The cycling gravel has become one of the most popular cycling trends in recent years. It combines the speed of road cycling with the freedom of mountain biking, allowing you to explore dirt roads, forest trails, and secondary roads without traffic.
In this guide you will discover what gravel is, why you should try it, how to choose your ideal bike, and what equipment you need to start enjoying this versatile and fun discipline.
It's clear that participating in a cross country event going up and down the mountain with a road bike is not the most comfortable thing in the world. In the same way, we know that a mountain bike is not the most suitable for doing the Quebrantahuesos or simply going out for a road ride.
But lately it seems that a new category of bicycle designed to combine both paved sections and riding on dirt tracks and unpaved roads is becoming fashionable. They are called gravel bikes. This new category is designed to meet the needs of those who alternate between the road and forest trails.
What is gravel and why should you try it?
Definition of cycling gravel
The gravel is a type of cycling that is mainly practiced on unpaved roads, rural tracks, and gentle trails. Its philosophy combines adventure, exploration, and connection with nature, offering a calmer and safer alternative to road cycling, and less technical than mountain biking.
On a gravel ride you can cover long distances, discover new landscapes, and move with total freedom, without worrying about traffic or the limits of the asphalt.
The gravel is a concept that was born in the United States, where it has been established for years. Basically, it stems from the idea of mixing the endurance and versatility on different terrains of cyclocross bikes, with the comfort of endurance or gran fondo road bikes.
Advantages compared to road and mountain cycling
The gravel is an intermediate discipline that combines the best of both worlds:
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More freedom than on the road, without cars or traffic lights.
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Lighter and faster than an MTB.
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More comfort and control on varied terrain.
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Possibility to do Long trips, relaxed routes, or adventure outings with a single bike.
That's why gravel cycling has become an ideal option for those looking for a versatile, comfortable, and multipurpose bicycle.
What are the bikes like and what terrain can I ride on?
Here we find one of the strong points of these bicycles, and it's that thanks to their versatility and multipurpose nature, they give us great freedom when choosing our route.
This gives a new twist to this wonderful sport and makes us rethink our outings from a completely different perspective than what we are used to with road or mountain bikes.
Brands like Specialized, Canyon or Cannondale are implementing suspension systems in their gravel bikes to make them more comfortable
Geometry and design
The gravel bikes have a more relaxed geometry than road bikes: the frame is longer, the steering angle is slacker, and the superior tube is shorter. This results in a more comfortable and stable position, perfect for spending hours in the saddle and tackling changing terrain.
In addition, they include extra space for wide tires, fenders, or bikepacking bags.
Tires and wheels
Most gravel bikes use 700c wheels, although some versions allow for 650b for those seeking more traction and comfort.
The tires are usually between 35 and 50 mm wide, and can be tubeless to reduce punctures and improve grip on loose terrain.
The pressure is also adjusted: a bit lower than on road bikes, to gain traction and comfort.
Drivetrain and brakes
On gravel you'll find both single chainring (1x) and double chainring (2x) drivetrains:
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Single chainring: simpler and more reliable, ideal for mixed terrain and easy maintenance.
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Double chainring: offers a wider gear range for long or very mountainous routes.
The hydraulic disc brakes are standard on the gravel because of their power and modulation, essential for braking safely in mud or gravel.
Frame materials
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Aluminum: durable, affordable, and lightweight; perfect for beginners.
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Carbon: more expensive but very lightweight, absorbs vibrations better.
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Steel: comfortable and durable, ideal for long trips or bikepacking.
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Titanium: exclusive and corrosion resistant, combines lightness and comfort.
If you're just starting out, an aluminum bike with a carbon fork is an excellent option.
Are they more comfortable on roads and trails than mountain bikes?
The quick answer is no. gravel bikes are not more comfortable for riding on roads and trails than mountain bikes. The fact is, the irregularities of the terrain are always better absorbed by a mountain bike with its shock absorbers, suspensions, and wider tires at lower pressures. But this does not mean that gravel bikes are uncomfortable or harsh. In fact, there are many brands implementing suspension systems to improve comfort, such as the Future Shock system found on the Specialized Diverge. This suspension system for gravel consists of a spring inside the head tube that absorbs terrain irregularities.
