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imo gravel bikes just aren’t an XC MTB on easier terrain though. I don’t ride them in the same way even on the same terrain. Gravel bike for the miles and a bit of seeing what you can get away with, XC 29er for getting a bit more loose, playing around with line choices and going for it, etc. Could I choose between them, one bike for all? No, doubt it.
I think this is where I didn't gel 100% immediately with my gravel bike (as per my post back on page 1) but the more I ride it, the more sense it makes.
My gravel bike has 35/32 marathon+ tyres on and is now my commuter.
My hardtail is running a rigid fork (also have a sus one) and will shortly be my only MTB. Works for all the sort of riding I do, including local stuff. But I've picked up a second set of wheels for it and that should help when I want to do faster rides with more of a road bias
My pace is generally a pootle anyway so I don't think the aero side of things makes a big difference for me
Just got back from a 25 mile evening ride, there's no way I would have even thought about doing that on a full MTB, maybe on a lightweight XC hardtail, but I'm sat here feeling quite fresh. I rode some nice singletrack with some roots, some fast road bits to connect them sat at 20-25mph, and just eating up the miles with ease. probably 50% dirt to road ratio. The worst bit was the neck ache from looking up the trail whilst on the drops!!
THIS is the gravel bike I want: https://www.3t.bike/en/products/bikes/new-exploro-flatmount-565.html
If it ain’t aero forget it...
Great video, sort of sums up 'Gravel'
It's not roadie, it's not MTB, it's not bikepacking, it's all of them and none.
Good seeing Phil (skills with Phil on YT) on it, love the look as he walks into the Rahpa shop/cafe at the start, I'd do the same 😀