Gravel and Cyclocross CX bikes are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many riders. They make a lot of sense if you're looking for a bike that rides well both on and off road. These are a style of racing bikes that look very much like standard road bikes but have been specifically adapted for racing off-road rather than on smooth tarmac. Wider, treaded tyres are the most obvious difference but there can also be slight differences in the frame geometry and shaping of the frame in order to make the bike bike easier to handle off-road and carry. More powerful cantilever style rim brakes or disc brakes are used to provide confidence when in muddy conditions.