While road cycling is our first love, we're equally passionate about the thrill of gravel biking. Whether you’re a seasoned road cyclist or someone looking for a new outdoor hobby, gravel biking can provide you with a new way to exercise, avoid traffic, experience nature, and bond with other cyclists. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about gravel biking so you can hit the trails with confidence.

What is gravel biking?

Gravel biking is a cycling discipline that involves riding on gravel roads, dirt trails, and other unpaved surfaces. Gravel biking ranges from tranquil rides on scenic trails to endurance races on rugged terrain. This cycling discipline has gained considerable popularity in recent years because it’s versatile and adventurous, but not as technically challenging as mountain biking.

What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike is designed with a lightweight frame, like a road bike, but with wider tires like a mountain bike for better stability, traction, and comfort. The strategic design enables you to handle the challenges a variety of terrains bring.

Here are some of the key features of a gravel bike:

Frame design

Gravel bike frames often have a geometry that strikes a balance between the more aggressive stance of a road bike and the relaxed posture of a mountain bike. This design provides stability and comfort during long rides on uneven surfaces.

Gravel bike frames also have bigger tire clearances compared to road bikes, allowing for the use of larger tires with more substantial tread patterns. This helps provide better traction on gravel or dirt.

Tires

Gravel bike tires typically range in width from 35mm to 50mm. The wider tire clearance on gravel bike frames accommodates larger tires with more aggressive tread patterns for better traction. Gravel tires are wider than road tires but smaller than mountain bike tires, providing a smooth ride on gravel while maintaining efficiency on pavement.

Gearing

Gravel bikes usually have either a 1x (single chainring) or 2x (double chainring) drivetrain, whereas road bikes typically employ a 2x drivetrain. A 1x drivetrain allows for fewer gear shifts, contributing to simpler gear transitions during rides, which is helpful when gravel biking on quickly changing terrain.

Disc brakes

Gravel bikes are commonly equipped with disc brakes, which improve braking performance and reliability in challenging conditions. Disc brakes are advantageous when riding on gravel, where conditions may be unpredictable.

Attachment points

 A gravel bike often has more mounting points to accommodate attachments like bags, mud guards, fenders, and racks. Attachment points make gravel bikes a great fit for bikepacking and long-distance rides where carrying gear is necessary.

Handlebars

Gravel bikes may have drop handlebars similar to road bikes, but some models feature flared drop bars or even flat handlebars for additional control and comfort on rough terrain.

Is gravel biking harder than road cycling? 

The terrain of gravel biking can be more technically challenging than road cycling, as it typically requires more physical effort to go the same distance on a gravel bike than a road bike. However, gravel biking and road cycling have comparable difficulty in terms of skill, effort, and goals. The challenge depends on your ride’s route and duration, as well as your fitness level and speed. 

By nature of their larger size, gravel bikes add more weight and resistance than road bikes, and cycling on gravel is no easy feat. But road cycling routes have their own challenges, including   elongated distances and navigating higher road traffic.

What may be challenging for one person could be an enjoyable adventure for you. Many cyclists find the challenges of gravel biking to be part of the appeal—the sense of exploration, the connection with nature, and the thrill of tackling diverse terrains—while others would prefer the speed and thrill of smooth, slim tires humming on the tarmac.

Where can you go gravel biking?

Gravel biking opens up a world of exploration, allowing you to venture into diverse landscapes that road bikes are unsuited for. Here are some popular places where you can go gravel biking.

Gravel roads

Gravel roads are the most common terrain for gravel biking, and can be found in rural areas, the countryside, and sometimes even in urban outskirts. Many regions have extensive networks of gravel roads that provide a mix of scenic views and challenging trails.

Dirt trails and forest paths

Gravel bikes are capable of handling dirt trails and forest paths, offering an adventurous off-road experience. National parks, nature reserves, and mountainous areas often have exciting gravel biking trails. Just be sure to choose trails marked for cyclists to use.

Rail trails

Former railway lines converted into recreational trails, known as rail trails, can be excellent for gravel biking. These paths are typically flat, well-maintained, and pass through scenic landscapes. Though many eventually get paved if they pass through populated areas, more rural rail trails remain unpaved.

Country and farm roads

On a gravel bike, you’re free to explore the countryside and farmland on rough roads that wind through beautiful agricultural areas. These natural routes provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for gravel biking.

