Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB - AKA Just say no to clipless

No it’s not

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I didn't know @youramericanlover had shaved off his beard

Is it an MTB or a gravel bike?
...Yes.

'Do it all' bike

'Do it all but kinda mediocre and boringly' bike

Jk, I've had a drop bar MTB and they are FUN

Thought for a moment you were suggesting a new name for the thread

'I had a drop bar MTB and it was FUN' is my actual nomination.

I'd really like to replace the thread title with a picture of the Curve Titanosaur

There's also this

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Back when AI was doing good work

I know double wheelset discussion is 2 weeks old but just caught up on the thread and have a similar problem to decide. My bike is CdF Ti 2020 (so still limited clearance one, although I swapped fork for Chinese carbon with 700x50 max) I already own a good 700c wheelset (Shimano UR705 dynamo, DT 350 + XM421) that I currently run with Pirelli Ms 45 front and 40 rear and with Kinesis Fend Off Sides these are max possible, clearance is a bit tighter than ideal. I got a good offer to buy a front wheel with same dynamo and DT R500 700c rim and started thinking about second wheelset. I would like to have something more tarmac oriented for commuting and riding with a kid trailer (preferably with either Pro One 38 (I have an unused pair stored) or GP Urban (I have a good deal with basically half price for them) and second wheel set for more chunky gravel, living in the Polish mountains and planning a gravel ultra this year in this area. What would be better in your opinion?
A) keep Pirellis as chunky wheelset, add second 700c for road riding
B) switch current wheelset to all road and add second 650b, realistically I could fit 2.1 front and 48 mm rear. Selection of 650b gravel tyres is getting small so I am worried about future availability.

could you give some more detail that’s not quite enough

Tbf I’ve ridden that and it’s not bad

Having just written a thing about 'right' bikes and N-1 I've come to the conclusion that:

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650b is a marketing ruse

I'm just compelled to remind people here that gravel is #shitfromabutt

FTFY

Who would be stupid enough to have multiple wheel sets? Fools! But then this is a road bike.

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PEDAL CHAT - I’ve been riding the classic cheap Shimano m520 for years and whilst I don’t think i have any massive issue with it, one of them on my gravel bike has got an annoying squeak to it and an ongoing knee niggle makes me wonder if I should get something serviceable and with a bit more float.

Go XT, it got a flat area for the shoes to come in contact with unlike the M520.

Bike fitter love shimano SPD because they offer far more adjustment than other MTB pedals.

Have you tried Look pedals before? They have loads of float which I found helped my very dodgy right knee.
I've got a set of X Track which you can try if you fancy! They work with SPD cleats as well.

Re: knee pain. How far forwards / backwards are your cleats set in your shoes? I heard that further back is a safer bet if you're not sure where is best.

First this action of gravel aggression, now you refused to publicly refuse to ask whether I had done a ride fixed - what have I done to deserve such treatment?

I’ll just get some fresh cleats to start, like others suggest, best to keep one variable at time I reckon what with me changing crank length too. Thanks though @ltc

I’ve never had any issues with ‘stiffness’ on the Lake MX177 shoes and M520s, I’m just being cautious I suppose @edscoble

And yeah, cleats all the way back for the past couple years since my last bike fit (: @Rainy

M520/M540 is one of the most serviceable pedal out there IMO, quick and easy too.

Sounds sensible. This is a good reminder for me to change my cleats as well.

Bodies change, it might be that you need to change cleat position new cleats and position are far more likely to help work it out than buying a new system. It's like math: you have a problem and need to work out the variables. Instead of working out the variables, do not create a whole new equation with all new variables before settling the old ones.

@Prz Two wheelsets chat: get one for legit offroad, not fancy lowknob smooth track middle crap, something you'd need in the autumn and winter. And then one for legit on road, with some pure road tyre. anything inbetween will lead to disappointment.

get one for legit offroad, not fancy lowknob smooth track middle crap, something you'd need in the autumn and winter. And then one for legit on road, with some pure road tyre. anything inbetween will lead to disappointment.

@andyp has taught you well