Gravel on Mizubikes

Gravel Bike Tire Clearance: What the Specs Don't Tell You

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Manufacturer tire clearance specs are conservative by design. Here's what real-world clearance actually looks like on the Specialized Crux — and how it compares to the competition.

Hardtail Gravel Bike Drop Bar Conversion: Complete Parts List

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 06:12:32 +0000

Upgrading a hardtail mountain bike into a gravel beast with a drop bar setup is easier than ever with SRAM’s AXS wireless components. Here’s the complete list of parts needed to pull off a clean and functional hardtail gravel bike drop bar conversion. Choosing the right parts ensures your bike remains fast, durable, and comfortable across all kinds of terrain.

Essential Parts Needed for a Hardtail Gravel Bike Drop Bar Conversion

SRAM Force eTap AXS Drop Bar Shifters (wireless)
SRAM GX Eagle AXS Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle Boost Crankset - 170mm, 12-Speed, 32t
Sram XG-1275 GX Eagle 12-Speed Cassette
SRAM AXS Batteries and Charger
Gravel handlebar: Zipp SL 70 XPLR Drop Handlebar - Carbon 31.8mm 40cm Matte Black
Shorter Stem (60-80mm for ideal reach and handling)
SRAM Hydraulic Brake Calipers
Handlebar Tape
Brake Hose/Cable Routing Supplies (if reconfiguring brakes)

Choosing Brake Calipers for a Post Mount Frame

Most mountain bike frames, including hardtails, use post mount brake calipers. This is an important detail when selecting brakes for your drop bar conversion. You have three solid options:

Hardtail Gravel Bike Conversion: My Cannondale Scalpel HT Gravel Build

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:29:44 +0000

Hardtail gravel bike conversion

Gravel bikes are all the rage—but what if you already have a capable hardtail mountain bike frame sitting in your garage? That’s the question I asked before starting a hardtail gravel bike conversion using a Cannondale Scalpel HT.

Spoiler: with the right parts, it might be better than a dedicated gravel frame—especially for mixed terrain, chunkier fire roads, or long-distance bikepacking.

Why Convert a Hardtail to a Gravel Bike?

The Cannondale Scalpel HT is a lightweight, progressive XC race hardtail, and it turns out to be an ideal platform for a hardtail gravel bike conversion. Here’s why:

2025 Cannondale SuperX Review: The Ultimate Gravel and Cyclocross Race Bike

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 06:23:20 +0000

Why the 2025 Cannondale Super X Is the Ultimate Gravel Race Bike

The 2025 Cannondale Super X is here, and it’s better than ever. With a sleek aerodynamic frame, improved tire clearance, and long-overdue design changes, Cannondale has taken an already legendary cyclocross and gravel race bike and made it even more versatile.

If you’re wondering what makes this bike so special, here’s why the 2025 Super X stands out from the competition.