Getting into gravel: gear guide and first routes

Gravel is the freedom to leave the tarmac without going full mountain bike: one versatile bike, white roads, forests and quiet little lanes. If you want to get into it this season, here's the essential gear to know about — and the method for planning your first routes without getting discouraged.

Do you need a gravel bike to start?

Not necessarily. For your very first rides, a sturdy hybrid or a mountain bike fitted with not-too-knobby tyres will do just fine to sample the trails. But if you want a bike built for it, gravel ticks the right boxes: comfortable geometry, wide tyres, and the ability to string together road and trail without swapping machines. The point isn't to buy the most expensive bike, but the one that'll make you want to ride often.

Tyres: the choice that changes everything

In gravel, the tyre makes the difference far more than the frame. A beginner is best served by a wide section (40 to 45 mm) that soaks up the bumps and reassures on loose ground. As for tread, a versatile semi-knobby profile rolls fine on the road while gripping on dry tracks. Avoid tyres that are too thin, which turn the slightest path into a balancing act. Pressure matters as much as the model: lower than on the road, for more comfort and grip.

The essential kit to set off relaxed

No need to buy everything at once, but a few basics save you from trouble far from anywhere:

• Repairs: a spare inner tube, tyre levers, a mini-pump or CO₂ cartridge, and a multi-tool.
• Hydration: two bottle cages, as gravel quickly strays from shops.
• Visibility and safety: lights even in daylight under tree cover, and a charged phone.
• Navigation: a handlebar mount to follow your track without pulling the phone from your pocket.

Planning your first routes the right way

The classic beginner mistake is to plan an over-ambitious loop and end up cooked halfway. Start modest: 25 to 35 km with little climbing for the first few times. In the VéloCore planner, pick the Gravel or Forest & trails profile: the algorithm favours rideable tracks and greenways over major roads. You'll quickly discover which surfaces you actually enjoy.

Balancing distance and climbing

On loose ground, everything costs more energy than you'd imagine. Watch the total elevation gain shown and aim for under 500 m over your first 30 km loops. No route idea? The loop generator draws a circuit back to the start from a simple distance — ideal when you're discovering an area. To go deeper on reading the terrain, our guide on choosing a route profile breaks down each option.

Riding in a group to progress

Gravel is even better with company, especially early on: you feel reassured on the technical sections and share the good spots. Turn your route into a ride call: invite friends or open the outing to the community, everyone RSVPs, and off you go as a group. A great way to build confidence before tackling longer loops.

Read also: Planning a gravel bike route · Choosing your route profile