Hi D4D- in practice, what’s the difference between a gravel bike and an XC bike.
Cheers
TC
a gravel bike is a fancy name for a cross between a cyclocross bike and a traditional touring bike.
currently they're fashionable because the industry wanted something new to sell.
an XC mountain bike... goes properly off road.
for a 4wd orientated explanation...
a gravel bike is a Subaru Outback or Forester... sure... you can take it off road, if you're really skilled and careful. But it's really better suited to dirt roads.
an XC mountain bike... is a Landcruiser, Patrol, Prado etc etc...