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These are the must-haves for gravel beginners:
Trousers
If you ask experienced cyclists about the most important piece of equipment for sport, most of them will mention cycling shorts first. Made from elasticated material, cut close to the body and equipped with a seat pad, they fit like a second skin, do not crease between the legs and on the bottom and reduce the pressure that inevitably occurs when you are in the saddle for a long time - especially if you are also riding a gravel bike on unpaved surfaces and there are significantly more bumps than on smooth asphalt. Experienced racers and gravel bikers generally prefer trousers with integrated bibs. Women's trousers have specially cut straps that run alongside or between the breasts. Some models can be opened for going to the toilet so that you don't have to take off your jersey. If you don't like the road bike style of tight-fitting trousers, you can also find loosely cut shorts in specialist shops that are suitable for gravel biking with special bike pants underneath.
The model Sportful Supergiara 2 Bibshort for example, is aimed at gravel bikers and offers four pockets, two on the thigh and two on the back
The Gobik X Bib is a highly recommended gravbike pant with a very sturdy pad, hard-wearing braces and very well-fitting leg cuffs.
The Scott shorts maintain the casual style and are robust. They have two zip pockets and an adjustable waistband for a perfect fit >> available here.
Helmet
In our opinion, the second most important accessory for gravel bike rookies. Of course, given the enthusiasm and anticipation of the new sport, you don't want to think of the worst right away; but especially if you want to ride your new gravel bike on rough terrain, a crash can happen. A helmet also prevents you from being hit in the head by branches of bushes and trees on field and forest paths. You can use any road bike or bicycle helmet that fits. If you prefer relaxed cruising on a gravel bike instead of speeding along gravel motorways, you might prefer to wear a helmet with a visor, which mountain bikers also like. Important: try it on, check the size and adjustability and set the straps to the correct, individual length.
The Crivit helmet from Lidl, for example, is a recommended and affordable helmet for gravel bikers.
Fizik's new Gravel helmet combines Italian style with extensive safety features including the MIPS system:
Gloves
A comfortably padded grip on the handlebars, protection against abrasions in the event of a fall, secure grip even with sweaty hands, no sunburn on the back of the hand: The arguments in favour of gloves when cycling leave no question unanswered - except one: short or long-fingered gloves? Experienced road cyclists prefer to wear short-fingered models because they allow the fingers more sensitivity on the shift and brake levers - and in summer, more cooling air. Experienced mountain bikers use long-fingered gloves in both summer and winter because they protect the hands even better off-road and on trails in the undergrowth.
An example of a very good long-fingered glove for the transitional period is the Perfetto Light from Castelli, which we tested here have.
Jersey
For your first gravel excursions in summery weather, a T-shirt or polo is fine - but when the tours get longer and more strenuous, cotton clothing is definitely outdated because it soaks up sweat, dries poorly and sooner or later makes you feel cold. A cycling jersey is then the better choice because it is close-fitting and specially cut for sport: the sleeves and shoulders are close-fitting and don't flap in the wind. The back is cut longer so that the kidneys and lower back are covered, the front is shorter so that the fabric does not billow in front of the chest when bent over on the bike. A full-length zip makes it easier to put on and take off, while pockets on the back can hold small essentials such as a smartphone, energy bar, mini pump or similar.
The range is huge, from sporty-racing to casual cuts, for women and men, with short and long sleeves, for summer conditions and for cool autumn weather. By the way: Whoever says "A" - i.e. jersey - must also say "B": "B" for base layer, or sports vest. Only the two layers of clothing in combination, usually made of synthetic fibres (or with a proportion of merino wool), create a comfortable body climate by wicking sweat away from the skin to the outside of the clothing, where the moisture can evaporate.
The Alé Traccia, for example, is made of ultra-soft but hard-wearing recycled yarn and has a very form-fitting cut.
Shoes
Sure, you can also gravel bike with trainers and flat pedals. There are editorial colleagues who have already gravelled a thousand kilometres from Munich to the Baltic Sea in this way. Nevertheless, special bike shoes and pedals are recommended, especially if the tours become longer and more demanding. The combination of cycling shoe and pedal, which is similar to a ski binding, creates a secure footing, saves energy and makes the pedalling movement more efficient and fluid because you don't have to concentrate on keeping your feet on the pedals even at a higher cadence. Gravel shoes are often identical to mountain bike shoes from various manufacturers and are preferable to road bike shoes. They have grippy soles that are easy to run in, as well as reinforcements around the shoe to protect against bumps and stone chips. Inexpensive models usually have Velcro or ratchet fasteners - or a combination of both - while more expensive gravel shoes have one or up to three twist fasteners that allow you to adjust the shoes very finely and usually also while riding out of the saddle.
The Rockrider 900 MTB / Gravel Race 900 from the sporting goods discounter Decathlon, for example, is a good and inexpensive gravel shoe with a non-slip sole and twist fastener
Wind/rain jacket
Whether it's cool air in the morning or evening, a draughty wind at the summit or a rain shower: a lightweight jacket is a real must-have, especially on longer tours when you can't turn round quickly and be back home in twenty minutes. We recommend a windproof, water-repellent jacket, which is versatile and covers most of the requirements. You only really need a completely waterproof jacket if you really have to continue cycling in pouring rain for a long time and can't wait for the downpour.
The Gripgrab Pacr Emergency Jaket, for example, fulfils the requirements for a lightweight and compact wind and rain jacket perfectly.
Glasses
Sports glasses are indispensable for style anyway, but when cycling and especially when gravel biking over hill and dale and gravel tracks, they also provide important protection for the eyes from the sun, wind, dust, dirt, insects, rain and twigs.
The Julbo Intensity Reactiv is an excellent cycling and gravel goggle: large lens, good protection against dust and insects, lightweight and well ventilated.
Thomas Musch
Publisher