Bikepacking routes

Gravel biking and bikepacking go hand in hand, taking you through remote and scenic areas. Bikepacking, which is carrying essential gear on your bike for overnight trips, combines the joy of gravel biking with the adventure of an overnight journey.

Mountainous regions

Gravel bikes, with their versatility, can handle gravel and dirt paths in mountainous regions. Riding through mountain landscapes provides both a physical challenge and breathtaking views.

Coastal paths

Some coastal regions have gravel paths that run along the shoreline, offering a unique and scenic gravel biking experience with views of the ocean.

Snowy roads

While gravel bikes are not built specifically for snow riding, some cyclists enjoy using gravel bikes in colder weather because of the increased traction compared to road bikes.

How to find gravel routes

Whether you’re planning a trip or scoping out your own backyard, finding great gravel biking routes is an exhilarating way to explore an area and connect with a community.

• Check in at local bike shops for tips on popular trails nearby.
• Attend local bike clubs to get dialed in to a community ride.
• Plan a cycling route in Google Maps or on Strava. 

As you explore an area, keep in mind that permits or written permission may be required in certain areas. Keep a close watch on your ride for notices and markings to indicate when an area may be unsafe or off-limits for gravel biking.

If you're new to gravel biking, start with shorter, less technical routes, and gradually increase difficulty as you gain experience and confidence. Additionally, consider riding with more experienced cyclists or participating in gravel biking events to learn from others and enjoy a supportive community.

Here are some of our favorite trails in the southeast:

• 11 Best Bike Trails in South Carolina
• 10 Best Bike Trails in North Carolina
• 10 Best Bike Trails in Georgia

What should I wear on gravel rides?

Gravel biking throws everything at you from mud to unpredictable weather, so quality gravel biking apparel is designed to be breathable, durable, and capable of matching the diverse conditions you’re riding through. Choosing the right clothing for gravel biking is essential for comfort, protection, and performance.

Here are some recommendations for what to wear when gravel biking.

Helmet

Always wear a properly fitting bike helmet for safety. Gravel biking means you’ll experience a variety of rough terrain, which can make a bike fall particularly gnarly.  A MIPS helmet is highly recommended for gravel cycling.

Jersey

Wear a moisture-wicking jersey to help keep you dry and comfortable. Gravel jerseys often have a more relaxed fit compared to road cycling jerseys, providing extra comfort during longer rides.

Shorts, bibs, or tights

Consider padded cycling shorts or bibs to provide cushioning and reduce chafing during long rides. Look for those with a chamois that suits your riding style and preferences. If riding in the colder months, consider cycling tights to stay warm.

Gloves

Wear cycling gloves with padded palms for better grip, comfort, and protection. They can also help absorb shock and reduce hand fatigue.

Footwear

Choose cycling shoes that are comfortable for long rides. You may opt for mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats, as these provide easier walking on gravel and off-road surfaces.

Learn more: Cycling Shoe Size, Fit, Style Guide

Socks

Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry. Consider choosing socks that are higher cut to provide extra protection from dirt and debris.

Learn more: Do You Really Need Bike Socks? (A Cyclist Guide)

Eyewear

Protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun with cycling-specific sunglasses. Consider lenses with UV protection, and, if riding in varying light conditions, photochromic lenses can be convenient.

Jacket or vest

Depending on the weather, bring a lightweight, packable cycling jacket or vest. This can provide protection against wind and light rain. Look for options with ventilation to prevent overheating.

Accessories

Consider wearing a cycling cap or a bandana under your helmet to keep sweat and sun out of your eyes. Arm sleeves can provide additional protection from the sun.

Shop all Hincapie accessories →

Rain gear

If there's a chance of rain, bring a waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry. Consider shoe covers to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

Learn more: 20 Tips For Cycling In The Rain

Gravel bike repair kit

Gravel riding often involves venturing into diverse and sometimes remote areas, so it's important to be prepared with the right gear. Carry essentials like a spare inner tube, tools, a pump, and a patch kit, as well as any necessary nutrition in a saddlebag or frame pack. For longer rides, consider a hydration pack or additional water bottles.

Invest in custom apparel that levels up your gravel rides 

The best gravel biking gear is the gear that’s tailored to your event conditions, and Hincapie’s custom mountain bike and gravel jerseys are built to maximize your performance through every leg. Hincapie custom design experts will perfect your jerseys, bibs, and shorts with fabrics and cuts that match every aspect of your event. Sharp designs and clean logos will set your team apart, while your peak performance does all the talking. 

