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00:00 The popularity of all things gravel continued unabated in 2022, with a host of new bikes
00:07 released from all of the big guns, as well as plenty of associated tech and clothing
00:11 too.
00:12 The growing specialisation found within gravel riding was reflected in much of this gear,
00:17 with it becoming more segmented, tuned for the specific needs of gravel races and gravel
00:22 adventurers.
00:23 We saw the bikes get lighter, more aerodynamically enhanced, we also witnessed bikes getting
00:28 burlier with huge tyre clearances and integrated suspension.
00:32 So what's in store for the new year ahead?
00:35 Discipline specific bikes and gear will persist as the gravel categories continue to mature
00:40 and become more nuanced, but will this be to the detriment of the good old fashioned
00:44 rounder?
00:45 So here are our predictions for gravel tech trends in 2023.
00:55 With an increasing number of gravel bikes being designed to handle extreme off-road
00:59 conditions as well as multi-day off-grid bikepacking jaunts, it was little surprise that mountain
01:04 bike inspired suspension gained a solid foothold.
01:08 Specialized debuted its Future Shock front suspension as far back as 2017 on the all-road
01:14 Roubaix, while SRAM released its Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork in late 2021.
01:20 So this trend is nothing particularly new.
01:23 We've also seen the development of suspension stems and seatposts for the gravel sector,
01:28 with varying levels of approaches taken.
01:30 From Canyon's Leaf Spring post to RockShox's suspension dropper, that was released as part
01:35 of SRAM's aforementioned XPLR line-up.
01:38 However, the end of this year saw perhaps the most significant development in the shape
01:42 of Specialized's rear Future Shock, which accompanied the release of its Diverge STR
01:48 gravel bike.
01:49 It features 30mm of travel built into the seatpost, which is controlled by a damper
01:54 in the top tube.
01:55 The idea being that the system only works when a rider is seated, meaning that out-the-saddle
02:00 efforts aren't accompanied by a spongy ride feel that wastes energy, typically an issue
02:05 with suspension forks.
02:06 Given that many gravel routes take in a variety of terrain, including a few stints on the
02:10 road, the need for efficient suspension is real.
02:14 We expect that more brands will join Specialized in creating gravel bikes with integrated
02:19 suspension designed to help smooth out the ride and reduce fatigue, without having to
02:23 resort to suspension forks that add weight and only make sense for gravel riders who
02:27 spend the majority of their time tackling harsh and technical terrain previously reserved
02:32 for mountain bikes.
02:38 Gravel racing's growth has mirrored that of the gravel category as a whole.
02:42 It continues to go from strength to strength, with a slew of ex-WorldTour pros now dedicating
02:48 their time to gravel events around the globe, including in 2022 the first UCI-sanctioned
02:54 Gravel World Championships.
02:56 The greater exposure and growing prize funds only serve to make gravel racing more competitive,
03:02 which means the makers of GravelTech are being charged with creating gear that'll see riders
03:06 go faster than ever before.
03:08 We saw a number of out-and-out gravel race bikes released in 2022, including Factor's
03:13 Ostro Gravel and an updated Espero from Cervelo.
03:18 Both place a focus on speed and are built around a lightweight carbon frame with aero
03:22 tube shapes.
03:24 Expect to see more of the same in 2023, with brands taking tech on their road bikes and
03:28 applying it to their gravel equivalent, as well as gravel race framesets look for more
03:33 accompanying components, such as gravel-specific integrated cockpits which hide cables and
03:38 hoses and help improve a bike's aerodynamics.
03:46 Since the emergence of the gravel bike sector, the question of gearing has been front and
03:51 centre.
03:52 As bikes designed to tackle a range of terrain, how do you settle on the right drivetrain
03:57 and gearing range?
03:58 A one-by setup is simpler, with less to go wrong, but can mean a considerable jump between
04:03 gears if you're to achieve a sufficient range.
04:06 Opting for a double chainset is likely to result in gearing more appropriate for both
04:10 on- and off-road riding, but brings into play the fallible nature of a front mech when hit
04:15 with mud, sand and rocks, not to mention the issues of shifting while under load.
04:20 Classify's PowerShift technology sought to solve the issue of removing the front mech
04:24 while still offering a sufficient gear range.
04:27 The wireless system that's housed in the rear hub is also designed to allow the rider
04:31 to shift no matter the torque applied.
