{"id":50666,"date":"2023-06-05T16:00:42","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T14:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=732603"},"modified":"2023-06-05T16:36:21","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T14:36:21","slug":"unbound-2023-gravel-tech-mega-gallery-tyre-choices-puncture-precautions-aero-bars-custom-hacks-and-lots-of-mud","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/unbound-2023-gravel-tech-mega-gallery-tyre-choices-puncture-precautions-aero-bars-custom-hacks-and-lots-of-mud\/","title":{"rendered":"Unbound 2023 gravel tech mega-gallery | Tyre choices, puncture precautions, aero bars, custom hacks and\u2026 lots of mud"},"content":{"rendered":"

Strap yourselves in for our Unbound tech bonanza <\/p>

By Ben Delaney\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 05 June 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Unbound is the world\u2019s most important gravel race, with the 200-mile distance serving as the marquee event for the Life Time Grand Prix series that has $250,000 on tap. There is also the 350-mile XL, plus 100-, 50- and 25-mile events.<\/p>\n

Held on the rolling Flint Hills outside Emporia, Kansas, the race is notorious for tough conditions.<\/p>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s blisteringly hot and humid; some years it pours rain. Perhaps the most difficult is when rain hits dirt roads that don\u2019t drain well, and soupy mud turns to ultra-sticky, peanut-butter mud that brings wheels and riders to a standstill, and ejects chains from chainrings.<\/p>\n

While the forecast for this weekend\u2019s race was largely dry, rain the day before sent many riders scrambling for thinner tyres for better mud clearance. And boy did they need it. Conditions for Unbound 2023<\/a> made for a particularly challenging edition of the event \u2013 for riders and their bikes alike.<\/p>\n

Tyre selection varied wildly; some riders had 38mm slicks, and others had 2.1in knobbly tyres. Outside of the 70 Grand Prix competitors, gear selection is an even wider cornucopia, with everything from singlespeeds to fat bikes and tandems seen in the Flint Hills.<\/p>\n

\""New\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
We\u2019ve already brought you news of Shimano GRX 12-speed and what we believe to be a new Canyon Grail (pictured). Now it\u2019s time for all of the tech details.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve already covered the new Shimano GRX groupset<\/a> and the new Canyon Grail<\/a> spotted at Unbound, so let\u2019s get into the tech detail.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our Unbound 2023 gravel tech mega-gallery, covering everything from tyre choices and puncture precautions, to aero setups and custom hacks, as well as the bikes of some of the fastest riders in the race.<\/p>\n

Tyre choices<\/h2>\n

No other piece of gear is more discussed or fretted over at Unbound than tyres. While the top riders are limited to their sponsor\u2019s options, there are still myriad choices for tread, width, pressure and the use or tyre inserts<\/a> or not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With rain soaking parts of the course and rendering some miles-long stretches difficult if not downright unrideable, many riders opted for skinnier than usual tyres, in an attempt to cut through the mud and leave additional clearance between the frame and tyre. A few riders ran a knobbly tyre up front and a slick in the rear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Lachlan\"<\/picture><\/div>
Lachlan Morton of EF\u2019s Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE features a 2.1in front and a 44mm rear tyre.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
A 44mm rear\u2026<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""...\"<\/picture><\/div>
\u2026 and a 2.1in front.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lachlan\"<\/picture><\/div>
Lachlan Morton\u2019s cockpit with a Wahoo front and centre.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""WorldTour\"<\/picture><\/div>
WorldTour riders push bigger gears than the rest of us, even in the mud.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Not\"<\/picture><\/div>
Not only mud but tall grass found its way into every bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Lachlan Morton chose a mismatched tyre setup. <\/span>He paired a 44mm rear tyre with a massive 2.1in front tyre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Morton ran the Vittoria Terreno Dry up front, with a slightly more knobbly tyre on the rear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note also his wheel choices. A 60mm-deep Vision Metron front wheel was likely there to eke out every aero saving possible. A lower rear wheel might have been chosen for weight-saving purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Grand\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Grand Prix racer Innokenty Zavyalov ran full slicks, sizing down for the mud.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

