The Hottest Trend in Cycling: Gravel Bikes

A visit to a bike store can be intimidating with endless options to choose from. It’s Pam Sayler’s goal to ease those fears.

“There’s a lot of categories in bikes,” said Pam Sayler, owner of Trailhead Cycling. “E-bikes are all the craze right now. Electric bikes flatten the hills and take the wind away.”

From different sizes, colors, shapes and speeds, Sayler has a solution for anyone looking to try an e-bike. Sayler said e-bikes range in price from $1,500 to $12,000. She offers three tips to guide your search:

First, make sure the e-bike is UL 2849 certified, meaning all the electrical systems have been tested for safety from any fire hazard.

Second, verify the e-bike has a warranty policy that provides service in the U.S.

“Yes, you can order a bike directly from China, but you’re going to get it in a box without any support,” said Sayler. “And it may or may not be UL listed.”

Third, understand the e-bike classifications, which are often used to determine legal access to trails and bike paths.

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, top speed 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, top speed 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, top speed 28 mph

Sayler also cautions cyclists to understand the regulations of e-bikes. For example, you must be at least 15 years old to operate an e-bike in Minnesota.

“We also need to know that there are speed limits on our trails, especially the Three Rivers trail. And if you’re on the road, you’re responsible for understanding and following all the rules of the road as if you were a motorist,” said Sayler.

The Velotric line is popular for customers new to e-bikes.

Gravel Bikes A Hot Trend

If it’s not an e-bike you’re looking for, gravel bikes have become a hot trend.

“A gravel bike does look like a road bike,” explained Sayler. “The difference being you have a little more slack or relaxed frame geometry, you have a lower gear ratio for more climbing or inconsistent surfaces.”

Sayler mentioned that gravel bikes have almost entirely replaced road bikes.

“Most people, if they come in looking for a road bike, [they] test ride a gravel bike and realize: I want more comfort, I want more control, I want better gear ratio.”

Gravel bikes are also available in electric versions, but Sayler said most of them sold at Trailhead Cycling are human powered.

And just like e-bikes, there’s a wide range in price for gravel bikes, anywhere from $600 to $10,000, depending on what you’re looking for.

“What’s beautiful about gravel bikes is it allows you to get off the road or off the paved trails,” said Sayler.

Example of a gravel bike sold at Trailhead Cycling

Also see: Spring Cleaning? Trailhead Cycling Collecting Used Bikes To Help Kids

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