04:34 It all added up to a piece of tech that seemed tailor-made for the rigours of gravel riding,
04:38 albeit an expensive one.
04:40 With investors including Tom Boonen and a recent injection of cash to the tune of $23
04:45 million by the Active Partners Group, the Belgium-based company will enter 2023 with
04:51 plenty of momentum.
04:53 We expect to see more gravel bikes offered with the Classified Hub in 2023.
04:58 In recent days, we've seen the launch of Ridley's all-new all-road Griffin that includes
05:02 an option equipped with a Shimano GRX, Di2, 1x groupset and a Classified Hub.
05:13 When you think of gravel bikes, the ability to run wider tyres immediately comes to mind.
05:18 In the last few years, this has been a continuing trend, resulting in the release of the Canyon
05:22 Grizzle, which can handle tyres as wide as 50mm.
05:26 While smaller brands were early adopters of super-wide tyres, the Grizzle was a significant
05:31 marker among the big brands and we expect to see more mainstream marks continue to follow
05:36 suit in 2023.
05:38 That said, have we reached the limit in tyre width for gravel bikes?
05:42 When it comes to bike tech, there's often a yin to the yang, so it would make sense
05:46 that while brands continue to develop slick gravel race rigs, they also offer some counterbalance
05:51 with bikes designed for those with the gnarliest of requirements.
06:00 SRAM were early adopters of the 1x groupset and its entry-level SRAM Apex 1 was featured
06:06 on many early gravel bikes.
06:08 As a groupset, it offers gravel riders plenty - a clutch rear mech, hydraulic disc brakes
06:13 and thus free shifting - at a competitive price, meaning replacement components don't
06:17 cost the earth either.
06:19 The US brand has been equally enthusiastic about electronic shifting, with its wireless
06:23 eTap AXS tech offered across the range, except for Apex.
06:28 Given that more and more gravel bikes are coming equipped with electronic shifting,
06:32 it would make sense for SRAM to extend its wireless line-up to include Apex 1, and it's
06:37 something we fully expect to see in 2023.
06:41 The benefits are numerous.
06:43 Brands will be able to offer electronic shifting on complete gravel bikes at price points previously
06:47 unachievable with either Rival 1 or Shimano GRX Di2 groupsets.
06:53 Existing users of SRAM eTap AXS will be able to replace parts without breaking the bank,
06:58 given that an integral component of the system is the interchangeability of parts from different
07:02 tiers of the range.
07:04 Damage a rear mech on your Force 1-eclipped gravel bike?
07:07 Replace it with an Apex 1 derailleur instead.
07:15 In gravel's early days, confusion reigned.
07:18 Searching for a drop-bar bike to handle off-road riding threw up a curious mix, from road bikes
07:23 with knobbly tyres to monster cross machines.
07:27 But no more.
07:28 Gravel riders have certainly benefited from the specialisation that's happened over
07:32 the last few years.
07:33 It's now far easier to find the right bike for your needs, as well as supporting kit.
07:38 Whether that's a featherweight superbike like the Crux from Specialized, or a burly
07:42 offering like the aforementioned Grizzle.
07:44 But where does this leave the all-rounder?
07:47 After all, the appeal of a gravel bike for some was its ability to handle a broad spectrum
07:51 of riding, especially relevant if you can only afford to own one bicycle.
07:56 You could argue that the all-round category has this covered.
07:58 A bike like the Trek Domane has clearance for 38mm tyres, built-in compliance and neat
08:03 extras like integrated storage.
08:05 In essence, ideal for a spot of light gravel, among other things.
08:10 You could also argue that any of the bikes mentioned could handle an alternative life.
08:14 And you'd be right, you can strap bags to the Crux and head off into the wilderness.
08:18 Equally, you could enter a gravel race on the Grizzle, armed with the correct tyres.
08:22 But neither would be in their elements.
08:25 Will 2023 be the year that the gravel all-rounder rises to the fore?
08:30 We'll have to see, although Ridley's approach with the brand new Griffin, and the Domane
08:34 of course, is perhaps the more likely blueprint for other brands to follow for those looking
08:39 for one bike to do it all.
08:42 So what do you think of our gravel tech trend predictions for 2023?
08:46 Let us know in the comments below.
08:48 If you enjoyed the video, please do drop it a like, subscribe to the channel for more
08:51 content and we'll see you again very soon.
08:54 Thanks for watching.
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