Are Gravel Bikes Good For Commuting?

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a range of bikes to customers looking for their ideal commuter bike. The increase in the popularity of Gravel Bikes in recent years, we are finding that this type of bike is becoming more popular with commuters - based in all kinds of locations across the UK, from city centres to semi-rural commutes. There are so many reasons that your next commuter bike should be a gravel bike, which we will discuss in this post. 

Are Gravel Bikes good for Commuting?

This is the main question that this post needs to answer - and it’s one of the easiest questions for us to answer. Gravel Bikes make for brilliant commuter bikes, they are incredibly versatile, providing comfort across all kinds of roads and terrain, including rougher terrain and sections of off-road. 

Gravel bikes provide the perfect balance between the pace of a road bike, and the go anywhere capability of a mountain bike, although many commuters choose to use a mountain bike for their everyday journeys. 

Why are Gravel Bikes good for Commuting?

There’s many reasons why Gravel Bikes are good for commuting, the riding position is incredibly comfortable - and the off road bias of a gravel bike provides the perfect to absorb all of the bumps and roughness of british roads. Wider tyres provide the ideal choice to reduce the risk of tyre damage and flat tyres. 

There are plenty of gears to choose from, meaning uphill sections, off road sections and flat roads are all well catered for within the limitations of the gearbox. Gravel bikes usually all have mounting points for mudguards and panniers - meaning you can transport your belongings when commuting. 

Gravel Bike Suspension

Gravel Bikes typically have a rigid fork - which provides all of the suspension and comfort that a gravel bike requires. 

Typical Gravel Bike Commute

Gravel Bikes are suitable for all kinds of commutes, but excel in certain circumstances. Urban commutes of any distance are well catered for, and gravel bikes provide the freedom and flexibility to add gravel and off road routes into your cycle commute. Tram tracks and rough road surfaces are all ridden on with complete ease. 

How Quick are Gravel Bikes?

The speed of a bike generally relates to rider fitness - but gravel bikes are quick bikes, so good progress can be made. A fit bike rider can average 20mph on a gravel bike in good weather conditions. 

Commuter Gravel Bikes Online

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply an excellent range of gravel bikes which are suitable for commuting. These bikes can be viewed here, and if you have any questions about the collection - please get in touch and we will be more than happy to match a bike to your exact requirements and preferences.