Equipment for gravel bikers: 8 essentials for your gravel adventure

Whether you're spending the whole day in the saddle or hitting the trails after work, the right equipment will determine whether you're enjoying the flow on your gravel bike or battling the elements. We show you the 8 essentials, from helmet to trousers, that will take your gravel experience to the next level.

Fizik Kyros - head protection with style

Fizik's new Kyros is a gravel helmet straight out of a picture book. It combines Italian style with extensive safety features: The Mips system protects against dangerous rotational forces in the event of a fall, while a removable reflector increases visibility in road traffic. Its sophisticated ventilation system is designed to allow cooling air to circulate through the helmet. The Kyros is extensively adjustable and has a sunglasses garage. Price 190 Euro.

Alé Traccia - comfortable race jersey

If you want to set the pace on a gravel bike, you need a jersey that doesn't flap like a flag in the wind. Alé has deliberately tailored the new Traccia shirt from ultra-soft but hard-wearing recycled yarn to fit the body. Laser-cut sleeves and a silicone-reinforced hem ensure a comfortable fit. A full-length zip cools the body when the air is shimmering with heat. A total of six pockets ensure you are well supplied with bars and gels. Price 112,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.

Gobik X Bib - sporty bib shorts

Elementary particles for real gravel fun? A proper pair of bib shorts is a must. They don't have to cost a fortune, but they do have to fulfil at least a few essential criteria: A sturdy seat pad that still provides support even after hours in the saddle, hard-wearing straps that keep the pad in place and leg cuffs that neither slip nor constrict and at best do without seams. The Gobik X Bib sets a good example in all these respects. Price 150 Euro >> available here.

Scott Vertic Pro SL - casual gravel shorts

Gravel riding also means simply enjoying the panorama or relaxing in the grass. With sporty shorts like the Pro SL, you can relax without constantly worrying about ruining your expensive bib shorts. Nevertheless, the lightweight, robust Scott can easily cope with summit sprints against the gravel group. Two zip pockets hold accessories. A width adjustment at the waistband ensures an optimum fit. Price 119,95 Euro >> available here.

Ryzon Cycling Gilet - packable wind waistcoat

Waistcoats are real jack-of-all-trades and make good rides even better. They protect you from cooling down on chilly mornings or long descents. Ideally, they can be easily opened from both sides with a zip - for fresh air supply without annoying flapping. When the sun finally has enough power, these lightweight garments can be packed away in a jersey pocket. The Cycling Gilet from Ryzon is also water-repellent and has a mesh panel on the back. Price 150 Euro.

Julbo Intensity Reactiv - lightweight sports glasses

Any pair of sunglasses is better than none on a gravel bike - because swirling dust or flying stones can quickly hit you in the eye. However, we recommend models with self-tinting lenses in categories 1 to 3, which work equally well in the blazing sun and in shady woodland areas. The Intensity from Julbo is our favourite: they are light as a feather, well ventilated and offer a huge field of vision. The lenses are expensive, but have proven themselves in endurance tests. Price 214,90 Euro >> available here.

GripGrab PACR Emergency Jacket - Rain protection

As surprisingly as the surface changes when gravel riding, the weather can also change suddenly. One minute the sun was shining, the next thick drops are splashing down from the sky. A lightweight rain cover like the PACR Emergency is the travel cancellation insurance for gravel bikers and gets you home safely through the rain. Here too, a two-way zip for ventilation and a pack size the size of a jersey pocket are essential features. Price 119,95 Euro >> available here.

Roekl Murlo 2 - long finger gloves

If gloves, then long fingers! Why? Firstly, even sweaty fingers will still find an optimum grip on the gear and brake levers when the gravel shakes the handlebars relentlessly. And secondly, in the event of a fall, the sensitive fingertips should also be protected, not just the palms. Models with an airy backhand, a grippy palm and touch-compatible thumb and index finger are ideal. The Murlo 2 also has light padding on the ball of the foot. Price 49,95 Euro >> available here.