The Challenge of Short Chainstays and Wide Tires in Monster Gravel Bikes

We are often asked if it’s possible to build a monster gravel bike with super short chainstays while accommodating a 50mm tyre and a road 2x drivetrain such as CAMPAGNOLO Super Record, SHIMANO Dura-Ace or SRAM Red. This is an exciting challenge because it pushes the limits of frame building, but there are some key factors and trade-offs to consider. Why is it difficult? The main challenge in squeezing a 50mm tyre into a short chainstay while using a road crankset comes down to clearance. Road cranksets have a narrow q-factor compared to gravel or MTB cranksets, which means the chainrings and crank arms sit closer to the chainstays. As a result, fitting a wide tyre while ensuring clearance for the cranks becomes tricky.

How Do We Make It Work?

One solution is to use a chainstay plate near the bottom bracket (picture #1)


Thus helps maximize the space available for both the tyre and the cranks. However, this solution comes with a trade-off: if the drivetrain is not completely wireless, there is no space left inside the chainstay to route the rear derailleur cable internally. Some riders actually prefer external cable routing on gravel bikes because it makes maintenance easier, especially when riding in remote areas with no access to bike shops. Another Issue: front derailleur clearance. The front derailleur is another major factor to consider. With a short chainstay and 50mm tire, the front derailleur cage can end up touching the tire. The design of the front derailleur varies by brand: CAMPAGNOLO and SHIMANO font derailleurs sit closer to the rear tyre and maximum possible tyre is 45mm, making clearance more difficult. SRAM Force front derailleurs come in a wide version, which provides more room between the derailleur and the tyre. Our recommendation for customers who want to run a road 2x drivetrain with 50mm tyres, the shortest practical chainstay length we recommend is 441mm. This length provides: enough clearance for cranks, front derailleur space and possibility for internal cable routing, if needed room for a rear mudguard. To sum up your actual limitation is front derailleur: - With CAMPAGNOLO Super Record, SHIMANO Dura-ace, SRAM Red maximum possible tyre is 45mm - With SHIMANO GRX, SRAM Force wide your maximum possible tyre is 50mm Another interesting option for riders preferring the wide gear selection is CLASSIFIED rear hub which replace front derailleur.

Final Thoughts

Monster gravel bikes are growing in popularity, and we love pushing the boundaries of custom frame building. While short chainstays and wide tyres present challenges, understanding these limitations helps us create the best possible riding experience. If you’re interested in a custom titanium gravel bicycle that balances performance, durability, and practicality, reach out to us - we’d love to bring your dream bike to life!