I had the same experience with my first gravel handlebars. Pro Discover 46 cm. I felt like I was grabbing the sides of the shifters.
It was the only major mistake I made when purchasing parts for the gravel bike. I tried to get used to it, rode it 200 miles, but I just hated it.
I switched to bars that are much more like standard road bars (a bit more flare, but not much) and so far I’m much happier, though I haven’t had the chance to ride it much since the change.
Anyone want to buy a Pro Discover 46 cm handlebar?
I am not really a gravel biker, and I run tubes so I find the idea behind tubeless inserts totally baffling… Are these not just heavy AF pseudo inner tubes??
They aren’t super heavy. A few dozen grams tops.
They’re really great for preventing pinch flats when you’re riding lower pressure which is what gravel bikers ride.
Most downhill bikers use them to save on rims and inner tube costs.
They can be lighter than tubes. Even those fance Aerothans weigh 80gr, but you can get inserts starting from 40gr. Foam is really light weight.
I see! Interesting. Tubeless scares me a bit and I don’t have any compatible rims right now to try it but one day I must
I’ve been riding tubeless for a few years in all conditions.
Would never go back.
Only issues have been running out sealant and getting a flat.
Being able to just yeet the bike down awful roads is liberating. You don’t worry about pinch flats and you don’t worry about shaking yourself to death thanks to the lower pressures.
Teach me your ways
Not much to teach.
Just get decent tires and top up the sealant once in a while.
Use a tire pressure calculator and don’t be alarmed if the pressure seems to low.
I have a dynaplug kit for punctures but have never used it.
It all just works.
What is the difference between gravel shoes and mtb shoes?
I have a very old pair of shoes that have mounts for 2 and 3 bolt cleats. For many years I used them with spd-sl cleats, then about 10 years ago, I got better road shoes.
The old shoes now have spd cleats on them for use with my hardtail (which I rode only rarely) and my newer gravel bike. My long term plan is to replace those shoes with ones I can actually walk in. The gravel bike is intended to be for traveling by bike.
I was eyeing up gravel shoes, but this article has me wondering what the difference is.
