I think road bike geo, especially the small-as-possible wheelbase + long/low stem, is most in the service of peloton aerodynamics. Non-race riders would definitely benefit from ‘relaxed’ geometry for the drop-bar bikes they ride on the road, and the gravel segment seems to be filling that need. But for a team racing other teams all looking for advantage a leadout train that’s just a little tighter is just a little more aero, and their sprinter gets launched a little fresher- so everyone’s bike evolves to a tiny wheelbase.
I don’t race, but I ride a drop-bar with a dropper-post because I’ll never have bike without a dropper-post.
March 29, 2021, 5:45 a.m. - HitechTurtleneck
I think road bike geo, especially the small-as-possible wheelbase + long/low stem, is most in the service of peloton aerodynamics. Non-race riders would definitely benefit from ‘relaxed’ geometry for the drop-bar bikes they ride on the road, and the gravel segment seems to be filling that need. But for a team racing other teams all looking for advantage a leadout train that’s just a little tighter is just a little more aero, and their sprinter gets launched a little fresher- so everyone’s bike evolves to a tiny wheelbase. I don’t race, but I ride a drop-bar with a dropper-post because I’ll never have bike without a dropper-post.