Gravel Bikes

[scarfmace]

@RobeOfTheMagi
Cool guy, thanks for sharing! I'm new to cycling so basically everything I know is from deep diving the internet and I'm more into the technical part then the people part of stuff.
I wouldn't worry too much about the lack of braze-ons because most bags these days come with straps or Velcro mounts, just look at brands like tailfin, they can get you in full bikepacking gear without using a single bolt.

The geometry is something a lot of people talk about and it all depends on your own style, I think that if you get the proper frame size it wouldn't matter all that much, a lot can be compensated by seat height, stem length and selecting the correct drop bars. A bike fit would be something I would recommend, I've done one myself after riding about 3 months and the difference is massive in comfort and performance.

[BalticBob]

Does this count as a gravel bike?

[Denimhead 0]

@BalticBob looks like a bad @ss one to me

[derek111]

@BalticBob beautiful rig. I have the same sticker.

[BalticBob]

@derek111 awesome, I love that sticker! Fit's perfectly to my part pace style of riding.

Another topic, I normally don't ride my bike in boots because my pedals smash my boots and it feels like trash. Sometimes however, it's required when it's really cold and I choose to ride to work, because riding bikes rules. Does anyone have some suggestions of boot friendly pedals which aren't extremely slippery?

[mclaincausey]

I feel like RaceFace MTB pedals would fit that bill @BalticBob https://www.raceface.com/products/chester-pedal-2020?variant=31913986490450

[derek111]

@BalticBob I love my OneUp Components composite flat pedals. They are affordable (in Canada) and do the trick. I swap out for them on any of my bikes when I don't want to clip in, be it gravel or mountain bikes.

[scarfmace]

I have the Crankbrothers "Stamp" and they grip anything that touches them, including your shins

https://www.crankbrothers.com/collections/stamp

[derek111]

Fun rip today in the sunshine.

[BalticBob]

I have the stamp pedals on my MTB and they rule, big fan. Anything with metal pins generally has a bad relationship with my shin but it recent years it’s been my boots taking the brunt of the beating. I attribute this 100% to my improved bike skills, rather than the fact that I bought boots

I’m leaning toward some plastic pedals for the winter / boot season. If Crankbrothers makes a plastic stamp, well, that might to the answer.