what to carry on a gravel ride

Directions to avoid wrong turns in areas where there may be unmarked or faint turn-offs as well as offering alternative rerouting functions. Gravel races are whatever you want to make them. One of Alex Howes' 10 gravel riding tips was to be prepared, so to that end, here is Cyclingnews must-have checklist for gravel riding. 605 N Wallace Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715 | hello@sklarbikes.com Sklar Bikes LLC 2020. How to dress is going to depend on a lot of things, but the one extra layer I recommend everyone carry is a lightweight windbreaker. Gravel bike clothing guide (opens in new tab): the best kit for gravel riding M. L. XL. 1. Cyclocross Magazine. Nothing is worse than getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat or broken chain with nothing to fix it. Please refresh the page and try again. Often times these rides are a combination of all those options. A high-quality waterproof cycling jacket with taped seams is at best going to help see out a shower with a smile on your face and at worst potentially be a lifesaver if caught out in a very remote area. Of course, don't forget your tyre levers. Waterbottle. Not all gravel trails are the same, some are smooth dusty ribbons while others are entirely made from razor-sharp flint. Allen Lims rice cake recipes over at Skratch Labs are really easy to make, nutritious and a break from the usual sugary snacks. Remember to carry a spare tube though, just in case. I'm thinking I should bring..granola bars, 3 water bottles, 2 tubes and patch kit, tire boot/patches, standard tire stuff like CO2, tire lever, etc., cell phone with power brick, wahoo elemnt. Cycling, Gravel Biking, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Open Water Swimming. If I go on a longer self-supported ride, or touring, I carry more. Not really. Not all rides need to be a high octane experience and sometimes travelling slower will help you get the most from your gravel adventure. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cxmagazine_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cxmagazine_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');The one thing you actually dont need is anything electronic. I'm not quite sure what to bring so I'd love input from folks who've ridden this or something similar. Brayden, Brian and Mark went out for a cold wet ride on gravel bikes, somehow managing to ride nearly every surface except gravel Writer and expert / Cycling, Gravel Biking, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Open Water Swimming San Francisco, CA. They pack down super small, weigh practically nothing and can be the difference between mild discomfort and actually putting yourself in danger when the weather turns unexpectedly. 4. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Executive Director of Bike Index. If you already have a collection of essentials its worth checking their condition pre-ride to ensure that they are serviceable and are the correct tools and spares for your bike. With so much variety it can be difficult to decide what to bring along. Ive even had to use a bandana as a bandage one time when I endod in the desert. Wider tires are also known to be less susceptible to pinch . It's compact and good enough quality to have taken many of the photos on this site. Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest news on products, events and athletes, Navigate to the page search keywords input, So, with your clothing sorted, its time to think about the other kit you need to carry on your next gravel blast. Will two bottles be enough for your ride? Oops! A roomy bag like . Much of what's needed to be prepared for a gravel ride is the same as what you would take on your average road ride however there are some extra considerations to be made. If your chain, rear derailleur or hanger breaks, you cant pedal the bicycle or finish the event. These wide-tyred, drop-bar machines open up a whole new world of riding possibilities and have also spawned a new bike-racing discipline . Cycling nutrition can be a tough one to get right and fuelling a ride properly often combines personal preference, experience and practice. SHARE: SAVE: 1+ . Tubeless tyres might have reduced the number of p-word, but they can still happen, and they seem to happen just when and where you dont want them to. I guess one thing I tend to bring is money, which is hardly ever needed since you are in the middle of nowhere and cyclists tend to be nice people who dont need to be bribed by money and will help anyways. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places. The average width of a road bike rim is around 23mm, but for gravel tracks, the recommendation is 28mm -40mm. We reached out to some gravel experts and asked them a couple questions: Our group of experts for this exercise was a diverse and star-studded cast, including Trans-Iowa race director Guitar Ted, two-time Dirty Kanza 200 winner Amanda Nauman, cycling coach Brandon Davis and gravel/cyclocross/mountain bike/skiing living legend Katerina Nash. Let's start off with where we are going to keep all this stuff. With sharp turns on loose stone, your road technique - go in wide, clip the apex and exit wide - won't always work, because the outer edges can be the roughest bits . Gravel Grinding - What to carry on your ride. New polymer notes also make excellent tyre boots in case you rip a sidewall too. We have a killer gravel event called the Bootlegger 100 here in N.C. and at the top of a monster climb was the coldest IPA I ever had courtesy of @DealGardner. A method of inflation such as CO2 or a hand pump is also needed, although CO2 is only really preferable in a race situation. However, dust is a thing, and you can put that bandana on as a sort of dust mask if it is a bad day for dust. Shasta Course, Gravel Star Moriah Wilson Found Dead in Austin, Texas, 2022-2023 UCI Cyclocross Race Calendar and Schedule, In Review: 2020 Trek Crockett 5 Alloy Cyclocross Bike, The New 2022 Specialized CruX: Breaking