Another example is the innovative Gravel Cockpit handlebar and the VCLS seatpost on the Canyon Grail carbon bikes, which allows both to flex a few millimeters to improve comfort. There are also other brands, like Cannondale, that are experimenting with rear suspension systems acting on the stays with a thru-axle pivot. It should be noted that no suspension system for gravel, whether front or rear suspension, offers more than 30mm of travel.
How to choose your first gravel bike
Define your main use
Think about how you are going to use it:
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Off-road adventures or bikepacking: look for a bike with multiple mounts for bags, bottle cages, or fenders.
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Training and fast routes: prioritize lightness and pedaling efficiency.
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Mixed or urban routes: a gravel with intermediate tires and a double drivetrain will give you total versatility.
Find the right size and geometry
The geometry gravel is designed for greater stability and comfort. It is recommended to test the bike or consult the manufacturer's size guide before buying.
If you like long rides, look for a bike with a more relaxed position and stable steering.
Key components to consider
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Wheels: 700c for speed and performance; 650b for comfort and control.
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Tires: slicks for asphalt, mixed for combined routes, and knobby for loose terrain.
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Drivetrain: choose 1x if you value simplicity, 2x if you need a wide gear range.
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Dropper post (optional): useful if you ride technical routes or long descents.
Define your budget and customization plan
In 2025, the average indicative prices are:
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Entry level (aluminum): from €1,000 – €1,800.
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Mid-range (carbon or advanced aluminum): between €2,000 and €3,500.
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High-end (top carbon): from €4,000 onwards.
A complete bike is usually more cost-effective than building it part by part, but you can always upgrade components later (wheels, drivetrain, or groupset).
Is the gravel for me?
Without a doubt, this is the most personal point of all. The first thing you should do is honestly lay out on the table the things you like most about cycling, which routes you enjoy the most, which ones you usually do, what space you have available to store the bike (another bike? Impossible!), your budget, etc. From there, everything will be easier to decide and get right. It's clear that if your thing is bombing down technical trails or if you're obsessed with beating your neighbor's KOM by 2 seconds on that legendary climb near your house, the gravel bike is not going to be your best friend and you might end up selling it in a few months for lack of use. However, if you're not into tackling impossible paths, since your priority is comfort and you want a bike that works for almost everything, you might have found the perfect ally here. On the other hand, here in Spain it's very common for beginner cycle tourists to buy an MTB as their first bike with a suspension fork they really don't need and fitted with tires unsuitable for the use they're going to give it, like never leaving the 10 kilometers of road around their house or riding the nearest greenway. Probably, the what would really meet your needs would be a gravel bike equipped with gears suited to your level and the terrain you ride on, instead of a mountain bike.
Techniques and tips for riding on gravel trails
Adjust tire pressure
Lowering the pressure improves grip and comfort on dirt or gravel roads.
A common range is between 2.5 and 3.5 bar depending on weight and terrain.
Relax your body and keep your eyes ahead
Bend your arms, keep a loose posture and always look ahead, anticipating curves and obstacles.
On climbs, pedal seated to improve traction; on descents, shift your weight to the back.
Manage your energy and nutrition
gravel can take you to remote areas, so hydrate frequently and eat every 45-60 minutes.
Bring extra food and, if you do long rides, plan stops to refill water.
Consideration of gravel
At first we might think: “Not another type of bike, please! Brands are evil and just want our money by creating needs for us from their marketing departments!” And lately, it seems like you need a specific bike for everything you do.
Who knows, maybe soon they'll release the perfect bike for going to buy bread. But the concept of gravel bikes goes far beyond that, and thanks to the combinations available today of single or double chainrings, increasingly larger cassettes that give us more gear range, etc., you can find a suitable configuration for each person and it might become your only bike.
For example, you can have two sets of wheels, one with wider, knobbier tires for when you want to do your gravel routes (without giving up road riding), the Camino de Santiago or whatever you can think of, and another set with road tires for when you want to go out with your cycling group. Whether you're willing to try them or not, the truth is that gravel bikes are here to stay and bring lots of joy to the most adventurous cyclists or bike tourers.
gravel cycling is the most versatile discipline right now: it combines adventure, freedom, and performance in one bike.
Whether you come from road or mountain, it will open up a new world of routes, landscapes, and sensations.
Choose the bike and equipment according to your type of use, try different setups and enjoy the ride without worrying about the terrain.
At Tuvalum you'll find a wide selection of new and refurbished gravel bikes, inspected by professionals and with warranty, so you can start living the gravel experience with complete confidence.
Tuvalum Team
