I perfectly agree. For me, cycling was always more about adventure, exploration and joy from the ride. Speed applies to the last part, but still, I think a gravel bike gives that perfect mix of road and off-road capabilities. For very long, multi-day trips I still would probably choose a dedicated touring bike, but for anything one day long, or even just a couple of days bike packing adventure, a gravel bike is a perfect choice.
A Ti or Steele touring bike would be sweet for bike camping! Something that of bags scratch if it won't matter. Seems like cycling is going towards the experience rather than pure performance which I apply for sure.
I prefer a modern touring bike. Basically similar to a gravel bike, taking up to ca. 50mm tires, but more ability to carry a load. Almost as fast as a gravel bike (just a bit heavier), but also good for loaded touring or an overnighter, or ultra-distance audax riding. And with a 3x MTB drivetrain that works across road, gravel and some trails. With 3x you can get the small steps of a road cassette with enough range for steep climbs with a load.
Wow! A touring bike with 50 mm tires would be sweet! Have you found a 3x to be a bit finicky to adjust or pretty simple? I just hate front derailers so now I'm trying to get away from them.
@@TTLBALLERA lot of steel bike brands offer nice wide-tyred touring bikes now. For example Brother Cycles has the Kepler and Mr Wooden models, Velo Orange has the Polyvalent. I'm currently using the Fuji Touring Ltd, a very affordable touring bike with *lots* of clearance. If you really wanted, you could fit a 50mm slick under fenders I think. Finding good 3x touring cranks is the hardest part. For many people the only affordable choice will be Shimano Deore or Alivio 3x MTB cranks. Otherwise the most accessible choice are Sugino XD2 110/74 5-bolt style cranks, there are some rebranded identically made versions around that can be very cheap, and that gives a better touring/road chain line and q-factor. Other than those you quickly end up at expensive boutique brands. I agree, front derailers can indeed be very hard to adjust for 3x indexed shifting, because it's hard to avoid chain rubbing. I did use my bike initially with indexed FD, but never adjusted it myself. I'm using friction down-tube shifters now so no issues, I just need to trim the FD sometimes.
I perfectly agree. For me, cycling was always more about adventure, exploration and joy from the ride. Speed applies to the last part, but still, I think a gravel bike gives that perfect mix of road and off-road capabilities. For very long, multi-day trips I still would probably choose a dedicated touring bike, but for anything one day long, or even just a couple of days bike packing adventure, a gravel bike is a perfect choice.
A Ti or Steele touring bike would be sweet for bike camping! Something that of bags scratch if it won't matter. Seems like cycling is going towards the experience rather than pure performance which I apply for sure.
I have similar needs when it comes to cycling. Just bought a light and supposedly fast hardtail mtb. Can't wait to get it delivered.
Awesome! Hardtail Mtn bikes are the best.
I prefer a modern touring bike. Basically similar to a gravel bike, taking up to ca. 50mm tires, but more ability to carry a load. Almost as fast as a gravel bike (just a bit heavier), but also good for loaded touring or an overnighter, or ultra-distance audax riding. And with a 3x MTB drivetrain that works across road, gravel and some trails. With 3x you can get the small steps of a road cassette with enough range for steep climbs with a load.
Wow! A touring bike with 50 mm tires would be sweet! Have you found a 3x to be a bit finicky to adjust or pretty simple? I just hate front derailers so now I'm trying to get away from them.
@@TTLBALLERA lot of steel bike brands offer nice wide-tyred touring bikes now. For example Brother Cycles has the Kepler and Mr Wooden models, Velo Orange has the Polyvalent. I'm currently using the Fuji Touring Ltd, a very affordable touring bike with *lots* of clearance. If you really wanted, you could fit a 50mm slick under fenders I think. Finding good 3x touring cranks is the hardest part. For many people the only affordable choice will be Shimano Deore or Alivio 3x MTB cranks. Otherwise the most accessible choice are Sugino XD2 110/74 5-bolt style cranks, there are some rebranded identically made versions around that can be very cheap, and that gives a better touring/road chain line and q-factor. Other than those you quickly end up at expensive boutique brands.
I agree, front derailers can indeed be very hard to adjust for 3x indexed shifting, because it's hard to avoid chain rubbing. I did use my bike initially with indexed FD, but never adjusted it myself. I'm using friction down-tube shifters now so no issues, I just need to trim the FD sometimes.
Friction shifting : ) a lost beauty of tech. Thank you for the reply. I'd love to build a bike like that.