What's more useless on a gravel bike

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
On gravel bike, dropper post or frame bag? Trying to figure out if I really want either. Are you really using yours? I like the simplicity of water bottles and the bags just limit options. And droppers, they just seem unnecessary. In what use case would I want one? Single track? I'll use my hardtail.
 
On gravel bike, dropper post or frame bag? Trying to figure out if I really want either. Are you really using yours? I like the simplicity of water bottles and the bags just limit options. And droppers, they just seem unnecessary. In what use case would I want one? Single track? I'll use my hardtail.
The Reverb one becomes a suspension post once you drop it the slightest amount. It also doesn't add any wires and by default you gain a spare axs battery.

I'm likely getting one this spring.
 
Frame bag is excessive. Top tube bag is the best thing I own.

Occasionally I'd use a dropper but not enough to justify the extra weight, same goes for suspension forks on my gravel bike. Don't have enough straight gravel routes in this area.
 
I wouldn't mind a dropper sometimes but rather not pay the weight penalty. High post does make some singletrack moves a bit more thrilling! Haven't done a long enough ride that I needed more supplies than my pockets and seat bag couldn't hold.

I'm really liking the "explore" part of the gravel bike. Yeah, I've got plenty of MTB's but being able to go places then nose around a little and look for interesting trails or such has been really entertaining.
 
On gravel bike, dropper post or frame bag? Trying to figure out if I really want either. Are you really using yours? I like the simplicity of water bottles and the bags just limit options. And droppers, they just seem unnecessary. In what use case would I want one? Single track? I'll use my hardtail.
I can't help seeing the frame bag as a sail, and not one in a position conductive to any improvement of the ride.
The Reverb one becomes a suspension post once you drop it the slightest amount. It also doesn't add any wires and by default you gain a spare axs battery.

I'm likely getting one this spring.
I purchased a 27.2 PNW Coast (?) for that very reason, it's a dropper and a suspension at the same time. The Poor Man's Reverb AXS in a way.
 
On gravel bike, dropper post or frame bag? Trying to figure out if I really want either. Are you really using yours? I like the simplicity of water bottles and the bags just limit options. And droppers, they just seem unnecessary. In what use case would I want one? Single track? I'll use my hardtail.
I love me a frame bag. Always have one on my gravel bike. I have a half frame bag and a full. I started by leaving the full one on and found I never used most of it so I graduated to the half. I usually have an extra water bottle in there, and like to put my tool kit, rain jacket and nutrition rather than the back pocket thing used by roadies. I try for gravel rides that are 2+ hours, so extra food and hydration is always welcome.
 
Been gravel riding for 2 years now and never needed a Frame bag or dropper post for anything. I also dont take my gravel bike on single track either but thats a personal choice.

I'd agree above a top tube bag is a must for the longer rides, it just reduces the amount of stuff you need in your pockets and makes for easy access to it. Another item I picked up last year on the cheap was a smaller hydration pack (camelbak). this one is smaller and compact than the bigger one I use for MTB and holds 1.5L of fluid- I only put water in this one to help ensure it doesn't get gross. It has some small pockets for my car key, phone and a few extra food items. Its very light and i barely feel it when riding and will use that up first before the 2 insulated 24oz bottles that I run.

I do have a saddle bag with the standard repair stuff in it too.
 
I love my gravel dropper - the weight penalty is nothing compared to the 30lbs or so around my midsection, and I do appreciate the lower position once on the downhills.
I'm in the same boat for the embedded lifesaver...

Dropbars contribute greatly to the sketchiness of the ride, my 'gravel' is one of my El Mariachi modified with dropbars and a GRX mini group, and yet going downhill is so much sketchier than my other El mariachi with a fixed seatopost, that's why I purchased a suspension/dropper post. Too bad I haven't installed it yet.
 
I have a frame bag on both my bikes and love them. Yes, they are more beneficial on longer rides of 4 hours or more. No back pack and plenty space for everything.

Not yet have I wanted a dropper on the gravel bike, at that point I would rather be on my MTB.

IMG_2957.jpeg
 
There's more than one way to skin a cat, it's nice to have options...LOL
If you are saying you are looking to have one bike, I would not want drop bars in the rocks. As my body ages I would rather ride rocks in Central/Northern NJ trails with flat bars and a suspension fork - much better hand positioning for that type terrain And comfort.
 
Stem mounted bottle bags? I could definitely see using a couple of those on a bike packing or touring bike.
 
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