{"id":52928,"date":"2023-08-07T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T15:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=742037"},"modified":"2023-08-07T17:35:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T15:35:42","slug":"how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design\/","title":{"rendered":"How gravel is changing the way we think about road bike design"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"> With road bikes becoming more capable, are we all set to become gravel riders by stealth? <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Joseph Delves\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 07 August 2023 at 15:00 PM<\/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>It used to be so simple. Look down from your perch on the saddle, and if you could spot skinny tyres, traditional caliper brakes and a tiny cassette, the odds were you were riding a road bike.<\/p>\n<p>Add in minimal clearance, sharp angles and a lack of mounts, and you were unlikely to be mistaken for any genre of rider besides roadie. Back before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/what-is-gravel-riding\/\">gravel riding<\/a> existed, bike categories were few, and the boundaries between each were broad and well-defined.<\/p>\n<p>However, things have changed drastically in recent years. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-brakes\/\">disc brakes<\/a>, wide-ratio gearing, bolt-thru axles and chunky tyres, the boundaries between road and other categories have become increasingly blurred.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, whereas being nose-bleedingly aggressive was once a straightforward marketing win for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-road-bikes\/\">road bikes<\/a>, many long-standing models are now sold on their versatility.<\/p>\n<p>One bike designer formerly known for making the most aggressive and canonical road bikes is Gerard Vroomen. As the co-founder of Cerv\u00e9lo, his designs helped define the race-focused cycling culture of the first decade of the 21st century. Since then, he\u2019s had stints at 3T and now creates bikes through his company Open Cycle.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-652173 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/3T-Exploro-RaceMax-Boost-01-12cc863.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Pack shot of the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost gravel eBike\" title=\"3T Exploro RaceMax Boost - 01\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Gerard Vroomen was the co-founder of Cerv\u00e9lo and has also worked at 3T.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Currently focusing on bikes that prioritise user experience and don\u2019t always fit neatly into traditional categories, Vroomen singles out the advent of disc brakes as the moment everything changed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs soon as road bikes got disc brakes, there was such little difference between them and gravel bikes,\u201d says Vroomen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, what\u2019s a road bike other than a gravel bike without enough tyre clearance? A road bike is rarely significantly lighter. And if it is, it\u2019s only because it lacks the tyres to allow you to go places a road bike can\u2019t. It\u2019s almost as if in improving itself, the road bike killed itself off.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Where it all started<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-731754 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Einer-RubioMovistarCanyon-Aeroad-CFR20230525SvBEOS-RO5A9515-8204433.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"SRAM Red hydraulic disc brake on Einer Rubio's Movistar Team Canyon Aeroad CFR at the 2023 Giro d'Italia\" title=\"Einer Rubio's Movistar Team Canyon Aeroad CFR at the 2023 Giro d'Italia\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> The arrival of road bike disc brakes was key.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The advent of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/road-disc-brakes-everything-you-need-to-know\/\">road disc brakes<\/a> also coincided with a change in consumer attitudes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPreviously, it was win on Sunday and sell on Monday,\u201d says Vroomen regarding the way road bikes were marketed and sold. Road riders were generally inspired by professional racers. So too were the bikes they bought, even if they were often a bad fit for the riding being undertaken.<\/p>\n<p>However, even before gravel bikes or disc brakes became mainstream, the appearance of more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-endurance-road-bikes\/\">endurance road bikes<\/a> had already nudged the average drop-bar bike closer to its user\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEndurance bikes were road bikes but made for normal people,\u201d explains Vroomen. \u201cYou had some small tweaks in geometry and a small creep upwards in tyre dimensions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Initially a tiny segment of the market, endurance and sportive-focused bikes quickly went mainstream.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-742047 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1411270181-effea2e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"BAR-SUR-AUBE, FRANCE - JULY 27: (L-R) Ellen Van Dijk of Netherlands and Team Trek- Segafredo and Marlen Reusser of Switzerland and Team SD Worx lead the peloton through a gravel road sector during the 1st Tour de France Femmes 2022, Stage 4 a 126,8km stage from Troyes to Bar-Sur-Aube \/ #TDFF \/ #UCIWWT \/ on July 27, 2022 in Bar-sur-Aube, France. (Photo by Bernard Papon - Pool\/Getty Images)\" title=\"1st Tour de France Femmes 2022 - Stage 4\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Professional road races now include gravel sections, as in the 2022 Tour de France Femmes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Bernard Papon \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>This development would help prime the consumer market for more extreme developments later. At the same time, dedicated racing bikes were also edging towards being more capable, a process turbo-charged by the advent of disc brakes. Creating more leeway when designing frames and forks, this coincided with developments in aerodynamics, both of which caused rims and tyres to swell.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly and almost by accident, many bikes ridden at races such as the Tour de France were capable on loose or gravelly surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>And once you have the capacity, it\u2019s hard not to use it. In recent years, gravel sections have become a feature of many Grand Tours, inspired partly by the popularity of the semi-off-road Strade Bianche race. Neither of these developments would have been possible if the peloton wasn\u2019t already riding bikes capable of taking them on.