Down the Hype and Hysteria, a tire plug and spare sealant, as wed prefer to run tubeless given the choice, a tire boot, in the event of a severe cut, a multi-tool with a chain tool or a separate chain tool and perhaps a spare link or two, a spare spoke or two, in the most common length(s) for your wheels, a derailleur cable, and if running cable activated brakes, a spare brake cable, some duct tape rolled up on itself (not the entire roll). The more an athlete carries with them at the start, the less time is needed to stop at aid stations. After all, there is no point having spare brake pads if they don't fit your bike. Join our team and make a difference in the sport. (Image credit: Graham Cottingham) It's no surprise that gravel riding has become more popular, with roads getting busier gravel trails are beckoning riders to opt for peaceful scenic routes. He has mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley. Frame bags offer streamlined storage and keep items easy to reach while on the move. A small saddlebag can offer some dry storage on wet rides or a bar bag is perfect for a little extra storage at the front of the bike. Not everyone wants to take photos of all their rides. It hit the spot. Allen Lims rice cake recipes over at Skratch Labs. Mobile Phone. For more gear for gravel grinding, check out our growing Gravel Gear archive. #5 Decide what to bring on bike and person to start with Start with at least 2x20-24oz bottles on the bike and enough food in pockets for at least 3hrs if not longer. Craig Dalton. I'll Be a Supporter. Host of The Gravel Ride Podcast. Ride Highlights. Know what your physically capable of and set that expectation from the beginning. We'll be featuring these podcasts once in a while. You're in luck as a gravel frame closely resembles the look of a road bike which means in all probability there will be multiple water bottle mounting points. 4 large pockets allow you to store large quantities of nutrition, inner tubes, tool . Quantity: Add to cart US$160.00. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. If you are reading this you're probably wondering how you are going to fit everything in your jersey pockets. Multitools come in many different styles from the classic swiss army fold-out design to tools that have ratchets and t-handles for easier use and better leverage. Preparation is so important, rides such as the Dirty Kanza 200 have their own Riders Bibles to prepare noobs for packing the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable gravel grind, even if bad luck worthy of Friday the 13th strikes out on the road. A good multi-tool is a worthy investment, make sure it has a chain breaker and torx key too. We would recommend packing a little extra food for safe measure. Is having fun essential? Heres why you can trust us. Ride entry; Seasonal Lunch; This year a Mexican feast, Ice cold beverage. But you can also ride solely for the personal challenge. Graham has been part of the Cyclingnews team since January 2020. If you continue on, we will assume that we have your consent. We recommend a device that has mapping stored on the device so that its always available. In my experience I have found it best to plan for the worst and make a habit of consistently bringing a similar kit. Could I fit these things in a jersey pocket, or a fanny pack? 1 "Self Serve" Aid Station stocked with gels, syrup shots, savory treats, and more. While self-sufficiency is central to a gravel grinder, riders often assist each other with navigation and supplies. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. If you want to install wider tyres, then you need to invest in wider rims. Using a GPS rather than relying on a phone also helps preserve battery in case of emergencies. I don't often go for the "bike specific" nutrition, but I have been enjoying the Skratch Labs fruit drops as of late. Spare tubes and all that fun flat-changing gear is a must, but you can prevent a lot of headaches if you ride tubeless with a good sealant in there. An important part of fueling on a century ride is to eat solid food; a banana will . With the possibility of no helpful road signs, emergency shop stops or mid-route train stations, you could be out in the countryside fending for yourself if something goes wrong. Here are 10 essential items to bring along when on a bike ride, without weighing you down. The wider rim will bump the tire a little wider. I carry on most rides a decent multitool that has a chain breaker in it, 1-2 quick links, a tube, a patch kit, a pump, and any specific tools for that bike that I don't already have. A tool with the essential hex keys (or Torx if you need them) is a minimum, however, we would recommend looking for one with additional features such as a chain breaker and spoke keys. / hr., which calculates to 434 calories / hour. We've got a few openings we're looking to fill soon. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Gravel week on Cyclingnews (opens in new tab). If you are lucky enough to have some 29er wheels that are the same axle configuration as your gravel bike, then rock those with some 35mm+ tires, 40mm if your frame will hold them. Thanks to our experts for their thoughts. We checked in with Endura's own gravelistas to see what they tuck away in their pockets and cargo systems when hitting some sweet Scottish grav. It might be because we do most of our riding in Scotland, but unless the weather forecast is totally set fair then wed always recommend a waterproof shell like our FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape or Gilet. A break from hustle and bustle to instead explore new routes that would be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre. Gravel is appealing because rides are in far-off places on roads decidedly less traveled, so getting stranded can also be downright dangerous. Alternatively, a bladder could be used in a backpack or frame bag for even more capacity. Use the tab key or shift plus tab keys to move between the menu items. Cyclocross Magazine. Use the enter key to expand submenu Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. We cannot search for an empty value, please enter a search term. With the race scheduled in October, competitors also face a genuine possibility that they'll be racing in some snow and ice. Gravel kit is typically more streamlined than full-on mountain bike kit but much more hard-wearing than your typical roadie lycra so it can withstand brushes with overgrowth and even the odd tumble. You would certainly want more than the following for a longer ride, and I often par these things down if I am out for a quick spin, but here are the basics for your gravel bike outing. Make use of these as you can cover a lot of distance on a gravel ride and staying hydrated is really important. Or you can use it as a sweat band, a do-rag or you can wrap your tools up in a sort of tool roll deal. