Gravel racing is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in South Africa. But South African gravel roads aren’t like those near-perfect stretches of dirt in Tuscany or Kansas. Our gravel roads can range from super smooth and firm to corrugated and rough – more often the latter… So, the question is: which is the best bike to tackle a South African gravel race – gravel bike, hardtail mountain bike or full-sus mountain bike? Here’s the answer.
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
There are more than 750 000km of road in this country and 79% of that is gravel, which means the route options for gravel riding and racing are plentiful. Add to that the fact that gravel roads are generally much quieter – and therefore safer – in terms of motor vehicle traffic and are largely built out in the scenic countryside, where fresh air is abundant and every pedal stroke feels like it’s generating more freedom.
Many gravel races are point-to-point, which reinforces the classic South African affinity for completing a ‘from here-to-there’ journey and of course there’s still a very strong endurance-loving culture in this country that relish a long-distance challenge, which is why most gravel races are at least 160km (100 miles) long.
Back to the which-bike-is-best question…
We asked the question on our social media platforms and the collated results are as follows:
Gravel bike 34%
Hardtail mountain bike 30%
Full-sus mountain bike 36%
There you have it. A fairly even vote across the three options. That doesn’t necessarily represent the breakdown of bike type at South African gravel races currently. The majority of those that enter gravel races are endurance-loving mountain bikers, most of whom own a full-suspension 29er mountain bike. It is changing though as more bike brands gain access to more stock following significant shortages created by the response to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
Although gravel bikes do have some frame compliance, broad rims and wide tyres, they’re built for speed, not comfort. Modern mountain bike geometry on XC/Marathon models sees a slightly relaxed headtube angle, wide bars and chunky tyres that are designed to conquer gnarly features on a mountain bike race course. A gravel road – even a rough one – is a breeze in comparison. But it takes a hard man/woman to tackle long distances of corrugated gravel roads on a gravel bike, no matter how much compliance the frame has.
The hardtail mountain bike isn’t much different from the full-sus other than having no rear shock. And an appropriately set rear shock on a full-sus mountain bike will deliver comfort over rough surfaces and more than adequate control. In ultra-marathon and ultra-endurance events, where you seldom need to get out of the saddle, comfort becomes critical.
Highly conditioned gravel racers and full-time athletes will lean towards the gravel bike because their priority isn’t comfort, it’s speed. Unless the route has a high percentage of rough terrain. If the event includes a lot of climbing a lighter bike will be an advantage. If there’s a lot of descending, especially with many corners, control will be decisive. A mountain bike will offer greater stability and improved traction through descending corners, especially if there are ruts.
If you’re fortunate to have a mountain bike and a gravel bike, you’re able to choose your weapon for a South African gravel race, based on the route’s profile and predominant road surface, as well as your physical condition. Gravel racing is set to continue to grow in this country and it will be interesting to see just if the bike choice changes…
A NEW GRAVEL RACE!
The Prince George Monumental 100 Miler is a brand new gravel race on the South African calendar. It’s sure to rapidly become an annual favourite because the 160km route starts in the Great Karoo, traverses the Klein Karoo and ends at the coast. It also incorporates the iconic Swartberg and Montagu Passes and is professionally organised by Dryland Event Management, one of the premier endurance sports events companies in the country.
The inaugural edition takes place on Saturday 15 October. There are still some late entries places available. For more information or to enter, click here.
A LONG GRAVEL RACE
Established in 2020, the News 24 Karoo Burn is a 242km point-to-point gravel race that starts in Calvinia in the Great Karoo, heads along the R355 and finishes at Kaleo Guest Farm in the Kouebokkeveld with an accumulated ascent of 1950 metres. It incorporates the longest straight gravel road in South Africa and takes place in late February, the hottest time of the year.
It is professionally organised by Dryland Event Management so you know the six water points are legendary and act as an oasis for the weary. The next edition takes place on Saturday 25 February 2023. For more information or to enter, click here.
