Gravel – A New Old Discipline in Cycling

Gravel names a still very young discipline in the cycling universe, but one that is actually quite old. In the American market, the (gravel) bike was reinvented, and not just metaphorically.

The Origin of the Gravel Bike

The first road bikes were much more off-road capable 100-150 years ago than they are today. They had to be, as the paved infrastructure we know today in the West simply did not exist. As roads improved, so did the road bike. The tires' profile became more suited to smooth and even asphalt surfaces. American road cyclists in the Midwest then essentially reinvented the gravel bike. They veered off the few and heavily trafficked asphalt roads onto quieter gravel paths. To make the road bike more suitable for off-road riding, they adapted the frame and tires to the bumpy terrain and long distances. The gravel bike is a compromise between a road bike and a cyclocross bike, created for long rides on challenging paths. One could also say it is the renaissance of the original road bike.

The Gravel Bike – A Somewhat Different Road Bike

Gravel bikers are road cyclists who don't always want to ride on asphalt but also on unpaved trails. This doesn't rule out day trips or entire holidays on the saddle – explorers and adventurers will feel at home in this cycling world! The frame geometry looks like this:

• More upright, less deep seating position with a lower saddle

• Low weight

• Treaded tires, but not as aggressive as cyclo or MTB

• Classic, slightly flared drop handlebars

• No suspension

• Disc brakes that work flawlessly even in rain and mud

• Attachment options for mudguards, frame bags, luggage racks, etc.

With the gravel bike, the seating position is slightly more comfortable than on a modern road bike. This allows for an easier shift in the center of gravity during climbs. The tires are slightly wider than those of a road bike and also have more tread for unpaved paths. The choice of tires can be individual, with more or less aggressive tread. Field, forest, and meadow paths are no problem even with less grippy tires, thanks to the high agility of the bike. This allows for quick dodging of potholes on old, paved paths, making it ideal for those who want to explore the nearby countryside, away from the familiar roads.

The Ideal Clothing for the Gravel Adventure

As we have already established, gravel takes you off the smooth asphalt and onto gravel paths, into nature. The requirements for equipment are therefore different from road cycling.

The clothing must be functional and enable all-day performance. It should be comfortable. At the same time, it must be robust to protect against flying stones and hanging branches. The gravel clothing must be multifunctional, especially when starting on a cool morning, riding into a warm sunny day, and returning in the dusk with gusty winds and drizzle. Therefore, high-performance materials are needed to ensure a good body climate. Since the riding position is quite sporty, gravel jerseys and gravel shorts should fit snugly.

Gravel jerseys are as versatile as the gravel cycling world itself. For example, Castelli's Unlimited line offers functionally equipped jerseys with bold print designs in muted tones. But there are also less sporty looks, where the jerseys look more like cotton shirts. However, they still come with road cycling features like a three-part back pocket. So, it depends on how much you want to let loose and what features you need. In general, top brands in the gravel segment tend to go for earthy tones in a melange look or even a flashy pattern, as seen in Amo Camo by Bobteam. This way, dust stirred up in summer is not visible on the jerseys as quickly. And in autumn and winter, mud and other residues are less noticeable.

The gravel shorts are usually bib shorts with a performance pad for long hours in the saddle. Some manufacturers enhance these with gel inserts that additionally minimize shocks and vibrations. Since the gravel bike comes without suspension, the seat pad must be able to handle a lot. The straps are usually constructed more robustly but equipped with mesh backs. This ensures optimal support and fit while preventing overheating. The Lycra used on the legs should be robust in case you unintentionally dismount. At the same time, it provides good compression performance and supports the leg muscles. Therefore, slightly narrower bike shorts or long pants without pads are often worn over them, in summer and winter. They offer good protection, as they are usually abrasion-resistant and can withstand a fall. Of course, they also protect against flying gravel or branches. Additionally, the overpants often have wind- and water-resistant properties. So, short showers and unwelcome wind are no longer a problem. The overpants also provide additional storage space, which is useful for day trips to have enough provisions and multifunctional tools easily accessible. When it comes to the equipment for the shorts, it depends again on the individual riding style. Everything is possible, nothing is mandatory.

Instead of short bib shorts, you can also combine padded cycling underwear with narrow baggy pants. Just as in road cycling, layering is important in gravel biking to create a pleasant body climate during exertion. It should ensure a quick removal of warm air and moisture while directing cool air to the body. The fine mesh should be close to the body without cutting in.