Whether you’re part of a team, planning a gravel ride, or a wholesaler interested in securing the highest quality product, Hincapie custom apparel is up for the challenge. Just send the details on your team, ride, or business, and within 24 hours, our team will reach out to help you bring your custom jerseys and apparel to life.

Comparing off-road bikes: gravel vs. mountain vs. cyclocross 

While gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes can all handle off-road riding, key differences make them ideal for certain terrains and uses. 

Mountain bikes are well-designed for trails with steep inclines, sharp declines, and rocky surfaces, but are too bulky and slow for less technical terrain. 

Gravel bikes are more versatile than mountain bikes, offering a smoother ride and higher speed on gravel, dirt, and pavement, but they can’t give the same performance boost on mountain trails. 

Cyclocross bikes are designed for a balance of speed and durability that provides the best technical advantage. They excel on shorter distances rather than extended trail rides.

Let’s break down the feature differences between all three types of bikes.

Terrain

• Gravel bikes are primarily designed for riding on gravel roads, dirt paths, and mixed surfaces. 
• Mountain bikes are designed for off-road trail riding on more technical and challenging terrains. 
• Cyclocross bikes are built for the diverse terrain typical of cyclocross courses, including pavement, grassy fields, forest trails, and, infamously, mud.

Intended use

• Gravel bikes are versatile and excel in covering long distances on varied terrains, making them suitable for gravel grinding, adventure riding, and bikepacking.
• Mountain bikes are durable with high traction, making them suitable for cross-country trails, singletrack, and other mountain biking adventures. 
• Cyclocross bikes are dependable over short distances on challenging terrain, yet lightweight enough to be fast and portable over barriers and obstacles.

Suspension

• Gravel bikes vary in suspension by rider preference, but commonly have both front suspension and micro-suspension features built into the handlebar stem, seat, or frame.
• Hardtail mountain bikes have a front suspension fork, which provides some shock absorption for the front wheel. This feature helps absorb impacts and enhances control on rough trails. A full suspension mountain bike has suspension on the front and back for maximum shock absorption.
• Cyclocross bikes are typically equipped with a rigid fork, meaning they lack both front and rear suspension. This helps keep the bike lightweight and efficient on smoother surfaces.

Geometry

• Gravel bikes often have a geometry that blends elements of road bikes and endurance bikes. The geometry is optimized for comfort during long rides and stability on a variety of surfaces.
• Mountain bikes are designed for more strategic riding positions and maneuverability on technical trails, often sporting a longer reach and lower standover height to provide the best advantage on the trail.
• Cyclocross bikes are tight, tall, and typically smaller than other off-road bikes. Because of their smaller frame and treaded tires, they can appear like road bikes that have been fitted for off-road riding.

Tires

• Gravel bikes typically have wide tires with a moderate tread pattern, providing grip on gravel and dirt. Tire widths on gravel bikes generally fall between 35mm and 50mm.
• Mountain bikes often have wider, knobbier tires compared to gravel bikes. Tire widths can vary, but they are generally wider than those found on gravel bikes and are designed for more aggressive off-road conditions.
• Cyclocross bikes have tires that are thinner than both gravel and mountain bikes, with a maximum width of 33mm. The narrower tires prioritize speed over shorter distances on rough terrain.

Gearing up for gravel riding

New to gravel? Good news: it’s one of the best ways to mix adventure with serious endurance. But before you take your first ride, make sure your setup’s dialed for the terrain ahead.

Bike fit 

Start with the right fit. We recommend going to a shop to check your bike fit before purchasing a frame. A bad fit won’t just ruin your ride—it’ll wear you down over time. Using the wrong size bike on longer rides may lead to discomfort in the short term and bigger chiropractic and muscular issues in the long term.

Tires

Tire choice depends on the kind of ground you cover. For smoother, compacted dirt rides a smoother tread will glide nicely. However, an aggressive tread is better for cornering and traction during technical and rocky routes or when the weather is wet and conditions are muddy.

Generally, lower tire pressure will give you more traction and less bounce. You can check the side of your tire for the safe range of pressure.

Attachments

Gravel rides can be rough on your gear, so a few smart add-ons can make a big difference when you're miles from help.

