bike setup tips

Choose the right tires.

If you plan to drive on gravel, the type of tire you choose depends on the terrain you will be driving on. On smooth gravel, you may prefer a thinner, low-profile tire that allows for more speed, e.g. B. a 28 mm slick tire. However, if you're dealing with rough gravel that requires better cornering grip and puncture protection, you may need a wider 40mm knobby tire.

Lower your tire pressure.

Lower tire pressure not only provides a more comfortable ride, but also improves traction and confidence when driving up and down hills. With a tubeless wheel and tire combo, you can run at much lower pressures than you think. Tire pressure depends on the rider's weight and the terrain. It is therefore recommended to start with a pressure of 35 PSI and gradually reduce this (usually below 30 PSI). Even a tiny difference in tire pressure can have a significant impact on the handling and feel of the motorcycle. The ICAN G25's tubeless design allows for lower tire pressures, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride while minimizing the risk of flat tires.

700C G25

Choose a suitable handlebar.

HBG01 Links 

Preparing for the trip 

Helm

Wearing a well-fitting helmet when gravel biking is essential as you may encounter rough terrain, which can lead to falls.

gravel bike repair kit

When you take a gravel ride, you can end up in a variety of locations, some of which are far away and remote. Therefore, it is important that you have the right equipment with you. Make sure you carry essentials like spare tubes, tools, pumps, repair kits, and any necessary food in a saddlebag or frame pack. For longer rides, you can use a hydration pack or fill up additional water bottles.

A list of the most important things:

• spare tube (or two)
• Reifenheber
• pump and/or CO2 inflator
• Tire plug/tire cuff (a dollar bill or Clif Bar wrapper works too)
• chain tools and quick fasteners
• Multitool
• Map (either on paper, on your phone or Garmin)

Research the terrain
Before you start gravel biking, it's important to familiarize yourself with the terrain. This includes assessing the difficulty of the route, recognizing potential dangers and finding out about the prevailing weather conditions.

Bike check before the ride.

Before a gravel ride, you should develop a routine to check your bike's tire pressure, brakes and gears to ensure it is in optimal condition. Before you set off, you should check and tighten the screws of the bottle cage, handlebars, stem, seat post and pedals to ensure safety.

Do it

Skills and tips for gravel riding

Stay relaxed.

Sometimes this is easier said than done, but try to stay relaxed while cycling. Do not overreact to the bike's movements, as any tension in your body can transfer to the bike and cause unpredictable behavior. If you find yourself tensing up or panicking, stop, take a few deep breaths, and calm down before continuing.

Use your eyes.

When cycling, it's important to keep your chin up and look forward to scan the terrain for the smoothest surfaces. Avoid driving across the road by making small adjustments to stay on the most stable surfaces, and avoid deep piles of gravel that can wipe out your front wheel.

When entering a rock garden or negotiating a technical descent, use your foresight to see 10 to 15 meters in front of you and find the smoothest line. Keep your weight in the middle and slightly further back. It's important to have some weight on the front wheel, but not so much that the wheel can't move freely.

Try climbing while sitting.

When climbing on gravel, gravel, or sand, it's best to stay seated so your weight stays centered on the bike. This gives your rear wheel extra traction, which is important as the grade increases and the road surface becomes looser. Choosing the right tire and maintaining the correct tire pressure will also help you climb more easily. With these techniques you will be able to climb like a billy goat!

Don't forget to breathe.

Remember to focus on your goal, trust your equipment, breathe and have fun!

Be careful with the brakes.

If you've ever competed in a slow ride race or tried standing on the track, you know that your bike is much more stable at higher speeds, especially on uneven terrain. If you reduce your speed too much, your bike will lose traction and start bouncing, making it difficult to control. To avoid this, allow your front wheel to roll freely and avoid the risk of it washing out and causing you to lose control. If you need to reduce your speed, try to modulate the brakes and favor the rear brake. Save most of your braking for straight-ahead driving.

Take corners carefully.

If you're biking on gravel, it's important to know the differences between gravel and smooth surfaces like asphalt or concrete. When making sharp turns on gravel, you may face unique challenges due to the unpredictability of the terrain and loose rocks. This can affect the stability and traction of your bike and make it difficult to corner.

To ensure your safety and avoid accidents, exercise caution when navigating curves. Reduce your speed before the curve, brake earlier than on a slippery road and lean slowly into the curve. It's important to practice cornering techniques on different types of gravel to gain confidence and adapt to different terrain.

Remember that it is important to find a balance between fun and safety while enjoying your gravel adventures.

Have fun.

You'll drive on beautiful gravel roads with endless possibilities, but always remember to enjoy the ride.

For more information, see “ A Comprehensive Guide to Gravel Biking and the 2024 Bikes ”.