Why are gravel bikes so popular?

Gravel riding has become very popular in recent years. In Wicklow, it's really taken off as it's so easy to get from the roads to the forest trails. Fancy heading from Wicklow Town to Laragh over the hills? You can do that on a gravel bike. Enjoy the scenery, away from the traffic - what better way to spend a day!

So, what is a gravel bike exactly?

A gravel bike is a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike. To look at initially, you might think a gravel bike looks like a road bike. You'll generally find drop handlebars and a slim frame but gravel bikes are more stable and comfortable than a road bike, so you can cycle for longer.

Like a mountain bike, they are designed to let you ride off the beaten track - dirt paths, forest tracks with the ease of being able to cycle the roads too. With a gravel bike, you get wider tyre clearance than a road bike and you'd use different tyres to a mountain bike - mixed terrain tyres. A gravel bike uses disc brakes, which give more powerful braking on different surfaces like dust, mud etc.

Gravel bikes need to be stable, especially if you are using them for touring and bikepacking. Most gravel bikes come with lots of mounting options that allow you load up your bike with luggage, panniers, top tube bags etc.

Technical bits that make a gravel bike feel stable:

• Head tube length is longer - this helps you stay in control on loose ground and gives you a more comfortable sitting position that a road bike
• Head tube angle is slacker than a road bike - this gives you more stability
• Bottom bracket is lower than a road or mountain bike for stability - mountain bikes have a high bottom bracket to keep the pedals away from rocks, roots etc., the bottom bracket on road bikes can also be higher than gravel bikes to help with corner cutting
• Middle ground wheelbase - longer than a road bike, but shorter than a mountain bike to allow for wider tyre clearance and more stability at speed and on unpredictable terrain

Why buy a gravel bike?

If this is your first bike purchase, the versatility of a gravel bike is attractive, as you can cycle on most terrain. A quick tyre change turns the bike into a road bike, if that's what you decide is your preferred style.

If you like to head off on cycling adventures, a gravel bike can carry everything you need for multi-day trips. Multiple mounting points mean you can attach your gear securely to the bike with stable handling. 

For riders that like speed and competition, a racing gravel bike is also an option. These bikes are fast and lively for mixed surfaces. 

Gravel bikes at The Sports Room

At The Sports Room, we stock a wide range of gravel bikes from leading brands including Orbea, MMR, Ridley and more - with options to suit every rider, from weekend adventurers to competitive racers. Here's a selection:

• MMR Simun 10 (€5,999): A competition-focused gravel bike built for demanding routes, powered by a SRAM Force groupset and X0 Eagle drivetrain.
• Ridley Grifn 105 Di2 2x12 (€3,500): A versatile all-road bike that blends road speed with gravel comfort, with 38mm tyre clearance and electronic Di2 shifting.
• Orbea Denna M20i (€7,599): A premium gravel eRoad bike with intelligent assistance for steep climbs and long adventures on any surface.
• Stevens Tabor (€1,325): A great-value all-rounder with Shimano GRX 2x10 gearing and disc brakes, ready for gravel adventures without the premium price tag.

Not sure which gravel bike is right for you? Call us on 0404 62380 or visit The Sports Room in Wicklow Town for expert advice.