Gravel bike frames 101: types; materials; and key features
In this guide we’ll explore the essentials of gravel bike frames to help you make an informed decision about your next gravel bike.
Gravel riding has become neutral ground for experienced and beginner riders alike to turn the pedals without having to deal with traffic or possess special skills — where “escape” is less about getting away and more about going to…a destination, a finish line, a personal goal, or a sense of satisfaction.
If you want an off-road adventure, a freeing cycling experience, a new way to race, or all three — go gravel riding. Gravel bikes are designed to take on a variety of terrain, and are highly customizable according to their purpose and the people who are riding them. You want your gravel bike to be aligned with your lifestyle; achieving that kind of harmony starts with the gravel bike frame. In this guide we’ll explore the essentials of gravel bike frames (framesets, to be specific) to help you make an informed decision about your next gravel bike.
Frame vs. frameset
These two terms often get thrust into conversation as if they mean the same thing. No serious harm will come of that and, to be fair, they are similar, just not the same, as we will see:
Frame
This refers to the bike’s core structure. For instance, a diamond-shaped frame encompasses the front triangle (top tube, down tube, seat tube) and rear triangle (seat stays, chain stays). Ritchey frames are all diamond-shaped steel gravel frames.
Frameset
A frameset is the frame and fork together as a set. All Ritchey models are sold as framesets with the headset included. Each model’s frame, fork, and headset have been designed to work together to achieve certain ride qualities.
Did you know? Cranks and crankset also fall victim to mistaken identity. Cranks are the actual crank arms; cranksets are both crank arms together with the chainring(s).
What’s the right gravel bike frameset for you?
The right gravel frameset for you is the one that’s built from life without a thought for high profit margins or planned obsolescence. It’s also the one that’s been uniquely designed for the type of gravel riding you choose: adventure vs. performance, and the type of terrain you choose to ride on. First determine whether you prioritize leisure and comfort or speed and agility. The frame’s geometry should align with your priorities and is worth careful consideration when choosing a gravel frameset.
Adventure — Travel
A gravel frameset for recreational riding, such as adventure travel, will feature a frame geometry that positions the rider more upright for less strain on the back and neck over long distances, and perhaps a longer wheelbase for better stability under loads.
Performance — Racing
A frameset for gravel racing often has a longer top tube to bring the rider’s torso more parallel to the top tube, which lowers the rider’s center of gravity for improved aerodynamics and more control over the front of the bike.
Terrain considerations
Gravel bikes’ versatility provides an incentive to discover new places to ride when what’s beneath the wheels becomes less of an issue. The type of terrain that you can throw under a gravel bike varies the world over. Your frameset selection also plays a starring role for how comfortable, stable, or in control you want to be over a variety of terrains. Tire clearance also commands special attention — especially if you want the option to select tires suited to specific terrain. Early gravel frames settled on a safe tire clearance in the low to mid 40’s in millimeters, which now seems conservative compared to today’s clearances of 54mm and up.
Gravel bike frames: budget and material preferences
Same as with other bike types, a gravel bike’s price depends a lot on its frame (and fork) composition.
- Frame material
- Steel, butted steel tubing, which is what all Ritchey gravel frames are made from, is the most enduring bike frame material for producing long-lasting, lightweight frames. Versatile and nearly indestructible as a frame material, it’s the ride sensation that users describe as “spring-y,” lively, and elastic, as well as its resilience that wins over fans of steel. Superior vibration damping is also a coveted characteristic because it supplies a comfortable ride on rugged terrain. Though more expensive than aluminum, steel is a highly affordable choice when weighed against its impressive life expectancy.
- Aluminum, or aluminum alloy, was one of the first alternatives to steel for crafting bike frames. Aluminum, however, isn’t known for comfort. Lightweight, durable aluminum has a reputation for being unforgiving on bad roads, yet it can take a beating, which makes it a good choice for gravel. The most economical of all the choices here, aluminum’s economy is short-lived since it has a shorter lifespan than most frame materials.