While there were muddy parts of the course, the overall theme was still for a fast race, so riders tended to stick to slick, or semi-slick treads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Innokenty Zavyalov, for example, ran full slicks, simply sizing down for the mud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Specialized Pathfinder Pros are popular tyres in gravel for sponsored and non-sponsored riders alike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With a number of Specialized-sponsored riders taking part, there were a good number of the company\u2019s Pathfinder tyres on display. They\u2019re a popular option for non-Specialized riders, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Tobin\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tobin Ortenblad ran a 40mm Maxxis Rambler tyre on the front and a slick on the rear.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Intermediate treads were also popular, with riders aiming to combine traction in the mud with fast-rolling speed anywhere else. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Maxxis Rambler<\/a> was a common sight, while the Schwalbe G-One RS<\/a> is another Unbound favourite having been launched at the race last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""New\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
New Pirelli gravel rubber, the Cinturato Gravel RC, for Larry Warbasse. Pictured pre-race, of course.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

AG2R\u2019s Larry Warbasse, meanwhile, was rocking a set of Pirelli Cinturato RC X tyres.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pirelli launched the Cinturato Gravel RC last year<\/a> as a mountain bike-inspired gravel tyre, with a heavily lugged tread pattern for grip.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re not familiar with the \u2018X\u2019 version used by Warbasse, though. Is this a new tyre?<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Slick\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Slick centres with small shoulder tread is a popular style for fast gravel racers.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Puncture precautions<\/h2>\n

Unbound takes place over the Flint Hills of Kansas and, well, the clue is in the name.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ride a bike through these hills of flint and you\u2019re almost guaranteed an enforced rest to fix a puncture.<\/span><\/p>\n

With no follow car to bail riders out, having tubeless tyre plugs (aka bacon strips) at the ready is key for anyone who wants to stay at the sharp end \u2013 and anyone who just wants to survive the race.<\/p>\n

\""Geniune\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Genuine Innovations bacon strips and tool at the handy for plugging punctures on Lachlan Morton\u2019s bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Fixing a tubeless puncture<\/a> quickly is crucial in a race, so several riders opted to tape Genuine Innovations\u2019 bacon strips to the front of their bike, ready to plug a flat. Others had little Dynaplug canisters at the ready on their bike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lachlan Morton had two bacon strips already in their plugging tools, taped to his Di2 cables on the handlebar, ready for the fastest deployment. An F1 engineer would be happy with that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Tobin\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tobin Ortenblad\u2019s tubeless tool caught plenty of mud.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tobin Ortenblad, meanwhile, had his tubeless plug tool strapped to the seatpost, which might seem like the muddiest place possible to mount a tool.<\/p>\n

\""Finsterwald's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Russell Finsterwald\u2019s bacon strips taped onto the brake hoses. And caked in mud.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

That is, until you see Russell Finsterwald\u2019s effort. His bacon strips, wrapped around the brake hoses, were completely caked in mud by the finish. At least it looks as though he didn\u2019t need them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""New\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Is that mud\u2026?<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Storage solutions<\/h2>\n
\""Jam-packed\"<\/picture><\/div>
Jam-packed for 24 hours of racing.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Apidura\"<\/picture><\/div>
Apidura storage aplenty for Geoffrey Langat.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
A seat for 24 hours, then a trash holder for a few minutes.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Unbound is one of the toughest single-day races on the calendar, subjecting both bike and body to an almighty test. Preparation is key \u2013 and that means having everything you need for, in the case of Unbound XL riders, 24 hours or longer in the saddle.<\/p>\n

Some of the racers in the shorter distances will get away with storing their essentials in their jersey pockets \u2013 but once you get up to the 200- and 350-mile distances, you\u2019re likely to need a bag or two.<\/p>\n

\""Laurens\"<\/picture><\/div>
Laurens ten Dam\u2019s Specialized S-Works Diverge STR.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""The\"<\/picture><\/div>
The new Diverge STR has three suspension settings.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
A 4iiii crank-mounted power meter for ten Dam.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""329km\"<\/picture><\/div>
329km for Laurens ten Dam.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""The\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Diverge has a front Future Shock built into the steerer.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Laurens\"<\/picture><\/div>
Laurens ten Dam with fellow \u2018Dutch mafia\u2019 rider Thomas Dekker.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

