What is Gravel Riding?

Gravel riding, also known as gravel grinding or gravel biking, is becoming an increasingly popular form of cycling. It combines elements of road and mountain biking and primarily involves long-distance riding over unpaved roads. To be considered a gravel cycle path, the routes must consist of non-technical and unpaved paths, such as: B. Gravel or gravel roads.

In general, the best gravel roads are found in rural areas, as most cities have paved commuter roads. Rural areas also offer the opportunity to explore some incredibly beautiful places that can only be reached off the beaten path. You can explore old wagon trails, forest trails, canal trails and more while enjoying the thrill and dangers of the rocky and uneven terrain that gravel riding brings.

Gravel riding takes cycling to a new level and offers riders exciting discoveries. The enchanting scenery along the way makes it one of the most aesthetic riding adventures out there.

X-Gravel-Bike

 Do I need a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are specifically designed for the demands of off-road cycling. Although a gravel bike is not essential, it can significantly improve the riding experience as it is more comfortable and enjoyable.

The best gravel bikes have greater tire clearance, a more relaxed and stable geometry suitable for longer rides and rough terrain, and more luggage storage options.

Gravel bikes have a rigid frame that, combined with a low handlebar position, provides better pedaling performance and aerodynamic efficiency on roads and gravel tracks. Additionally, a dropbar handlebar offers multiple hand positions, which can be beneficial on longer rides and multi-day backpacking trips to minimize hand and wrist discomfort.

Choosing the right gravel bike tire

The right gravel bike tires can make the difference between a fun ride and a nightmare. Since the tires are the only point of contact between the bike and the terrain, it is important to choose the right tire type, tread, volume and pressure for the expected routes and conditions.

Tubeless tires are highly recommended for off-road riding as you are more likely to encounter thorns and sharp rocks that can puncture the tires. Tubeless tires also allow you to run lower tire pressures, reducing the risk of a flat tire. However, it is still possible for your tire to get a snakebite, so proper tire pressure is crucial.

Tire widths can range from 32mm to over 50mm or 2.1 inches. The most common tire width is 40mm, but the width you choose will depend on your frame's tire clearance and desired air pressure.

Larger tires allow you to run at lower pressures, giving you more comfort and allowing you to tackle technical terrain with confidence. If you have limited tire clearance, you can opt for 650b wheels and tires (equivalent to 27.5 inches) to run wider tires without changing the frameset.

The terrain and weather conditions determine which profile you should use. It would be helpful if you weigh the need for grip and speed depending on the trail conditions. Select e.g. B. a more aggressive, knobby tread for wet, muddy conditions or a smoother tread for dry, hard surfaces.

Skills for riding on gravel

 1. When riding on gravel, it is important that you stay seated and keep your body weight centered to cope with the bumpy terrain. Even when the going gets tough, you should avoid getting up to power through. Instead, stay seated and shift to a lower gear to maintain control on loose surfaces and increase your cadence. However, it can be difficult to stay seated when driving over the uneven terrain that is common on gravel roads. To solve this problem, consider adding a suspension seat post to your gravel bike, which will allow you to stay seated while riding over bumps and ruts without feeling the discomfort of a hard saddle.

2. Cornering on gravel roads is different than on asphalt. You should look for as smooth a line as possible and avoid rough or loose gravel if possible. Choosing the inside line gives you more room to correct your line if something goes wrong at the exit of the corner.

The more technical the terrain becomes, the more important the choice of line becomes. To go faster, choose the smoothest possible line and avoid larger rocks, roots, and loose sections.

3. When cycling on gravel, it is important to avoid sharp and abrupt turns as they increase the risk of slipping. Instead, gently shift your weight and steer your hips in the appropriate direction to ensure a stable and controlled turn. Remember to lean slightly and create smooth transitions. It may be helpful to use special gravel handlebars with flared grip areas that allow you to move into a wider position for better control and stability.

4. It is important to look ahead and not focus on the front wheel.

5. When driving on rough terrain, remember to relax and glide over the bumps. Keep your elbows slightly bent and avoid holding the handlebars or braking too hard. When you encounter washboards or bumpy roads, it's easy to feel like you need to hit the brakes, especially when going downhill. However, when you brake, your tires may lose contact with the ground, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, try to glide over the bumps without braking abruptly.

6. Always be aware of vehicle traffic, even when the street appears deserted. Stay on your side of the road, especially on blind hills and curves.

What equipment do you need for gravel riding?

It is important that you have all the necessary tools and spare parts with you when riding a gravel bike. This includes things like a chain tool and quick release, a tubeless repair kit, a tire boot, spare tubes and a high-volume pump. If you are traveling in remote areas, you should also bring a spare derailleur hanger, cable ties, tape and even brake pads.

Using gravel bike accessories such as: A backpack, such as a frame backpack, will allow you to keep all of this gear, along with food and other spares, safe and secure without affecting your ride.

Before you set off, you should plan your route and upload it to your GPS cycling computer, smartwatch or mobile phone. Apps like Komoot can be beneficial as they provide recommendations based on user feedback. This allows you to put together a route with the best gravel sections, climbs and coffee stops.

In the event of a battery failure, you should take a paper map with you as a backup on long trips to remote areas. Also, make sure you pack enough snacks and water for your ride. Running out of provisions in the middle of nowhere can be very inconvenient.

Choose a route

If you would like to explore gravel routes in your area, consider visiting a local store or riding club and asking for route suggestions. It's always a good approach to start small and build up gradually to get comfortable with gravel riding. Keep in mind that most gravel routes contain sections of road or trail that connect different segments. Take advantage of this diversity and discover what nature has to offer.

Electric gravel bikes

In recent years the trend of gravel riding has gained tremendous popularity and now, with the advent of electric bikes, we have the best of both worlds - electric gravel bikes.

These bikes have gained popularity due to their off-road capabilities and the added power of electric bikes. They allow the rider to explore gravel roads and off-road terrain with ease, while the electric motor provides an extra boost to tackle steep and rough surfaces.

One of the biggest benefits of electric bikes is that they make cycling accessible to a wider audience. They are particularly useful for older riders or people with physical limitations who still want to enjoy the thrill of cycling. With electric assist, riders get a helpful boost from the engine while still having to put in the effort to drive.

E-Gravel Voyager

In summary, electric gravel bikes are the future of off-road riding. They combine the best features of electric bikes and gravel bikes and offer an incomparable riding experience. With their natural-looking electric assistance, generous tire clearance and off-road capabilities, electric gravel bikes are an excellent choice for adventurous riders who want to explore new terrain and push their limits.