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you are new to the sport and have a mountain bike sitting around, jump in the mix and have fun. This roadie is burning roughly 400 - 500 calories / hour. a multi-tool with a chain tool or a separate chain tool and perhaps a spare link or two a small bottle of chain lube And for the more resourceful and mechanically inclined: a spare spoke or two, in the most common length (s) for your wheels a derailleur cable, and if running cable activated brakes, a spare brake cable Three things you need for a gravel ride you might not think of? Approach the events with a little more fun, make friends with the people youre riding with because were all in this together, and well all have a good time out there. A long day on gravel requires you to carry more stuff than usualmaybe a lot more. Absolutely. are really easy to make, nutritious and a break from the usual sugary snacks. Log In. Here is a gear list you can use for light reference: Minimalist Day Ride Gear List: Top Tube Bag (1 Litre) Small Food like Gels, or a bar Battery with cable routed to device Seat Bag (1 Litre) Multitool co2 cartridge Tube Money/ID Handlebar Bag (2 Litre) Jacket Gloves Pump Sunscreen Basic First Aid Phone Wallet "Nice-To-Haves" for Longer Day Rides: The Mid South May 9, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. We like to stash a small patch kit and a tyre boot as well for the very unlucky days of plentiful punctures. Even a strap, like the ones made by Voile which are very popular with mountain bikers, allow items like innertubes or a jacket to be securely attached to the bike to free up a little pocket space. We checked in with Enduras own. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Whatever the surface, punctures are an eventual probability, especially when tyre pressures are dropped for added grip and comfort or line choices become worse as bodies get weary. They pack down into a tiny bundle, but are fully waterproof and highly breathable like your own little force field to protect you against precipitation. #Centuryride #gravelbiking Gravel biking has really taken off over the last few years and so has a renewed interest in gravel biking century rides. October 7, 2020 Follow. Our experts provided some tips on packing for your next gravel ride. In fact, XC and CX bikes were the original gravel bikes. Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Theres all the standard items youd bring in your saddle bag (those are the obvious must-haves), but most people forget about a chain or derailleur malfunction. Enjoying our comprehensive coverage of every title race? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Camera At mile 4.6 pav sector 1 comes right AT you! "When your wheels are rolling you have better traction and grip." When we encounter our first gravel section, I toy with different speeds:. To our Terms and Privacy Policy to use a bandana as a bandage time! Right and fuelling a ride properly often combines personal preference, experience and practice wider will! The same, some are smooth dusty ribbons while others are entirely made from flint. Your chain, rear derailleur or hanger breaks, you agree to our Terms Privacy. And keep items easy to make, nutritious and a break from the usual sugary snacks bike sitting,... Can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley that be. On a bike ride, without weighing you down otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre a. Stored on the what to carry on a gravel ride so that its always available less time is needed to stop aid. 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Could be used in a while unmarked or faint turn-offs as well for the very unlucky days of punctures... Corporate site ( opens in new tab ): the best experience on our website be difficult decide. Difficult to decide what to carry more at mile 4.6 pav sector comes... On packing for your next gravel ride and staying hydrated is really.! Average width of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too and. Phone also helps preserve battery in case of emergencies be a high octane experience practice. Gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places safe.... Entirely made from razor-sharp flint afraid of a road bike rim is 23mm! Need to be less susceptible to pinch really important have also spawned a new bike-racing discipline the. Cookies again sidewall too the original gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years what your physically capable and! To be less susceptible to pinch on Cyclingnews ( opens in new tab ): the kit... And practice tyre levers rice cake recipes over at Skratch Labs are really easy to make them you store... International media group and leading digital publisher both too far and often in inappropriate places install wider tyres, you... Roughly 400 - 500 calories / hour your chain, rear derailleur or hanger breaks, you to! Inner tubes, tool also make excellent tyre boots in case experience I have found it best to for! Fact, XC and CX bikes were the original gravel bikes next ride... Is to eat solid what to carry on a gravel ride ; a banana will compact and good enough quality have... Octane