Endless Possibilities: Our Go-To Bike This Winter
At Forge 1860, we've always extolled the joy of two wheels, and in recent years one category of bike has truly captured our hearts (and our riding time!). The gravel bike.
If you haven't explored the world of gravel yet, prepare to be converted. These aren't just a fleeting fad, they're a revolution in versatility, offering an incredible blend of off-road capability and everyday practicality that many of our customers are falling in love with.
Remember when bikes were strictly road or mountain? Gravel bikes have elegantly blurred those lines, creating a do-it-all machine that's as comfortable tackling mountain passes as it is cruising to the office. We've seen so many riders discover new routes and renewed enthusiasm thanks to these adaptable beasts.
TRENDING: One of the more noticeable movements of late, and a game-changer in our opinion, is the move towards bigger tyres. We're seeing 45mm and 50mm tyres becoming standard. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about comfort, grip, and confidence. That extra volume allows you to run lower pressures, soaking up bumps and trail chatter, offering a much smoother and less fatiguing ride. Paired with this is the rise of more multi-tread tyres.
These aren't knobbly mountain bike tyres, nor are they slick road slicks. They feature a fast-rolling centre with more aggressive shoulder knobs, providing excellent grip when you lean into a corner on loose surfaces, yet still rolling efficiently on tarmac. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
RACE SCENE: This evolution in tyre choice has coincided with the booming popularity of gravel racing. Events like Grinduro, Badlands and Unbound are attracting riders from all disciplines, pushing manufacturers to innovate. And innovate they have! Frames have become incredibly sophisticated, utilising advanced carbon layups and refined aluminium designs to be significantly lighter than their predecessors.
This weight saving, combined with geometry tweaks that balance stability on rough terrain with nimble handling, makes for a bike that feels fast and responsive. You'll also find more stripped-back models, with the absence of features like multiple luggage mounts, rack mounts, and even internal storage paired back from previous models, becoming a more specialist subset when it comes to gravel collections.
HIGHS AND LOWS: The latest wave of innovation is most apparent in the drivetrain technology. For years, we've had the classic choice between Shimano and SRAM, and their latest gravel-specific offerings are a testament to how far things have come. On one side, we have the new Shimano GRX 1 X 12-speed Di2, offering an even broader range of gearing, with cassettes starting at 10 and extending to 51 teeth.
Wireless shifters now communicate directly with the rear derailleur, which contains a 23g removable battery. This system has been praised for its long battery life (up to 1000km) and upholds Shimano's legendary, precise shifting. For those with range anxiety, a spare battery cost £40 and is small enough to be secreted into a seat pack, just for peace of mind.
Competing with this is SRAM's latest 13-speed groupsets, like the XPLR AXS series. SRAM's philosophy is "fully wireless." Each derailleur also has its own small, easily removable battery, and the shifters are also wireless. This makes for an incredibly clean build with no wires to run. The SRAM 1x system, in particular, gets a boost with the new 13-speed cassette, offering an even wider gear range (up to 460%) and tighter jumps between cogs, getting closer to the feel of a 2x system while maintaining the simplicity of a single chainset.
EVERGREEN: Now, let's talk about its prowess in winter conditions. We know a thing or two about grim weather in the UK, and this is where a gravel bike truly shines. Those wider, grippier tyres provide far more traction on wet, leafy, or even lightly snowy roads and trails than a slimmer road tyre ever could. The increased tyre volume acts as a natural suspension, making those frost-heaved or pothole-ridden winter roads feel much more manageable. You can confidently explore muddy bridleways or soggy forest tracks without constantly worrying about punctures or losing control.
Beyond the practicalities, there's a certain joy that comes with being able to ride a single bike through winter, knowing it can handle whatever you throw at it. No need to swap bikes for different conditions; your gravel machine is ready for anything. We often hear from customers how their gravel bike has reignited their winter riding, transforming what was once a chore into an adventure. The ability to seamlessly transition from tarmac to a muddy shortcut, or to explore that intriguing-looking path off the beaten track, adds a layer of excitement that keeps you riding year-round.
SUMMED UP: From spirited off-road adventures and the thrill of gravel racing, to dependable winter commuting and exploring new horizons, gravel bikes are proving to be the ultimate quiver-killer for many riders. They offer freedom, versatility, and a whole different type of riding.
Come on down to Forge 1860 and let's chat about finding the perfect gravel bike to unlock your next riding adventure. We have a fantastic selection from Pearson, Enve, Cannondale and Merida. Our expert team is always eager to share its knowledge and assist you with the one bike that spans all seasons.