Ten years ago, gravel bikes didn't know what they were. Some were bikepacking bikes, others mountain bikes with drop bars, others cyclo-cross bikes with new titles, and others were just a blended mix of everything.
But as races have grown in prominence and prize money has increased, competitors have become more… well, competitive. Flannel shirts and post-ride beers have been replaced by ice vests and high-carb recovery drinks. Talk of handlebar moustaches has been replaced by talk of handlebar width. And tyre width is everyone's favourite subject, from the amateur ranks right through to the pros.