<\/p>\n<h2>A broader spectrum<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-726366 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/ENVE-Melee-Ultegra-Di2-build-15-8891a91.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"ENVE Melee (Ultegra Di2 build) road bike\" title=\"ENVE Melee (Ultegra Di2 build) - 15\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> The ENVE Melee is a race bike, but it has mudguard eyelets.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>At the same time, trendy gravel segments aside, the average road bike consumer is clearly less focused on attempting to win the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI look at bikes as existing on a spectrum,\u201d says Vroomen. \u201cAt one end, you have the sort of bike you need to win a Grand Tour, and at the other, the type of thing you could use to ride across Mongolia. Most people are somewhere in the middle, and that\u2019s who we should be designing for rather than the more extreme ends of the market\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Even the fastest road bikes can now incorporate some degree of mixed-surface capability without paying much of a penalty in other areas. Because most bikes have switched to disc brakes, adding a bit of extra clearance isn\u2019t often an issue.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-703476 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/11\/Canyon-Endurace-AL-7-04-33725f1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Canyon Endurace AL 7 road bike\" title=\"Canyon Endurace AL 7 - 04\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Road bikes such as the Canyon Endurace AL 7 now have details borrowed from the world of gravel.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Many other features follow from these design choices. For instance, given the extra space available, there\u2019s the option to include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mudguards-fenders-a-buyers-guide\/\">mudguard<\/a> eyelets, such as those found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/enve-melee-ultegra-di2-build-review\/\">ENVE\u2019s Melee race bike<\/a>, a feature the average roadie is now more inclined to look upon favourably.<\/p>\n<p>Some formerly gravel-specific features are also beginning to crop up on bikes marketed primarily for the road, such as additional sets of bottle bosses or mounts for top tube snack boxes. Just look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-canyon-endurace\/\">Canyon Endurace<\/a> for an example.<\/p>\n<p>It helps that the geometry for fast <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes\/\">gravel bikes<\/a> and more sedate road bikes is coalescing around certain norms. It\u2019s again a happy coincidence that the angles that make for a comfortable endurance road bike transfer well to off-road usage. Comfort, for years the most overlooked attribute, is also now higher up road and gravel riders\u2019 list of priorities.<\/p>\n<h2>New bikes for new riders<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1618%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1660%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1858%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1630%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1666%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2221%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-742040 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1233885976-91994e1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Australian cyclist Lachlan Morton rides on the 13th day of his solo alternative Tour de France cycling race near Tarascon-sur-Ariege on July 8, 2021. - Lachlan Morton is riding every kilometer of the Tour de France, plus the distances between race starts and finishes, solo. He stops at cafes for his food, and sleep under the stars at night. Morton is racing to raise money for World Bicycle Relief. (Photo by VALENTINE CHAPUIS \/ AFP) (Photo by VALENTINE CHAPUIS\/AFP via Getty Images)\" title=\"CYCLING-FRA-AUS-TDF\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> EF Education-EasyPost can generate exposure from the exploits of Lachlan Morton.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Valentine Chapuis \/ AFP \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>A lot of these changes are being driven by new riders to the sport, who arrive with less baggage compared to those who grew up riding on the road.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwenty years ago, the industry thought the only way to reach customers was through pro teams,\u201d explains Vroomen.<\/p>\n<p>Now, the cost of sponsoring a pro team is going up just as their ability to sell bicycles is decreasing. Take how a squad such as EF Education-EasyPost can generate more exposure from the likes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/lachlan-morton-alt-tour-bike\/\">Lachlan Morton riding adventure races<\/a> than it does from recording wins at WorldTour events.<\/p>\n<p>Nowadays, riders are just as likely to have come to cycling through other sports or a love of nature and exploring. Based in Oslo, Jeff Webb\u2019s company Fara Cycling has benefited from Norway\u2019s well-established outdoor culture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBeing connected to the outdoors is a huge part of Norwegian culture,\u201d explains Webb. \u201cA quarter of an hour outside of Oslo, you have hundreds of kilometres of roads and trails. We base our brand around that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Designed for linking up both, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/fara-f-all-road-review\/\">brand\u2019s best-seller is the F\/AR<\/a>, a quick-handling bike with clearance for tyres up to 38mm. Designed to be fun on paved and unpaved surfaces alike, it\u2019s the sort of bike Webb thinks most riders would benefit from choosing if they only had space for one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s basically a road bike with much bigger clearance,\u201d says Webb. This idea of a bike that would be recognisable to road cyclists but still capable on unpaved tracks is an increasingly popular concept.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-720040 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/Fara-FAll-Road-15-997a456.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Male cyclist in blue top riding the Fara F\/All Road bike\" title=\"Fara F:All Road - 15\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> The Fara F\/All Road is \u201cbasically a road bike with much bigger clearance\u201d.