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Gravel

Gravel Bikes built for Boulder, CO and everywhere

All terrain, all the time.

We planted the seeds of Sports Garage’s culture, literally, in the dirt.

Gravel cycling in Boulder, Colorado has always been here (though you may have laughed at the bikes we were riding in 1994). Bikes specifically for gravel eventually caught up to our community’s love for exploring off-road. Now we demo and build gravel bikes with the passion for adventure that founded SG.

Gravel specific geometry in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Carbon frame with discreet “Lockr” storage in the downtube, room for tube, pump, or CO2 cartridge.
Broad range of mechanical and electronic drivetrain options; power meter compatible.
Multiple model and build options with sleek internal Di2 cable routing in the cockpit.
Can be mounted with up to 700c x 45mm tires or 27.5” x 2” tires.

Terra M31

Open logo
Parlee logo
Pivot Cycles logo
Santa Cruz logo
Orbea logo
Open Up Kaizen

The Unbeaten Path

Open

We have transitioned our entire Open demo fleet from "The Classic" U.P. to the "The New U.P." The Classic Unbeaten Path, first released to the adventure-loving world in 2016, blew our hair back (literally) with innovations that have proven to transform the Gravel/Adventure category. With performance road geometry and hard tail mountain bike capability, "The New" U.P. frameset features the OPEN U-Turn fork and flat mount brakes, and is the ideal foundation upon which to build personalized gravel, road, or adventure rig. Over the past three years, we've built dozens of Unbeaten Paths, each with a distinctive personality that reflects the riding style, goals, and aesthetic of our clients.
Upper bike

U.P.P.E.R.

Open

To be fully transparent, we have no idea what the acronym U.P.P.E.R. stands for. Open Cycle loves creative and subtly sarcastic acronyms, which we appreciate. For example, all Unbeaten Paths in the Open line-up feature TRCinTRS carbon engineering. "The Right Carbon in The Right Spot". This philosophy delivers a sophisticated lay-up of high and low-modulus carbons, creating unprecedentedly light and durable frames. Only available in matte black, the U.P.P.E.R. is spec'd with the same 375 gram U-Turn fork as the New U.P. This bike may be insanely light, but it is not dainty. We ran the U.P.P.E.R. on the rugged gravel road's of Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains this year, and discovered that a bike can be both stealthy and burly without being an oxymoron.

Vault

Pivot

The new 2020 Pivot Vault is so "extra" in all the right ways; Extra tire clearance. Extra power transfer (that's a fan favorite). Extra stealth for dropper post internal cable routing. Extra time to study the map...because there are few roads you won't be able to tackle on this bike. In Pivot fashion, the engineers of the Vault were not going to be satisfied with anything less than the ideal for gravel speed. Upon Googling "Pivot Vault Review", you will find a lot of banter about how gravel race-worthy the bike is. What really sold us on the Vault was its performance during the totally unscientific Sports Garage Underbiking Field Test (otherwise known as riding-it-where-we-probably-shouldn't): it was extra compliant on the backyard sections of single track that we typically reserve for dropbar bikes. That's extra good.

WI.DE

Open

OPEN has inspired an entire generation of gravel cyclists with their revolutionary designs and versatility, but now they’ve doubled down with the launch of the new WI.DE (Winding Detours) gravel bike. With room for 700 x 46mm or 650 x 2.4” tires, the new WI.DE has achieved legendary status in terms of capability and design. Lightweight, nimble and stylish as hell, the new OPEN WI.DE might just be the end all be all of modern gravel bikes.

Chebacco XD LE

Parlee

At first our Colorado egos raised eyebrows at Parlee's claim that a bike built just outside Boston is "at home wherever roads get rough and rides turn into adventures". However, we have turned the Chebacco loose on the most punishing backyard terrain, and it takes it all. Parlee's magic is as a carbon whisperer: the fiber layup in the Chebacco challenges assumptions about traditional gravel bikes, and actually delivers unparalleled smooth ride characteristics. The LE crowns Parlee's Chebacco line-up with full carbon kit options and premium graphics.

