{"id":655416,"date":"2026-05-07T11:52:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T11:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/655416\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T11:52:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T11:52:23","slug":"4-gravel-tech-trends-from-the-traka-2026-bikeradar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/655416\/","title":{"rendered":"4 gravel tech trends from The Traka 2026| BikeRadar"},"content":{"rendered":"

My first time at The Traka gravel race in Spain was an eye-opening experience \u2013 and there were some clear trends that speak to how gravel cycling is continuing to evolve in 2026.<\/p>\n

While I didn\u2019t get to ride the event itself (having magnanimously allowed my colleague, Felix Smith<\/a>, to take the solitary ticket available to BikeRadar), I was nevertheless able to soak in the atmosphere and cast a keen eye over the scene during my few days in Girona.<\/p>\n

Aside from the beautiful setting and exciting new gravel bikes<\/a> on show, these were the key tech talking points to emerge from The Traka 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

SRAM dominates the trendy gravel scene
\n\"Sof\u00edaSRAM has secured a dominant position as the gravel groupset brand of choice. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

The most obvious takeaway from my brief trip to Spain was how dominant SRAM groupsets were in this space.<\/p>\n

While I\u2019m used to seeing a healthy mix of SRAM and Shimano (plus the occasional appearance of Campagnolo) at road events, the balance here was tilted decisively in favour of the American brand.<\/p>\n

Having ridden both SRAM and Shimano\u2019s latest gravel groupsets<\/a>, I can say confidently this isn\u2019t because Shimano\u2019s GRX RX825<\/a> or RX827<\/a> aren\u2019t up to scratch \u2013 quite the opposite, in fact.<\/p>\n

Both function exceptionally well, with class-leading shifting performance, brilliant braking and excellent ergonomics.<\/p>\n

\"UnreleasedShimano has failed to capture the hearts and minds of trendy gravel riders, it seems. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

The problem, as far as I can tell, is that Shimano hasn\u2019t innovated at the same speed as SRAM in the gravel space, and, perhaps more problematically for a scene such as this, simply isn\u2019t cool enough anymore.<\/p>\n

Shimano\u2019s latest 1x GRX Di2 groupset (RX827) only launched last summer, for example \u2013 a year later than SRAM\u2019s Red XPLR AXS groupset<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only was 1x GRX Di2 late, but it also lags behind SRAM\u2019s offering in terms of features, having one cog fewer at the rear (12, instead of 13), no direct-mount rear-derailleur design, and still lacking a native power meter<\/a> option.<\/p>\n

As a result, when we saw racers with Shimano groupsets at this year\u2019s Traka, their bikes often featured a mish-mash of components, with many riders subbing in parts from road groupsets<\/a> or third-party manufacturers to get their preferred setup.<\/p>\n

\"RobRob Britton’s Factor Sarana featured a Shimano XTR rear derailleur and cassette paired with Easton cranks, a Sigeyi power meter and a third-party 1x aero chainring. Britton also used Shimano Ultegra road shifters, instead of GRX gravel ones. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Tech aside, it\u2019s fair to say Shimano GRX is a less pretty and less coherent groupset range than SRAM or Campagnolo\u2019s offerings.<\/p>\n

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but SRAM\u2019s latest Red, Force and Rival XPLR AXS<\/a> groupsets have premium designs, with touches such as carbon cranks (on Red and Force), and two-tone derailleurs, cassettes and chainrings that lend the components a modern and appealing look.<\/p>\n

Campagnolo\u2019s latest groupsets offer similar premium and coherent designs.<\/p>\n

In contrast, Shimano\u2019s GRX components are \u2013 cassettes aside \u2013 uniformly black or grey, with little of the polish and sophistication reserved for its flagship groupsets, Dura-Ace Di2 R9200<\/a> and XTR Di2 M9200<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"UnreleasedSRAM’s second-tier, Force XPLR AXS groupset doesn’t skimp on tech or aesthetics. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Of course, GRX is nominally a tier below Dura-Ace, in-line with Ultegra Di2<\/a>, and Shimano has long employed the tactic of making these groupsets supremely functional yet bland (presumably as an upsell tactic).<\/p>\n