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Since it released the F\/AR, Fara Cycles has expanded, launching the more off-road capable F\/GR, along with the road-focused F\/RD. Having built its success around a non-traditional design, some features made their way between formats and now feature on Fara\u2019s road bike. These include the integrated storage box that sits within the frame\u2019s front triangle.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA large part of Scandinavian design is practicality,\u201d says Webb. \u201cTo make things overly complicated is not part of that ethos.\u201d This means even though the firm\u2019s road bike aims to be aerodynamic, it doesn\u2019t do so at the expense of user-friendly features in terms of servicing and versatility, according to Webb.<\/p>\n<p>This emphasis on practicality \u2013 be it mudguard eyelets, wide tyre clearances or additional frame storage \u2013 over marginal gains is partly a result of the changing demographic of cycling, Webb says, and a different emphasis on what a drop-bar bike is ultimately to be used for.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe people cycling now are not the exact same group who were cycling a decade ago,\u201d adds Webb.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA lot of these people didn\u2019t grow up watching the Tour de France or shaving their legs and competing in local races. Many of our customers came to cycling through an interest in hiking or running. They expect things to work and are more focused on getting to their destination with minimal hassle.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Where does the road lead?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-727756 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/05\/Factor-Ostro-Gravel-15-c1dfbe0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Factor Ostro Gravel bike\" title=\"Factor Ostro Gravel - 15\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Vroomen says a single bike that can do everything presents a great opportunity for cycling to grow.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>With these new riders having fewer preconceived ideas of what constitutes a road bike, manufacturers are freer in their design choices. As evidenced by the growing numbers of non-traditional bikes on the market, it seems most people\u2019s idea of a road bike now includes more versatile designs.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s telling that Webb isn\u2019t massively keen on the term gravel to describe the bikes he designs. Preferring to see his off-road capable bikes as essentially road bikes with enhanced abilities, they\u2019re increasingly the sort of machines that appeal to the mass market.<\/p>\n<p>So, while a bike such as the Fara F\/AR might be described as \u2018gravel\u2019, \u2018all-road\u2019 or \u2018adventure-ready\u2019, Webb is insistent it\u2019s fundamentally still a road bike.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBesides the massive tyre clearance, the way you sit on it, the geometry and the way it rides is all road bike,\u201d says Webb.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a bike that can take you to a lot of places. And, if you want, bring your tent and your sleeping bag with you. At the same time, if you want to join a Sunday morning group ride on the road, you\u2019re not going to feel out of place.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, 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3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, 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type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, 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type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-742046 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1556679758-cecd68f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"COURCHEVEL, FRANCE - JULY 19: Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Jumbo-Visma - Yellow Leader Jersey competes climbing down the Cormet de Roselend (1971m) during the stage seventeen of the 110th Tour de France 2023 a 165.7km at stage from Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc to Courchevel \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 19, 2023 in Courchevel, France. (Photo by David Ramos\/Getty Images)\" title=\"110th Tour de France 2023 - Stage 17\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> You\u2019ll still need a dedicated road bike to win the Tour de France.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>David Ramos \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Unsurprisingly, this idea of a single bike covering all your needs is massively popular with consumers. In fact, unless you\u2019re an elite-level racer, the idea of owning multiple drop-handlebar bikes for several marginally different disciplines is increasingly outdated.<\/p>\n<p>Like Vroomen, Webb pinpoints the widespread uptake of disc brakes as the moment the established order of things started to collapse.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe advent of disc brakes saw a lot of people taking the opportunity to switch their bike for something more capable,\u201d says Webb. \u201cI think when that happened, many people realised that one bike was all they needed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you want to win the Tour de France, you still need a dedicated road bike,\u201d says Vroomen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut this whole section of people in the middle is now better served by a performance gravel bike. Ten years ago, you didn\u2019t have much choice; now that\u2019s been tossed out the window. The idea of a single bike that lets you do everything presents a great opportunity for cycling to grow and appeal to more people.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>The greatest happiness for the greatest number<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, 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data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, 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type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-726440 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-Venon-Evo-RS-Aero-Force-AXS-01-882ad3f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero Force AXS road bike\" title=\"Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero Force AXS - 01\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> The Vitus Venon Evo is offered in road and gravel builds.