Gravel Days. Less road. More adventure.

Gravel riding is the freest way to cycle: turn off on a whim, follow the more scenic route and get to places where cars no longer disturb the peace. Once you have acquired a taste for it, you will eventually pack a sleeping bag and tent onto your bike and turn it into a proper bikepacking trip.

Gravel season starts now. We have put together the right equipment for you, plus three beautiful routes in the DACH region that you can follow straight away.

On a gravel bike, the sole plays a part in whether a long day goes smoothly. A stiff plate transfers power efficiently during seated sections, while a grippy tread helps when you need to push your bike after all. Whether you choose clipless pedals or flat pedals is mainly a matter of riding style: both work on gravel. What is inside the shoe matters just as much: performance socks wick away moisture and fit without creases, so you avoid pressure points and blisters even after hours in the saddle.

A good gravel helmet combines ventilation and aerodynamics: pleasantly cool on long climbs, streamlined and quiet on descents. The right glasses keep sun, insects and kicked-up grit out of your eyes. And cycling gloves ensure the handlebars stay firmly in your hands, even after hours on gravel.

If you’re heading out for longer, you need well-planned storage. A frame bag, saddle bag and handlebar roll distribute your kit evenly across the bike. Add a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and lightweight tent, and you have a proper bikepacking setup. Packing systematically makes life easier: keep heavy items low and central in the frame, put your sleeping gear at the back, and store snacks and tools where you can reach them quickly. This keeps the bike balanced and means you won’t have to unpack everything every time you stop.

A day of gravel riding can be long: four hours in the saddle, a brief rain shower in between, then a helping of headwind at the pass. Your clothing needs to perform without compromise. A jersey with rear pockets keeps bars and keys close at hand, padded bib tights make long stages more comfortable, and a wind jacket that packs down small is quick to grab when the weather turns.

Pump, multitool, lights, water bottle: these are the things you only miss when they are not there. On longer rides, a little redundancy pays off: a second tube or an extra tyre plug hardly adds any weight, but could save you a long, frustrating walk to the nearest workshop.

The question remains: where to go? These three routes criss-cross the DACH region and show just how varied gravel riding can be: Alpine views, vineyards or volcanic landscapes:

Your route is planned and your kit is ready. Now there’s only one thing left to do: get on the bike and ride. If you’d like to browse first, you’ll find everything at a glance in the bike range.