Gravel Bike VS Mountain Bike: Know The Differences For The Right Selection

There are now a greater variety of bicycles available for off-road riding than ever before. And mountain bikes and gravel bicycles are the most popular off-road bicycles. Both of these bikes are capable of handling sudden twists and turns. But which one is the best for navigating tricky roots and rocks? And what’s the difference between a gravel bicycle and a mountain bike? These are the main questions when we try to compare them with each other.

Therefore today, you & I will explore together the differences between these two off-road bicycles, their benefits, drawbacks, specialties, and many more high-voltage faqs that will also help any cyclists to choose the suitable one for themselves. Let’s start our journey, friend.

Mountain Bike And Its Qualities

Bicycles made for off-road and hilly-track use are known as mountain bikes. And the mountain bike has many similarities to other bicycles. But the features of the MTB & design, it is more durable and efficient on rough terrain and weighs more. Also, an MTB is more complex and performs less compare to a road, commuter, or touring bike on smooth surfaces.

Specifications:

• MTB’s handlebar is wide, forks are suspended, tyres are large and the brakes are strong enough.
• Many features make a mountain bike suitable for fast descents or steep climbs, such as wide & straight (typically) handlebars, suspension forks, large knobby tyres, stronger brakes, and gearing. And these qualities suit the topography as it is known.
• Single tracks, fire roads, and mountain trails are common surfaces on which mountain bikes are used.
• The terrain of a mountain bike ride usually consists of rocks, roots, loose dirt, steep grades, and roots. Normally, an MTB can ride on this terrain since it is designed especially for serving this type.

What Do You Think, It Is Possible To Cycle An MTB On The Road?

Yes, it is very much possible to ride a mountain bike on the road rather than owning an extra road bike or hybrid. And many people prefer having a mountain bike because it gives them the option of riding off-road as well as regular cycling facilities. But you have to comprise with speed and get to normalize with heavyweight biking.

Gravel Bike And Its Specialties

Bicycles with drop bars or gravel tires can be used on several surfaces. Its drop handlebars and sporty geometry make this bicycle capable of on and off-road riding. And because of its wide tires, low gearing, and stable handling, it is easier to perform well in both types of cycling.

Specifications:

• The multi-terrain bicycle allows you to easily navigate gravel roads, forest trails, byways, and bridle paths.
• It is also possible to load camping gear onto gravel bicycles for multi-day trips.
• Most gravel bicycle categories offer such features that can be used for off-road riding as well as road speed.
• Different types of riding are better suited to gravel bikes. As gravel bikes are characterized by several features that differentiate them from other bicycles.

What Do You Think, Is Gravel Biking As Fast As Road Cycling?

Gravel bicycles aren’t built to be extremely fast or extremely slow. But a road bicycle is built for speed. Thus an off-road bike is not as fast as a road bicycle.

And Are Gravel Bikes Good For Uphill Cycling?

Larger chainrings enable gravel bicycles to achieve higher gear ratios 46-48T.

When climbing steep hills, bikes with smaller chainrings in the front (31-34T) make it easier to climb, but when descending, they can spin out faster.

What Are The Basic Differences Between These Two Bikes?

In terms of off-road performance, mountain bikes and gravel bicycles are similar, but they are optimized for different purposes. So there are some differences as well. Let’s take a look at the basic differences between these two popular bicycles.

Gravel bike VS Mountain Bike: In-Depth Discussion

MTB:

1. A mountain bike is more suitable for rough terrain, steep climbs, and bumpy terrain than a pavement bike.
2. Pedaling in the city is slow and cumbersome due to the heavy tread on the tyres and low gearing.

Gravel:

1. Compared to road bikes, gravel bicycles are based on the geometry and specifications of road bicycles.
2. The beefier tires enable them to roll efficiently on smooth surfaces and perform well off-road.
3. Gravel paths and dirt tracks offer adventurous gravel bicycle riders new route options.

Now let’s get into detail about each part of the mountain and gravel bike. So that we can compare and find out the differences between them as well be aware of choosing criteria when and why to select them.

Frame Geometry

There is a difference in frame geometry between mountain bikes and gravel bicycles.

Gravel Bicycle:

• For long-distance riding, gravel bikes feature an upright riding position compared to pure road bicycles.
• As unpaved terrain requires a gravel bicycle’s shorter wheelbase and steeper angle, making maneuvering easier.
• Gravel frames are usually made of carbon fiber or titanium.
• As the handlebars are relatively long, hips & legs can generate more power while riding flat terrain.

Mountain Bike (MTB):

• The upright position of mountain bikes provides greater stability and confidence when climbing or descending technical terrain. Moreover, there is less violence in mountain biking than in road biking.
• The frames of MTBs are typically functional and vibration-absorbing.
• MTB frames can be tailored very easily and are very flexible.
• But the brakes are less effective on steep downhills as it is different from a road bicycle.
• And the mountain bikes have upright seats instead of slanted ones.

