In this second instalment of our gravel riding feature, ex-pro Petra Wiltshire explores the different types of gravel bikes available and shares tyre advice for each kind of terrain. Read on to find out more.
What Is Gravel Riding?
In one word: freedom. Take a turn off a main road onto a forest track, bridleway, service road, or trail, and you’re riding gravel. Gravel is simply riding unpaved terrain. Its laid-back culture contrasts with the high-tech, competitive world of road cycling and the more technical extremes of mountain biking.
Types of Gravel Riding
Gravel riding can mean many things. For some, it’s about smooth, hard-packed trails perfect for fast progress with minimal technical skill required. For others, it's rough, unpredictable terrain with loose surfaces, mud, ruts, and rocks.
Light Gravel
This terrain is ideal for an all-road style bike such as the Spectre.
Tyres for Light Gravel
For light gravel, 32–38mm tyres with a subtle tread pattern are ideal. A slick centre profile paired with small side knobs gives low rolling resistance. A good example is the Panaracer Gravel King Semi-Slick Plus.
Events to Try
The Kings Cup Gravel features fast, smooth trails perfect for this style of riding. Reilly will be attending Kings Cup Gravel 24 with our demo fleet.
2023 saw two Reilly riders at Kings Cup Gravel.
Hardcore Gravel
Larger-grade gravel, potholes, loose corners, and rutted paths define this category. The Gradient is the ideal titanium frameset for long-distance comfort on demanding terrain.
Hardcore Gravel Tyres
A larger-volume tyre provides extra comfort, grip, and control. Many tyres aimed at this terrain feature pronounced tread and reinforced sidewalls for stability in wet or muddy conditions. Tyres between 38–47mm work well, such as the Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC.
Events to Try
Popular hardcore gravel events include Dirty Reiver and Gralloch. Reilly will be present at both with demo bikes.
Petra at Dirty Reiver 2023
Extreme Gravel
This category features exposed and loose rocks, deep ruts, mud, sand, bogs, and demanding off-road trail features. Ideal bikes include the Reflex and the Gradient.
Extreme Gravel Tyres
Large-volume tyres with strong sidewall protection and well-defined tread patterns perform best in extreme conditions. Tyres from 38–55mm are suitable, such as the Panaracer Gravel King X1 TLR.
Events to Try
Notable extreme gravel and ultra-endurance events include:
In the next blog, Petra will look at the best gravel rides and races for beginners.