The world of gravel cycling is in a constant state of flux. What was once a niche discipline has exploded into the mainstream, and with that has come a rapid evolution of technology. Just when we thought we had it all figured out, the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships came along and turned everything on its head. The race, which was held on a fast and non-technical course, saw a number of surprising tech trends emerge, and it has left many of us questioning everything we thought we knew about gravel bikes.
For the past few years, the trend in gravel has been towards wider tires and 1x drivetrains. The thinking was that wider tires provided more comfort and traction on rough terrain, and that 1x drivetrains were simpler and more reliable. But at this year’s World Championships, we saw a number of top riders bucking that trend and opting for narrower tires and 2x drivetrains. So, what gives? Is this a sign of things to come, or was it just a case of riders optimizing their bikes for a specific course?
The Great Tire Debate: Is Narrower the New Wider?
One of the biggest surprises at this year’s World Championships was the number of riders who opted for narrower tires. While many of us have been embracing the “wider is better” mantra, with some riders even running tires as wide as 2.1 inches, the pros at the front of the race were on much narrower rubber. The most popular choice seemed to be 40mm tires, with both the Continental Terra Speed and the Specialized Pathfinder Pro being well-represented.
The reason for this trend reversal is simple: speed. On a fast and non-technical course like the one at this year’s World Championships, aerodynamics and rolling resistance are far more important than comfort and traction. And when it comes to speed, narrower tires simply have the edge. They are lighter, more aerodynamic, and they have a lower rolling resistance than their wider counterparts.
The Return of the Double: Why 2x Drivetrains are Making a Comeback
Another surprising trend at this year’s World Championships was the number of riders who opted for 2x drivetrains. For the past few years, 1x drivetrains have been all the rage in the gravel world. They are simpler, lighter, and they offer a wider range of gears than a traditional 2x setup. But at this year’s World Championships, we saw a number of top riders, including Matej Mohorič, running a full road groupset with a 2x chainset.
The reason for this is again, speed. A 2x drivetrain offers smaller jumps between gears, which allows riders to maintain a more consistent cadence and power output. This is especially important on a fast and flat course, where even a small change in cadence can have a big impact on your speed. A 2x drivetrain also offers a wider overall gear range, which can be an advantage on a course with a mix of fast flats and steep climbs.
The Future of Gravel Tech: What to Expect in the Coming Years
So, what does all of this mean for the future of gravel tech? Are we going to see a return to narrower tires and 2x drivetrains? Or was this just a one-off, a case of riders optimizing their bikes for a specific course? The truth is, it’s probably a bit of both.
On fast and non-technical courses, we can expect to see more riders opting for narrower tires and 2x drivetrains. But on rougher and more technical courses, wider tires and 1x drivetrains will likely still be the preferred choice. What we are seeing is a diversification of gravel technology, with riders choosing the components that are best suited to the specific demands of the course.
One thing is for sure: the world of gravel cycling is more exciting and dynamic than ever before. And we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
For more insights on cycling and technology, explore our comprehensive guides on Gravel Cycling Technology: The Latest Innovations for Off-Road Adventures in 2025, and Tubeless Tire Technology Revolution: Why Hookless Rims and Sealant are the Future of Cycling in 2025.
Explore additional resources on Cycling Weekly: The best bikes and tech trends from the UCI Gravel World Championships 2025, BikeRadar: 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships tech gallery, Gravaa Kaps On-the-Fly Pressure Adjustment System, Continental Terra Speed Tires, and Specialized Pathfinder Pro Tires.
