Can We Prove That Gravel Riding Is Harder Than Mountain Biking? with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: Can We Prove That Gravel Riding Is Harder Than Mountain Biking?
Video Can We Prove That Gravel Riding Is Harder Than Mountain Biking? with Global Cycling Network
Video Can We Prove That Gravel Riding Is Harder Than Mountain Biking? with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
Can We Prove That Gravel Riding Is Harder Than Mountain Biking?
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is a leading authority on all things cycling, covering a wide range of disciplines from road cycling to mountain biking, and everything in between. In this article, we delve into the age-old debate of whether mountain biking or gravel riding is tougher, both physically and physiologically. Through a comprehensive analysis using state-of-the-art power meter pedals, we aim to shed light on the unique demands of each discipline and determine which one reigns supreme in terms of difficulty and overall fitness benefits.
### Mountain Bikers vs. Gravel Riders: The Battle of Toughness
#### Setting the Stage: The Mysterious Mendips
Our journey begins in the rugged mountains of the Mendips, located in the southwest of England. With a 6 km CrossCountry-style loop and an equally challenging 6 km gravel loop, we have the perfect testing grounds to pit mountain biking against gravel riding. The terrain varies from technical singletrack to gravel paths, providing a diverse range of challenges for our intrepid riders.
#### The Equipment: Mountain Bike vs. Gravel Bike
Our trusty steeds for the day are a fully suspended Canyon Lux Trail mountain bike with burly knobbly tires and the sleek Orbea Terra gravel bike with electric gears and less chunky nobbly tires. The contrasting features of these bikes will undoubtedly influence the riding experience and performance data captured by our power meter pedals.
#### The Power Pedal Showdown
Equipped with the cutting-edge Asom Pro MX2 dual-sided power meter pedals, our riders are ready to unleash their full potential on the trails. These lightweight pedals boast unparalleled accuracy and a plethora of advanced metrics, making them the perfect tool to dissect the nuances of mountain biking and gravel riding.
#### The Data Dive: Analyzing Power, Cadence, and Heart Rate
As our riders tackle the challenging loops, the power meter pedals capture a wealth of data, including average power, max power, pedal smoothness, and torque effectiveness. The real-time feedback provided by these pedals offers valuable insights into the effort required for each discipline and how it affects the riders’ physiological responses.
#### The Verdict: Mountain Biking vs. Gravel Riding
After multiple runs on both bikes, the results are in, and the verdict is clear—mountain biking reigns supreme in terms of sheer toughness. The combination of steep climbs, technical descents, and bursty power outputs on the mountain bike pushed our riders to their limits, resulting in higher average power, max power, and heart rate compared to gravel riding.
However, the story doesn’t end there. While mountain biking may be more physically demanding, gravel riding emerges as the winner in the realm of overall fitness benefits. The sustained effort required on gravel bikes builds aerobic capacity and endurance, making it a more effective discipline for improving long-term fitness and performance.
#### The Revelations: Insights from the Power Pedals
Delving deeper into the data, we uncover fascinating insights into the riders’ pedal strokes and technique. The mountain bikers exhibit a smoother and more extended pedal stroke, likely due to the technical nature of the terrain and the need for precise power delivery to navigate obstacles. In contrast, gravel riders maintain a more consistent pedal cadence, reflecting the smoother and more continuous nature of gravel riding.
#### The Final Word: Embracing the Challenge of Cycling
In conclusion, the debate between mountain biking and gravel riding ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired fitness outcomes. Both disciplines offer unique challenges and rewards, catering to a diverse range of riders with varying skill levels and goals. Whether you thrive on the adrenaline of technical trails or the endurance of long gravel rides, cycling in all its forms remains a dynamic and exhilarating sport that continuously pushes boundaries and challenges the body and mind.
In the grand scheme of things, there is no definitive answer to the question of which is tougher—mountain biking or gravel riding. Each discipline has its strengths and weaknesses, and the true beauty of cycling lies in the diversity and versatility it offers. So, whether you’re shredding singletrack on a mountain bike or tackling gravel roads on a gravel bike, one thing is certain—you’re part of a global community united by a passion for two wheels and the open road. Happy riding!
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
