Gravel Bikes Get Attention From Manufacturers

Kona Rove Prototype

The gravel road racing/riding scene continues to grow, and with that growth, some manufacturers are taking note and developing products for the genre.

We've chronicled the bikes by Salsa Cycles, Kona, and others here. Tires by Clement and Challenge Tires are now specifically aimed at gravel road racing/riding. But that isn't all.

Take a look at this link which will take you to "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" website and there you can read the recent story they published in the paper version which tells of several ideas being bounced around for product aimed at gravel riders.

Since that article was researched, Interbike happened and this reporter has learned that even more companies are looking at this genre. Products are in development now which will be offered to gravel aficionados and should expand choices from their current levels.

Banjo Brothers frame bags

Also it is evident that many companies are seeing the "adventure/touring/racing" angle to back road riding/racing and are offering accessories targeted at folks riding gravel and dirt back roads. This is most evident in the frame bag/top tube bag market where several new entries into this niche were presented recently at Interbike.

Even what is arguably the first modern gravel road tire, Bruce Gordon's Rock & Road, has seen sales re-invigorated due to the growth of gravel riding and "all-road riding" across the nation.

But it is in the category of tires where the gravel specific designs are lacking. Perhaps with continued industry interest and growth in this category, that will change.