• Install secure bottle cages: gravel biking has more bounces and bumps, so make sure to test a bottle cage with a full water bottle to avoid losing your water source mid-trail.
• Attach a small carry bag to carry emergency supplies, including:
  • Spare inner tube
  • Spare derailleur hanger 
  • Air pump
  • Multitool with chain tool
  • Zip ties (to affix broken attachments)
  • Tire repair kit
  • First aid kit
• And never underestimate the importance of bringing fuel—snacks, water, maybe a water filter if you're going remote.

Custom apparel

Nothing ruins a gravel ride faster than stiff and sweat-trapping apparel. Hincapie custom mountain bike and gravel jerseys are designed with your unique ride in mind: you send us the specs, we’ll design a custom kit that combines comfort, durability, and performance.

Pre-ride safety check

Before every ride, give your bike a quick once-over. Check your brake pads—especially if you’re expecting steep descents. After your ride, clean off the drivetrain and top off your tires. A few minutes of maintenance can prevent hours of trail-side headaches. 

Gravel riding techniques and training tips

Gravel biking involves a unique set of challenges compared to road cycling, and specific techniques and training can enhance your skills and performance. These tips and techniques will help you adjust to gravel cycling and improve your rides.

Techniques

• Body position: Maintain a relaxed but engaged body position. Keep your elbows slightly bent and your weight centered over the bike for better control.
• Cornering: Approach corners with caution, especially on loose gravel. Lean your bike rather than your body, and choose a wider line for stability.
• Braking: Use both brakes judiciously. Gravel can be slippery, so apply brakes smoothly to prevent skidding. Consider using more rear brake to prevent front wheel lockup.
• Tire pressure: Experiment with tire pressure to find the right balance. Lower pressure provides more traction on gravel, but be cautious not to go too low to avoid pinch flats.
• Cadence: Maintain a steady cadence to help with bike control. Shift gears appropriately based on the terrain to keep a consistent rhythm.
• Climbing and descending: On climbs, shift to an easier gear and maintain a steady cadence. When descending, shift your weight to the rear, keep your pedals level, and stay loose on the bike.
• Grip on the handlebars: Hold the handlebars with a firm but relaxed grip. Too tight a grip can lead to fatigue and difficulty controlling the bike.
• Unweighting: Lift your weight slightly off the saddle when riding over rough sections to allow the bike to move beneath you. This helps absorb shocks and maintain traction.
• Momentum: Don’t stop while riding through wet spots to avoid sinking into the mud.

Training tips

• Terrain variety: Incorporate a variety of terrains in your training rides to simulate the conditions you'll encounter during gravel rides. Include gravel roads, dirt paths, and uneven surfaces.
• Endurance training: Gravel rides often involve longer distances, so build endurance through progressively longer rides. Include both steady-state rides and interval training.
• Strength training: Strengthen your core, legs, and upper body to better handle the demands of gravel riding. Include exercises like squats, lunges, and core workouts. Check out our guide on Strength Training for Cyclists →
• Technical skill sessions: Dedicate time to improving your technical skills. Practice cornering, braking, and riding over different types of terrain to build confidence and control.
• Bike handling drills: Set up drills to improve your bike handling skills. In a controlled environment, practice quick turns, riding over obstacles, and navigating tight spaces.
• Interval training: Incorporate interval training to improve your ability to handle changes in intensity, which is common in gravel riding. Include short bursts of high intensity followed by periods of recovery.
• Fueling and hydration: Practice your nutrition and hydration strategy during training rides. Know how to fuel for sustained energy during longer gravel rides.
• Pre-ride bike check: Develop a pre-ride routine to check your bike's condition, including tire pressure, brakes, and gears. This ensures your bike is in optimal condition for gravel riding.

Remember to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training to avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, participating in organized gravel events or group rides can provide valuable experience and motivation for your training.

Plan your next unforgettable gravel adventure

The Gran Fondo Hincapie calendar often includes captivating gravel fondos winding through picturesque foothills and mountains during multi-day events. With multiple course options for riders of all levels, scenic tours, and free refreshments, it’s no surprise Hincapie is one of the most exciting gran fondos in the US. Secure your spot for the next grand fondo and dive into the excitement of a passionate community of cyclists.

Discover the difference of Hincapie custom gravel apparel

From solo rides to full events, Hincapie custom apparel delivers an unmatched standard in cycling attire. Our design experts will listen to your vision to craft the look, feel, and performance you want into every stitch. Our collections are pro-tested for quality, and with no minimum orders, we’ll match your scale from 5 to 500. Whether you’re elevating your team or planning your next cycling event, we’ll give you expert design. Start the conversation today and we’ll work with you from design to delivery. 

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