Gravel riding is a style of cycling that takes place on unpaved roads, typically made of gravel, dirt, or mixed terrain. This sport blends the speed of road biking with the adventure of mountain biking, allowing riders to explore more remote areas while facing less traffic and provides cyclists with a thrilling experience.
At Aire Velo Bearings, we provide a wide range of bicycle bearings and important tools and equipment for bicycle maintenance. As avid cyclists ourselves, we always keep up to date on the various events and specifications of each discipline. For that reason, we have created this helpful article to explore gravel riding, as well as highlight some of the essential supplies recommended to enjoy the sport to the fullest.
The Origins of Gravel Riding
Gravel riding has its roots in the Midwestern United States, where the vast networks of rural gravel roads provided an ideal setting for cyclists looking to escape busy highways and explore more peaceful routes. These lesser-known roads offered a sense of adventure and allowed riders to enjoy long, uninterrupted stretches of terrain.
Over time, this casual style of riding developed into a more organised practice. With its growing popularity, manufacturers began designing specialised gravel bikes and gear, and events dedicated to gravel riding emerged, creating an enthusiastic community of riders. As professional suppliers of quality bearings, we provide a wide range of bottom bracket bearings, frame bearings, and super slim bearings suitable for gravel-specific bikes. Get in touch now for more information.
Recommended Equipment
Gravel riding requires gear that’s durable, versatile, and designed for varying terrain. The right equipment ensures comfort, control, and safety while navigating uneven ground and includes:
Gravel-specific bike: Built with a sturdy frame and designed specifically for off-road usage.
Wider tyres: Greater width and tread provide stability and traction.
Comfortable saddle: Ensures long-distance comfort on rough surfaces.
Durable pedals: Withstand the wear of mixed terrain and provide secure foot placement.
Bikepacking bags: Useful for carrying gear on extended adventures.
Helmet: Provides essential safety on unpredictable routes.
Having this equipment allows you to fully enjoy the challenges and freedom gravel riding offers, ensuring a smooth and adventurous experience across varying conditions. The versatility of the gear helps riders adapt to gravel, dirt, and even technical trails.
The Importance of Tyres in Gravel Riding
Tyres play a pivotal role in gravel riding, directly affecting both performance and safety. Wider tyres with aggressive tread patterns, often referred to as “knobby” tyres, provide essential grip and stability on loose, uneven surfaces like gravel or dirt. Many riders prefer tubeless tyres, which can be run at lower pressures and significantly reduce the risk of flats by sealing small punctures on the go. Additionally, tyre pressure is key; lower pressures enhance grip and comfort, while higher pressures offer faster rolling but less traction on rough terrain.
Choosing the right tyre setup for gravel riding can make a huge difference in performance and safety. Tubeless tyres, in particular, allow for lower tyre pressures, which help absorb shocks from rough surfaces and increase traction on challenging terrain. Lower pressure also reduces the chance of losing control on sharp corners or steep descents. Additionally, tubeless setups provide more protection against punctures, which is essential on rough, unpredictable trails. Riders must also balance tyre width and pressure to suit their riding style, terrain, and comfort preferences for the best experience.
Gravel Events and Races
Gravel races and events, such as the Dirty Kanza (now known as Unbound Gravel) and the Belgian Waffle Ride, have become iconic in the gravel cycling world. These races focus on endurance, testing both physical and mental stamina as riders tackle hundreds of miles over mixed terrain, including gravel roads, dirt paths, and challenging climbs. What sets these events apart is the sense of adventure and community they encourage. Riders of all skill levels participate, drawn not only by the challenge but also by the camaraderie and shared experience of tackling such demanding routes.
In these events, the competitive aspect is often balanced by the adventure and self-reliance required to navigate remote, often unpredictable, routes. With varying distances and difficulty levels, gravel events attract a broad range of participants, from elite athletes to weekend warriors – who relish the combination of racing and exploration. The inclusive nature of gravel racing encourages cyclists to push their limits while connecting with a supportive community of fellow riders. As gravel riding continues to grow, so does the number of these events, providing more opportunities for riders to dive into the sport.
For more information, contact Aire Velo Bearings today!
If you would like to learn more about gravel riding, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Aire Velo Bearings now. In addition to having many supplies suitable for gravel riding, we can also recommend the best ways to get into the sport if you’re interested! Reach out now.
