Bikerumor Podcast #009 – Carl Strong says there is no such thing as a “gravel bike”

Written by Tyler Benedict Apr 19, 2019 2:48 p.m. ET

bikerumor podcast interview with carl strong explains what is the best geometry for a gravel road bike

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Legendary frame builder Carl Strong says there is no such thing as a gravel bike. Or, rather, any bike can be a gravel bike. It all starts with tire selection. From there he explains how the rest of the bike’s geometry falls into place and what you need to consider when choosing the right drop bar bike for your riding style. Whether it’s road, all-road, gravel, or touring, Carl explains what the geometry numbers mean and how they affect a bike’s handling.

Hit like, hit subscribe, and hit play. Then just get out and ride! Got an idea for a guest? Click here to submit your ideas for who we should interview next!

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Tyler Benedict

11,206 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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MGK

5 years ago

Preach!

Douglass McSaladbath

5 years ago

Bold take Carl…. Bold take.

Robin

5 years ago

My next bike is going to be Ti, and Carl’s at the top of my list of builders. The man has some serious skills.

Craig Henson

5 years ago

As a 30 year road,mountain, gravel and triathlon bicycle rider and buyer, the only bicycle I’ve regretted buying was my custom“All-road” Strong bicycle…. It had serious handling issues-shimmy above 30 mph or from strong quartering cross winds at speeds below that. Carl was uninterested in rectifying or really even addressing the issue. Since have talked to several other people with “problem handling”Strong bicycles.

Velo Kitty

5 years ago

I’m going to make a low confidence guess: Jolanda Neff?

Velo Kitty

5 years ago

Emilie Siegenthaler? Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja? Maja Włoszczowska?

Jeffrey Trudel

5 years ago

Veronika Benson is my guess.

tom

5 years ago

There is no such thing as a road or mtb bike. Or, rather, any bike can be a road or mtb bike…

Erik

5 years ago

Excellent builder, excellent products. Bought my first frame from him in the early 2000’s. Back then he just referred to them as a “Montana road bike” instead of gravel/allroad all this stuff that has developed over the years.

Author

Tyler Benedict

5 years ago

All who’ve guessed at who’s doing the voiceover for our intro…sorry, no winner yet! Keep trying, and we’ll give more hints on the next episode with Watts and I (the next one will have Zach stepping in to co-host while we were out at Sea Otter).

John Battista

4 years ago

Carl Strong made a bike for me two years ago. He did an excellent job translating my needs/wants into a bike. It took about 400 miles to really start to get to understand the handling characteristics as it was really different than my Serotta which I had been riding for 15 years. Once I started to “learn” the Strong I have throughly enjoyed the ride. I say started because I’m still learning more about it. Every time I think I’ve found the limit it gives me more. I’ll buy from Carl again if that time comes.