Gravel Clothing in Winter

Especially in the cold months, exploring the hinterland on the Gravel bike can be particularly rewarding – with dreamy views and breathtaking impressions! To achieve such rewards, the right winter equipment is essential. Challenging oneself is possible in autumn and winter too – with the right weather protection! For example, Sportful works with flexible and high-performance softshells, brushed fleece, and dirt- and water-repellent coatings in the Giara collection.

Winter Gravel clothing must find a perfect balance between warmth, air exchange, and sweat removal. For this purpose, highly elastic winter Lycras with and without fine fleece lining are used, similar to long cycling shorts for road cycling. It should be considered that there might be times when you have to dismount from the Gravel bike to carry it, and the body should not cool down too quickly. Here, lightweight, warm underwear is a good investment.

Accessories for Safe Navigation Off-Road and on Tour

On uneven paths, gravel, and unpaved field roads, it's crucial to have a firm grip on the Gravel bike. Therefore, tactile cycling gloves are an absolute must for every Gravel biker. Long-fingered gloves for Gravel are often worn even in summer. There are also special gloves that are only long on the thumb, index, and middle fingers – the fingers that need more grip for a firm hold, shifting, and braking. Gravel gloves are characterized by good padding, sometimes with gel or XRD inserts, extra-grippy palms, and usually additional silicone prints on the fingers. This helps prevent fatigue, as less force is needed for a secure hold. The mesh back and perforations in the palm also provide cooling and improve the grip feel on the handlebar.

Gravel biking imposes specific requirements on cycling glasses. The lenses should be large to provide a wide field of vision and protect the eyes. Uninterrupted vision is crucial in challenging terrain. Therefore, many single-lens glasses are used. The frame should be aerodynamic and snug. Additional ventilation openings prevent the lenses from fogging up. The lenses should also have good contrast for not overlooking anything off-road. Due to the contrast-enhancing effect, the lenses are well-suited for sunny to overcast lighting conditions. Some manufacturers of cycling glasses also offer lenses with enhanced depth perception, leading to a more detailed and color-enhanced view – ideal Gravel glasses!

If you're planning a longer tour, a Gravel bike has you covered. The frame geometry allows various transport options, including saddlebags and frame bags in various sizes. Backpacks can also be comfortably worn on leisurely day trips, carrying essentials like compact rain and wind jackets. The Gravel bike is indeed an adventure bike!

For some accessories, Gravel draws from the best of both cycling worlds – MTB and road cycling. Performance and safety aspects are combined, leaving nothing in the way of adventure on the Gravel.

1. For the feet, a bit more ruggedness is allowed – large treads on the shoes are essential when conquering terrain off the saddle. Some manufacturers also reinforce exposed areas with abrasion-resistant attachments on the toe tips. The classic Gravel shoe is a variant of MTB shoes and is excellent for off-road terrain. A Gravel shoe provides the familiar protection and flexibility of MTB shoes but also emphasizes comfort on long distances and offers a slightly harder sole. This is needed for better power transfer, especially on full-day tours or travels on the Gravel bike. Additionally, stability in both the shoe and the rider can be achieved through the clip system. If you're already accustomed to clipless pedals, you can use your feet for steering as well, an advantage that benefits the agility of the Gravel bike. Even if you prefer to ride without a clipless pedal system, Gravel shoes are still a good choice, as they are also suitable for flat pedals. 

Even in winter, the Gravel bike can be used for rides, and there are suitable shoes for this as well. Winter Gravel shoes should have a neoprene shaft to keep icy spray out. 

2. When it comes to the Gravel helmet, it depends more on personal preference and the type of terrain being covered. Those who prefer speed and less rough terrain can opt for a classic road cycling helmet. If you're off-road over rocks and bumps, you should choose a sturdy MTB helmet – with a visor and extended protection at the back of the neck. But whether you choose a road cycling helmet or an MTB helmet, fit and comfort are crucial! We recommend Gravel helmets that have a removable visor. This way, you always have the right helmet depending on the terrain or sunlight. 

Our Conclusion

For us, Gravel is one of the most versatile and individual disciplines in cycling. It represents the continuous evolution in cycling, bridging the gap between the classic and the modern. The versatility that Gravel enables also brings a sense of deceleration. It's less about speed and much more about endurance. But even that varies from Gravel biker to Gravel biker. The trend around the Gravel bike is gaining more popularity in the cycling collections of major manufacturers, allowing for a better selection for individual riding styles.

Gravel makes the asphalt disappear beneath the wheels and brings us back to natural paths, reconnecting us with nature. It revives the original way of cycling. The Gravel bike allows us to explore the unknown hinterland and discover new paths.

P.S.: If you have any further questions, feel free to leave us a comment or email us your inquiry. We are happy to assist you!