Chebacco XD

Parlee

Sharing the exact same frame as the Chebacco LE, the Chebacco XD expands the price points and build options available to riders desiring a Parlee experience. And make no mistake, riding a Parlee is a unique experience. This gravel bike shares the same DNA as Parlee's famed road bikes such as the Z-Series and Altum, but with the purpose-built geometry demanded by gravel and off-road terrain: wider chainstays and seatstays, and a slightly slacker head tube angle. And as a bonus, the Parlee custom paint program is the highest quality, most affordable in the industry. And it shows: 35% of Sports Garage Chebacco clients choose the custom paint option.
Orbea Terra

Terra

Orbea

When Orbea says “gravel from the ground up”, they are referring to the entirely unique engineering of the Terra. Having made category-leading road bikes for a century, it would have been easy to create a simple adaptation. Instead, the Terra was reimagined specifically to achieve balance and handling for mixed terrain riding. At SG, we look for gravel bikes that balance weight and comfort, so the ride feel is responsive, but also compliant when the going gets rough, as we always hope it does on a good gravel ride. Orbea paid particular attention to drivetrain compatibility to allow for the greatest number of options while never sacrificing tire clearance. Sleek cockpit, gravel geometry, custom color options…we could keep going. We put the carbon Terra M in the demo fleet, however Terra is also available in aluminum.

Stigmata

Santa Cruz

It was 2015 the last time we saw a face fresh on the Stiggy, and despite the then-progressive cues taken from Santa Cruz's history on the trail, the bike was decidedly CX-oriented. Welcome 2020 and an ever-broadening horizon for the Stigmata. With fresh geometry, carbon layup, and wider tire clearance, the Stigmata now - thankfully - crosses a host of alternative surface categories. Notable geometry tweaks improve toe overlap, and a better fit profile for riders under 5'5". The frame now clears up to a 45mm 700 c tire, or a 2.1" 650b. So is the hashtag "dropbarsantacruz" a thing yet? 'Cause it should be. This was a welcome bike launch, and the Stigmata has never been so well-aligned with Sports Garage's core value of Rich Experience.

Guide to Gravel Biking Routes in Boulder

Gravel riders from all over the country come to Boulder to explore the endless off-road cycling terrain in our backyard; from smooth rolling gravel roads to fast, flowy singletrack, gravel cycling in Boulder has it all. Our routes will help you explore all the best the County has to offer, with options appropriate for first-time gravel riders through elite athletes. Each route has a Gravel Grade and a Challenge Rating.

Gravel Grades:

  • G1 – Smooth gravel with very few loose rocks. Tires in the 28-32mm range are suitable and a gravel or endurance road bike can comfortably cover this terrain.
  • G2 – Expect slightly rougher roads with potential for looser gravel or even smooth doubletrack. Tires 32-36mm are recommended.
  • G3 – A combination of gravel roads with the potential for somewhat challenging doubletrack and smooth singletrack mixed in. A gravel bike with 38-40mm tires is recommended.
  • G4 – Routes include unmaintained roads, some singletrack and challenging climbing and descending. A gravel bike with 40mm+ tires is recommended.
  • G5 – May include deep ruts, rugged 4×4 roads, loose and rough descents. A minimum 40mm tire on a gravel-specific bike is advised for these routes.

All routes start and finish here at Sports Garage. Feel free to stop in with questions or get a quick bike check before you roll out. Our staff will help point you in the right direction, including where to find all the best mid-ride slices of pie. We’ll see you where the pavement ends.

Routes

Easiest

Route Name: The Poorman
Distance: 18.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1593’
Gravel Grade: G1
Challenge Rating: G2

Enjoy the calm climb up the Boulder Creek path, free of cars and full of views of towering rock walls. Be careful crossing Boulder Canyon and enjoy the serene views on 4-Mile before turning hard right and climbing up the punchy Poorman Rd. climb. You’ll enjoy a twisty road descent down Sunshine Canyon before gently pedaling along the Wonderland Creek Path in the foothills and returning back to the shop.

See the Route

Route Name: Buffalo Classic
Distance: 41.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1707’
Gravel Grade: G1
Challenge Rating: G2

An ultimate classic of Boulder gravel riding, this route utilizes the entirety of the famous Boulder Roubaix race course. These are the serene, rolling roads that have been the training grounds of some of the biggest names in American cycling over the last several decades.