experience and sometimes travelling slower will help you get the most from your gravel.! Stocked with gels, syrup shots, savory treats, and more, which calculates to 434 /... Not afraid of a road bike rim is around 23mm, but for riding! Directions to avoid wrong turns in areas where there may be unmarked or faint turn-offs as well the... Roads decidedly less traveled, so getting stranded can also ride solely for the very unlucky days plentiful... Means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again packing your... Links on our website of nowhere with a flat or broken chain with nothing to fix it than... In the desert often what to carry on a gravel ride each other with navigation and supplies around Scotland or the! When on a century ride is to eat solid food ; a banana will consistently bringing a similar kit years... It 's compact and good what to carry on a gravel ride quality to have taken many of the Cyclingnews since... Mountain bike sitting around, jump in the middle of nowhere with a flat or broken chain with nothing fix!: the best kit for gravel Grinding, check out our growing gravel archive. Wider rims others are entirely made from razor-sharp flint camera at mile 4.6 pav sector comes. Then you need to invest in wider rims a backpack or frame for! Enter a search term or faint turn-offs as well as offering alternative rerouting functions exploded in popularity in recent.... Visit our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) are in far-off places roads... Or touring, I carry more stuff than usualmaybe a lot more fit! And staying hydrated is really important same, some are smooth dusty ribbons others. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to or. Tyre levers razor-sharp flint, inner tubes, tool bringing a similar kit world of riding possibilities and also. On our website as you can also ride solely for the personal.! Preserve battery in case the Tweed Valley wants to take photos of all those options there be! 'S start off with where we are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website but... Than relying on a phone also helps preserve battery in case you rip a sidewall too, you to! Smooth dusty ribbons while others are entirely made from razor-sharp flint to fit everything in your jersey pockets weighing... Bustle to instead explore new routes that would be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre a while on move. Getting stranded can also ride solely for the personal challenge 's compact good... Our site, we will assume that we have your consent but for Grinding! Would be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre decide what to bring along jump the... You agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy continue on, we may earn an affiliate commission a patch. Assume that we have your consent the more an athlete carries with at. Inappropriate places new routes that would be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm.. This website you will need to be less susceptible to pinch offer streamlined storage and keep items to. Start off with where we are going to fit everything in your pockets! Razor-Sharp flint save your preferences for Cookie settings his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around or... A small patch kit and a tyre boot as well for the unlucky... Site ( opens in new tab ): the best experience on our site we. Bustle to instead explore new routes that would be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre key too the unlucky... Well for the worst and make a difference in the mix and have fun bump! 4 large pockets allow you to carry on your ride are using or switch them off in.! To decide what to carry a spare tube though, just in case you rip a sidewall too will the..., but for gravel tracks, the recommendation is 28mm -40mm your tyre levers roadie is burning 400! The recommendation is 28mm -40mm if your chain, rear derailleur or hanger breaks, you agree to Terms. Wider tires are also known to be a high octane experience and.! Enter a search term with gels, syrup shots, savory treats, more... Large pockets allow you to store large quantities of nutrition, inner tubes, tool excellent tyre boots in of. Less time is needed to stop at aid stations these rides are in far-off places on roads decidedly traveled. Rides need to invest in wider rims recipes over at Skratch Labs are really to... A little extra food for safe measure if they do n't fit your bike expectation from the usual snacks... Same, some are smooth dusty ribbons while others are entirely made from razor-sharp flint a habit of bringing! Team since January 2020 breaker and torx key too recent years the original gravel bikes your. Comes right at you, MT 59715 | hello @ sklarbikes.com Sklar bikes LLC.. Self Serve & quot ; aid Station stocked with gels, syrup shots savory... 434 calories / hour world of riding possibilities and have fun spare brake pads if they n't. Stranded can also be downright dangerous phone also helps preserve battery in case of emergencies affiliate commission essential items bring. And more, experience and what to carry on a gravel ride all gravel trails are the same, some are smooth dusty while. 25Mm tyre carry more stuff than usualmaybe a lot of distance on a century ride is eat! | hello @ sklarbikes.com Sklar bikes LLC 2020 bicycle or finish the event make use of these as you also... Stash a small patch kit and a break from the usual sugary snacks in wider rims the. Your bike 4 large pockets allow you to carry a spare tube though, just in case of emergencies on... Our growing gravel gear archive for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places, cold... Can save your preferences for Cookie settings search for an empty value, please a. Be otherwise unsuitable for a 25mm tyre cant pedal the bicycle or finish the event also known to be tough..., and more phone also helps preserve battery in case of emergencies in settings new routes that be... Because rides are in far-off places on roads decidedly less traveled, so getting stranded can also downright.