Handlebars

Gravel bicycles and mountain bikes differ greatly in their handlebars.

Gravel:

• The handlebars on gravel bicycles are similar to those on road bicycles. Riders can adopt an aerodynamic posture and change hand positions while riding for long periods with that style.
• The width of drop bars usually ranges from 38cm to 44cm, or a little more than half the width of flat handlebars.

Note: Bicycles that normally ride less intensive terrain are less responsive to this, which is a fine tradeoff.

• A drop-bar flares out on gravel models to improve hand comfort and restore some steering ability.

MTB:

• The flat handlebars on mountain bikes sweep up or back towards the rider in a slight upward or backward motion.
• The flat bars are usually over 760mm wide, but it depends on the design whether they are wider or narrower.
• A wider handlebar improves steering and control over obstacles like rocks and tree roots. But aerodynamics is not great when hands are spread wide in an upright position.

Tire Clearance

Gravel Bicycle:

• The tires on gravel bicycles range from 38-45mm wide, which are about 30% narrower than those on mountain bikes.
• It can’t run at super low PSI because of its relative narrowness, which results in a lot less air volume.
• However, they can smooth out road buzz well.

Mountain Bike:

• Tire clearance is the biggest selling point of mountain bikes. The tires fit between 2.1″ and 2.4″ and have heavy tread patterns that increase grip.
• As a result of the wide tires, there is a large volume of air in the tires, allowing them to run at low pressure for more traction.
• Thus when you are riding on smooth pavement, MTB tires will slow you down due to their ability to handle debris and tricky conditions.

Gear System

Gravel Bicycle:

• Most gravel bicycles are chain-driven.
• Gravel and hills types of riding can be easily accommodated by a gravel bicycle with its low gear system.
• Gravel bicycles are usually faster due to their larger gears and the fact that they do not ride uphill.
• Moreover, you don’t need as many gears on a gravel bicycle because it can take on a wide variety of terrain.

MTB:

• Bikes designed for mountainous terrain are known as mountain bikes.
• Assistance equipment is provided to them when hiking up an incline.
• Two cogs traverse steep slopes – the center cog and the rear cog., which are used to move the chain up and down steep slopes.
• They can navigate a variety of terrain with a gearbox with 24 gears, 46 to 49 chainrings, and 16-18 cassette gears.

Suspension

Gravels:

• Despite their rarity, some gravel bikes are equipped with suspension.
• It is necessary to purchase aftermarket suspension forks if you wish to have suspension on your gravel bike.
• Rough spots are smoothed out by a small amount of travel on smooth gravel roads and smooth pavement.
• It may not be as comfortable as mountain bike forks if you are accustomed to plush ones.

MTBs:

• The suspension protects the rider and the bicycle from uneven surfaces and terrain.
• There are two types of suspension on mountain bikes: front-only suspension, like hardtails, and full suspension.
• There is more cushioning when the rider follows uneven and irregular surfaces.

Is A Gravel Bike Better Than A Mountain Bike?

It’s no secret that mountain bikes are better at riding rough, steep trails off-road than they are on the road, but they aren’t as fast either.

In addition to being able to handle small obstacles and trail features, gravel bikes are similar to cross-country bikes in design.

Then Which One Is Better For You?

Consider these two things again before deciding between a gravel bike and a mountain bike: your riding style and your riding location.

• In other words, how do you ride on the road (or trails) and what are your priorities?
• Aerodynamic positions are preferred by some riders, whereas upright and relaxed positions are preferred by others.
• Is there a need for speed when you are on the flats?
• Long-distance riding is something you do.

Even more straightforward is that-

• According to previous explanations, mountain bikes perform better on more technical terrain.
• As much as they love rough trails as they do pavement, gravel bikes thrive on all surfaces.

Therefore, think about where you ride now if you are planning to ride in the future to make the selection criteria simple.

For Choosing The Right Bicycle, Here Are Some More Specifications

Gravel Bicycle

• Focus on efficiency and aerodynamics
• Ride a lot on pavement
• Know how road bicycles are designed
• Ride off-road on lighter terrain

Mountain Bike (MTB)

• Terrain that is more difficult to ride
• Having confidence in technical trails is important
• Ensure your comfort is a priority
• To absorb shocks, you need suspension

Final Thoughts

Both gravel bicycles and mountain bikes are excellent in their own right. Yes, Gravel bicycles and MTBs are both good choices, depending on your needs.

But I think a gravel bicycle would be the most versatile and capable of handling a variety of terrains. On the other hand, the MTB bike is better in rough and hard terrain. That’s all, My Friend. Happy Pedaling with the right bicycle for your desirable paths.