NAHBS gravel road rigs mix form and a wide range of functions

The booming gravel road category has its origins in small, custom builders who made bikes for how they wanted to ride, not how the cycling industry thought people should ride. So it makes sense that the scene that gravel specific bikes emerged out of would continue to push what the broad category of bikes should, and can look like.

RELATED: Everything NAHBS – 2019 North American Handmade Bicycle Show

These custom bikes reflect the regional, or even individual differences in what it means to leave the paved path behind. The purpose of a road bike is clearly defined, but with these wildly different gravel bikes the creativity of the builders leaves you guessing where, and how they’ll be riding each bike

Dekerf Cycles Innovations – Vancouver, B.C.

Gravel road means something different to everyone. For Dekerf, it's White Inudustries cranks, flat pedals and Shimano XTR

The gloss and chrome finish had a glow to it

Sycip – Sonoma County, Cali.

This Sycip wasn't just a show bike. It layered wit a fine coating of dust from its time on the trails. Also, the suspension seas post was an interesting touch

Ride Omata's head unit was a popular choice at the show. It's analog display pairs well with the classic look of the allooy frames

Hand signed, and painted

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 out front

And Shimano Ultegra RX out back

Panasonic Gravel Road

The tained glass look on this steel Panasonic gravel road bike was incredible

A very old school design, and full fenders

Shimano parts and mavic carbon rims filled out the bikes build

More off-road from NAHBS

Alan's Cross Race Pro

In the range of 40 years building cross bikes, from alloy to modern carbon frames

Hometown heroes Squid bikes had a colourful cross bike on display

The line between gravel road and road is blurring. This English looks adept at both

English

English

Oregon's Simple Bike Co. had this sharp looking gravel bike in their booth

Big "Volyummy" tires mounted to Santa Cruz new Reserve Carbon gravel tires

And very colour matchy bar tape

Mosaic was celebrating 10 years at NAHBS

This purple-pink fade gravel bike came with full colour matched fenders

Titanium frame and Shimano Ultegra RX keeping the chain in check out back

Mosiac's bikepacking rig ran clearance for meaty 700c tires

Mavic carbon hoops with solid WTB rubber

And room for enough gear to stay "out there" for a while

Cryptic had its bikepacking rig set up with full Shimano Dura Ace wheels and Di2, showing you can get out there in comfort