All about Gravel Biking

Gravel's History

Gravel biking is above all a state of mind, cap under the helmet, satchels and going for adventure. The discipline was born on the North American continent, because of the terrain being very favourable to the birth of this discipline. People passionate about road biking and MTB decided to mount tires with studs on their road bikes in order to be able to ride "Off Road" with their road bikes. The result? A very playful bike, able to ride on gravel or dirt trails and roads.

Everyone can practice Gravel, and it is this accessibility that makes it so successful. Moreover, lots of retired professionnals Road race Wolrd Tour riders transition to gravel race after their career. We can however isolate three typical profiles of riders:

The road bike enthusiast who wants to venture off-road and break a certain routine.
The mountain biker that wants to have more fun on flat trails and on climbs with a lighter bike.
The traveler who enjoys discovering new regions/countries with his bike in bikepacking or touring mode.

Each of them will find a different way to enjoy Gravel Biking. The mountain biker will discover the pleasure of riding without having the impression of towing a trailer and the road bike enthusiast will discover the pleasure of riding in the trails, with the soft sound of the forest and the smell of nature.

Which Gravel Bike to choose?

The main characteristic of a Gravel Bike is its frame, which is similar to a cyclocross bike frame. There are carbon, aluminum and steel frames. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

A few examples to make it clearer:

If you are looking to travel the world by bike then a steel frame will do the trick. It is strong, robust and will last you longer than a carbon frame. A steel frame is also recommended when you plan to add bikepacking bags to your bike!
You wish to acquire a Gravel bike to discover the sport? Choose a Gravel bike with an aluminum or steel frame. It will be more flexible than a carbon frame and more affordable but you will still be able to enjoy the ride and send it hard on trails.
You have been riding road bikes for a few years and you want to discover the pleasure of riding on trails or you'd like to enter some gravel competition? Opt for a carbon frame. The rigidity of carbon will give you the same sensations as a road bike when climbing. Carbon is a very light but solid and stiff material that is perfect for people looking to perform in races.

On flat or slightly rough roads, the Gravel bike has a behavior worthy of the best XC bikes. Its drop bars allow you to have a forward and more aero position, road bike users will feel like home while MTB users might feel a bit challenged at first. Gravel bikes usually have a shorter stem than road bikes, roughly the same length as a mountai bike (less than 90mm) for a better grip and better control especially at low speeds.

Gravel bikes are often mounted in tubeless on 700c wheels. The wide and often slightly studded tyres will give you grip on gravel and dirt roads while allowing you to be fast on tarmac.

Trails, dirt and gravel give your bike a particular strain when you are going downhill. That's why you'll find hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes on 90% of Gravel bikes.

The drivetrain is a choice that is made according to the usual rider's habits. It is good to know that a 1x12v drivetrain like SRAM Force XPLR eTap is lighter and more ergonomic since it does not have a front derailleur.

Discover our Gravel Bikes

All about tyres

Choosing the right tyres is probably the second most important thing after the frame in gravel. Mountain bike users will be familiar with this notion as tyres play an important role when it comes to grip, rolling resistance, tyres pressure, width.
We will give you some quick tips to choose the right tyres to help you get the best out of your bike but we recommend you take a look at our in depths guide on how to choose gravel tyres.

First and foremost you have to make sure you have enough clearance to install the tyres you'd like to purchase. It is recommended to let 3-4mm above and on the sides of the tyres. Also you should be warry of the tyre size provided by manufacturers because the real size can vary depending on the rim you mount it on (for example a 30mm tyre can measure up to 32-33mm once installed and inflated on some rims).
To check your max clearance: Measure the frame first using a pair of digital callipers, the rear triangle and the front fork crown, then measure your inflated tyres mounted on your rims to see if they'll fit.

Here are our 5 tips for choosing tyres:

Tyre Width: Gravel tyres come in various widths, typically ranging from 28mm to 50mm or more. Wider tyres provide more stability and comfort on rough terrain, while narrower tyres are faster on smoother surfaces. Consider the type of terrain you'll be riding on. For rough, technical terrain, wider tyres (40mm and above) are often preferred. For mixed surfaces and more pavement, you can opt for something narrower (32mm to 40mm).
Tread Pattern: The tread pattern on the tyres should match your intended riding conditions. Tyres with a more aggressive and knobby tread are ideal for loose, muddy, or rocky terrain. Smoother treads with small knobs are better for gravel roads and pavement.
Casing and Puncture Protection: Consider the tyre's casing material and puncture protection. Tyres with a robust casing and additional puncture protection layers are more durable and resistant to flats.
Brand and Model: There are many well established tyre manufacturers that produce high-quality gravel tyres. Do some research, read reviews, and consider the recommendations of experienced gravel riders to find the best tyres for your needs.
Personal Preferences: Ultimately, your choice should align with your riding style and preferences. Experiment with different tyres to find what works best for you.