Guide to Gravel Bikes — Get Ready to Roam
Gravel bikes are lightweight, rugged, and adaptable — the sweet spot between speedy road bikes and trail-ready mountain bikes. They’re built to handle mixed terrain, explore new routes, and keep things fun when the pavement ends.
Go More Places
What is a gravel bike? It’s a do-it-all bike designed for roads, paths, and unpaved routes — without feeling slow or fragile. Some gravel bikes lean sporty and fast. Others are built for long adventures with bigger tires, extra mounts, and a more upright fit. The best gravel bike is the one that matches where you ride most and how you like to ride.
Where Can I Ride My Gravel Bike?
Think of gravel as a spectrum. Here are four common “terrain buckets” — from smooth paths to rougher trails. (You don’t need a new bike for every bucket — tire choice and setup matter a lot.)
What Makes a Gravel Bike Different?
- Tire clearance: room for wider tires for comfort and control
- Stable geometry: confident handling on loose surfaces
- Disc brakes: consistent stopping power in wet/dusty conditions
- Mounts: options for bottles, racks, bags, and fenders (varies by bike)
- Drivetrain options: 1x for simplicity, 2x for tighter gearing steps (both are great)
- Wheel options: often 700c (fast) or 650b (more volume + comfort)
Get the Gear You Need
The first rule of any great adventure: be prepared. Here are the “high impact” gear categories that make gravel rides safer, more comfortable, and more fun — without overcomplicating things.
Quick Gravel Setup Tips
- Go wider on tires if you want more comfort and control (within your bike’s clearance).
- Tubeless helps reduce flats and allows lower pressures for better traction.
- Lower tire pressure than road riding — it improves grip and reduces fatigue.
- Carry basics: tube/plug kit, multi-tool, pump/CO₂, and a small first-aid item.
- Plan for “one more hour” — gravel rides expand quickly when the route gets fun.
Ask Us Anything
Ready to ride gravel? If you want help choosing the right style of gravel bike (or the right setup for your routes), we’re happy to talk it through — no pressure, just good advice.