However, not everyone got the memo. Laurens ten Dam and Larry Warbasse were two riders in the elite 200-mile race who went without bags, beyond a small saddle pack.<\/p>\n

The Specialized Diverge of ten Dam does, however, feature frame storage under the front bottle cage.<\/p>\n

\""Bags\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Bags can go just about anywhere on a bike. This is Lachlan Morton\u2019s new Tailfin pack.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lachlan Morton chose a slightly odd place to mount his one storage bag, tucking it in front of the seatpost. The triangular Tailfin bag isn\u2019t a design that is available yet, and comes from the company\u2019s R&D department.<\/p>\n

\""Kristen\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Kristen Legan pictured the day before she began the 350-mile Unbound XL, which she won in a time of 26 hours and 26 minutes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The 350-mile XL race sees the number and size of frame bags increase.<\/p>\n

\""Kristen\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Legan packed a variety of food, including a lot of carbohydrate powder for liquid calories.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

XL racers also compete unassisted, meaning they must carry all their food and water or stop at stores on the course.<\/p>\n

\""Front\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Front and rear lights are a must for XL riders. This fork-mounted light on Luke Hall\u2019s bike is a neat solution.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

And if you\u2019re going through the night, as is the case with the XL 350-mile racers, you\u2019re going to need lights. This fork-crown mounted front light is a very neat solution from Luke Hall.<\/p>\n

\""Luke\"<\/picture><\/div>
Luke Hall placed second in the men\u2019s XL with a time of 24 hours and 40 minutes.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Aero\"<\/picture><\/div>
Aero bars are permitted for the 350-mile Unbound XL. Note the power cable coming off Luke Hall\u2019s Wahoo.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Luke\"<\/picture><\/div>
Luke Hall\u2019s stem: Keep groovin\u2019, movin\u2019 and hydrate.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""The\"<\/picture><\/div>
The XL riders, in particular, use a number of bags to carry food, clothing and a power source or two for their overnight voyage.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Luke\"<\/picture><\/div>
Luke Hall rode a Rodeo, with an adjustable rear dropout.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Chain\"<\/picture><\/div>
Chain retention was a challenge for many riders in the muddy sections of the course.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Hall also has a charging cable running from his Wahoo computer to a battery pack, which is probably a good thing to have if your ride is going to take over 24 hours.<\/p>\n

\""Ulrich\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ulrich Bartholmoes\u2019 bike for the Unbound XL 2023.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ulrich Bartholmoes<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ulrich Bartholmoes, meanwhile, used a Supernova Airstream 2 front light, mounted very neatly in line with the head tube.<\/p>\n

\""Ulrich\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Bartholmoes used a Supernova Airstream 2 front light.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ulrich Bartholmoes<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

His BMC Kaius featured a very tasty build with a Rotor InSpider power meter, SRAM GX Eagle AXS derailleur complete with a Kogel oversized pulley wheel cage, and Lightweight Pfadfinder Evo Disc wheels wrapped in 40mm Hutchinson Touareg<\/a>\u00a0tyres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Ulrich\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This top-spec build features a SRAM GX Eagle AXS derailleur complete with a Kogel oversized pulley wheel cage, plus Lightweight Pfadfinder Evo Disc wheels.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ulrich Bartholmoes<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

An Apidura frame bag keeps storage inside the frame\u2019s front triangle.<\/p>\n

Aero bars for the masses<\/h2>\n
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
A tired but cheery Geoffrey Langat at the finish.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Geoffrey\"<\/picture><\/div>
Kenyan Langat\u2019s cockpit for the Unbound XL.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Notes\"<\/picture><\/div>
Notes help when you\u2019re racing for 24 hours straight.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""That's\"<\/picture><\/div>
That\u2019s a big day out.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Grass\"<\/picture><\/div>
Grass and mud got everywhere. Many XL riders abandoned after having to walk for hours in the mud.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Banned this year for the elite 200-mile competitions, but allowed in all the other fields, aero bars continue to be important in endurance gravel. <\/span><\/p>\n

