What to wear for a gravel bike outing
One of the pleasures of a gravel bike is the freedom it offers. No need for perfect style or the latest equipment. A gravel bike is halfway between a road bike and a mountain bike, and the same goes for the clothing.
It's best to start with what you already have: comfortable shorts, mountain bike shorts, a breathable jersey or a loose-fitting vest. In cooler weather, some people often wear an open shirt over their t-shirt for a casual look. Over time, you'll find what suits you best, depending on your habits and your outings.
Clothing
- The jersey or a simple technical T-shirt to wick away perspiration and dry quickly. Some people prefer a lightweight shirt, with short or long sleeves, depending on the temperature. As always in the great outdoors, cotton should be avoided.
- The shorts (with chamois) ensures greater comfort and prevents chafing. Available with or without straps, to wear alone or under another garment.
- The shoes usually go with the pedals you choose when you buy your bike. You can choose an automatic (clip-on) model or not. Whichever you choose, comfortable footwear remains essential, as some segments may require walking.
- Bike gloves help prevent numbness and blisters. They provide a better grip on the handlebars and protect the palm of the hand from scratches in the event of a fall.
- Accessories often make the difference: sunglasses to protect from dust and sun, overshoes in wet weather to keep feet dry, and a headband to retain sweat, protect from the sun or keep the head warm, depending on the season.
- Multi-layer clothing allows you to adapt your outfit to the season and the intensity of the effort, especially when large gaps or variations in weather conditions are likely.
Body protection
Choosing a helmet for gravel cycling
Although helmets are not compulsory for gravelle biking, we strongly recommend their use. It protects the head against impact and helps reduce the risk of injury, even in low-speed falls.
The characteristics of a helmet suitable for gravel cycling are:
- Aerodynamic profile, but ventilated for long outings.
- Removable visor useful on sunny or dusty trails.
- Lightweight and comfortable foam to prevent neck fatigue.
Some people wear knee or elbow protectors when riding on more technical terrain, or when the risk of falling is higher.
