The Ultimate Gravel Bike Transformation!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Bike Specs
3. Upgrades
4. Wheel Size Dilemma
5. Riding Impressions
6. Pros and Cons of Upgrading
7. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Welcome back to episode three of the Mountain Bike to Gravel Bike series! If You haven't watched episodes one and two, make sure to do so before diving into this one. In the previous episodes, we discussed the transformation of this bike, and today, we finally get to see it in action.

Bike Specs

Before we hit the trails, let's quickly review the specs of this bike. The only original components remaining from the previous build are the Pinarello FV1 aluminum frame and the RockShox Dart 3 suspension fork. Everything else has been upgraded to suit the new gravel bike setup.

Upgrades

Let's start with the wheels. I opted for a 650b GRX gravel wheel with a 12mm through axle. Since the frame isn't through axle compatible, I added a 12mm axle converter to accommodate quick releases. The 160mm rotor brakes, specifically the Shimano Ultegra caliper, provide reliable stopping power.

Moving on to the tires, I chose a 45mm wide gravel-specific tread. I'm pleased with the clearance on both the fork and the rear of the frame, as I had some initial concerns about tire fitment.

Wheel Size Dilemma

In hindsight, I should have given more thought to the wheel size when researching and selecting the bike. Starting with a mountain bike with 29-inch wheels would have allowed for a 700c gravel wheel and provided clearance for larger, chunkier tires. Choosing the right tires is crucial for tuning the bike's handling and characteristics, and I admit I should have followed my own advice more closely.

Riding Impressions

Now that we have covered the specs and upgrades, let's dive into the riding experience. The bike handles well both on and off-road, as long as you're not aiming to ride at top speed everywhere. It's more than capable for the average rider, making it a suitable gravel bike option.

Pros and Cons of Upgrading

Determining whether this upgrade project is a good idea or not is a complex question. While I've enjoyed the process and the resulting bike, there's a small part of me that wonders if it might fuel a desire for even more capability in the future. However, if your budget doesn't allow for a higher-end gravel bike, this upgrade will undoubtedly be the next best thing.

Conclusion

This three-part build series comes to a close. I hope you've enjoyed following along and that it has inspired you to take on your own bike upgrade project. Be sure to share your thoughts on my bike and any ideas you have for future enhancements in the comment section below. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!