Frame: a longer base and more flexibility
Van Avermaet rides BMC’s Kaius 01 model, a bike that normally costs between 11,000 and 12,000 euros. There are many gravel bikes made from aluminum, but this material is heavier and sturdier. A rider like Greg Van Avermaet, who competes, wants a bike that is as light as possible. This is why its frame, like that of its road bike, is made of carbon.
“The frame of a gravel bike has a longer base, which helps absorb shock better, explains Van Avermaet. And carbon is designed in a slightly different way, providing a little more flexibility. The bike is more flexible. When you ride on rougher terrain, you really feel it.”
Van Avermaet’s position on his gravel bike is no different from that on his road bike. “Normally you’re a little closer to the handlebars, but I’m already pretty close.”
Wheels and tires: 40 millimeters and barely 2.2 bars
On a road bike, the frame is as narrow as possible to improve aerodynamics, while on a gravel bike it is a little wider to accommodate wider wheels and tires. “Depending on the weather and the terrain, you must choose the right profileexplains Van Avermaet. “Tire width generally varies between 35 and 45 millimeters. The larger the stones, the thicker the tires should be. We always ride without a tube, that is to say tubeless. Inside there is some kind of liquid (a sealer) to plug the small holes.”
Van Avermaet will ride at the world championship in Leuven on Sunday with 40 millimeter wide Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires. It will inflate them to 2 to 2.2 bars. For comparison, in a race on cobbles like Paris-Roubaix, the pressure is around 4 bars, but the tires are also narrower (30 to 32 millimeters).
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Speeds: a wide range with a single front chainring
What’s striking is that many gravel bikes have a single front chainring. This is because the rear cassette is larger. Van Avermaet uses the Campagnolo Ekar GT groupset, with 13 speeds and a 10-44 tooth cassette. The difference between the smallest and largest cog is very large, allowing you to ride uphill with fairly low gears while still being able to sprint with high gears. In other words, you can climb easily and also sprint. Its front chainring has 40 teeth.
“Some riders prefer two front chainrings, as this of course offers twice as many gear choices, but a single chainring is convenient because the chain is almost never likely to derail at the front”explains Van Avermaet. This also makes the bike lighter, which is an advantage in competitions.
Chain: wax instead of oil
Another tip adopted by Van Avermaet, like more and more professional cyclists, is to use a waxed chain. “The benefit is even greater in gravel, because you ride a lot in dust and sandhe said. By using wax, dirt does not cling to the chain like with oil. Even in dirty conditions, your chain continues to perform optimally. If it’s dry, you can easily cover 300 kilometers without needing to “re-wax” it. (immerse it in a special wax bath and let it dry). On the other hand, in wet conditions, it is better to do it after each outing.”
Pedals: clip on both sides or not?
For pedals, there are three options. “Depending on the route, you choose a particular type of pedals. With MTB or gravel pedals, you can clip on both sides.” This means you can get going faster if you have to put your foot down, but for a fast race like Sunday’s, Van Avermaet still opts for his favorite road pedals. “I think on this course we won’t be walking a lot, there aren’t really any very technical areas.” And of course, these pedals are also lighter. Everything for speed!
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