Beginner's Gravel Cycling: Essential Tips for Your Off-Road Adventures

What is Gravel Cycling?

Gravel cycling sits at the exciting intersection between road and mountain biking, offering the best of both worlds. It allows you to escape traffic-heavy roads, explore scenic countryside, and discover hidden trails that might otherwise remain inaccessible. It's an incredibly versatile discipline that can be as relaxed or as competitive as you want it to be.

The term "gravel" actually encompasses a wide variety of terrain. As noted by Bicycling magazine, it can range from "quiet, slightly crunchy roads" to "challenging, steep, cratered-out, boulder-pocked trails." This flexibility is part of what makes gravel cycling so appealing—you define what gravel means to you and can adapt your riding style accordingly.

Do I Need a Specific Gravel Bike?

While a purpose-built gravel bike offers the best experience, you don't necessarily need one to get started. Here are your options:

Using a Road Bike for Gravel

If you already own a road bike, you can adapt it for light gravel use by:

• Installing the widest tires your frame can accommodate (ideally 32mm or wider)
• Opting for tires with more robust casings and tread patterns
• Adjusting your gearing for steeper climbs (if possible)
• Being selective about the terrain you tackle (stick to smoother gravel roads)

Keep in mind that road bikes have limitations for serious gravel riding, including:

• Limited tire clearance
• Geometry designed for speed rather than stability
• Fewer mounting points for accessories
• Potentially less durable components

Using a Mountain Bike for Gravel

Mountain bikes can handle any gravel terrain with ease, but they may feel sluggish on smoother sections. Consider these adaptations:

• Install slightly narrower, faster-rolling tires
• Lock out suspension when riding on smoother surfaces
• Adjust your position for longer rides
• Consider drop handlebars if you want a more aerodynamic position

Dedicated Gravel Bikes

If you're serious about gravel riding or plan to do it regularly, a dedicated gravel bike offers significant advantages:

• Optimized geometry for stability and comfort over long distances
• Generous tire clearance (typically 38-50mm)
• Multiple mounting points for water bottles and accessories
• Components designed to handle rough terrain
• Versatile gearing for varied terrain

Essential Gear for Gravel Riding

Tires: The Most Critical Component

Tire selection can make or break your gravel experience. For beginners, we recommend:

Tire Width:

• For mixed terrain with smoother gravel: 35-40mm
• For rougher terrain and comfort: 42-50mm

According to a 2025 study by Rene Herse Cycles, "When in doubt, run wider tires. They are probably going to make you faster, and they won't make you slower." This is because wider tires can run at lower pressures, reducing vibrations that actually slow you down on rough surfaces.

Tread Pattern:

• For predominantly dry conditions and smoother gravel: Semi-slick tires with smooth centers and small side knobs (like the Panaracer GravelKing SS)
• For mixed conditions: All-around tread with moderate center and side knobs (like the Goodyear Connector)
• For loose or muddy conditions: More aggressive tread patterns (like the Maxxis Ravager)

Tire Pressure: Proper tire pressure is crucial for gravel riding. Too high and you'll bounce around; too low and you risk pinch flats or tire damage. As a starting point:

• 150lb rider on 40mm tires: ~30-35 PSI
• 180lb rider on 40mm tires: ~35-40 PSI
• 200lb+ rider on 40mm tires: ~40-45 PSI

Reduce pressure by 3-5 PSI for wider tires and increase by 3-5 PSI for narrower tires. Always adjust based on terrain—lower for rougher conditions, slightly higher for smoother surfaces.

Tubeless Setup: We strongly recommend tubeless tires for gravel riding. They allow lower pressures without pinch flats and can seal small punctures automatically. While tubeless conversion requires initial setup, the benefits are worth it for off-road riding.

Clothing and Accessories

Gravel riding is refreshingly free from strict dress codes. Unlike road cycling's lycra tradition, gravel embraces a more relaxed approach:

• Bottoms: Padded cycling shorts or bibs (essential for comfort)
• Tops: Technical t-shirts or looser-fitting jerseys are popular, though traditional road jerseys work perfectly well
• Shoes: MTB-style shoes with recessed cleats are ideal as they allow for walking on rough terrain
• Helmet: Any cycling helmet works, though ones with extra coverage are beneficial
• Gloves: Recommended for grip and hand protection during longer rides
• Eyewear: Essential for protection from sun, wind, and debris

Tools and Spares

Gravel riding often takes you far from assistance, so being self-sufficient is important:

• Multi-tool with chain breaker
• Spare tube (even if running tubeless)
• Tubeless repair kit
• Hand pump or CO2 inflator
• Tire levers
• Quick link for chain repairs
• Small first aid kit

Essential Techniques for Gravel Riding

Body Position

Proper positioning is crucial for comfort and control on gravel:

1. Relax Your Grip: Hold the handlebars firmly but not with a death grip. Tension travels through your arms to your shoulders and back, causing fatigue.
2. Bend Your Elbows: Slightly bent elbows act as natural shock absorbers on rough terrain.
3. Lower Your Center of Gravity: On loose or technical sections, drop your center of gravity by bending your knees and elbows more.
4. Weight Distribution: Keep your weight balanced between the saddle and handlebars to maintain traction on both wheels.

Climbing on Gravel

Climbing on loose surfaces requires different techniques than road cycling:

1. Stay Seated: Unlike road cycling where standing can generate more power, on gravel it's often better to remain seated to maintain rear wheel traction. As Cycle Oregon notes, "When climbing uphill, sit and pedal to prevent your rear wheel from sliding out and losing traction."
2. Shift Early: Anticipate climbs and shift to easier gears before you need them—shifting under heavy load on gravel can cause chain skip or drops.
3. Consistent Power: Apply smooth, consistent power rather than surging, which can cause wheel spin.
4. Choose Your Line: Look for the smoothest, most compacted section of the trail for better traction.

