The Best Design-Minded Gravel Bike Gear for Mixed Terrain Cycling

Somewhere between the endurance of spandex-clad road cycling, the technicality of mountain biking, and the randonée spirit of trail running lies gravel cycling. The once burgeoning category is now a full-fledged discipline of riding in its own right, and it’s easy to see why. On a gravel bike, you can go further than on a mountain bike and places a road bike simply cannot. Flowy singletrack? Sure. Hammering down freshly paved blacktop? Feels great on huge tires, even if a bit slower than on a peloton-ready steed. Dipping onto a fire road that you have no idea where it goes? That’s what it’s all about.

Cycling is an aesthetically driven sport, and gravel riding is no different. While perhaps less rigid in its sartorial code than its tarmac-bound counterparts, gravel riding has a few unwritten rules to getting kitted that even the gravel curious will want to take note of. Functionality, versatility, and durability are priorities when riding gravel. On a typical ride in Vancouver, I go from warming up on road laps in Stanley Park to braving the elements high in the backwoods single track in Mount Seymour back to the city for a post-ride espresso. So yes—looking good is part of the equation. In this article we will highlight a handful of gravel gear selects and drop some style know-how, too.

But first, a quick caveat. If you’re on a bike, having fun, and being nice to the environment and those around you, you’re good to go—wear whatever you like. Being a jerk and rocking the flyest gear? Not cool. Being kind on the bike is always top priority. Style second. That said, let’s get into it.

The following gear has been rigorously tested over six months of riding in and around Vancouver, BC. In my testing I logged over 4,000 km on urban trails and forest roads, over mountain passes, and on single track, in sun, rain, and most recently, a snow flurry or two. As a lifelong cyclist—including a decade spent riding in New York City—I know both what to look for and what to look out for. In other words, this list of gravel grinding gear is fully vetted, tested, and approved.

7 Best Gravel Cycling Shoes, Kit and Accessories

Best Gravel Cycling Kit: Pas Normal Studios Escapism Collection

Cycling apparel of all kinds—road, gravel, mountain, commuting—have gotten undeniably cooler and simply better in recent years. From fit to materials to styling, cycling apparel is having a moment and perhaps no brand encapsulates this confluence of design, aesthetics, and culture quite as well as Copenhagen’s Pas Normal Studios. Co-founded by fashion and streetwear OG Karl-Oskar Olsen (of Danish label Wood Wood) PNS has recently collaborated with the likes of Salomon, Porter Yoshida, and Pirelli, and with the gravel-specific Escapism collection has become our go-to kit maker.

With more durable fabrics, forgiving fits, and earth toned colorways, it’s the sort of apparel that flows seamlessly within any GORP-devotees wardrobe alongside and wander, Gramicci, and Snow Peak. After eating plenty of singletrack in the Escapism bibs, I can confirm they show little to no signs of wear. And with two cargo pockets and two stash pockets in the rear, they hold enough food and layers for a full day in the backcountry. Again, speaking from experience.

While Pas Normal Studios is producing innovative apparel to perform at the highest levels of gravel and road riding, it’s the pieces that appear less technical where Olsen’s design chops really show. The Escapism collection features a short-sleeve and long-sleeve technical shirt, each masterfully capturing the style and spirit of gravel. Breathable and flowy yet durable and protective, the wool-blend tees feature strategically placed panels of nylon for increased durability and resistance from the elements. Two side zippers offer easy ventilation and improved access to bib pockets. What’s remarkable about the tech tees is the cut and placement of the seams. Even bombing down West Vancouver’s famous Cypress Bowl Road overlooking city and Howe Sound at over 70 kilometers per hour I experienced no flap and no pull as one might when riding in a loose jersey or normal tech tee. Similar to Quoc, the level of quality of every piece of Pas Normal Studios gear approaches luxury—albeit a level that yearns for dirt.

Pro Tip #1: Rocking a technical tee with bibs is yet another gravel style nuance to embrace. While close-fitting jerseys are also welcome (and come in handy if you really need the pocket space) it’s the bibs and tee combo that’s uniquely a hallmark of gravel riding. Look good, ride good!

Best Gravel Cycling Shoe: Quoc Gran Tourer XC

Every pedal stroke can be bliss or misery if your shoes aren’t dialed, and with gravel riding there’s a good chance you’ll be doing some hike-a-bike over especially spicy sections and the odd creek crossing, so footwear really counts in this category. As such, shoes with SPD or two-bolt cleat mountain-bike style shoes are best for gravel riding. Easier to clip in and out of, better for walking and hiking, and more comfortable in general.

The Quoc Gran Tourer XC is our pick, especially in the striking Dusty Pink colorway. Part of a burgeoning cottage industry of independent cycling shoe brands, the London, UK-based brand makes aesthetically driven, functional designs actually informed by life on the bike. The Gran Tourer XC is a show-stopper of a gravel shoe, with an unmatched level of craftsmanship that’s apparent from the stitching to the material to the attention to detail in the packaging and included insole accessories.

