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The Guide to Gravel and Cyclocross, and the Future of Cycling Platforms
Cyclists have an innate ability to turn even the smallest details into heated debates. Is this bike the best for gravel? Can it also hold its own in a cyclocross race? And whatās the deal with Stravaās recent updates? These questions, along with a good dose of banter, were tackled in a recent episode of the Dialed Podcast, and weāre here to summarize the key takeaways.
Weāll explore the ever-versatile gravel bike, what makes it a better choice for most riders compared to a cyclocross bike, and how changes in cycling apps, particularly Strava, could affect your ride experience. Expect a professional tone, a few friendly jabs, and hopefully no faceplants into any metaphorical barriers.
Why Gravel Bikes Dominate the āOne-Bikeā Debate
When asked which bike would reign supreme if you could only own one, the podcast hosts didnāt hesitate: gravel bikes are the undisputed kings. Sure, cyclocross bikes have their merits, but gravel bikes simply cover more groundāliterally and figuratively. Letās break it down.
Geometry: The Game-Changer
Cyclocross bikes feature a steeper head tube angle (72-73 degrees) for sharper, more responsive handling. This is essential for navigating the tight corners and hairpin turns typical of cyclocross races. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, have a slacker head tube angle (70-71 degrees), creating a longer wheelbase that delivers better stability on uneven terrain.
To put it simply: a cyclocross bike feels like a nimble sports car, darting around every twist and turn. A gravel bike is more like an all-wheel-drive SUVāstable, smooth, and forgiving on long, rough rides. Both are fun, but one will leave you less likely to crash into a tree on mile 50.
Bottom Bracket: High or Low?
Another key difference lies in the bottom bracket height. Cyclocross bikes have higher bottom brackets, which help riders clear obstacles like barriers and make bunny hopping easier. Gravel bikes sit closer to the ground, enhancing stability, particularly when descending steep, loose gravel roads.
For most riders, a lower bottom bracket is the better option. Youāre less likely to tip over on a gravel bike when youāve hit mile 70 of an epic ride (and perhaps a caffeine-induced existential crisis).
Cyclocross on a Gravel Bike? Absolutely.
Gravel bikes arenāt just versatileātheyāre also surprisingly capable in cyclocross races. While a dedicated cyclocross bike might shave a few seconds off your lap time in tight corners, a gravel bike can still hold its own on nearly any course.
The hosts shared a valuable perspective: cyclocross-specific bikes are a luxury rather than a necessity. If youāre the type of rider who participates in two or three races a year, your gravel bike is more than enough. Itās also worth noting that many manufacturers have shifted focus away from cyclocross bikes, with models like the Santa Cruz Stigmata evolving into gravel-oriented designs.
So unless youāre doing 20+ cyclocross races annually, save your money. And letās be honest: if youāre racing that often, youāre probably not reading this blogāyouāre out training on your third set of tubular tires.
Stravaās Latest Controversy: What You Need to Know
Strava has long been a favorite app for cyclists, offering everything from segment leaderboards to social connections. However, its recent changes to API access have stirred up a storm. For the non-tech-savvy, hereās what it means: third-party apps and platforms that rely on Stravaās data are suddenly left in the lurch.
The 30-Day Curveball
Strava gave developers a mere 30 days to adjust to these changes, which hit during the busy holiday season. This has left smaller appsāmany beloved by the cycling communityāscrambling to adapt or risk losing access entirely.
Examples include coaching platforms, analytics tools, and Chrome extensions like Strava Sauce, which enhances the data available to users. For cyclists who rely on these tools, it feels like being handed a flat tire on race day.
Why Strava Did It
Strava claims the move affects only a small percentage of apps. But as the podcast hosts speculated, the real motivation might be financial. With just 2% of Stravaās 100 million users paying for the premium version, the company appears to be protecting its data and encouraging more people to subscribe.
Itās a classic case of a company wanting to have its cake and eat it too: they need user data to grow their platform but donāt want others benefiting from it.
Why Weāre Not Leaving Strava (Yet)
Despite the drama, the Dialed Podcast crew agreed on one thing: Strava is still the best social network for athletes. Its blend of featuresāsegment leaderboards, route sharing, and community interactionsāremains unmatched.
Strava also has a unique ability to inspire. Whether itās seeing a friendās latest KOM or discovering a beautiful new route, the app keeps riders motivated. As one host joked, āStrava is like that friend who always brags about their workouts but somehow gets you off the couch.ā
Alternatives Worth Exploring
While Strava remains dominant, apps like Ride with GPS and TrainingPeaks do excel in specific areas. Ride with GPS offers better route planning, especially for off-the-beaten-path adventures, while TrainingPeaks provides superior performance analytics. But neither has managed to match Stravaās massive user base and social appeal.
The Bigger Picture: Whatās Next for Cycling Tech?
The hosts speculated that Stravaās API changes could be part of a larger strategyāperhaps preparing for an IPO or acquisition by a tech giant. These changes may help Strava increase revenue, but they also risk alienating loyal users.
This situation highlights a larger issue in the fitness tech world: data ownership. When you upload your rides, power stats, and KOM attempts, who really owns that information? Strava? Your device manufacturer? The NSA? (Just kidding. Hopefully.)
Choosing the Right Bike: A Final Word
To wrap things up, hereās a quick decision-making guide:
- Gravel Enthusiast? Get a gravel bike. Itāll handle long rides, mixed surfaces, and even the occasional cyclocross race.
- Cyclocross Fanatic? If youāre racing 20+ times a year, a dedicated cyclocross bike might be worth the investment.
- On a Budget? Stick with your current gravel or mountain bike. Your wallet (and your spouse) will thank you.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about Stravaās changes? And are you Team Gravel or Team Cyclocross? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and donāt forget to tune into the Dialed Podcast for more insights, laughs, and cycling camaraderie.
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