Q+A with one of YoeleoUSA’s founders and New York City bike rider, Joe Marino
Q: Joe, what cycling question do you get asked most often by riders shopping for a new bike?
I get asked this question all the time:
“Should I get a road bike or a gravel bike?” And living and riding in New York City, my answer usually starts with another question:
Where do you live, and where do you actually ride?
Because the truth is, both road and gravel bikes are great options. The “right” one depends less on trends and more on your real world riding.
When a YoeleoUSA Road Bike Makes Sense
Q: In what riding situations does a road bike make the most sense?
If your riding mostly happens on smooth pavement — think Central Park loops, the Hudson River Greenway, or fast early morning group rides — a road bike makes a lot of sense.
Bikes like the Yoeleo R12 are built for speed and efficiency. They’re light, responsive, and reward smooth roads with that effortless, fast feeling every road rider loves.
If your goals involve pace lines, long road miles, or chasing personal bests, a road bike is hard to beat.
When a YoeleoUSA Gravel Bike Makes Sense (Especially in NYC)
Q: How do real world city riding conditions impact the road vs gravel bike decision?
Now let’s talk about reality.
New York City riding includes potholes, cracked pavement, construction plates, surprise detours, and roads that definitely weren’t designed with cyclists in mind. Add in weekend escapes, upstate roads, light gravel, park paths — and suddenly things get a little less “pure road.”
This is where a gravel bike like the Yoeleo Altera G21 Pro really shines. Wider tires, more stability, and a more forgiving ride make it better suited to mixed surfaces and unpredictable conditions. It’s the kind of bike that lets you stop worrying about what the road looks like and just ride.
In a city like New York, that versatility matters.
So… Which Bike Is Right for You?
Q: What’s your honest advice for riders choosing between a road bike and a gravel bike?
The simplest way to decide is to be honest with yourself.
If most of your riding is on smooth pavement and speed is your priority, a road bike is probably the right tool for the job. If your rides include rough roads, mixed surfaces, exploring, or just dealing with city streets day after day, a gravel bike may be the smarter, more comfortable choice.
And if you live somewhere like New York City, where a single ride can include all of the above, a gravel bike often ends up being the most practical option.
Final Thoughts
Q: What should riders keep in mind before committing to a road bike or a gravel bike?
Where you live and where you ride should guide your decision, not labels. Road bikes and gravel bikes are both excellent — they’re just designed for different realities.
Whether you choose the speed and precision of the R12 or the versatility and confidence of the Altera G21 Pro, the best bike is the one that fits your riding life and keeps you excited to get out the door.
And yes, owning both is still a perfectly reasonable long term plan. After all, this is New York.
YoeleoUSA from Coast to Coast
Whether you are dodging potholes in New York City or riding beachside in San Diego, YoeleoUSA is proud to serve US riders nationwide.
No matter where you are, we like to think good riding should not be limited by zip code.
Check out the YoeleoUSA lineup