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The endpoint of all this revaluation is neatly encapsulated in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2023-road-bike-of-the-year-winners\/\">BikeRadar\u2019s Bike of the Year for 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Our reviewer concluded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/vitus-venon-evo-rs-aero-force-axs-review\/\">Vitus\u2019 multi-talented Venon Evo<\/a> provided \u201clightness and handling that would appeal to racers, year-round readiness for serious all-weather enthusiasts, and versatility to appeal to riders who want to switch it up between road and gravel\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In doing so, and as a bike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2023-vitus-venon-evo\/\">offered in both road and gravel builds<\/a>, it neatly captured the current design zeitgeist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe goal in creating the Venon was to design a bike that took the race performance learnings and looks from our aero and lightweight racing bikes, but tailor them into a versatile package that catered for more of your everyday road rider,\u201d explains Jodie Shann, senior product manager at Vitus.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Venon Evo will happily take on gravel rides and can accept 45m-wide tyres, this isn\u2019t its sole focus. In fact, we were happy to give it the additional title of Road Bike of the Year based on its qualities when applied to the tarmac, with our reviewer impressed by its ability to \u201cbe all things to all riders\u201d.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, 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data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, 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data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2214%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2478%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-727679 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/Vitus-a369be7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Vitus Venon Evo\" title=\"Vitus Venon Evo\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> It\u2019s possible to create a fast gravel bike and general-purpose road bike without much compromise.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>This ability to double up efficiently comes from the fortunate crossover of multiple segments. Essentially, it\u2019s possible to make a fast gravel bike that\u2019s also a capable general-purpose road bike without much compromise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGravel has clearly had an influence on the endurance road sector,\u201d says Shann. \u201cThis category was always about performance looks, but with more comfort through design and geometry changes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis allowed a more comfortable riding position and things like the benefit of bigger volume tyres. The direction was similar to the demands of people who were either racing gravel or coming at gravel from a roadie\u2019s perspective, where speed is important.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So, is this the shape of road bikes to come? For his part, Shann believes the days of the endurance road segment are all but numbered. Instead, all-road bicycles, such as the Venon, will become the norm.<\/p>\n<p>In many ways, versatile road bikes with a gravel-capable sideline are meeting many of the same needs, while adding some fun additional off-road capacity to keep things fresh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnless you\u2019re racing or doing fast club chain gangs, then an aggressive geometry and super-stiff frame seen on most aero race bikes aren\u2019t going to be as much fun as a bike that\u2019s ultimately more comfortable to ride,\u201d says Shann.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd if it\u2019s more comfortable to ride, chances are it\u2019s also going to be faster. Throw in the added benefit of having the ability to expand the possibilities of where you ride your bike, and it\u2019s hard to see an argument against it.\u201d<\/p> <h2>Offering a bit more<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=599%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=899%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1199%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1064%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1418%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=809%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1214%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1619%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1661%2C1107 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1859%2C1239 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=815%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1223%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1631%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-677536 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-LTD-2-9dbb980.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Cannondale Synapse LTD RLE endurance all-road bike.\" title=\"Cannondale Synapse LTD RLE endurance all-road bike.\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> The Cannondale Synapse has gradually increased its tyre clearance over the years.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>One result of being able to wear multiple hats is you\u2019ll often find endurance road bikes ready for light off-road use right out of the box.<\/p>\n<p>This is the case with Cannondale\u2019s long-established Synapse line, which has slowly increased its tyre clearance over the years. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-cannondale-synapse\/\">latest version of the Synapse<\/a> is now focused less on the demands of pros at Paris-Roubaix, and more on the everyday needs of everyday riders, according to Cannondale.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond a range of standard road builds, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/cannondale-synapse-carbon-ltd-rle-review\/\">Synapse now also comes in a build<\/a> featuring a gravel-focused Shimano GRX groupset and 30mm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/wtb-exposure-tyre-review\/\">WTB Exposure<\/a> tyres.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGravel comes in all shapes and sizes,\u201d explains David Devine, senior product director at Cannondale.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI spent last weekend at the Unbound gravel race, where you\u2019ll want a pretty wide tyre. But take it somewhere like Boulder, Colorado, where you don\u2019t need really wide tyres, and the Synapse will make a great dirt road bike. It works anywhere you frequently mix pavement and dirt roads, but without the big rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Devine sees terrain as key to the success or otherwise of this style of bike. In his reckoning, whether or not gravel eats into the endurance bike sector depends on the local conditions and, with it, the demands of the rider.