If you want the best possible experience when cycling, you may not want to buy a bike off store shelves. Instead, you may want to build your own bike using parts. With a carbon gravel frameset and a set of high-quality tires, you’ll be able to build a bike that’s perfectly suited for gravel riding. These are a few of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing parts for your bike.
Pay Close Attention To The Materials A Frame Is Made From
Bicycle frames can be made from a number of materials. Steel frames are available at a wide range of price points, and aluminum frames also tend to be fairly affordable. Carbon is the top choice for gravel biking because of the level of agility that it delivers. It can provide a smooth ride even when you’re traveling across bumpy surfaces. While carbon can be more costly than some of the other materials listed above, it’s a material that’s worth investing in.
An alternative to a standard carbon frame is an aluminum frame that has carbon forks or stays. The combination of these two materials can deliver an incredibly smooth experience.
Look For A Frame That’s Designed For Gravel Riding
When you’re selecting a new frameset for your bicycle, you’ll want to pay attention to what the frame was designed for. Not all frames are going to be appropriate for the level of challenge that gravel bike riding provides.
Ideally, the product description for the frameset should mention either gravel riding or adventure riding. Frames that are designed to be ridden across smoother surfaces may not provide the kind of responsive handling that you need from your bike. You should focus on finding a high-quality frame, but you should also choose a frame that’s appropriate for the type of cycling that you do.
Don’t Forget Geometry
The shape of a frame will also have a big impact on your riding experience. Bikes that are designed for racing will have stiffer geometry. Frames that are made for touring will have a longer wheelbase and more relaxing head tube angles.
While there are other options available, such as triathlon framesets, you’ll generally want to look for a carbon gravel frameset that falls into one of these categories. You should always make sure that the geometry of your frame supports the kind of riding that you want to do.
Setting Your Goals
When you’re building your own bike, you have the option to create a bike that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Of course, you won’t be able to get this unless you have clear goals in mind. You know you want a frame that’s well-suited to gravel riding, but what are some of your other goals? What kinds of speeds would you like to ride at? Are you going to be tackling longer trails?
If you have firm goals in mind, you’ll have an easier time finding a frameset that supports these goals. You’ll be able to make sure that you choose parts that will be able to deliver the kind of cycling experience that you’re looking for.
Get The Perfect Fit
You’ll need to be sure that all of the parts that you choose for your bike fit together perfectly. You’ll want to know the exact dimensions of every single part that you’re purchasing. If there are any issues with the fit, it could wind up impacting the experience that you have while cycling.
In addition to confirming that you know the size of the parts that you’re purchasing, you may want to look into paying for a professional bike fitting. While this will add to the total cost of your bike, it can ensure that you’re happy with your final results.
Look At A Variety Of Brands
There are a number of well-known brands that offer carbon gravel framesets, including Viner and Planet X. Rather than focusing your attention on one specific brand, it’s best to look at a range of brands. You may find that certain brands provide a better fit than others do.
Naturally, you’ll want to buy a frame that was made by a manufacturer with a reputation for excellence. However, you’ll also want to take your individual needs into consideration. If you explore all of your options, you should be able to identify the brands that offer the best fit for you.
Have A Budget In Mind
Some of the best framesets on the market will come with a high price tag. This is especially true of frames that are made from carbon. Carbon and titanium are two of the most expensive materials for bicycle frames. That’s why it’s best to come up with a budget for your bike. This will allow you to find framesets and other parts that are affordable for you.
When you’re deciding what you want to spend on a frameset, you’ll want to make sure you take all of your expenses into account. For example, if you’re going to be having your bike professionally fitted, you can expect to be paying upwards of $50. Know what you’re willing to spend and use your budget wisely.
Pair Your Frameset With The Right Parts
Choosing the right frameset is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also want to make sure that you choose your other parts wisely. Naturally, you’ll want to select a set of tires that can deliver a smooth and speedy ride even when you’re riding on gravel.
Other parts you may want to consider include a seatpost and handlebars that are made from carbon. When you use well-made carbon parts, you’ll be able to reduce the stiffness of your bike and get the smooth ride that you’re looking for.
Make sure you keep all of these suggestions in mind when you’re choosing a carbon gravel frameset. When you build a bike from parts, you’ll be able to make sure your bike is able to handle the challenges of gravel roads. Focusing on selecting high-quality parts that you’ll be happy with.
