How to ride gravel

Adventure begins where the road ends

Riding on gravel roads has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy time in the saddle, and with good reason – there’s a lot of terrain to explore, it can be a more engaging experience than riding on roads, there’s not much traffic, and anyone can do it.

Gravel riders are widely accepted as people who know how to make every adventure a really good time. Want to join the fastest-growing segment of cycling today? Here’s everything you need to know about gravel bikes and gear so you can make your first gravel adventure a great one.

What is a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are versatile, multi-surface bikes that make it easy to transition from roads to gravel paths. They’re the ideal choice on days when you’re not sure where your ride will take you.

Gravel bikes are sort of like the mullet of the cycling world – business on top, party on the bottom. Most have drop bars and the comfortable geometry of an endurance road bike with burlier tyres that are closer in width to what you’d see on a mountain bike. Wider tyres give you a more comfortable ride and more traction on loose terrain.

Bikes designed specifically for gravel also have extra mounts that make it easier to carry more gear and water, so you can explore further and take everything you need.

Do I need to ride a gravel-specific bike?

At its core, gravel riding is like riding on the road: you can technically do it on anything. But you’ll be a lot more comfortable and efficient on an actual gravel bike because they’re built specifically to handle more demanding surfaces.

If adventure strikes and you don’t have access to a true gravel bike, we’d recommend heading out on a bike with disc brakes and wider tyres. These things will give you more control, confidence and stopping power on loose and muddy terrain.

See Checkpoint bike

What should I wear?

What you wear when you’re riding gravel is all a matter of preference. You can get Lycra’d up and ride fully kitted or go for a more casual look. At any given gravel event, you’ll see riders wearing everything from a chamois to cut-off shorts. What’s most important is that you opt for something comfortable.

Cycling-specific clothing is always best for longer rides. Bike shorts or bibs are built with a chamois that keeps your soft-tissue areas comfortable in the saddle, and cycling jerseys typically have rear pockets where you can carry and conveniently reach essentials, like tools and food.

What gear do I need?

Every great adventure starts with lots of lists, meticulous planning and plenty of over-packing.

Okay, fine – usually the best adventures are spontaneous, but as long as you’re prepared with everything you need, you’ll be able to answer the call of the wild as soon as you hear it.

We recommend:
– Lots of water
– Front and rear daytime running lights
– Gloves
– Racks with bags, frame packs or a lightweight backpack
– A repair kit with spare tubes, a pump and a multi-tool
-Map and a GPS computer