<story><title>Aerodynamics of Gravel Bikes</title><url>https://www.renehersecycles.com/aerodynamics-of-gravel-bikes/</url></story><parent_chain></parent_chain><comment><author>bbarn</author><text>I am an out of shape former racer who has ridden his bike 10 times in the last two years.  I have a dad belly and rarely work out at all.  I recently did The Rift this summer - a 200km gravel race here in Iceland that people come from all over the world to race.  I did it on a carbon cyclocross bike from my racing days with file treads.  I felt like the light weight of my bike outweighed just about every gravel fad that&amp;#x27;s out there right now.  I was flying past people on the hills, and while the ride felt very rough on the high speed flats, I was still going fast.  If I were in my racing shape of a few years ago I think I would have been in the top 5-10% of racers, largely because nearly everyone was on giant heavy gravel bikes with massive tires loaded for friggin bikepacking from the look of it.  My wife has a purpose-built gravel bike, and she commented on just how slow it felt going uphill (she is a former state cyclocross champion).&lt;p&gt;With the exception of the absolute professionals, most people &amp;quot;Racing&amp;quot; these events are just there to finish them, and the pros?  It&amp;#x27;s basically just a road race.  Gravel offers no significant challenge in handling your bike, and any reasonable set-up can win if it&amp;#x27;s light enough and the rider is fit enough.  The Aero arms race certainly matters in time trials, but I remain unconvinced there&amp;#x27;s enough benefit for the actual racing.  I know US Midwest gravel races are effectively flat, but acceleration is greatly improved with a light bike too.</text></comment>
<story><title>Aerodynamics of Gravel Bikes</title><url>https://www.renehersecycles.com/aerodynamics-of-gravel-bikes/</url></story><parent_chain></parent_chain><comment><author>hi</author><text>&amp;gt; the fastest riders in the 200-mile Unbound average 20 mph (32 km&amp;#x2F;h) across the Flint Hills of Kansas.&lt;p&gt;Let’s not forget that the most important aspect of averaging 20mph on grave roads: drafting, low body weight and high fitness.&lt;p&gt;If you watch footage of the unbound gravel race they mention, the winners are with a group of riders until the very end.&lt;p&gt;The fastest riders are professionals sponsored by the companies trying to sell you this aero gear.&lt;p&gt;If you want to ride faster ride in a group, find your ideal body weight and spend money on a coach. Only then spend money on bike parts beyond the basic lubricated chain, correct tire psi, etc.</text></comment>