All of the issues are high end (high road speed). The lowest you can go is 10 tooth on the cassette, so that is the limitation. I ran a 38 on my old cross/gravel bike and din't have too much problem. Only if I was riding with faster people on the road where I really was spinning out to keep up.
If I had went 2x I don't think top end would have been a problem, but for me, and where and how I ride it, the 1x and smaller front ring make sense. It's seen more Wayway fire road, Kittitinny,and Sussex Branch/P-Kill rail trail than what most consider "gravel". With the dropper, and MTB wheels, it's definitely single track capable, and while not necessarily the best tool for the job, it's hella fun, which is exactly what I was looking for. But with a some changes in drivetrain, I'm sure it could keep up just fine if ridden by someone a bit fitter, with a more "road"( and not saying that like it's a bad thing ) type mentality than myself.
You’ll be fine running that. Give it a couple hundred miles before you make any changes. This way you’ll be 100% sure you’re going in the right direction. If you change it at all.
What the deal with Bedminster gravel?
Good? 😀 Lots of low traffic gravel roads connected by fairly low traffic paved roads. Nice scenery, lots of good parking locations (River Road Park, Burnt Mills Park). Easy to put together 20-50 mile mixed surface rides.
This is the goal🤘.
Agreed. Test runs are the fun part
Don't you now work in the area?
There's also the Patriots path off 206 which brings you to Willow wood, Bamboo brook, Kay parks, then there's the Raritan watershed area. Lots of great places and get lost for a few hours. I'm actually not on the gravel roads much.
I completely agree with Dan, first dial in the comfort as you'll be sitting the majority of the time. No doubt you'll been spinning out on flats and going down from time to time. But gearing won't mean a thing if you're uncomfortable after an hour. Btw, how's the recovery.
Yeah, I literally work within these roads and trails. I have a “gravel” bike but given the option I would rather be in the woods than staring at miles of gravel or being run over. So I’m trying to figure out if I should consider bringing the grinder during the week. I use to take the mountain bike and ride LM on occasion.
Let's meet there on a weekend, I have lots of car free options. I used to ride on the roads, to me gravel is meh.
I used to think the same, but when the trails are wet, gravel is a nice change of pace. Let me know if you are going out after work , I can try to join. Just realize that I'm slow. 😁
Are you mistaking me for someone? Lol
OOS forever!!
I understand Bob. Every time we ride together it’s Ringwood. Once one gets used to riding Ringwood at least twice a week during the warmer months it’s tough to ride road or gravel. Classic one should ride what they enjoy. After all this is MTBNJ.Com, but luckily is open to all styles of riding. I don’t think there is any other site out there so friendly for multiple riding disciplines. In my case, I want to try to give gravel a chance. Hope to catch up with you on a ride soon. Hopefully the trails will be dry in a few weeks!
