Race

Unlike adventure gravel bikes, which included features of road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, race gravel bikes are clearly oriented towards road bikes. The riding position is stretched as it is typical for road bikes. Agility in fast bends counts more than maximum smooth running. Aerodynamically optimised frames, deep-section rims and one-piece cockpits can also be found in this category.

As is usual for race bikes, stiffness and lightweight construction are a number-one priority. Carbon is the measure of all things, whether for the frame, wheels or components. You will look in vain for suspension elements as well as as great number of mounting points. Although it is possible to attach panniers, gravel race bikes are not designed for extended bikepacking adventures.

The tyres make this obvious, too: Fast tread patterns and widths of around 40 mm are common and keep the rolling resistance low. Narrower handlebars are also designed to reduce the area exposed to wind. And last but not least, the gearings are often a little tighter. This leaves more reserves for speeds that can make a difference in races.

If you are deciding between a road bike and a gravel race bike, the choice of routes, or rather the proportion of surfaces, is crucial. Both bikes are fast, and the geometries are also very similar. But if you want maximum performance on tarmac, the road bike still has the advantage. Sections with cobblestones, compact gravel paths and firm forest floors can also be ridden on a road bike. However, comfort and grip suffer on these excursions.

If, on the other hand, roads are a necessary evil for you to get to the next gravel track and you also want to have reserves for rougher or looser terrain, the gravel racer is the right choice. On such terrain, a race gravel bike not only performs faster, but is also safer, more comfortable and offers better puncture protection. If the proportion of road riding is greater, you can always fit narrower tyres.

The groupset is not only the key factor for power transfer, but also influences the weight. That’s why, high-quality materials, technologies and features are also reflected in the price. In general, all fitted groupsets are designed for use on race gravel bikes. The major manufacturers Shimano and SRAM pursue different philosophies in some ways. However, their products are on a comparable level.

In the performance-oriented gravel race category, electronic shifting systems with their fast, precise gear changes have already established themselves, and powerful disc brakes have become indispensable anyway. The question remains: Single or double – which shifting system suits you best?

• Single: for fast gear changes in varied terrain, minimises weight and sources of error
• Double: for finer gear steps and more constant cadences, specially for high speeds
• Shimano: "classic" STI shifting logic, slightly faster reaction time, larger battery
• SRAM: intuitive eTap shifting logic, completely wireless, removable batteries
• Classified: electronic hub/derailleur gears, combines the advantages of single/double drivetrains

Power meters, such as those installed on the Backroad FF, provide the ideal basis for controlling your training and making success measurable. The advantage over speed or heart rate measurement lies in the comparability of the results. Just as speed depends on factors such as headwinds or tailwinds, the heart rate only reflects the body's reaction to stress. The influence of outside temperatures, sleep, diet or illness is not taken into account.

A power meter, on the other hand, measures your actual performance – in contrast to your heart rate and without delay. This means that you always know exactly how many watts you are pedalling. You can better view your training progress, perform precise interval training sessions, calculate your calorie consumption more accurately and train based on fitness indicators such as the FTP threshold.