Although we\u2019ve seen hints of what Shimano could achieve with the wildly popular, polished-silver GRX Limited<\/a> and CUES U6000 groupsets<\/a>, the Japanese brand has shown little appetite to respond quickly to pleas for \u2018more like this\u2019.<\/p>\n

But with SRAM and now Campagnolo (with its recently launched Record<\/a> and Super Record 13<\/a> groupsets) offering good-looking, 13-speed gravel groupsets at competitive prices, Shimano has a lot of catching up to do if it wants a slice of this pie.<\/p>\n

There’s an audience for expensive bikes and that\u2019s a good thing
\n\"GravelThere were countless expensive bikes on show at the Traka. Klassmark \/ @oriol_gonzalvo<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fair to say Shimano will want a slice of this pie, too, because it\u2019s clear the gravel scene is one where the bike industry can make money nowadays.<\/p>\n

When brands launch five-figure bikes, it\u2019s easy to ask ‘who\u2019s buying these?’, but a few days spent at an event such as The Traka makes it abundantly clear there’s a market for them.<\/p>\n

It would be easy to scoff at this and accuse the big bad bike industry of attempting to foster an atmosphere of elitism and exclusivity. But it\u2019s worth remembering that people spending money on bikes, kit, events and so on, is generally a good thing, because it keeps cycling-adjacent brands and people in business.<\/p>\n

\"RidersGravel, with its participation model, is clearly an area of cycling where many riders are willing to spend money. Klassmark \/ @oriol_gonzalvo<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve no doubt there are some snobs out there, but every rider we saw and spoke to at the Traka was friendly, welcoming and out to enjoy riding their bike.<\/p>\n

The bright community atmosphere around places such as Eat Sleep Cycle \u2013 a bike shop and cafe in central Girona \u2013 was also fantastic to see. I couldn\u2019t help but wish my home city of Bristol had a cycling hub and scene as cool and popular as that.<\/p>\n

Aero gravel bikes with enormous tyre clearance are the next big trend
\n\"UnreleasedAero bikes and mountain bike tyres are now friends \u2013 it’s official. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

In terms of the bikes themselves, this year’s Traka signalled that the ‘next big thing\u2019 in gravel racing<\/a> will be aerodynamically optimised bikes with clearance for cross-country mountain bike tyres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At least five brands had a new aero gravel bike with 50 to 55mm of tyre clearance at this year\u2019s event, including Canyon, Ridley, Factor, Felt and Argon 18.<\/p>\n

Canyon\u2019s new Grail CFR<\/a>, for example, looked to essentially be a souped-up Endurace CFR<\/a>, with an almost identical frameset, save for another 20mm of tyre clearance front and rear.<\/p>\n

\"UnreleasedRidley’s prototype aero gravel bike takes clear design cues from its Noah Fast 3.0 road bike. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Ridley\u2019s prototype RS2 gravel bike was likewise clearly inspired by its Noah Fast 3.0<\/a> aero road bike, but with clearance for enormous (by gravel standards) 2.25in tyres.<\/p>\n

Factor had not one, but two aero-optimised gravel bikes<\/a> at this year\u2019s event \u2013 the more endurance-focused Sarana, and a racy prototype<\/a> with a radical wide-splaying fork inspired by the Factor One<\/a> aero road bike.<\/p>\n

\"UnreleasedFactor’s new aero gravel bike looks to feature bags of tyre clearance. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

And while gravel tyre brands have been playing catch-up and releasing ever wider versions of their tyres, many racers still turned to cross-country tyres when push came to shove.<\/p>\n

The entirety of Canyon\u2019s new All-Terrain Racing team was on 2.1in Schwalbe Thunder Burts, for example, as was 2025 Unbound XL winner, Rob Britton.<\/p>\n

