These new and (to be honest) not all that strange looking machines take a great deal of influence from cyclocross bikes. Of course, cyclocross bikes would be capable of managing the terrain in question. However, the races they are built for are typically aggressive, one hour long affairs – but a typical ‘Adventure Road’ rider is planning a much more extensive excursion.

Therefore, the new breed of bike was created a little more relaxed, with more provision made for long miles, and less care taken over details that optimise a bike for the rooty trails and muddy conditions of many CX races.

The key differences, in bullet point form, are thus:

• A long wheelbase and low headtube angle mean controlled steering – that in actual practice means you’ll have more chance of staying upright if it gets a bit muddy than you would on a road bike.
• Since the prospective rider might be out for a few hours, the head tube will usually be longer, and the top tube shorter, than a traditional racey cyclocross bike, this creates all day comfort and stability over rough terrain.
• It’s generally considered that the rider will not be racing hard over roots and large rocks or obstacles, so the bottom bracket stays in a similar position to a traditional endurance road bike, as opposed to being lifted as it is on a cyclocross bike, to avoid it hitting the ground – this means the bike feels better and more powerful when taken on the road.
• Since the bike could be used for all sorts of adventures – including touring – they usually come with mounts for pannier racks and mudguards – which is kind of handy of you want to commute on it, too.
• Tyres of course can be changed as you see fit. However, most will come with enough clearance for you to use anything between 28c and 42c tyres. The wider the tyre, the faster and more comfortable the bike will feel off-road, whilst narrower tyres will feel quicker on the road. Often, the bike can be rolled off the shop floor with 30c tyres, which represent a happy medium.
• Disc brakes are often fitted – making these fast stoppers, even in the wet.