Descending on Gravel

Descending on loose surfaces can be intimidating for beginners:

1. Brake Before Corners: Do most of your braking before you enter a turn, not during it.
2. Use Both Brakes: Apply pressure to both brakes evenly and gradually—sudden brake applications can cause skidding.
3. Lower Your Center of Gravity: Drop your heels and slightly bend your knees and elbows to improve stability.
4. Look Where You Want to Go: Your bike follows your eyes, so focus on your intended path, not on obstacles.
5. Choose Your Line Wisely: Seek out the smoothest path with the least loose gravel.

Cornering on Gravel

Cornering technique can make or break your gravel experience:

1. Outside-Inside-Outside: Similar to road cycling, but take wider lines to maintain stability.
2. Weight the Outside Pedal: Put pressure on your outside pedal (in the down position) to increase traction.
3. Lean the Bike, Not Your Body: Unlike road cycling where you lean with the bike, on gravel it's often better to keep your body more upright while leaning the bike.
4. Maintain Momentum: Carrying appropriate speed through corners helps maintain stability—going too slow can actually make it harder to stay upright.

Finding Gravel Routes

One of the joys of gravel cycling is discovering new places to ride. Here's how to find great routes:

Digital Resources

Several excellent digital tools can help you discover gravel routes:

• Komoot: Offers route planning with surface type filters
• Strava: Use the route builder and heat maps to find popular gravel sections
• Gravelmap.com: Crowdsourced database of gravel roads
• RideWithGPS: Extensive route library with surface information
• Trailforks: Primarily for MTB but includes many gravel-friendly trails

Types of Terrain to Explore

Look for these opportunities in your area:

• Forest Service Roads: Typically well-maintained gravel roads with minimal traffic
• Rail Trails: Converted railway lines are usually gentle in grade and well-surfaced
• Farm Roads: Rural agricultural areas often have extensive gravel road networks
• State and National Parks: Many offer gravel roads and mixed-surface trails
• Utility Access Roads: Power line and pipeline corridors often have gravel service roads

Beginner-Friendly Route Characteristics

When planning your first gravel rides, look for:

• Routes with bailout options if you get tired
• Loops rather than out-and-back routes for more variety
• Mixed terrain that includes some pavement to build confidence
• Proximity to services (at least at the start/finish)
• Limited elevation gain as you build skills and fitness

Building Your Gravel Skills Progressively

Like any discipline, gravel riding skills develop over time. Here's a suggested progression:

First Rides (1-3 Months)

• Focus on getting comfortable on different surfaces
• Start with shorter routes (15-25 miles/25-40km)
• Choose routes with mostly smooth gravel and limited technical sections
• Practice basic skills like braking and cornering on various surfaces
• Experiment with tire pressures to find what works for you

Intermediate Phase (3-6 Months)

• Increase distance gradually (25-40 miles/40-65km)
• Incorporate more challenging terrain including steeper climbs
• Practice more technical descents at controlled speeds
• Experiment with different line choices and body positions
• Join group rides to learn from more experienced riders

Advanced Progression (6+ Months)

• Tackle longer routes and potentially multi-day trips
• Explore more technical terrain with confidence
• Consider participating in organized gravel events
• Refine your bike setup based on experience
• Possibly try bikepacking to extend your adventures

Nutrition and Hydration for Gravel Rides

Gravel riding often takes you far from convenience stores and services, making proper nutrition planning essential:

Hydration

• Carry more water than you think you need (at least 1 bottle per hour of riding)
• Consider a hydration pack for longer routes
• Use electrolyte mixes in hot weather
• Plan water refill points if riding longer distances

Nutrition

• Carry a mix of quick-energy foods (gels, chews) and more substantial options (bars, sandwiches)
• Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty
• Aim for 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour during rides longer than 90 minutes
• Pack some emergency food that won't get consumed unless needed

Joining the Gravel Community

One of the best aspects of gravel cycling is its welcoming community:

Group Rides

Look for local gravel-specific group rides, which tend to be more relaxed and inclusive than road groups. Many bike shops now organize beginner-friendly gravel rides.

Events

Gravel events range from competitive races to casual adventures. For beginners, look for:

• Non-competitive "gravel fondos"
• Events with multiple distance options
• Those that emphasize fun and exploration over competition

Online Communities

Connect with fellow gravel enthusiasts through:

• Local Facebook groups
• Strava clubs
• Reddit's r/gravelcycling
• Instagram hashtags like #gravelriding and #gravelcycling

Conclusion: Embracing the Gravel Mindset

Gravel cycling isn't just about the bike or the terrain—it's about a mindset that values exploration, adventure, and freedom. Unlike the sometimes rigid culture of road cycling, gravel embraces a "ride your own ride" philosophy.

Don't worry about how fast you're going or what gear you're using. Focus instead on discovering new places, challenging yourself at your own pace, and enjoying the journey. The gravel community values experiences over metrics, adventures over segments.

So inflate your tires, pack your essentials, and hit those unpaved roads. A world of adventure awaits just beyond the pavement. Your gravel journey starts now!

Ready to take your gravel cycling to the next level? Check out our Training Plans for Gravel Cyclists for structured workouts designed to build the specific fitness needed for off-road adventures.

For more information about gravel bike categories and suitable terrain types, visit Neil Shirley's widely referenced Industry Standard Guide to Gravel.