot;\">Specialized<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We also saw <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-suspension\/&quot;\">gravel-specific suspension forks<\/a> relased by <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/fox-32-tc-gravel-fork\/&quot;\">Fox<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/hiride-sterra-gravel-suspension-fork\/&quot;\">HiRide<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/intend-samurai-fork\/&quot;\">Intend<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/cane-creek-eesilk-stem\/&quot;\">Cane Creek<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/seatposts\/redshift-shockstop-pro-rt-seatpost-review\/&quot;\">Redshift<\/a> and others released suspension-ish products, all of which aim to improve on-bike comfort.<\/p>\n<p>All of this tallies with our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-gravel-bike-trends\/&quot;\">2022 gravel tech predictions<\/a> (clearly we\u2019re either cycling soothsayers or good at guessing).<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-708114\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/12\/Ribble-Gravel-725-Pro-18-82e87fa.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> I\u2019m yet to see a single suspension-equipped gravel bike while out riding.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>While the industry has pumped loads of investment into gravel suspension tech, I don\u2019t think the public has bought into the concept as a whole, and I\u2019m doubtful they will for some time.<\/p>\n<p>For example, I\u2019m yet to see a single suspension-equipped gravel bike on my local trails \u2013 by that I mean the likes of a Lauf Seigla, or a bike fitted with a RockShox Rudy or Fox Taper-cast fork.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s surprising as south west England\u2019s generally boggy, steep, muddy and rough \u2018gravel\u2019 trails are just the place one might expect to see a suspension-equipped gravel bike.<\/p>\n<p>While comments rarely reflect the majority view, the discussion on any article or social post we publish about gravel bike suspension is usually\u2026 well, mixed.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m definitely not dismissing suspension on gravel bikes as a concept \u2013 you only need to look at mountain bikes to realise that adding suspension to an off-road bike is a logical next time \u2013 but the previously predicted takeover of squashy bits is some way off.<\/p>\n<h2>Ben Delaney | Gravel goes all in on the mullet \u2013 in events and bikes<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-683204\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/06\/Ivar-Slik-69468d2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Races such as Unbound are serious business now (in both senses of the word), but there will still always be space for the \u2018completers\u2019.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Life Time<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Business in the front, or party in the back? For 2023, the spirit of gravel says: both.<\/p>\n<p>Gravel events continue to proliferate around the globe, and as more pro road and mountain bike riders gravitate towards the space, the front end is pointier than ever at the big races.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, at The Big Race (<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/events\/unbound\/&quot;\">Unbound Gravel<\/a>), the pro men and women <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/unbound-aero-bars\/&quot;\">now have separate starts from the masses<\/a> (the single, mass start has been a hallmark of virtually all gravel races for years, with no separation by gender or category).<\/p>\n<p>Still, gravel events draw far more completers than competers, so the one-big-mob vibe should continue to thrive.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, we\u2019re seeing further nichification from bike brands with gravel bikes. We\u2019ve got fast gravel, adventure gravel and do-it-all gravel machines now in a category that not too long ago was met with the question: Why not just ride a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-cyclocross-bikes\/&quot;\">cyclocross bike<\/a> or <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike\/&quot;\">mountain bike<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>I suspect gravel bikes that are fun for everyday riding but still work for <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/gravel-racing\/&quot;\">racing<\/a> will prove most popular. Perhaps that\u2019s just my bias, because that\u2019s my preference.<\/p>\n<p>So, similar to Jack\u2019s theory that squishy gravel won\u2019t catch fire in 2023, I don\u2019t see outliers such as the aero but 650b-compatible <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/3t-exploro-ultra\/&quot;\">3T Exploro Ultra<\/a> putting much of a dent in the sales of straight-up-the-middle bikes such as the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-bike-of-the-year-road-gravel\/&quot;\">Giant Revolt<\/a> or the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-trek-checkpoint\/&quot;\">Trek Checkpoint<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Ashley Quinlan | There will be a gravel tyre development race<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-667288\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/gravel_tyres-a6b9b12.