Gossip
Which early gravel innovation are you most glad the industry adopted?
Chapter 1
The birth of the gravel category
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Chapter 2
The technology of comfort and control
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Chapter 3
Global gravel culture and epic adventures
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Chapter 4
Why gravel bikes became the ultimate "one bike"
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The rise of gravel bikes
Ch 1 · The birth of the gravel category
sonia See how the Warbird's flexible frame absorbed vibrations, launching the fat tire revolution.
nic Mid-2000s endurance races on rugged US gravel roads demanded a completely new kind of bicycle.
Fun Fact
Gravel origins: The first official production gravel bike, the Salsa Warbird, was released in 2012 specifically to handle the rough gravel roads of the American Midwest.
nic Cyclocross racing provided the initial blueprint for riding drop-bar bikes on mud and grass.
Glossary
gravel bike (noun)
A drop-bar bicycle designed for riding on both paved and unpaved surfaces, typically featuring wide tire clearance. In 2012, Salsa Cycles launched the Warbird as the industry's first purpose-built model of this type.
A drop-bar bicycle designed for riding on both paved and unpaved surfaces, typically featuring wide tire clearance. In 2012, Salsa Cycles launched the Warbird as the industry's first purpose-built model of this type.
Quiz
What is the primary physical drawback of riding a traditional road bike on loose gravel?
Quiz
Where did the famous Unbound Gravel race, which popularized gravel cycling, originate in 2006?