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-677549 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/Cannondale-Synapse-Carbon-LTD-RLE-11-8ce3f16.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Male cyclist in grey riding the Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE\" title=\"Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE - 11\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Gravel has influenced one of the most canonical endurance road bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>\u201cIt really depends on the geography,\u201d he says. \u201cIn some places, we\u2019ve seen a widening gap between race bikes and gravel bikes, leaving less room for endurance in between. In some locales, endurance strikes the perfect balance for the terrain.<\/p>\n<p>Yet even if you stick to the tarmac, you\u2019ll find the Synapse now sports features inspired by off-road riding, with the influence of gravel applied to one of the most canonical of endurance road bikes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt a basic level, gravel bikes helped move drop bar-oriented riders\u2019 perceptions of how their bikes could be ridden,\u201d says Devine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom there, we adjusted the bikes to how they might be used. An example of this would be our endurance bikes. Prior to gravel becoming popular, they fit about a 28mm tyre and had a stripped-down and race-oriented aesthetic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToday we ship an endurance bike with clearance for 36mm tyres and mounts on the top tube. So you\u2019ll find increased versatility and capability where our definition changed based on how gravel pushed people\u2019s imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>The new normal<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=898%2C599 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1198%2C799 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=708%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1063%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1417%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1213%2C809 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1107%2C738 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1239%2C826 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1222%2C815 3x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-678281 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/05\/BMC-Roadmachine-X-One-01-b5d0d21.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Pack shot of the BMC Roadmachine X One road bike\" title=\"BMC Roadmachine X One - 01\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> All-road bikes are a better choice than road race bikes for many riders, according to Jodie Shann.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>So, where does all this leave the traditional racing-style road bike? While they\u2019re likely to retain their spot in the front of most manufacturers\u2019 catalogues for the time being, it may be that the out-and-out racing bike becomes something of a niche product for many riders.<\/p>\n<p>Still, before roadies stage a revolt, it\u2019s worth noting that the influence of gravel is only ever likely to extend so far.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGravel has no influence on our aero race or lightweight race bikes, and I personally don\u2019t see this changing,\u201d says Shann. \u201cThese remain highly technical bikes with very specific functions. Gravel features would lead to sacrifices in other elements that are critical to the performance of these bikes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, it\u2019s been more than a decade since most road bikes were designed predominantly for racing. Seen like this, an enhanced degree of versatility is just another way to reflect the interests of their users.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s always going to be a place for super-stiff, super-fast road race bikes,\u201d adds Shann, even if those bikes do now gain a versatile string to their bow compared to the narrow-tyred race bikes of a decade ago.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, in my opinion, all-road bikes are a much better choice for enthusiast road riders who don\u2019t race.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1110%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1667%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=2222%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-739436 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/07\/Colnago-V4Rs20230629SvBA6300BR2771-f4ebba4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Tadej Poga\u010dar's Colnago V4Rs\" title=\"Tadej Poga\u010dar's Colnago V4Rs\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Road bikes will always have their place, but the general public is less beholden to what\u2019s used in the WorldTour.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"> <i>Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Now less beholden to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/worldtour-bikes\/\">what\u2019s ridden in the WorldTour<\/a>, what people expect from their bike is increasingly something versatile, fun and centred on the needs of its user.<\/p>\n<p>Are we headed towards an apocalyptic road versus gravel grudge match? Probably not. It\u2019s very unlikely one genre will ever kill off the other. As long as riders are passionately interested in pursuing any discipline to its extreme, bike makers will produce machines to help them do so.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, whether we decide to describe them as road, gravel, or something else entirely, the average drop-handlebar bike will continue shifting further away from being constrained by any single label.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> With road bikes becoming more capable, are we all set to become gravel riders by stealth? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":52929,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"16"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design.jpg",1600,1067,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/08\/how-gravel-is-changing-the-way-we-think-about-road-bike-design.jpg",1600,1067,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":"With road bikes becoming more capable, are we all set to become gravel riders by stealth?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/52928"}],"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\/52929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}