The route undulates through northern farm roads with incredible views of the foothills and plenty of sights to see along the way, including a massive bison ranch and the iconic giant cowboy statue. Stop for a snack at the Hygiene Market at mile 22 for a halfway snack or coffee and enjoy the peaceful ride home.

See the Route

Intermediate

Route Name: Camello
Distance: 42.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4655’
Gravel Grade: G2
Challenge Rating: G3

Named after its rather lumpy profile, El Camello starts out navigating the calm and scenic gravel roads near the Boulder Reservoir. You’ll then hit fast and flowy singletrack at Boulder Valley Ranch before the first big climb up to Joder Ranch, a steep and sometimes loose gravel push.

Enjoy the singletrack descent through the woods before linking up with Old Stage Road and the gravel climb up Wagonwheel Gap, one of the best little gravel climbs in town. You’ll then climb steep and winding pavement up Sunshine Canyon before descending Poorman Rd. and finishing on Chapman, a 1,000’ gravel climb that’s completely closed to cars.

Enjoy the descent down Flagstaff and cruise back to the shop for a brew downtown.

See the Route

Challenging

Route Name: Sweet Magnolia
Distance: 47.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 6225’
Gravel Grade: G3
Challenge Rating: G4

That sweet, sweet, Sugar Magnolia is calling your name! Bring the climbing legs and lungs, you’ll be spending most of this ride above 8,000’ but the views and terrain will be well worth the effort.

After a calm start up Boulder Creek Path to 4 Mile Canyon, this route hits one of the best climbs in Boulder County – Logan Mill. You’ll climb the steep gravel switchbacks before connecting to Sugarloaf Rd., making your way further west before rolling into the small hippie town of Nederland.

Refuel in Nederland and continue on to one of the crown jewels of Boulder Gravel – Magnolia Road. Take in the views as you undulate downhill back towards Boulder along the incredibly steep and tight switchbacks of Magnolia road.

Be careful on the 6 mile stretch along Boulder Canyon and turn off to the final climb of the day – Chapman Drive. Dig deep on this last 20 minute steady climb before descending down Flagstaff and back to town.

See the Route

Route Name: The Peaks
Distance: 47 miles
Elevation Gain: 5804’
Gravel Grade: G3
Challenge Rating: G4

Variety is the name of the game here, as this route services up a challenging smorgasbord of all things gravel.

You’ll start the day with a grunt up the steep pavement of Sunshine Canyon before descending the dirt of Poorman Rd. to connect to 4 Mile Canyon. From here, enjoy the quiet and steady gravel climb up the canyon before reaching the small town of Sunset.

From here, things get spicy. You’ll make a left up the South side of an old gold mining road – Switzerland Trail. Expect sustained rough, chunky, off-road terrain as you continue to climb on this old 4×4 road.

After crossing Peak to Peak Highway at 9000’, enjoy the fast and swooping gravel turns of CR103. It might be short, but this little slice of heaven is one of the best lesser known gravel roads in the area.

Descend down Sugarloaf Rd. (spoiler alert: there’s a climb on this descent) before turning off on Logan Mill for a technical and fun gravel descent before returning back the way you came on 4 Mile and Sunshine.

See the Route

Words of Wisdom from the SG Crew

“What I love about Boulder gravel is the variety of routes you can put together. It's so easy to plan for varying lengths, steepness, terrains and views, but the BEST rides always include pastry stops, the best pit stop being the Gold Hill General Store. The town of Gold Hill is a magical little place at 8,500ft with several dirt options to get there on, a Boulder gravel must.”

Kate McLaughlin

“Without a doubt, my favorite thing about the gravel riding in Boulder is the variety. For an easy day, I love hitting the rolling farm roads North of town along the Boulder Roubaix route. If I'm feeling spicy, a trip up the Rowena Trail and up to Gold Hill is my jam.”

Ryan Cross

“The Res and Boulder Valley Ranch are great jumping off points for so many rides. No matter how many miles, I like to put together dirt paths with gravel roads and singletrack. And always sprint up the Eagle Trail!”

Brad James

“Gravel is my lunch-ride power-hour of choice! I love to connect the singletrack at Marshall Mesa to the Koppenberg climb via the Meyerhoffer Singletree Trail. I call it "Costco Hot Laps".”

Elorie Slater

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