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The GCN Show

Are Things About To Ungravel? | GCN Show Ep. 627

Jan 14, 2025
The hosts dive into the evolution of gravel bikes, questioning if they might face extinction as they edge closer to mountain bikes. They also share updates on a $30,000 steel Condor bike and the retirement of a prominent figure in cycling. Fundraising efforts for a long-distance ride are highlighted, along with lighthearted moments like a humorous park run experience and quirky cycling hacks. Adding to the fun are discussions about the merits of rear view mirrors in cycling and inspiring fitness transformations.
37:54

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of gravel bikes towards mountain bike features raises concerns about their unique identity and market viability.
  • Paris's increase in cycling participation demonstrates how effective urban planning can significantly improve both cycling activity and air quality.

Deep dives

The Evolution and Future of Gravel Bikes

The discussion centers on the current evolution of gravel bikes and the concerns that they may be drifting too close to mountain bikes in terms of design and functionality. The evolution has included wider tires and more relaxed geometries aimed at enhancing comfort and performance on technical terrains. This shift raises the potential risk of gravel bikes losing their unique identity, as they may end up competing more directly with mountain bikes. Furthermore, the pricing differential is notable, with carbon gravel bikes generally costing more than comparable carbon mountain bikes, leading to questions about market viability.

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