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gravel tyre tech will come on leaps and bounds in 2023, says Ash.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Robyn Furtado \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>We all know <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-tyres\/&quot;\">gravel tyre<\/a> choice is one of the most important factors when it comes to performance (and enjoyment).<\/p>\n<p>We see it all the time in <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/fitness-and-training\/cyclocross-racing\/&quot;\">cyclocross racing<\/a>, for example, where <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/cyclocross-tyres\/&quot;\">tyre choice<\/a> can make or break your ride. Roadies, meanwhile, are often looking for tiny improvements in grip, rolling resistance, comfort, ride feel and more.<\/p>\n<p>Even in mountain biking, tyre choice is a deeply personal thing.<\/p>\n<p>With gravel growing so quickly, and a performance edge now derived from the rise of UCI-sanctioned events, I think we could see a tyre development race ensue.<\/p>\n<p>Where surfaces are constantly changing, and grip levels are at a premium, I think this is where race battles will be won or lost.<\/p>\n<p>It won\u2019t necessarily be because a rider is fundamentally stronger, more wily or a supreme bike handler, but if they win it\u2019ll be because they\u2019re using a tyre that enabled them to ride fast and efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>When you consider how much energy can be wasted by non-optimal traction, especially over the course of a long-distance gravel race, this is where the biggest gains can be made.<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the coin, you have your Ben Delaney-coined completers. And whether you\u2019re a completer riding to some kind of performance goal, or just want to enjoy the ride and finish, the tyres you use will play a huge role in determining how much fun you\u2019re going to have.<\/p>\n<p>I don\u2019t know about you, but that\u2019s the main reason I ride gravel.<\/p>\n<p>I expect to see keen development in carcass design and compound choice, as well as tread pattern more specifically tuned for the varying demands of a gravel rider (and, yes, gravel racer, yuk!).<\/p>\n<h2>Liam Cahill | We\u2019ll spend the whole year arguing about gravel rules<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-713160\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1243848057-50a5cc8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Is this what the future of gravel racing looks like? Who knows.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>\tMASSIMO FULGENZI \/ Contributor<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The corner of cycling that sprang to life with a healthy disregard for the rules has increasingly reached its difficult teen years and the arguments have started.<\/p>\n<p>As per usual, it seems to be at the pointy end of events where the issues have arisen.<\/p>\n<p>Gravel pros will naturally want to be as efficient as possible. However, their inability to reach a gentleman\u2019s agreement to not use aero bars in mass-start events resulted in Unbound race organisers banning them.<\/p>\n<p>Then the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/2022-uci-gravel-world-championships-podium-bikes\/&quot;\">Gravel World Championships<\/a> will roll around and some people will be up in arms because the course isn\u2019t gravelly enough. Others will lament the presence of professional road riders. The Gravel Worlds, after all, must surely be reserved for retired racers and Instagram influencers, no?<\/p>\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel will turn up on his road bike again, prompting outrage from everyone who has purchased, or is sponsored to use, a bike with any form of suspension.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, I foresee another year of needless, baseless and frankly annoying arguments within the gravel racing and events world.<\/p>\n<p>That is, unless you just go out and ride your gravel bike in nature, without a care for these petty arguments.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"&quot;Gravel\" world=\"\" championships:=\"\" best=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" tech=\"\" width=\"&quot;200&quot;\" height=\"&quot;113&quot;\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lqT3nf-AnR4?feature=oembed&quot;\" frameborder=\"&quot;0&quot;\" allow=\"&quot;accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" web-share=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2>Warren Rossiter | Gravel-specific gets even more gravel-specific<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-691628\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/07\/Shimano-RX6-gravel-cycling-shoes-2-949cfd1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> If it\u2019s khaki or camo, you can almost certainly guarantee it\u2019s gravel-specific.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>I predict brands will invest more time designing proper <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-clothing\/&quot;\">gravel kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To start, we\u2019ll hopefully see the end of super-stiff XC shoes \u2018adapted\u2019 as <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bike-shoes\/&quot;\">gravel shoes<\/a> (ie, making them available in sand or khaki).