Imagine tackling an 800km gravel race through the unforgiving wilderness of South Africa's Great Karoo – that's exactly what Tom Pidcock did to cap off his season at the inaugural Gravel Burn. But here's where it gets interesting: despite having no pressure to perform, Pidcock not only survived but thrived, clinching a stage win on his Pinarello Dogma GR. This wasn't just any bike; it was a machine meticulously tailored for the harsh conditions, though not without a touch of controversy in its setup. And this is the part most people miss: the green and gold color scheme of his bike subtly mirrored South Africa's national colors, a detail that might have been a Freudian slip or a clever nod to the host nation.
While Pidcock’s Dogma GR wasn’t as flashy as his Gravel Worlds red/gold variant, its design carried a deeper meaning, especially for those familiar with South African sports culture. However, the real debate lies in his bike choice. Here’s the controversial bit: many argue that a Grevil, with its 50mm tire clearance, would have been better suited for the relentless washboard terrain and technical descents. Yet, Pidcock stuck with the race-focused Dogma GR, which blends aerodynamic efficiency from the road-focused Dogma F with gravel-ready features like increased tire clearance and frame compliance. Was this a risky move or a calculated decision? Let’s dive deeper.
For Gravel Burn, Pidcock upgraded his Vittoria Terreno T30 tires from 35mm to 45mm front and rear, pushing the limits of the Dogma GR’s clearance. His mechanics even managed to squeeze a 45mm tire into the rear, thanks to Vittoria’s tendency to measure narrower than stated. But here’s the kicker: these tires are made from 92% recycled rubber and feature a new construction that proved invaluable on the hostile terrain that sidelined many pros. A closer look at his Vision SC 48 i25 wheels reveals green Vittoria Multiway valves, hinting at the use of AirLiner inserts for added protection and comfort – a smart move, but one that raises questions about weight versus durability.
Another bold choice was Pidcock’s use of Shimano XTR mountain bike pedals over road-specific hardware, a decision that paid off given the rocky terrain and potential for strikes or portages. Is this the future of gravel racing setups, or just a niche choice for this event? As a SRAM-sponsored athlete, his Dogma GR is built around a Red XPLR AXS groupset, featuring a 50T 1x chainring and an 11-46T cassette, paired with a Wolf Tooth chain catcher for added security on rough descents.
From its TorayCa M40X frameset to the eTICR Onda Fork with ForkFlap, every detail of Pidcock’s setup reflects a blend of innovation and practicality. But the real question remains: would a different bike or setup have yielded better results? Or did Pidcock’s choices perfectly align with his riding style and the race’s demands? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear if you’d make different choices for a race like Gravel Burn.
