In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Gravel equipment: Bags & bike racks
Bikepacking bag from Camelbak
The renowned manufacturer of hydration systems, Camelbak, now offers an extensive collection of bikepacking bags. One particularly outstanding bag is the M.u.l.e. on bike frame pack, which is attached to the bike frame below the top tube and has a capacity of three or four litres. This bag is specially designed to hold the new 2-litre bike reservoir, which contains a hydration bladder with a drinking straw and bite valve. The remaining space serves as additional storage space for other items. With a capacity of two litres, the bike reservoir is roughly equivalent to the contents of three conventional bike bottles, which is often problematic, especially with small frames, as there is often insufficient space or mounting points available. Price: 139 euros >> e.g. available at a reduced price at Tradeinn.
The quickly accessible drinks increase the liquid volume of the bike by 2 litres and offer a more stable attachment than conventional bottles.
Bikepacking system from Aroe
The Spider Rack from Aeroe is the solution if your bike has no or insufficient threaded points for attaching luggage. With its clever strap system, the rack can be attached to virtually any rear triangle, even fullys. The rack comes standard with one cup-shaped holder, but it can also be extended up to three (see picture). These extensions can be used to securely attach a tent, sleeping bag or one of the waterproof truck tarpaulin changing bags (8 or 12 litres). Despite minimal movement, the holders sit firmly and unobtrusively. The Spider Rack offers space for up to 36 litres of luggage and can be permanently mounted (please note any restrictions with carbon struts). The flexible positioning allows individual customisation.
Rack: 135 Euro >> available here at a reduced price | bag from 49 euros >> available here.
Bicycle carrier from Tree Frog
Would you like to take your bike into the countryside but don't feel like fitting a roof rack or your car doesn't allow it? The carrier systems from Tree Frog offer a clever and space-saving solution. Using suction cups, the Elite and Pro systems can attach one to three bikes to the car, including brackets for the removed front wheels. Although we were sceptical at first, after just four minutes of installation our bikes were firmly attached to the car.
Tree Frog Elite 2: 345 Euro >> available here Tree Frog Elite 2 + L2 Holder Combo: 510 Euro
Variable quick assembly, 500 kg pulling force / suction cup, little storage space.
More about gravel bikes
Gravel accessories: pedals and lights
Alternative click pedals from Crankbrothers
Shimano's SPD pedal is a standard product in the off-road pedal sector. However, Crankbrothers has long been building pedals with a mechanism that we believe is more forgiving. In addition to the frameless Eggbeater, the Americans also offer flatter models such as the Double Shot (above) or Candy (below). These make it easier to start off and hit the pedal correctly. The movement to release the shoe requires significantly less force than with the SPD, the engagement is somewhat more "unerring" and the tensile stability is comparable.
Candy aluminium: 119,95 Euro >> available here Double Shot: from 64 Euro >> available here.
Pedals for beginners from Magped
Many beginners are unsure when it comes to click pedals. However, the Austrian company Magped has developed a solution that makes it easier for them. Instead of a complicated mechanism, they use a strong magnet to hold the shoe on the pedal. This makes detaching the shoe from the pedal much easier and more intuitive. Instead of a cleat, a metal plate with a guide is fitted, which ensures that the foot is always correctly positioned on the pedal. The system also offers a surprising amount of traction until the magnet releases. For beginners, we recommend the Enduro 2 model with magnets on both sides instead of the lightweight Gravel model.
Enduro 2: from 159 euros >> available here Gravel: 189 Euro >> available here.
Positions and fixes the shoe perfectly, easy release of the connection.
Dropbar-compatible battery lamp from Büchel
Sports bikes often have inappropriate lighting. Battery-powered lights look like a foreign object on the handlebars and detract from the flat silhouette, whether commuting or on a training lap. However, the company Büchel from Fulda has found an elegant solution: It offers three front lights that are mounted in front of the handlebars and look like a natural extension of the stem. The Ahead 35 model with 35 lumens and a 680 mAh battery may not be a floodlight, but it is a nice detailed solution and is perfectly adequate for road traffic. There is also the option of a white reflector. The Optical 150 FL model, on the other hand, is especially suitable for pedelecs.
The sporty line of the bike is retained, more space for sat nav, mobile phone etc. on the handlebars, "towers over" handlebar bags. Price: 15,99 Euro >> available here.
Gravel accessories: tools and cleaning
Brake maintenance tool from Park Tool
When you ride your bike over rough terrain, it can happen that you touch an obstacle with the brake disc. Even with increasing tolerances, a small deformation is enough for the brake disc to make a rhythmic grinding noise. To prevent such a problem and avoid having to go to the service centre for a minor issue, every passionate mountain biker should have a tool at home to align the brake disc. With a little skill and, above all, a precise tool like the DT-2 from Park Tool, you can hardly go wrong. Price: 24,50 Euro >> available here.
Simple, custom-fit tool, saves costs, even useful when travelling by bike.
High pressure cleaner from Muc Off
Even if the bike often looks dirty after an off-road tour, even in dry conditions, there is often not enough time for a thorough clean or a trip to the wash box. The high-pressure cleaner from Muc Off is as handy as a large shoe box and effortlessly removes any dirt from the bike. The interchangeable nozzles have been specially developed for bicycles and the jet is gentle on bearings, handlebar tape and other sensitive parts. The special lance can even be used to produce foam to thoroughly clean the bike. Includes practical bag.
Compressor and nozzles specially developed for bicycle cleaning, compact, powerful. Price Starter Kit: 110 Euro | Price Complete Set: 219,99 Euro >> available here.
