Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Vinson Lozano
Imagine yourself cruising down a scenic gravel road, surrounded by nature in all its glory. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the cool on your face heightens the sense of freedom only a gravel bike ride can provide. But wait, something’s missing – what should you be wearing as you embrace this exhilarating adventure?
Fear not! We have put together the ultimate guide to gravel bike clothing, ensuring you can enjoy the ride, armed with knowledge and ready to face the elements in comfort and style. Let’s dive into the world of gravel bike apparel, and make sure you hit the trails dressed for success!
Introduction to Gravel Bike Clothing
Gravel cycling is a popular activity that bridges the gap between road cycling and mountain biking, offering a unique fusion of disciplines. As such, gravel bike clothing is also an interesting blend of styles to accommodate the varying demands of this sport.
Gravel-specific clothing ranges from aerodynamically optimized kit to more casual and relaxed apparel, often featuring a looser cut, natural fibers, and additional pockets for storage.
With the rise in popularity of gravel biking, many brands have started developing collections specifically tailored for this versatile activity. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, choosing the right gravel bike clothing will ensure optimal comfort, performance, and style during your off-road adventures.
Different Clothing Styles for Road, MTB, and Gravel
Different clothing styles for road, mountain biking (MTB), and gravel riding each cater to the specific demands of each discipline. Road cycling outfits mainly focus on aerodynamic efficiency, sweat-wicking properties, and comfort, featuring close-fitting Lycra and secure jersey pockets.
On the other hand, MTB attire prioritizes freedom of movement and space for body protection, with loose-fitting clothing and lighter support for pedaling.
Gravel cycling clothes fall in between, offering a mix of sporty and casual attire, and often incorporate natural fibers for odor control and moisture management. Overall, the choice of clothing style depends on the specific requirements of each type of cycling activity.
How Gravel-Specific Kit Differs
Gravel-specific kits differ in several ways to cater to the unique demands of off-road cycling. Designed as a marriage between road cycling and mountain biking clothing, gravel kits feature a more relaxed and casual fit, ensuring comfort during longer rides.
These kits often use natural fibers, such as Merino wool, to help manage odor control and improve sweat-wicking abilities. Additionally, they place an emphasis on storage capabilities through extra pockets for gear and essentials.
Finally, gravel clothing is made with durable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant materials to withstand the rigors of multi-day adventures. Overall, gravel-specific kits effectively combine functionality, practicality, and style for off-road cyclists.
Loose and Casual Cut of Gravel Cycling Clothing
When it comes to gravel cycling attire, comfort and style go hand in hand. Gravel-specific clothing tends to have a more relaxed and casual cut compared to the tight, aerodynamic fit of road cycling gear.
This loose fit not only adds to the overall comfort during off-road adventures but also provides a versatile wardrobe that can easily be worn on casual rides or even for a post-ride cafe visit.
Made with a variety of soft, breathable, and durable materials, gravel cycling clothing offers the perfect balance between performance and style, ensuring riders look and feel their best as they enjoy the thrill of the gravel trails.
Cargo Pockets and Other Storage Options
Gravel bike clothing often incorporates clever storage solutions to cater to the adventurous nature of gravel riders. One popular feature is the addition of cargo pockets on shorts or bibs, allowing riders to store essentials without relying on the traditional jersey pockets.
Brands like Rapha have integrated mesh thigh pockets and rear mesh pockets into their cargo bib shorts for easy access and additional storage. Apart from cargo pockets, gravel cyclists may also opt for handlebar bags and frame packs to store their gear, tools, and extra layers.
As a result, riders can enjoy versatile and functional storage options that suit varying preferences and needs during their off-road adventures.
Use of Natural Fibres to Manage Odour and Sweat
Gravel bike clothing often incorporates natural fibres such as merino wool, which are not only environmentally friendly but also beneficial in managing odour and sweat.
Merino wool, for example, offers excellent moisture-wicking properties, helping to keep you dry and comfortable during your rides. Moreover, its natural antibacterial properties make it an ideal choice for multi-day gravel cycling adventures, as it can effectively control odour over extended periods.
The incorporation of such natural fibres in gravel bike clothing ensures that riders can remain comfortable, dry, and relatively odour-free as they traverse various terrains and put in long, strenuous hours on their bikes.
Durable and Quick-Drying Materials for Multi-Day Use
Gravel bike clothing is designed with multi-day use in mind, emphasizing the use of durable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant materials. These materials ensure that riders can comfortably tackle back-to-back days on the trails, as well as their ride-to-cafe detours, without worrying about a soggy, unpleasant experience.
As gravel riders typically face varied terrain and weather conditions, choosing clothing made of high-quality, breathable fabrics with DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coatings can make a significant difference in comfort and overall riding experience.
So, when planning your next gravel adventure, be sure to gear up in clothing that’s specifically designed to cater to your unique needs, guaranteeing a more enjoyable off-road experience.
Abrasion-Resistant Material and DWR Coatings
When choosing gravel bike clothing, it’s essential to consider durability and protection against the elements. One key feature to look for is abrasion-resistant material, which is designed to withstand wear and tear from rough terrains while providing optimal comfort.
This ensures that your clothing will last longer and keep you protected during off-road adventures. Another essential aspect to consider is Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coatings.
These coatings are added to garments, helping them shed water, dirt, and trail spray more effectively. While DWR coatings may have a limited lifespan, you can reapply them periodically to maintain their effectiveness and keep your gravel bike clothing in top shape year after year.
Buying Advice and Women’s Gravel Bike Clothing Guide
When considering gravel bike clothing, it’s essential to balance comfort, style, and functionality. Women’s gravel clothing should cater to these needs while fitting well and maintaining comfort during long rides.
Whether you prefer the sleek efficiency of road kit or the relaxed and durable mountain biking attire, there are gravel-specific options available for women. When looking for buying advice, prioritize fit, moisture-wicking materials, and additional pockets for storage on your adventures.
If you’re unsure which brands to explore, start by checking out popular options such as Rapha, Endura, and Morvelo’s Overland range. Ultimately, choose pieces that suit your personal style and make you feel confident and comfortable on your gravel rides.
