Yes, almost all gravel bikes have a gearbox. Gravel cycling takes place in varying conditions from asphalt roads to gravel tracks and hilly terrain, which makes gearing essential. Gearing allows you to adjust pedalling resistance to the conditions and maintain an efficient pace over a variety of terrain. In this article, we will discuss gravel bike gears and how to choose them.
Does the gravel bike have gears?
Yes, it is. Almost all modern gravel bikes are equipped with a gearbox that enables efficient riding in a variety of conditions. The gearbox is an essential part of gravel cycling, as riding often takes place in varying terrain and road conditions.
Gravel cycling combines the speed of road cycling with the versatility of mountain biking. You can ride flat tarmac, steep hills, loose gravel and more technical trails in the same ride. This requires a wide range of gears, so you can pedal effectively in all situations.
The gearbox lets you adjust the pedalling resistance to suit the terrain and your fitness level. On steep climbs, lighter gears help you get uphill without too much effort, while on flats or downhill, heavier gears help you maintain good speed. Check out VMSport's wide range of gravel bikes and find the right bike and gearbox for you.
There are also rare exceptions, such as singlespeed gravel bikes, with only one transmission without gearbox. These are mainly suitable for flat terrain and for experienced cyclists who appreciate the simplicity and low maintenance of a bike. However, singlespeed gravel bikes are in a distinct minority on the market.
What gearing options are available on gravel bikes?
Gravel bikes mainly have two types of gearing: 1x gearing (single chainring) and 2x gearing (double chainring). Both offer their own advantages, depending on your riding style and purpose of use.
1x gearbox means one front wheel and several rear wheels, typically 10-13 gears. This system is simple and easy to use, as the gears are controlled by a single gear lever. 1x gears have become very popular in gravel cycling due to their reliability and ease of use.
The advantages of 1x gearbox are clear. The chain stays in place better on rough terrain because it runs in a straighter line without cross-shifting. The bike is also lighter and cleaner without the front derailleur. Maintenance is simpler with fewer parts.
2x gearbox includes two front wheels and several rear wheels, offering a wider range of gears. Typical gear ranges are 16-22 gears. This system is ideal for long distances and varied terrain, where you need both really light and heavy gears.
The 2x gearbox has the advantage of a wider transmission range. You get lighter gears for steep climbs and heavier gears for fast driving on flat roads. This is particularly useful if you drive a lot of hilly trails or carry a heavy load. The downside is more complex operation and slightly higher maintenance requirements.
Switching ranges vary depending on the manufacturer and model. For 1x gearboxes, a typical rear sprocket set is 10-42T or 10-50T, while 2x gearboxes can use, for example, 46/30T front sprockets and 11-34T rear sprockets.
How does a gravel bike gearbox differ from a road bike gearbox?
The main differences between a gravel bike gearbox and a road bike gearbox are arbitration and the range of gears. Gravel bikes need lighter gears for hilly and variable terrain, while road bikes are optimised for flat asphalt.
On road bikes, the gears are typically on the heavier side, as the driving is mainly on flat or gently undulating asphalt. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, need lighter gears to get up steep hills, even on loose gravel or carrying extra weight.
In practice, this means that the largest rear rim on a gravel bike is often larger than on a road bike. For example, on a gravel bike you might see a 42T or even 50T maximum wheel, whereas on a road bike it is typically 28-32T.
Another important difference is gearbox durability and reliability. Gravel wheel gearing is designed to withstand dirt, dust, water and other demanding conditions. To prevent chain falls, narrow-wide sprockets and chain guides are often used. See VMSport's gravel bikes, with durable gearboxes optimised for these demanding conditions.
The gearing on a Gravel bike is therefore optimised to work on both asphalt and gravel surfaces. It offers a wide enough range of gears for all situations and can cope with varying conditions. The road gearbox, on the other hand, focuses on providing precise and fast shifting on smooth surfaces.
How do I choose the right gear for my gravel bike?
Choosing the right gearbox depends on your riding style, terrain and fitness level. Think about the conditions you plan to ride in most and the routes you plan to cycle. Your own goals and experience will also influence your choice.
If you mainly drive on flat or gently undulating gravel and asphalt roads, the 1x gearbox is good enough. It's simple to use, reliable and requires less maintenance. The 1x gearbox is ideal for most enthusiasts and daily use.
The 2x gearbox is a good choice if you drive a lot of long distances over varied terrain, carry heavy loads on bikepacking trips or live in very hilly terrain. The wider range of gears gives you more flexibility in challenging conditions.
Your fitness level will also influence your choice. If you're just starting out or not at your peak, lighter gears will help you enjoy cycling without too much strain. More experienced and fit cyclists will be able to cope with a narrower range of gears.
The importance of maintenance should not be forgotten. Your gearbox needs regular maintenance to function reliably. We are ready to help with gearbox adjustments and maintenance to keep your bike in good condition. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your gearbox and ensure a pleasant riding experience.
If you are unsure about your choice, it's worth coming to discuss it with us. We can help you find the right gravel bike and gearing for your needs, and we can also arrange a test ride to give you an idea of the differences between the different options in practice. Get to know VMSport's bicycles and book an appointment to talk to our experts!
