Gravel biking has exploded in popularity, offering the perfect blend of road cycling efficiency and off-road adventure. If you’re curious about dropping onto unpaved roads and exploring beyond the pavement, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.
What Makes Gravel Biking Different?
Gravel riding occupies the space between road cycling and mountain biking. You’re riding a drop-bar bike that looks similar to a road bike, but with wider tires, more relaxed geometry, and the capability to handle unpaved surfaces—dirt roads, gravel paths, forest service roads, and light singletrack.
The appeal is simple: access. Gravel bikes open up thousands of miles of roads that road bikes can’t handle and allow you to cover far more ground than a mountain bike. You can string together pavement, gravel, and dirt into epic rides that would be impossible on a single-purpose bike.
Choosing Your First Gravel Bike
Frame Geometry
Gravel bikes feature more relaxed geometry than road bikes—longer wheelbases, slacker head tube angles, and lower bottom brackets. This translates to stability on loose surfaces and comfort over long distances. Look for:
- Tire clearance of at least 40mm (preferably 45mm+)
- Multiple mounting points for bags and bottles
- Disc brakes (essential for consistent stopping in all conditions)
Budget Considerations
Quality entry-level gravel bikes start around $1,200-1,500. At this price, you’ll get an aluminum frame with reliable components. Carbon frames start around $2,500 and offer weight savings and improved vibration damping. For beginners, aluminum is perfectly capable—spend the savings on good tires and fit adjustments.
Recommended Entry-Level Models
- Specialized Diverge Base E5
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 4
- Cannondale Topstone 4
- Giant Revolt 2
- Salsa Journeyer
Essential Gear for Gravel Riding
Tires
Tires make the biggest difference in gravel performance. Start with 38-42mm tires with moderate tread. Run them tubeless if possible—lower pressures improve grip and comfort while virtually eliminating flats from thorns and small punctures.
Tire pressure guidelines:
- 140-160 lb rider: 28-35 psi
- 160-180 lb rider: 32-40 psi
- 180-200+ lb rider: 35-45 psi
Lower pressure on looser surfaces, higher on hardpack and pavement sections.
Hydration and Nutrition
Gravel rides often venture far from convenience stores. Carry more water and food than you think you’ll need:
- Minimum two large bottles for rides under 2 hours
- Hydration pack for longer adventures
- 200-300 calories of food per hour of riding
Repair Kit
Self-sufficiency is critical in remote areas. Always carry:
- Spare tube (even with tubeless—for emergencies)
- Tire plugs and tubeless sealant
- Multi-tool with chain breaker
- Mini pump or CO2 inflator
- Tire levers
Finding Gravel Routes
Digital Resources
- Gravelmap.com: Community-sourced gravel road database
- Ride with GPS: Route planning with surface type filters
- Komoot: Excellent for discovering unpaved routes
- Strava Heatmaps: Shows where other cyclists ride
Local Knowledge
Connect with local gravel riding groups on Facebook or through bike shops. Experienced local riders know which roads are maintained, which are seasonal, and which to avoid.
Starting Simple
For your first rides, look for:
- Rail trails and canal towpaths
- Well-maintained county roads
- State and national forest roads
- Agricultural roads (check access permissions)
Riding Technique for Gravel
Body Position
Keep your weight balanced and centered. On descents, shift your weight slightly back. On climbs, move forward to maintain front wheel traction. Relax your grip—death-gripping the bars transmits every bump to your body.
Cornering
Gravel corners require different technique than pavement:
- Enter corners wider and slower than you would on pavement
- Keep the bike more upright—lean your body, not the bike
- Look through the corner to your exit point
- Avoid braking mid-corner
Loose Surface Handling
When you hit loose gravel or sand:
- Stay relaxed and let the bike move beneath you
- Maintain steady pedaling pressure
- Avoid sudden steering inputs
- Look ahead, not at the obstacle directly in front of you
Building Your Gravel Fitness
Gravel riding is demanding—you’re often riding surfaces that require more power than pavement. Start with shorter rides (15-25 miles) and gradually increase distance as your handling skills and fitness develop.
Suggested progression:
- Weeks 1-2: 15-20 mile rides on easy gravel
- Weeks 3-4: 25-30 mile rides with some hills
- Weeks 5-6: 35-40 mile rides with mixed terrain
- Week 7+: Attempt your first metric century (62 miles)
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Tire pressure too high: Run lower pressure than you think you need
- Underestimating distance: Gravel miles take longer than road miles—plan accordingly
- Poor navigation planning: Download maps for offline use—cell service is often spotty
- Inadequate supplies: There are no convenience stores on forest roads
- Going too hard too soon: Save energy for the second half of the ride
Join the Community
Gravel riding has one of the most welcoming communities in cycling. Look for local group rides, gravel events, and online communities. Most areas now have gravel-specific events ranging from casual fun rides to competitive races.
The beauty of gravel is that it’s not about speed or competition for most riders—it’s about exploration, adventure, and discovering roads you never knew existed. Start with a curious mindset and you’ll find a lifetime of routes waiting to be explored.
