Tips to Switch From a Road Bike to a Gravel Bike

Are you transitioning from road to gravel biking? Maybe adventure is calling your name, and you want to see less pavement and more wilderness. Gravel biking is a great way to pick up new skills, and just get better on two wheels. It can be very exciting, but also intimidating to get started. We've put together some tips to help make your new hobby as enjoyable as possible right from the start.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Your New Bike

Gravel and road bikes differ in frame construction, tire clearance, gearing options, geometry specs, and more. Get used to your new ride to understand how it works. In other words, take it on a few easy rides to get used to it before tackling longer and trails.

2. Practice Your Riding Position

Since gravel bikes have a more relaxed geometry, your riding position will be slightly more upright compared to your road bike. If you're used to a more aggressive road bike position, it might take some time to get used to the difference.

Tip: You may want to adjust the saddle and handlebars to find a comfortable fit that mimics your road bike’s riding position if that's what you're accustomed to.

Since you’ll be riding on rougher roads, you'll want to find the best riding position that gives you good control while remaining comfortable. The best way to do this is to get out there and ride on some shorter, local trails so you can test and adjust.

3. Get Comfortable With the Trails

Gravel and dirt roads and paths are different than paved roads. You'll want to practice riding on bumpy and uneven paths and loose gravel.

4. Get Used to the Brakes

You might be switching from rim brakes to disc brakes. They require less hand force to work. So you’ll have to get used to not having to squeeze the levers as much. Then you can fully enjoy the smooth and quick braking power.

5. Practice Handling on Gravel

Riding on gravel requires some handling skills. Gravel is less predictable than smooth pavement, so you’ll need to practice a few new skills.

• Cornering: In gravel, take corners wider and slower to avoid skidding.;
• Braking: Braking on loose dirt or gravel takes a bit more finesse—use your brakes gently to avoid locking up and skidding, especially on loose surfaces.
• Climbing: On loose rocks and gravel, going uphill is a skill of its own. Try gaining speed at the bottom of steep hills, and maintaining your momentum as much as possible without spinning out so you don't need to walk your bike up the hill.

6. Practice Getting Off the Bike

Did you think you already had this one down by third grade? Make sure you're able to hop off either side of the bike as needed without coming to a stop. Tricky sections can require mounting and dismounting the bike unexpectedly, on either side. It’s a helpful skill to have and can come in handy in many situations.

7. Gear Up

No, we don't mean use a higher gear, we mean make sure you have the right equipment for gravel riding. You might want some padded gloves that will help reduce vibration, softer handlebar grips, and maybe some slightly different bike shorts to go with your new style of riding.

If you're looking at doing longer day trips (even if you're not into bikepacking yet), you'll probably also want to invest in some frame bags or saddle bags to carry snacks, water, an extra jacket, and other essential equipment for long day trips. Visit your local bike shop, like Airpark Bike Co, to check out the options and see what makes sense for the kinds of trips you're planning. 

8. Make a Packing List for Your Rides

Gravel riding often means longer rides in remote areas, so you might be away from traditional road stops. Make sure you have enough water, food, and tools (like a multi-tool, tire levers, and spare tubes) for self-sufficiency. As you start building up your ride distance create your own packing list of the essentials to take with on your next ride. Over time, you'll fine-tune your own list to your own style and needs. 

Here's a general starting point for longer day trips away from civilization:

• Snacks
• Water
• Headlamp or bike lights, in case your trip lasts unexpectedly long
• A bike repair kit
• A lightweight, breathable jacket or windbreaker, and optimally a similar pair of pants as well, in case temperatures drop or for long breaks
• Toilet kit if you're in the backcountry
• First aid kit

Shop Gravel Bikes

We sell gravel bikes from a range of top brands. Check out our selection here. Our selection of bikes suitable for bikepacking also includes a range of full-suspension cross-country mountain bikes, which you might also want to consider for long distance rides on gravel and singletrack.