It's been over a year since ICAN launched its first Gravel X-Gravel, and many people have asked, "What exactly is a gravel bike?" and "Is it a disc brake road bike or an off-road road bike?" This article aims to answer those questions.

Still don't understand the differences between a Gravel Bike, CX (Cyclocross), and a Road Disc!

Let's delve into the key knowledge points about Gravel Bikes together.

The common features of these three models are 700C wheel diameter, drop handlebars, and disc brakes, but beyond these three points, the scenarios they are designed for are vastly different.

Road Disc, i.e., Disc Brake Road Bike

A road disc bike is an improved version of a regular road bike equipped with disc brakes, and its design and manufacturing are subject to strict UCI regulations. The use of a road disc bike is the same as that of a regular road bike: it's only for riding and racing on paved roads. Tire widths are usually set between 23C and 32C. Currently, the mainstream tire widths are 25C to 30C. The geometric design is the same as that of a regular road bike.

CX (Cyclocross), i.e., Off-road Bicycle

CX (cyclocross) bikes are used for off-road purposes. So, how do we distinguish between CX and gravel?

CX (Cyclocross) is one of the earliest models in bicycle development history, so the history of CX (Cyclocross) can be traced back to the beginning of the last century, many years before mountain bikes appeared. It's important to know that the first mountain bike appeared in 1974. Of course, the UCI also has many design regulations for CX.

Generally, the tire width of CX bikes does not exceed 33C (UCI regulations), and the outer tires are mostly large-knobbed tires, suitable for soft soil and complex unpaved roads. Because the geometry is geared towards competitive performance, the frame geometry of CX bikes is very aggressive.

In CX races, players often face very complex off-road conditions and need to dismount and carry their bikes. Therefore, the top tube of CX bikes is usually designed as a horizontal top tube, and the underside of the top tube is also designed as a flat surface.

So, the next time you see a road bike with off-road tires, first look:

Is the tire width greater than 33C?

Is the top tube horizontal?

Is the inner wall of the top tube flat?

This way, you can quickly identify whether it's a CX or a Gravel bike.

Gravel Bike, i.e., Road Adventure Vehicle

(Some people call them gravel road bikes)

Gravel bikes are comfortable! Comfortable! Comfortable!

Support for wider tire widths: Comfortable!

More relaxed frame geometry: Comfortable!

More stable design: Comfortable!

ICAN's Gravel bike X-Gravel can accommodate wider tire widths, features a super comfortable frame shape, a lightweight carbon fiber frame, and carbon wheelset. Everything is designed to make your ride more comfortable! You can ride further, longer, and more enjoyably, and it's easier to handle various road conditions!

We've explained the differences between Gravel bikes, CX (cyclocross), and Road discs, and hope this has been helpful.

Related article: Why road bikes are more often purchased as individual components than complete products