Beyond the right fit: Buy your used gravel bike with the right components
Yes, it seems like the whole world has gone gravel, with gravel bikes now common on local trails and replacing road bikes in many cases. The best gravel bikes marry the speed of a road bike with the durability of a mountain bike, enabling you to do a huge variety of things with just one bike.
But just what features are best for you? When choosing a gravel bike, it's essential to consider several features to ensure you get the best ride experience. This blog will guide you through the critical features to look for in a gravel bike, helping you make an informed decision.
The frame is the backbone of your bike, affecting its weight, durability, and ride quality. Gravel bike frames are typically made from aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, or titanium.
Gravel bike geometry influences handling, comfort, and stability. Key geometric features to consider include:
Tire clearance refers to the maximum tire width a bike frame can accommodate. Gravel bikes typically offer clearance for tires between 35mm and 50mm. Wider tires provide better traction and comfort on rough terrains but can be slower on smooth roads. Consider the type of terrain you'll be riding on and choose a bike with appropriate tire clearance.
Gravel bikes generally come with either 700c or 650b wheels.
The drivetrain includes the crankset, chain, cassette, and derailleurs. Gravel bikes come with either 1x (single chainring) or 2x (double chainring) drivetrains.
Gravel bikes typically feature disc brakes, which offer superior stopping power and performance in various conditions compared to traditional rim brakes. There are two main types of disc brakes:
Versatility is a key feature of gravel bikes, and having various mounts for accessories enhances this. Look for bikes with mounts for:
Gravel riding can be demanding, and comfort features play a crucial role in reducing fatigue and enhancing your ride experience.
While not as common as on mountain bikes, some gravel bikes feature suspension systems to improve comfort on rough terrains. Your main option is a:
Confused? What does the perfect bike look like for you?Durango Outdoor Exchange has a wide selection of bikes, including gravel bikes and bothmountain and road bikes that can be converted to gravel bikes. Stop by, squeeze the brakes, and talk to our pros about what is best for you.
We’ve all read the disappointing headlines and shocking Facebook posts, and we maybe have even encountered problems of our own–national parks and other public lands in the U.S. are being impacted by severe federal budget cuts. These cuts have resulted in locked gates, reduced services, and loss of support for these lands that mean so much to us.
This means more than longer lines at entry stations. In some cases, there is legitimate concern that budget cuts will lead to impacts on historic sites and natural landscapes. This is a scary time to be someone who dearly loves our public lands, but there are ways that everyone, including you, can make a difference.
It happens to all of us–we accumulate a few too many pairs of skis, a bike saddle we took off an old steed but never found another use for, pants we **might**have, um, outgrown, and shoes we loved but just never fit right.
It’s nice to accumulate old gear in closets and sheds, but it’s nicer to sell it. Much nicer.
Selling your used gear to Durango Outdoor Exchange is a great way to pass on the good vibes and build store credit that you can use for upgrading your quiver(s). Best of all, selling your used outdoor gear is a super chill and easy experience. Read on to learn how.
Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.
But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.