I went on my first group ride in more than 15 years last week.
‘Slow’ 1hr social ride on mix of bike paths, easy smooth single track and paved road. Got told I will be fine on a mountain bike.
Well I rock up on my dual sus trail bike complete with 2.6” downhill tyres and meet the group, all on fancy, carbon fibre gravel bikes and a few lightweight hardtails....... needless to say I got dropped 2/3 of the way in to the ride....... I’m getting fitter but still a long way to go.
Now I want me a gravel bike..... but I’m looking for something more oriented for the road that can take 35-38mm tyres. The field of different gravel bikes is quite diverse, I don’t think I want slack and burly. I think I want light and fast and able to handle dry gravel paths and tarmac. If it’s going to be loose and rocky I’ll take the MTB.
Any suggestions.
I’m the meantime I rode the loop on my flat bar commuter with 700x35 tyres and aside from the short section of single track it handled the rest fine. I’ll be taking that this Friday!!