Gravel vs XC: Why the Gloria XC FKTi Frame might be the Perfect Gravel Adventure Machine
Gravel Bikes: Perfect for UK Roads
Gravel bikes, or bikes such as our Gloria All-Road, have become incredibly popular in the UK, and for good reason. There's no denying their appeal; with their wider tires and relaxed geometry, they smooth out the bumps and cracks of rough roads, making them ideal for navigating our country lanes. The versatility of a such a bike allows you to easily switch from commuting or road riding on tarmac to exploring on gravel paths, which has enabled so many road cyclists have made the transition to gravel for their weekend adventures.
For those coming from a road cycling background, gravel bikes also offer the familiar comfort of drop bars, allowing you to maintain your preferred riding position while taking on new terrains. This combination of stability and speed makes gravel bikes a great option for exploring both road and light off-road surfaces.
But at Gloria Cycling, we believe there's another option that might bring even more enjoyment and versatility to your off-road adventures and bike packing trips: The Gloria XC FKti bike.
Have a closer look at our different frame options here.
The Gloria XC FKTi Bike: A Better Choice for Off-Road Adventures
While gravel bikes are great on the road, when you venture further off the beaten path - onto rocky trails, loose gravel, or more technical off-road terrain - The Gloria XC FKTi bike can provide an entirely new level of fun and capability. Our XC bikes, can be equipped with 100mm front suspension and 2.25" tires, offer greater control, comfort, and versatility on trails and in tougher conditions that would challenge even the best gravel setups.
3 Good Reasons why we think a Titanium XC bike outshines a gravel bike on true off-road trails and in tougher weather conditions:
- Superior Handling on Rough or Muddy Terrain: The added suspension and larger tyres make navigating rocky, uneven, and loose terrain far easier and more comfortable. Where a gravel bike might feel outmatched, an XC bike excels.
- Comfort on Technical Trails: XC bikes are designed for absorbing impact, making them much more enjoyable on technical descents and rough, root-strewn paths. If you're looking for real adventure, an XC setup is simply better suited for the job.
- Adventure-Ready Versatility: With a wider tire profile and front suspension, an XC bike can handle whatever the trail throws at you, whether you're tackling rocky singletrack or rolling across open fields. It's designed for the wild outdoors and thrives in conditions where gravel bikes might struggle to help you complete your adventure.
We invite you to learn more about The Gloria XC FKTi here.
what if we told you that you could combine the best of both worlds?
Imagine taking the geometry, comfort and control of an XC bike, while pairing it with the drop bars and positioning that road cyclists rightly love. At Gloria Cycling, we believe you can get the best of both styles, by creating a bike that not only excels on UK roads but also thrives on rough and muddy off-road trails.
Presenting our Drop Bar Gloria XC FKTi model, still fitted with an all conquering combination of 100mm front suspension and 2.25-inch tyres. We believe this bike is the perfect adventure gravel bike. You get the added benefit of suspension for those really tough trails, while still enjoying the classic drop-bar position that makes gravel riding so enjoyable for road cyclists.
This setup isn’t just about versatility - it’s about creating a bike that invites you to explore the outdoors and push your limits, whether you’re hitting gravel paths, rocky trails, or everything in between.
With this drop bar version of the Gloria XC FKTi, you're truly ready for any adventure the UK countryside has to offer.
Why Titanium is the Best Choice for Off-Road Adventures
And, of course, in our opinion, when it comes to off-road riding, there’s no better material than Titanium. Here's why:
- Strength and Durability: Titanium frames are incredibly strong and resistant to the wear and tear that off-road riding brings. You won’t have to worry about cracking a frame after a rough ride, unlike carbon, which can be more fragile when subjected to the same rigorous riding.
- Comfort and Flexibility: Titanium naturally absorbs vibrations from rough terrain, giving you a smoother, more comfortable ride compared to the stiff nature of many carbon frames. This extra comfort is crucial when you're riding for hours on challenging trails.
- Corrosion Resistance: Off-road riding often means exposure to mud, water, and other elements. Titanium’s resistance to corrosion means that your frame will last for decades without rusting or weakening from exposure to the elements.
- Timeless Aesthetic: Lastly, let’s not forget the sheer beauty of a titanium frame. It’s a material that not only performs at the highest level but also looks incredible, maintaining its timeless appeal no matter where your adventures take you.
Ready for Adventure?
So whether you’re looking for a do it all gravel bike or an ultimate XC setup that can handle anything, our range of Titanium bikes at Gloria Cycling offer the perfect blend of strength, comfort, and versatility.
Our range is optimised for everything from; 28mm Race tyres for a fast commute, to a beefier setup with a 100mm suspension fork and 2.25-inch tires, with Gloria you’ll have a bike that can take on the road, the trail, and everything in between.
We encourage you to explore our range here on our website, and of course if any other questions spring to mind please do not fail to give us a call or pop in and visit.
The Outdoors Awaits with Gloria Cycling
With the right bike, no trail is too rough and no road too long. Discover the joy of Titanium Gravel and XC bikes and take your cycling experience to new heights.
So, where will your Gloria bike take you next?
Stay tuned for more exciting rides and adventures with Gloria Cycling.