For the fast riders, it\u2019s about aerodynamics. For many amateur riders, and even many elite riders in the XL, it\u2019s a comfort thing, because they allow a change of hand position and take weight off the hands and wrists.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""With\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
With aero bars banned for the elite 200-mile racers, Innokenty Zavyalov taped padding to his bars for a forearm rest.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Even in the elite 200-mile fields, some riders found a workaround. Innokenty Zavyalov fitted a section of bar tape to the flat section of his handlebar. This enabled him to rest his forearms on the bar, mimicking TT arm rests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add in a long Garmin Edge 1040<\/a> computer to hold onto and you\u2019ve got a makeshift aero bar setup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Kristen\"<\/picture><\/div>
Kristen Legan\u2019s Mosaic at the finish of her winning ride.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Kristen\"<\/picture><\/div>
Legan\u2019s K-Edge mount broke in the night, so she zip-tied her light to an aerobar extension.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""The\"<\/picture><\/div>
The silver extension is where the rest of the K-Edge mount bolted into from below.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Away from the 200-mile race fields, women\u2019s XL winner Legan fitted a set of aero bars for the ultra race.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her efforts paid off, winning the event by a healthy margin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""While\"<\/picture><\/div>
While there are 70 Grand Prix riders, amateurs make up the bulk of the 4,000 riders at Unbound, including \u2018Fairweather Steve\u2019 on this Burro titanium bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""The\"<\/picture><\/div>
The weather wasn\u2019t so fair for Unbound this year.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Road\"<\/picture><\/div>
Road pedals for gravel? You bet.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Bonnie\"<\/picture><\/div>
Bonnie Branson won the non-binary division on a Lauf Seigla.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Unbound\"<\/picture><\/div>
Unbound has become the world\u2019s most important gravel race.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Aero elsewhere<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re doing big distances at race pace, you want to be efficient. That means aero is going to play a big part in your bike and clothing choices, even before TT bars become a consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Factor\u2019s Ostro Gravel<\/a> is the perfect example of this. Lauren De Crescenzo\u2019s bike<\/a> featured a special paintjob for the race, with the frame boasting numerous aero touches.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Lauren\"<\/picture><\/div>
Lauren De Crescenzo\u2019s all-out gravel race bike has a large, single chainring.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Cinch Cycling<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lauren\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Ostro Gravel has deep, aero-optimised tubes and a kammtail seatpost. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Cinch Racing<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lauren\"<\/picture><\/div>
Aero bars are out for elite riders at Unbound, but one-piece bars and stem are in.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Cinch Cycling<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lauren\"<\/picture><\/div>
CeramicSpeed pulley wheels for De Crescenzo.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Cinch Cycling<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The head tube has an hourglass shape, with the central section narrowing to smooth the airflow through the rest of the head tube.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Deep tube shapes come straight from the Ostro VAM<\/a>, Factor\u2019s fastest road race bike, while a Black Inc bar helps the brake hoses stay hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

De Crecenzo\u2019s bike features a CermicSpeed oversized pulley wheel system, mounted to a SRAM Red rear derailleur. The 1x 48-tooth aero chainring is mounted to a SRAM Red power meter crankset.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finishing the bike is a set of Black Inc 34 wheels and lovely Rene Herse tyres.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Life\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Life Time Grand Prix racer Hannah Shell with her aero-profiled Cerv\u00e9lo Aspero-5 and 40mm Pirelli tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ben Delaney \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

De Crescenzo was far from alone in riding an aero-optimised gravel bike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Life Time Grand Prix racer Hannah Shell took to an aero-profiled Cerv\u00e9lo Aspero-5, while, as we\u2019ll come on to, Larry Warbasse hopped on the racy BMC Kaius<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As the gravel bikes<\/a> category evolves, we\u2019re seeing a distinction between race-focused (read: aero) bikes with generous tyre clearance and aggressive (for gravel) geometry, and machines aimed at even bigger, burlier adventures.<\/p>\n

In the case of BMC, the brand has the Kaius as its \u2018performance\u2019 gravel bike and the micro-suspension equipped BMC URS<\/a> as its \u2018exploration\u2019 gravel bike.<\/p>\n