Steven Rindner Focuses on the Common Blunders to Avoid in Gravel Biking
Embarking on the adventurous venture of gravel biking to embrace the natural beauty of the trails is a great experience. Despite the excitement of the expedition in the unknown ever-changing terrains, possible mistakes can quickly alter the scenario by transforming it into a disheartening challenge says Steven Rindner. Knowing these blunders, especially for beginners can help them avoid such mistakes and back home with a delightful riding experience.
Common Mistakes in Gravel Biking
- Inadequate Bike Setup
Before getting started, paying careful attention to elements such as saddle height, pedal type, tire pressure, and handlebar position is paramount. For instance, it is a very common mistake of beginners is either setting the saddle too high or not keeping tire pressure low. While setting the saddle too high can impact efficiency, adjusting tire pressure by keeping it low is ideal as it offers increased traction in rocky, uneven, and rugged trails and also absorbs shock.
- Flawed Tire Selection
According to Rindner, in gravel riding choosing the right tire seems to be a game-changer. Overlooking the specification of tire type, size, and tread pattern can affect the biker’s performance significantly. Choosing too-narrow tires can lead to reduced stability, while too-wide tires will feel cumbersome due to their unwanted weight. Similarly, an unsuitable thread pattern of the tire may compromise traction and affect the control. Considering the type of terrine to ride, make sure to research well to choose the right tire pattern.
- Overloading
Overloading the gravel bike with pointless gears can be a major headache, making any biker feel exhausted quickly. Carrying heavy backpacks with ample food, unwanted bigger water containers and a full toolkit can completely spoil the fun of the ride. Therefore, simply carry the essential tools such as a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, and place them in the saddle bag. Also, depending on the riding time, carry adequate water, and nutrition-rich snacks to stay well-energized during the ride.
- Overlooking Nutrition and Hydration
Having food and a water bottle at the time of the biking expedition is alike fuel; never expect to find any food store on the unknown trails. The kind and amount of food that bikers should carry may vary from one to another. However carrying them is a must to stay on the go, retain energy, and well-hydrated.
- Improper Riding Technique
According to Steven Rindner, seamless biking posture, proper riding techniques, and adaption to terrain are some of the aspects of gravel biking particularly for beginners. When driving downwards, sidestep the common blunders of shifting the body weight too far back. Instead, the biker should lean the chest forward which helps maintain a balanced center of gravity. On the other hand, while navigating climbs, never get tempted to stand up. It is suggested to remain seated to maintain consistent stability. While taking turns, make sure to bend the handlebars as well as the entire body in the direction to advance. Finally, staying relaxed and focused instead of driving timidly helps to have better control and boosts the gravel biking experience.
Last but not least, make sure to carry a GPS and essential safety gear and accessories like a helmet, gloves, and sunglasses and obviously wear knee-pads to ensure added safety and well-being on uneven terrain.
