Description
Is the future of gravel just a mountain bike with drop bars?
For our 2027 Gravel Field Test, we took the Pivot LES SL, a lightweight carbon hardtail mountain bike with a 100mm Fox suspension fork, and fitted it with drop bars to see how it stacks up against dedicated gravel bikes.
It was the fastest bike in our timed downhill test and incredibly capable on rough, technical terrain. But that capability comes with compromises. Does 100mm of suspension take away from what makes gravel bikes fun?
Mike, Josh, and Logan debate the advantages, drawbacks, and whether this unconventional setup has a place in the future of gravel riding.
Velo's 2027 Gravel Field Test is presented by:
Endura Sport - https://www.endurasport.com/
Schwalbe Tires - https://www.schwalbetires.com/
Easton Cycling - https://eastoncycling.com/collections/wheels
00:00 Is This the Future of Gravel?
00:26 Climbing Performance
04:08 Technical Climbing
07:13 Descending & Suspension Performance
10:48 Is It Too Compromised?
12:15 Who Is This Bike For?
14:20 Pivot LES SL vs. Salsa Fargo
15:30 Is This the Future of Gravel?