Recently, gravel biking soared to the mainstream. There are races held across the United States allowing gravel riders to experience the aesthetic natural beauty of states like Missouri, Arkansas, and Nebraska. Additionally, gravel bike sales are at an all-time high. It has become more than just a trend. Gravel biking is becoming a way of life for many. Before getting started, there are a few essentials you should know about this exciting new sport.
Gravel Riding
Gravel biking is all about adventure. Gravel can be just about anything. It can range from riding down dirt roads to cutting through rocks and bogs.
As long as it is unpaved, it is “gravel.” People have flocked to the sport due to the adventure and solitary nature of the sport. You can ride on gravel paths without encountering another person for miles.
Additionally, advances in bicycle technology have allowed us access to bicycles that can now take on a variety of surfaces. As the sport becomes more popular, specialized gear aimed at gravel biker should become cheaper as market competition increases.
Specialized Gear
Many people wonder if they need a special bike to enjoy gravel biking. In general, a bike with larger or more rugged tires will do the trick. If you’re looking to try the sport out, opting for a mountain bike wouldn’t be a bad idea. They can handle most unpaved paths.
But, if you’re looking to get serious, you should definitely look into getting a gravel bike. They are built for comfort and durability. Gravel bikes are also constructed to endure all sorts of climates and comes with features allowing you to take on additional baggage.
Tires
Typically, what’s most important with your gravel bike are its tires. If you want to focus on one area, make it your bike’s tires. Size is most important of all. The larger the tire, the more it can handle.
Fitness
Gravel biking requires you to engage different muscles when compared to regular cycling. You have to be able to maintain consistent momentum over uneven spaces. Most gravel bikers will bike at a higher gear to help with traction. Before getting started, we suggest focusing on strengthening your core and leg muscles. These are paramount to your ability to gravel bike.
Getting Started
It’s easy to get riding! There are plenty of online resources at your disposal where you can locate gravel roads of varying difficulty in your area. A nice site to check is gravelmap.com. This is user-generated and is updated frequently. Happy riding!