- Carbon fiber, which used to be reserved for only the best road bikes, is now being used to craft gravel bikes as well. The process for making carbon fiber frames allows engineers to build ride characteristics into different areas of the frame. Carbon fiber’s design potential as a frame material also makes it more expensive than metal and more fragile if not properly handled.
Gravel frame sizing
Getting the right bike size from the start can make the difference between loving (or hating) gravel riding. You could get the best gravel bike for your money, but if it’s the wrong size, it doesn’t matter how great it is. Dedicating some time to finding a frame that fits with the help of an expert may be the best investment you can make when searching for a new bike. The reason to pinpoint a precise frame size is to gain riding comfort and enjoyment because you’ll be a lot happier on a bike that’s a perfect fit.
Ritchey gravel bike framesets
A good bike is the sum of its parts, with the frame as the most significant variable in the equation. When designing the right frame for gravel and adventure rides, Ritchey pays careful attention to all aspects of a possible build.
Ritchey Outback
The Ritchey Outback gravel bike frameset is built for adventure, yet it’s still capable of going fast. Made from triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel, the versatile Outback features an all-carbon fiber Ritchey Adventure Fork, clearance for 700c x 48mm or 650b x 2.0” tires, and multiple mounts for racks and fenders. A more relaxed frame geometry makes it ideal for various terrains and long rides. The Outback is designed for agility, stability, comfort, and adaptability. Its key features include:
- Frame geometry optimized for comfort and stability on rough terrain, yet it’s agile enough to trace clean lines in competition.
- Tire clearance: accommodates wider tires for better traction and comfort.
- Mounts: equipped with multiple mounts for carrying gear, perfect for bikepacking and touring.
Ritchey Ascent
The Ritchey Ascent gravel bike frameset is designed for rugged gravel and bikepacking adventures. Made from TIG-welded, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing, it features rack and fender mounts, and a versatile Ritchey steel fork with multiple mounts. The frame accommodates 27.5" or 29" wheels with clearance for up to 2.6” tires, has post-mount brake compatibility, and includes 148mm BOOST spacing. The Ascent offers a comfortable, durable ride with adaptability for various terrains and configurations, making it an ideal choice for adventure cyclists. Its key features include:
- Frame geometry for both rugged trails and smooth roads.
- Adaptability: can be configured for different riding styles, for instance flat or drop handlebars.
Ritchey Swiss Cross
The Ritchey Swiss Cross made its debut as a no-holds-barred race machine designed for ripping through dirt like no other. Its race-ready geometry puts the rider low on the top tube and tucked into position for quick acceleration, diving into tight turns, and all-out sprints. The Swiss Cross is Ritchey’s lightest, most minimalist gravel bike frameset designed without mounts and with a narrow tire clearance for fast gravel rides and cyclocross races because speed is a priority. Its key features include:
- Race-ready frame geometry designed for confident responsiveness and razor-sharp handling.
- Tire clearance of no more than 40mm to keep things quick and nimble.
- Triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing combined with a WCS Carbon Cross Disc Fork to yield a lean race machine.
Key Differences
- Outback: built for adventure, yet capable of going fast, plus offers versatility for various terrains with different wheel and tire options.
- Ascent: best for long-distance, gear-heavy adventures with its robust frame and ample mounts.
- Swiss Cross: a racing purebred ideal for ticking off grueling miles in a gravel race or leading the charge on the bell lap.
Too much information can sometimes lead to “analysis paralysis” so let’s keep it simple — get a gravel frameset if you want to ride outside the limits…of town, city, road networks, and other cycling disciplines that lack the versatility of gravel riding. The top six steps to follow when searching for a gravel frameset are:
- Define what kind of gravel riding you want to do: adventure or performance
- Consider the area where you’ll ride
- Determine your budget (TIP: spare no expense in designing your dream gravel bike, then work backward to see what you can reasonably afford)
- Choose your correct frame size
- Select components best suited for how, where, and how long you’ll ride (a Certified Ritchey Assembler can help with that)
- Go ride!
When you choose to go gravel riding, what you’re really doing is giving yourself permission to go beyond and live outside your limits. Ritchey can help you do that.
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