Steven Rindner Provides a Few Valuable Gravel Biking Techniques and Tips 

Gravel biking involves exploring any variety of unpaved surfaces on a bike, with conditions ranging from rutted out double track to smooth forest service roads. As Steven Rindner mentions, gravel bikes are pretty versatile and dynamic. They tend to be lighter than mountain bikes but burlier than road bikes. Gravel bikes effectively combine the geometry of road bikes with the capabilities of mountain bikes. As there are more than two million miles of unpaved roads across the United States, cyclists enjoy numerous opportunities for gravel riding nationwide. 

Steven Rindner highlights a few gravel biking techniques and tips 

Gravel biking involves a distinctive set of challenges in comparison to road cycling. However, specific techniques and training can go a long way in enhancing the skills and performance of the cyclists. Here are a few techniques and tips that would help cyclists to adjust to gravel and improve their rides: 

• Body position: First of all, it is imperative to maintain a relaxed yet engaged body position while gravel biking. Cyclists should keep their elbows a bit bent and their weight centered over the bike for improved control.

• Cornering: Corners must be approached with caution, particularly on loose gravel. Cyclists should lean their bike instead of their body, and opt for a wider line for stability.

• Braking: Both brakes of the gravel bike should be used in a judicious manner. Gravel can be slippery. Therefore, it is important to apply brakes smoothly to prevent skidding. Cyclists should try to use more rear brakes to prevent front wheel lockup.

• Tire Pressure: Cyclists may experiment with tire pressure in order to find the right balance. Even though lower pressure can provide more traction on gravel, it is vital to be cautious, and not go too low to avoid pinch flats.

• Cadence: Maintaining a steady cadence can be pretty helpful with bike control. Cyclists must appropriately shift gears on the basis of the terrain to keep a consistent rhythm.

• Climbing and descending: Cyclists should shift to an easier gear and maintain a steady cadence on climbs. On the other hand, while descending, they ideally must shift their weight to the rear, keep the pedals level and try to stay loose on the bike.

• Grip on the handlebars: It is prudent to hold the handlebars of the gravel bike with a firm yet relaxed grip. Gripping too tightly can lead to fatigue and can also make controlling the bike more difficult. 

• Unweighting: Cyclists should lift their weight a bit off the saddle when riding over rough sections and allow the bike to move beneath them. This can help absorb shocks and maintain traction.

After one has a good understanding of gravel biking techniques, they must put enough effort into training to hone their skills. As per Steven Rindner, cyclists wanting to give gravel biking a try should incorporate a variety of terrains in their training rides, in order to simulate the conditions that they may encounter during gravel rides. This would include gravel roads, dirt paths, and uneven surfaces. It is prudent to increase the intensity and duration of training in a gradual manner to over-training and reduce the risk of injuries.