How Much Slower Is A Gravel Bike?

Summary by Krater

This video tests the speed and performance differences between an Orbea Terra gravel bike and an Orbea Orca road bike, concluding that gravel bikes are slightly slower and feel different due to their geometry rather than weight or tyres alone.

From the video

Answers: How much slower is a gravel bike compared to a road bike?

• Gravel bike vs road bike speed comparison
• Gravel bike aerodynamics and geometry
• Tire width and rolling resistance on gravel bikes
• Power output testing on bikes

What it concludes

• The gravel bike was on average 2 kilometers per hour slower than the road bike.
• A gravel bike makes you feel more upright and less aerodynamic, reducing efficiency at higher speeds.
• Gravel bike geometry features a 52mm shorter wheelbase from front to back compared to the road bike, making it turn faster.
• Swapping the wheels and tires of a gravel bike to a road setup makes it about 1 to 1.5 kilometers per hour faster.
• Riding a gravel bike on the road feels slower and requires more effort, primarily due to geometry and riding position rather than just weight or tires.