This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Gravel bicycles, often described as the Swiss Army knives of the cycling world, have carved out a unique niche that combines the toughness of mountain biking with the speed and efficiency of road cycling. These drop-bar’d versatile machines invite riders to embrace going off the beaten path on a whim.
In its essence, the gravel bike is an art of compromise. Wide, knobby tyres hint at off-road confidence, but its drop handlebars and streamlined frame suggest a road pedigree. This duality is precisely what makes gravel bikes special. Designed to handle a variety of terrains – from smooth tarmac to rutted dirt roads and rocky trails – they will go wherever the rider dares to take them. They usually don’t have expensive and complicated suspension systems, and are light enough to allow the rider to go the (literal) extra mile. While it’s true they are neither as fast as road bikes nor as rugged or comfortable as mountain bikes, gravel bikes find their strength in being good enough for almost anything. This “underbiked” quality, far from being a limitation, becomes an invitation to ride more creatively and resourcefully. It’s a classic case of “driving a slow car fast” situation.
Gravel cycling also comes with another flavour, which is often craved and missed by many in these modern times – a promise of adventure. I’ll be the first to admit that the vision of a bag-laden bicycle and myself on the saddle, riding into the horizon, was the factor that ultimately sold the romance of gravel cycling to me. I was lucky enough to bring this vision to life earlier this year, and took my bicycle for an epic 550 km solo ride along the Baltic Sea coastline. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.
Even though the scene is getting more and more competitive, gravel events and races at their core still often emphasize camaraderie and adventure over podiums. Riders of all skill levels are welcomed, and the shared struggle against challenging conditions creates bonds that transcend the finish line. In this way, gravel cycling is a close spiritual cousin to surfing, hiking, climbing and other laid-back, lifestyle sports. It fosters a sense of community, inclusivity and a strong inclination towards plaid flannel shirts, although the latter seems to be slowly replaced by the tight lycra gear…
To be underbiked is to embrace the imperfections of the journey, and to be overjoyed is to find meaning in those imperfections. Gravel bicycles remind us that the best adventures are often the ones that require us to adapt, push our limits, and savour the ride. In a world obsessed with optimization, gravel bikes offer a refreshing reminder: sometimes, the best tool for the job is the one that makes you smile the most.