\"UnreleasedThese 2.25in Vittoria Peyote tyres were among the largest we saw at this year’s Traka. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Ridley\u2019s prototype RS2 was also kitted out with 2.25in Vittoria Peyotes<\/a>, and Rosa Maria Kl\u00f6ser won the women\u2019s Traka 360 on Continental Dubnitals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We also spotted some exceptionally deep and chunky aero gravel wheels<\/a> from the likes of Newmen and Black Inc.<\/p>\n

\"LukasLukas P\u00f6stlberger’s Rose Backroad FF featured a set of enormous aero gravel wheels. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Of course, not everyone followed these trends.<\/p>\n

Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e<\/a> rode the decidedly non-aero Specialized S-Works Crux<\/a> to victory in the women\u2019s Traka 200, for example, along with 50mm Specialized gravel tyres mounted on Roval Terra Aeo CLX wheels<\/a>, as did the men\u2019s Traka 360 winner, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n

\"MadsMads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt won the men’s Traka 360 aboard this Specialized S-Works Crux. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

We might question whether G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e and W\u00fcrtz Schmidt would have opted for aero gravel bikes with larger tyres were those available for their sponsor, Specialized, but we didn\u2019t get a chance to ask either of them, so we\u2019ll never know.<\/p>\n

We do know, however, that men\u2019s Traka 200 winner, Lukas P\u00f6stlberger won using 45mm Schwalbe G-One RX Pro<\/a> gravel tyres despite his Rose Backroad FF<\/a> having clearance for 50s.<\/p>\n

Gravel suspension fails to gain traction (for now)
\n\"RobRob Britton was the only pro rider we saw with a gravel suspension fork. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

In contrast, we saw very few riders with gravel suspension<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rob Britton\u2019s Factor Sarana for Traka 560<\/a> featured a Fox 32 Taper-Cast Factory gravel fork<\/a>, with 40mm of travel, and Lael Wilcox<\/a> finished fourth in the women\u2019s 560 race using Specialized\u2019s Diverge<\/a> gravel bike and its Future Shock headset suspension system.<\/p>\n

Those two aside, though, I can\u2019t think of many suspension-equipped bikes at this year\u2019s event \u2013 among pros or amateurs.<\/p>\n

We didn\u2019t interview or photograph every bike in the race, of course, but suspension systems were undoubtedly far less ubiquitous than rigid aero frames, aero wheels and big tyres.<\/p>\n

\"LaelLael Wilcox’s Specialized Diverge features a suspension headset. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Given the influence of cross-country tech on gravel tyres, the mountain bikers of this world might wonder why gravel riders seem so reluctant to embrace suspension.<\/p>\n

After all, mountain bikers of all stripes use full suspension bikes because they\u2019re faster<\/a> \u2013 not just for better comfort.<\/p>\n

And while every rider will no doubt have their own explanation, my guess is that gravel riding<\/a> is, on the whole, still the preserve of riders coming from the road, and other forms of rigid, drop-handlebar<\/a> bikes.<\/p>\n

\"Sof\u00edaOutside of the Traka 560, the continuing influence of road-bike tech was clear. Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Speaking for myself \u2013 as someone who came to gravel from the road, but nevertheless wholeheartedly appreciates the suspension fork on my cross-country bike<\/a> \u2013 I still want my gravel bike to feel essentially like a road bike with really big tyres, and I\u2019d imagine many riders feel similarly.<\/p>\n

Suspension forks clearly improve a bike\u2019s off-road capabilities, but they also add weight, drag and complexity to otherwise fairly simple machines.<\/p>\n

Things are still moving incredibly fast in what is still a young and fertile racing discipline, though, so maybe we will all be riding drop-bar MTBs with aero suspension forks<\/a> (and 32in wheels<\/a>?) in a few years’ time. Cast your votes in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"My first time at The Traka gravel race in Spain was an eye-opening experience \u2013 and there were…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":655417,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569],"tags":[64,63,784,85],"class_list":["post-655416","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=655416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655416\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/655417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=655416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=655416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=655416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}