Newbie’s Corner

Newbies / Beginner’s Corner, where the Gravel Cyclist crew will attempt to unravel some of the mystery behind riding, racing and having fun on gravel roads.

Beginners Corner2015-1 — Gumby enjoying the view on a South Australian gravel road.

Thus far we cover:

1. Useful pointers for those new to Gravel Cycling

2. Tips and concepts related to Gravel Bike setup

3. Gravel Riding Techniques

4. Riding & Racing on Gravel – You Get Dirty

5. Route Planning 101 – Using Technology

6. Cartography – Gravel Road Map Resources

7. Riding & Racing on Gravel – Clean Up Before The Trip Home

8. Headwinds, Pacelines & Echelon Riding

9. Gearing for Gravel Bikes

10. Planning and Carrying for Long Solo Rides

11. Gravel Bike Tyre / Tire Pressure – by ENVE Composites

12. Gravel Cycling on the Cheap

13. How to Descend on a Gravel Bike

14. Swapping Tubeless Tires & Reusing Tubeless Tire Sealant

15. Mountain Bike Skills for Gravel & Cyclocross – by Andre Perrett

16. The Hookless Bead Rim: How It Works & Who They’re For – by ENVE Composites

17. Cyclist Etiquette around Horses

18. FIVE SKILLS EVERY GRAVEL CYCLIST NEEDS TO KNOW

5 comments on “Newbie’s Corner”

Mike Sadlier says:

November 22, 2016 at 23:41

I have been using Sturmey Archer’s 70 mm drum brakes on my bike for 5 or 6 years now and love them. Pros, they take all of about 30 seconds max to adjust to very little lever free-play, they are more immune to dirty, water, mud or snow than any other bicycle brake, more than enough power for me to stop, 240 lbs 6’3″, with very good modulation, less likely to be damaged compared to other type brakes. Cons, they are heavier than rim brakes, due to needing heavier forks and chain stays to take rotation from reaction arms, just as do disc brakes, and like all drum brakes, they do not shed heat as well.

Reply
Jon Giddis says:

July 12, 2021 at 21:36

Jom,
I am not sure how to fix my lack of YouTube comment ability, so I will leave you with this. You are providing me with great ideas and inspiration in my quest to get away from asphalt. Hit in 2020 by a pick up truck while riding a loop from Gun Barrel City, Texas around Cedar Creek Resevoir, made me buy a gravel bike. It arrives some time early winter 2021/22. In the mean time, I’ll keep riding my old Cannondale around Dallas and in organized weekender road rides. Keep up your brand of humor and I will see you…In the next video.
Jon

Reply
1. JOM says:
  
  July 13, 2021 at 09:26
  
  Thanks Jon! Those DFW area levee roads are definitely worth a look.
  
  Reply
Ken says:

January 18, 2022 at 22:29

Hi JOM
Been watching your videos but just subscribed. Very helpful. I’m 65 and am switching to gravel from road in Wisconsin and SE MN.

Curious, how fast are you riding I the Georgia red clay ramble video?

What was your tire width?

Thanks

Reply
1. JOM says:
  
  January 19, 2022 at 21:20
  
  Hello Ken, good luck with the transition. I’ve ridden a couple of different editions of the Red Clay Ramble. The faster editions have averaged close to 18mph, tyre width was anywhere from 35mm in the early days, up to about 38mm / 40mm later. Hope this helps!
  
  Reply

5 comments on “Newbie’s Corner”

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