When shopping for Pushbikes gravel bikes NZ, you should look for certain features. These include disc brakes, wider tires, and an aluminium or chromoly steel frame. Disc brakes are more reliable and can accommodate larger tires, increasing tire pressure and having a wider footprint. Disc brakes are also more reliable when it’s wet.
Disc brakes
Disc brakes are a great addition to gravel bikes. They offer excellent stopping power, are especially useful on rough terrain, and provide adequate braking power for technical terrain. Disc brakes can also be helpful when carrying extra weight in bikepacking bags. Before choosing a gravel bike, you will want to know how much braking power these brakes offer.
Disc brakes work by pressing on pads that are attached to callipers. The callipers have a pair of pistons on either side of the rotor. This pressure pushes the pads against the disc to slow your bike down. However, friction also causes squealing and rubbing, which can drive riders crazy and take away momentum.
Disc brakes also allow you to run fatter tyres. The downside is that they wear more quickly in wet conditions. A mechanical disc brake offers superior stopping power for a lower price. However, the padding will wear out faster. To tell if the pads need to be replaced, feel them when worn and ensure they’re clean.
Disc brakes can be an excellent choice for gravel bikes. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure, while other bike brakes use leverage and mechanical force. Hydraulic brakes provide the most power while using the least force. They can also provide the fastest stops. However, they can be a pain to repair.
Wider tires
The width of gravel tyres can be a crucial consideration when buying a gravel bike. It is because wider tires can handle rougher terrain better than narrow ones. Wider tires are also more comfortable and can help reduce air pressure to maintain traction during a rough corner.
Gravel bikes typically have tires that are between 38 and 45 millimetres wide. For the best balance between traction and comfort, purchasing 40mm wide tyres is the best option. Though these larger tires will cost more than narrow tires, they’ll offer better traction and comfort.
While narrower tires may be comfortable for shorter rides, gravel bikes require wider tires to handle longer descents. A 700C tire is typically about half that size and is often less than 30mm wide. Wider tires also have a lower pressure rating, so they’re not as stable and can wear out quickly.
Some gravel bikes run 700c tires on 650B wheels. The higher-volume tires are smoother on rough terrain, especially when loaded and roll over small roots and bumps more easily. Whether you go for 650B or 700C wheels, read the tires’ specifications before making your purchase.
You’ll also want to pay close attention to the tires’ tread pattern. The tire’s tread pattern will determine how fast it rolls over obstacles and how much comfort it provides.
Aluminium frame
There are a few reasons why you may want to invest in an aluminium-frame gravel bike. First, you’ll want your bike to last as long as possible. You don’t want to risk it becoming unusable due to neglect. Steel bikes can rust and reduce their quality over time, so you must ensure you take care of them properly. On the other hand, aluminium bikes don’t rust.
Secondly, consider your riding style. For example, are you looking for a comfortable and upright position or one that pushes down the trail with more power? A gravel bike with a flat bar is most comfortable and allows you to lean forward a bit, which can help you ride faster.
Another important factor when choosing a frame is the frame geometry. The wrong geometry can make you uncomfortable and even dangerous on a gravel descent. It’s also crucial to choose the right size of wheels for your needs. A bike with a 75-degree head angle is a risk on loose gravel. It would be best if you also considered the width of your tires. A minimum of 2.5 inches is required for off-road tires.
Aluminium-frame gravel bikes are the ideal choice for riders who want to ride dirt trails. Aluminium is stronger than steel bikes and less susceptible to mechanical mishaps. Aluminium frame gravel bikes also offer unbeatable value.
Chromoly steel frame
Chromoly steel frame gravel bikes are more durable and comfortable than aluminium alloy bikes. They are also more rigid, which is important for long trips. Some models even feature slender tubing, which leaves more space between the cranks and tire. However, this feature is not available on all steel-frame gravel bikes.
The Surly Midnight Special is a versatile steel gravel bike that’s great for gravel roads, fire roads, and rough pavement. Its frame is 4130 Chromoly steel and features flat-mount disc brakes, wide tire clearance, and rack mounts. It’s also a good option for bikepacking, thanks to its short-stem and long-reach style.
Carbon fibre is another popular material for gravel bikes, as it is stiff and lightweight. Carbon fibre bikes are also good choices because they don’t flex, which is crucial for high power output. These bikes also absorb high vibration, making them a good choice for performance gravel bikes.
Chromoly steel frame gravel bikes are also durable and lightweight. Aluminium frames are generally cheaper than Chromoly steel, but aluminium frames are stronger and lighter.