Race

Discover the gravel bike for speed on rough terrain

Race

With this racing machine, you can discover your own limits – whether in an adrenaline-fuelled gravel race or playfully with friends in the battle for the next KOM.

Consultation

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  • Bike consultation in store In our stores you can take bikes out for a test ride and get advice from our bike experts. To the stores
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  • Your bike for high speed off-road

    Welcome to the competition. Gravel racing is all about performance and seconds, about sweat and the fun of speed. Set new off-road records and get ready for your next gravel race. In the gravel race category you will find your bike for full speed on and off the road. Made for speed and for all those who want to experience that real racing feeling on gravel roads.

        The most important facts in brief

    • Race gravel bikes are performance-orientated racing machines for off-road riding.
    • They are ideal for road cyclists converting to gravel and when speed is the top priority.
    • In gravel racing, you’ll find both singlespeed and doublespeed groupsets.
    • Power meters allow for precise performance measurement and training control.

    Table of contents

    Unlike adventure gravel bikes, which included features of road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, race gravel bikes are clearly oriented towards road bikes. The riding position is stretched as it is typical for road bikes. Agility in fast bends counts more than maximum smooth running. Aerodynamically optimised frames, deep-section rims and one-piece cockpits can also be found in this category.

    As is usual for race bikes, stiffness and lightweight construction are a number-one priority. Carbon is the measure of all things, whether for the frame, wheels or components. You will look in vain for suspension elements as well as as great number of mounting points. Although it is possible to attach panniers, gravel race bikes are not designed for extended bikepacking adventures.

    The tyres make this obvious, too: Fast tread patterns and widths of around 40 mm are common and keep the rolling resistance low. Narrower handlebars are also designed to reduce the area exposed to wind. And last but not least, the gearings are often a little tighter. This leaves more reserves for speeds that can make a difference in races.

    Race gravel bike
    Adventure gravel bike
    Ride feel
    manoeuvrable, agile
    smooth running, directionally stable
    Riding position
    efficient, sporty, stretched
    comfortable, moderately sporty
    Focus
    lightweight construction, aerodynamics
    versatility, long-distance comfort
    Intended use
    training tours, races
    mixed tours, bikepacking

    Road bike or gravel race bike? Which bike suits you best?

    If you are deciding between a road bike and a gravel race bike, the choice of routes, or rather the proportion of surfaces, is crucial. Both bikes are fast, and the geometries are also very similar. But if you want maximum performance on tarmac, the road bike still has the advantage. Sections with cobblestones, compact gravel paths and firm forest floors can also be ridden on a road bike. However, comfort and grip suffer on these excursions.

    If, on the other hand, roads are a necessary evil for you to get to the next gravel track and you also want to have reserves for rougher or looser terrain, the gravel racer is the right choice. On such terrain, a race gravel bike not only performs faster, but is also safer, more comfortable and offers better puncture protection. If the proportion of road riding is greater, you can always fit narrower tyres.

    Which groupset is right for you?

    The groupset is not only the key factor for power transfer, but also influences the weight. That’s why, high-quality materials, technologies and features are also reflected in the price. In general, all fitted groupsets are designed for use on race gravel bikes. The major manufacturers Shimano and SRAM pursue different philosophies in some ways. However, their products are on a comparable level.

    In the performance-oriented gravel race category, electronic shifting systems with their fast, precise gear changes have already established themselves, and powerful disc brakes have become indispensable anyway. The question remains: Single or double – which shifting system suits you best?

    • Single: for fast gear changes in varied terrain, minimises weight and sources of error
    • Double: for finer gear steps and more constant cadences, specially for high speeds
    • Shimano: "classic" STI shifting logic, slightly faster reaction time, larger battery
    • SRAM: intuitive eTap shifting logic, completely wireless, removable batteries
    • Classified: electronic hub/derailleur gears, combines the advantages of single/double drivetrains

    What are the advantages of training with a power meter?

    Power meters, such as those installed on the Backroad FF, provide the ideal basis for controlling your training and making success measurable. The advantage over speed or heart rate measurement lies in the comparability of the results. Just as speed depends on factors such as headwinds or tailwinds, the heart rate only reflects the body's reaction to stress. The influence of outside temperatures, sleep, diet or illness is not taken into account.

    A power meter, on the other hand, measures your actual performance – in contrast to your heart rate and without delay. This means that you always know exactly how many watts you are pedalling. You can better view your training progress, perform precise interval training sessions, calculate your calorie consumption more accurately and train based on fitness indicators such as the FTP threshold.

    Which accessories are useful for a race gravel bike?

    Those who opt for a race gravel bike often already have the basics such as a helmet, glasses, clothing, tools and care products. Of course, you need a set of pedals. Depending on the preferred clipless pedal system, newcomers and former road cyclists will also need a pair of cycling shoes. We also recommend converting a gravel race bike to tubeless, which requires the appropriate tubeless accessories.

    Further recommended accessories:

    Special accessories for the BACKROAD FF:

    FAQ

    Is a gravel race bike suitable for beginners?
    That depends on what you intend to do with your bike. If you are looking for a road bike for off-road riding, a gravel racer is perfect. If you are looking for a fast touring bike for off-road adventures, you should also consider an adventure gravel bike. If you don’t have any experience with a drop bar and have only ridden bikes with a very upright riding position, it is definitely worth taking a test ride.
    Is a gravel race bike also suitable for touring?
    With a gravel race bike like the Backroad FF, you can of course also go on bike tours. However, the riding position is designed towards efficiency rather than comfort. Depending on how sporty or relaxed your touring style is, a gravel bike from the adventure category may be more suitable if you intend to use it for touring mostly.
    Can I mount bikepacking bags on the Backroad FF?
    A frame bag and a top tube bag are available for the Backroad FF. In general, you can also fit additional bags. The maximum system weight, consisting of bike weight plus load (rider and luggage) is 120 kg. However, an adventure gravel bike offers more mounting points and a geometry that is more suitable for touring.
    Can I fit mudguards and luggage racks to the Backroad FF?
    The Backroad FF has no corresponding mounting points. If you want to fit mudguards or luggage racks, you have to use strap systems that are also suitable for carbon frames.
    What are the advantages of the chainguide?
    Hard, unexpected shocks under load can cause the chain to drop despite single chainrings with a narrow-wide profile. Since such shocks are not uncommon in gravel races, we have installed a chainguide on the Backroad FF, which limits the chain's clearance and thus prevents it from dropping.
    Does it make sense to convert to tubeless?
    Tubeless systems offer higher puncture protection as well as the advantage of lower weight and rolling resistance. You can also ride the tyres with less air pressure, which increases grip and comfort. Tubeless has therefore long since established itself in gravel racing.
    Is the Backroad FF tubeless ready?
    All Backroad FF models have tubeless ready rims and tyres. Tubeless rim tape is also fitted. Depending on the model, you may need tubeless valves in addition to tubeless sealant.
    How can I view the performance metrics from the power meter?
    You need a compatible bike computer, a sports watch with a power display or your smartphone to view your wattage values. Both Quarq and 4iiii power meters are compatible with Dual Band and can be connected to compatible apps or end devices via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
    Can I order two sizes to choose from in the store?
    If you are unsure about the size, it is best to book a consultation appointment with a test ride. We will then order the desired size for later collection from the store.
    Can I test ride a bike without an appointment?
    Yes, that’s generally possible. In this case, however, you should expect some waiting time and preferably visit us during the week, with sufficient time until closing time.