<\/p>\n<p>Shoes with more flex in the sole are better for gravel, better when you\u2019re landing a drop, better for damping vibrations and better for the inevitable hike-a-bike sections on any adventurous gravel ride.<\/p>\n<p>Clothing will continue to be designed with smarter gravel-specific design features \u2013 again not just road Lycra in muted colours or mountain bike kit in the same.<\/p>\n<p>Smarter thinking and designs based on proper feedback will be released. Some smaller brands such as 7mesh, Maap, Isadore and Q36.5 are already pushing more considered designs, as are some of the bigger players, including Castelli\/Sportful and Endura.<\/p>\n<p>More gravel-specific components will come too \u2013 saddles, bar tape, pedals, bars and comfort-giving hardware such as posts, bars, stems. And yes, we\u2019ll see even more suspension fork options.<\/p>\n<h2>George Scott | Gravel bikes will divide and conquer<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-664433\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/02\/surly-ghost-grappler-hero-0befa36.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> There\u2019s a gravel bike for everyone\u2026 but how do you work out what\u2019s right for you?<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Surly <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>What is <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/what-is-gravel-riding\/&quot;\">gravel riding<\/a>? For many dipping their toe into this fast-developing discipline, it involves very little gravel. You know, (gravel, noun) small stones, often used to make the surface of paths and roads \u2013 that stuff.<\/p>\n<p>With \u2018gravel\u2019, in the cycling sense, being born out of the past decade, any machine designed for multi-terrain riding has been lumped into a single \u2018gravel bike\u2019 category.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re buying a gravel bike, you need to choose your fighter wisely, based on an honest appraisal of where you\u2019re riding and what you want it for.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"&quot;How\" are=\"\" these=\"\" both=\"\" gravel=\"\" bikes=\"\" scott=\"\" vs.=\"\" surly=\"\" width=\"&quot;200&quot;\" height=\"&quot;113&quot;\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lACvN0Q05u8?feature=oembed&quot;\" frameborder=\"&quot;0&quot;\" allow=\"&quot;accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" web-share=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p>Take the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-scott-addict-gravel\/&quot;\">Scott Addict Gravel<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-surly-ghost-grappler\/&quot;\">Surly Grappler<\/a> \u2013 two bikes that we pitted head-to-head on our YouTube channel last week. They are both ostensibly gravel bikes but cater for very different riders, with very different design choices that influence where one excels and the other falters.<\/p>\n<p>However, we are seeing the increased divergence of gravel into sub-categories, and that\u2019s only going to continue.<\/p>\n<p>There will still be grey areas \u2013 all bikes exist on a spectrum, after all \u2013 but clearer groupings will emerge from muddy waters, from aero go-fast gravel at one end to suspension-equipped, big-tyred <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure\/&quot;\">bikepacking bikes<\/a> (okay, it\u2019s a drop-bar hardtail) at the other.<\/p>\n<p>With that, we\u2019ll also see more brands launch a second gravel bike to provide an alternative option to its original take on the genre.<\/p>\n<p>Take <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/specialized-s-works-crux-review\/&quot;\">Specialized\u2019s launch of the Crux<\/a> as a super-light, pared-back (and damn exclusive) gravel bike to complement the Diverge, with its FutureShock headset suspension.<\/p>\n<p>As for Canyon, the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/canyon-grizl-al-gravel\/&quot;\">Grizl<\/a> arrived as a more rugged version of the Grail, with additional mounting points and wider tyre clearance.<\/p>\n<p>Expect more of the same in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Jack Luke Published: Monday, 16 January 2023 at 12:00 am 2022 brought heaps of exciting new gravel tech and plenty of trends to talk about, but there\u2019s more to come for a discipline that is, in many ways, still finding its feet. What will the gravel races of the future look like, and how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":45719,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023.jpg",1800,1200,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/01\/gravel-specific-everything-and-endless-bickering-about-rules-6-gravel-cycling-trends-and-predictions-for-2023.jpg",1800,1200,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Jack Luke Published: Monday, 16 January 2023 at 12:00 am 2022 brought heaps of exciting new gravel tech and plenty of trends to talk about, but there\u2019s more to come for a discipline that is, in many ways, still finding its feet. What will the gravel races of the future look like, and how&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/45718"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45719"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}