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Whether you’re spending the whole day in the saddle or hitting the trails after work, having the right kit makes all the difference between enjoying the flow on your gravel bike and battling the elements. We’ll show you the 8 essentials – from your helmet to your trousers – that’ll take your gravel experience to the next level.
Fizik Kyros – Head protection with style
Fizik’s new Kyros is a picture-perfect gravel helmet. It combines Italian style with a wide range of safety features: the MIPS system protects against dangerous rotational forces in the event of a fall, whilst a removable reflector enhances visibility on the road. Its well-designed ventilation system is designed to allow cooling air to circulate through the helmet. The Kyros is highly adjustable and features a sunglasses holder. Price: 190 euros.
Alé Traccia – a comfortable racing jersey
If you want to set the pace on a gravel bike, you need a jersey that doesn’t flap about like a flag in the wind. Alé has deliberately designed the new Traccia shirt, made from ultra-soft yet durable recycled yarn, to be form-fitting. Laser-cut sleeves and a silicone-reinforced hem ensure a comfortable fit. A full-length zip helps cool the body when the air is shimmering with heat. A total of six pockets provide space for energy bars and gels. Price: 112.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price.
Gobik X Bib – sporty bib shorts
The essentials for proper gravel fun? A decent pair of bib shorts is a must. They don’t have to cost a fortune, but they do need to meet at least a few key criteria: A sturdy chamois that still provides support even after hours in the saddle, durable straps that keep the chamois in place, and leg cuffs that neither slip nor constrict – ideally without any seams. The Gobik X Bib sets a good example in all these respects. Price: 150 euros >> available here.
Scott Vertic Pro SL – casual gravel shorts
Gravel riding is also about simply enjoying the scenery or just relaxing on the grass. With sporty shorts like the Pro SL, you can relax without constantly worrying that you’ll ruin your expensive cycling shorts in the process. Even so, these lightweight, durable Scott shorts can easily keep up with the gravel group on summit sprints. Two zipped pockets provide storage for accessories. A waist adjustment strap ensures the perfect fit. Price: 119.95 euros >> available here.
Ryzon Cycling Gilet – packable wind vest
Vests are real all-rounders and make good rides even better. They protect you from getting cold on chilly mornings or during long descents. Ideally, they can be easily opened from both sides with a zip – for a fresh air supply without any annoying flapping. Once the sun’s finally strong enough, these lightweight vests can be packed away compactly in your jersey pocket. The Ryzon Cycling Gilet is also water-repellent and features a mesh panel on the back. Price: 150 euros.
Julbo Intensity Reactiv – lightweight sports glasses
Any pair of sunglasses is better than none when riding a gravel bike – because dust kicked up or flying stones can quickly get in your eyes. However, we recommend models with photochromic lenses in categories 1 to 3. They work just as well in bright sunlight as they do in shady woodland. The Intensity by Julbo is our favourite: it’s feather-light, well-ventilated and offers a huge field of vision. The lenses are expensive, but have proven their worth in long-term testing. Price: 214.90 euros >> available here.
GripGrab PACR Emergency Jacket – Rain Protection
Just as the terrain can change unexpectedly when gravel cycling, the weather can also take a sudden turn. One moment the sun was shining; the next, heavy raindrops are falling from the sky. A lightweight rain jacket like the PACR Emergency is the ‘travel cancellation insurance’ for gravel cyclists, getting you safely home through the rain. Here too, a two-way zip for ventilation and a pack size that fits in a jersey pocket are essential features. Price: 119.95 euros >> available here.
Roekl Murlo 2 – long-fingered gloves
If you’re going to wear gloves, make them long-fingered ones! Why? Firstly, they ensure that even sweaty fingers still have a firm grip on the gear and brake levers when the gravel is relentlessly rattling the handlebars. And secondly; in the event of a fall, the sensitive fingertips should also be protected, not just the palms. The best models feature a breathable back of the hand, a grippy palm and a touchscreen-compatible thumb and index finger. The Murlo 2 also has light padding on the knuckles. Price: 49.95 euros >> available here.
Stefan Frey
Editor
