Newbie's Corner

Newbies / Beginner’s Corner, where the Gravel Cyclist crew will attempt to unravel some of the mystery behind riding, racing and having fun on gravel roads.

Beginners Corner2015-1 — Gumby enjoying the view on a South Australian gravel road.

Thus far we cover:

1. Useful pointers for those new to Gravel Cycling

2. Tips and concepts related to Gravel Bike setup

3. Gravel Riding Techniques

4. Riding & Racing on Gravel – You Get Dirty

5. Route Planning 101 – Using Technology

6. Cartography – Gravel Road Map Resources

7. Riding & Racing on Gravel – Clean Up Before The Trip Home

8. Headwinds, Pacelines & Echelon Riding

9. Gearing for Gravel Bikes

10. Planning and Carrying for Long Solo Rides

11. Gravel Bike Tyre / Tire Pressure – by ENVE Composites

12. Gravel Cycling on the Cheap

13. How to Descend on a Gravel Bike

14. Swapping Tubeless Tires & Reusing Tubeless Tire Sealant

15. Mountain Bike Skills for Gravel & Cyclocross – by Andre Perrett

16. The Hookless Bead Rim: How It Works & Who They’re For – by ENVE Composites

17. Cyclist Etiquette around Horses

18. FIVE SKILLS EVERY GRAVEL CYCLIST NEEDS TO KNOW

19. How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes from Scratch

20. 50 Interesting People / Entities You Should Know in Gravel Cycling

7 Comments

Mike Sadlier


November 22, 2016, 23:41

I have been using Sturmey Archer’s 70 mm drum brakes on my bike for 5 or 6 years now and love them. Pros, they take all of about 30 seconds max to adjust to very little lever free-play, they are more immune to dirty, water, mud or snow than any other bicycle brake, more than enough power for me to stop, 240 lbs 6’3″, with very good modulation, less likely to be damaged compared to other type brakes. Cons, they are heavier than rim brakes, due to needing heavier forks and chain stays to take rotation from reaction arms, just as do disc brakes, and like all drum brakes, they do not shed heat as well.
Jon Giddis


July 12, 2021, 21:36

Jom,
I am not sure how to fix my lack of YouTube comment ability, so I will leave you with this. You are providing me with great ideas and inspiration in my quest to get away from asphalt. Hit in 2020 by a pick up truck while riding a loop from Gun Barrel City, Texas around Cedar Creek Resevoir, made me buy a gravel bike. It arrives some time early winter 2021/22. In the mean time, I’ll keep riding my old Cannondale around Dallas and in organized weekender road rides. Keep up your brand of humor and I will see you…In the next video.
Jon
- JOM
  
  
  July 13, 2021, 09:26
  
  Thanks Jon! Those DFW area levee roads are definitely worth a look.
Ken


January 18, 2022, 22:29

Hi JOM
Been watching your videos but just subscribed. Very helpful. I’m 65 and am switching to gravel from road in Wisconsin and SE MN.

Curious, how fast are you riding I the Georgia red clay ramble video?

What was your tire width?

Thanks
- JOM
  
  
  January 19, 2022, 21:20
  
  Hello Ken, good luck with the transition. I’ve ridden a couple of different editions of the Red Clay Ramble. The faster editions have averaged close to 18mph, tyre width was anywhere from 35mm in the early days, up to about 38mm / 40mm later. Hope this helps!
Herbie


June 26, 2022, 00:38

Hi Jom,

I’m currently sourcing out parts for my first gravel/ adventure bike. Just wondering what your thought on the set-up that I have in mind. I currently have an 11-40 11s cassette and GRX810 fd and rd already. Do you think I can pair it with a 48/32t crankset or do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks! Fan of your videos!
- JOM
  
  
  June 27, 2022, 21:56
  
  Hi Herbie, I recorded a video on my YouTube channel and cross posted here, that demonstrates GRX Di2 at least, with the standard GRX 48/31 crankset and an 11-40 cassette. Worked perfectly, I don’t see any issue with 48-32T. Good luck, thanks for the kind words!

7 Comments

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