Dylan Johnson breaks down the science behind gravel bike speed, from aerodynamics and tire selection to drivetrain efficiency. Whether you're chasing marginal gains or just want to go faster on race day, Dylan explains what actually matters and why the 'spirit of gravel' argument against optimization might be missing the point.
Key Takeaways
- Aerodynamics is the single biggest marginal gain in gravel racing—more impactful than weight or rolling resistance. At 35+ km/h, time savings from positioning changes (drops vs. hoods) can add up to 9+ minutes over an Unbound distance.
- Wider tires are faster in gravel, just like they've become standard in road and mountain biking. A 47mm tire will outperform narrower options at the same power output—test it yourself on a gravel section to see the difference.
- Tire pressure matters hugely: lower pressure is both faster and more comfortable, but requires tire inserts to avoid rim strikes. Use a tire pressure calculator as a starting point, then dial in 2-3 PSI either way based on your conditions.
- Chain lube choice impacts both speed and drivetrain longevity. SRAM chains are notoriously slow; if you run SRAM, switch to a KMC or Shimano chain. Wax-based lubes and ceramic options like Ceramic Speed UFO Chain outperform standard oils.
- At the domestic U.S. level, gravel is the most lucrative cycling career path right now—more accessible than World Tour road or World Cup mountain bike, with growing prize money and sponsorship opportunities from platforms like the Lifetime Grand Prix.
Expert Quotes
"If it's faster I'm gonna do it kind of guy—that's always been my primary consideration. If aerobars aren't against the rules and they're an advantage, they're gonna be on my bike."
"You can find a study to support any opinion that you have. That's why I go back to what is the balance of evidence, looking at meta-analysis instead of just one study, because you can definitely get led to the wrong conclusion."
"If you're at that domestic level in the U.S., gravel is where you need to be if you want to make a career out of it."