Quoc uses a proprietary dial system—rather than the industry standard BOA—for a fine-tuned fit that’s comfortable on long rides and easy to batten down for a sprint. And a toe cap featuring contrast rubber construction for improved durability. After hiking over too many boulder sections and “looked okay on the map” trails, they manage to still look fresh. Best of all, the front cleats are replaceable, so you’ll be able to tackle rough sections of trail and long walks of shame for seasons to come.

Best Gravel Cycling Socks: FINGERSCROSSED Merino Socks

One can’t address shoes without considering socks, and cycling socks are a hot button issue. Socks must be worn. This isn’t a triathlon. And they must be seen. Again, not a triathlon. Sock length should be in the neighborhood of six to eight inches above the ankle and cycling or performance socks should always be worn (for functional and aesthetic purposes—sorry but rocking your cooked cotton dress socks really isn’t it). Color and coordination is a matter of preference, so we say do what you feel: be it monochromatic shoe-sock-synergy or high-contrast pops.

For high quality and considered design, Germany’s FINGERSCROSSED is leading the pack. Beloved for their sleek, paperweight road socks, the brand takes the same detail-driven approach to gravel riding. The made in Portugal Light Merino Silk socks feature a merino, silk and polyamide blend for temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and all-day comfort. Improved ventilated around the instep means your feet won’t overheat on those spicy 24% fire road climbs. Available in a wide range of solid colors, our choice is the vibey hand-dyed Batik colorway.

Best Gravel Cycling Accessories: Road Runner Bags

While freedom and exploration are the main draws of gravel riding, the reality is a day on the bike (especially one on trails) demands carrying supplies. There’s your standard bike needs: an allen key tool, tire levers, spare tube, pump, and fuel (i.e. bars and/or gels). And there’s the unique demands of gravel: extra layers, more food (you’re not going to see a 7-11 on that back road), and better food (you can only eat so many gels). That’s where the bar bag comes in.

Totally acceptable on a road bike for longer rides, but a standard piece of kit for gravel. I especially like the simplicity and quality construction of Road Runner Bags. Handmade in Los Angeles, the designs are user-friendly and the materials premium. The Burrito Bag easily holds the essentials, fits snugly to the bike and doesn’t bounce. And for the need-to-have tool, tube and tire levers, the Saddle Roll stays put and you’ll forget it’s even there.

Best Eyewear for Gravel Cycling: Alba Optics Stratos

Eyewear isn’t optional for gravel riding, Obviously there’s the glaring sun you’ll want protection from. But clock a few clicks on backroads and you’ll quickly see why a sturdy pair of shades with a few lens options are worth investing in. Bugs, rocks, mud, and lots of dirt dust if you’re riding with a pal—it all has a way of getting in your face on a gravel ride. Impaired vision is an annoyance at moderate speeds and an outright recipe for disaster at full speeds.

With adjustability, protection, and full-on Italian disco vibes, the Alba Stratos is a pair of shades that moves from the bike to café to the club. The Milan-based brand opted for a fully unobstructed lens that makes for a notably clear view of the trail even in low light. Swapping lenses takes less than a minute and for bespectacled riders, there’s a nifty prescription insert.

Pro Tip #2: The arms of one’s glasses always go over the helmet straps. This edict from on-high in the road world extends to gravel. And it’s more than a style thing, there’s a safety component. In the event of a crash, with your eyewear arms over your helmet straps, your glasses will fly away on impact. However, if your glasses are next to your face with your helmet straps pulled over the top, during a crash your glasses could pose a risk to your eyes. Yes that means looking safe and looking cool are one in the same.

Best Helmet for Gravel Cycling: Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi Mips

Last but furthest from least is the helmet. Falling is a part of any discipline of bicycle riding. It’s not if, it’s when. This is truly the most important piece of gear and you should never let concerns of looks or style get in the way of wearing one. Buy the helmet you want. And get a new one often. After any crash or major impact (that includes a hefty drop in the parking lot) a helmet should be replaced. Even without an impact, a helmet should be replaced every three to five years—and more frequently if you ride a lot as sweat and atmospheric exposure (those UV rays aren’t just hard on you skin) can begin to break down crucial structural materials over time.

While any helmet is better than no helmet, for performance sake avoid mountain bike helmets for grave riding. They’re typically heavier and vent less than road or gravel-specific helmets. A Specialized S-Works may be the rich guy go-to (can’t blame em tbh), the Falconer Aero from Norway’s Sweet Protection our top pick. It’s incredibly lightweight at 300 grams and fits close and comfortable without any hotspots. Stylish, aero, and light—this is the rare helmet you’ll actually look forward to riding in.

Best GPS Unit for Gravel Riding: Hammerhead Karoo 2

File this under semi-optional. Gravel riding involves stitching together roads, trails, fire roads, paths, and whatever else looks fun to ride. Sometimes even a bit of “Sorry I didn’t see the private property sign” exploring is needed to get the best riding experience. As such, a bar-mounted GPS headunit isn’t essential, but it will absolutely be helpful—no phone-checking required. The Hammerhead Karoo 2 is the explorer’s headunit of choice. The large color screen is easy to follow, there’s a handy hill climb tool that shows the profile of a climb and tells you of upcoming elevation, and on-the-fly route building. While small and mighty, the Karoo 2’s navigational capabilities inspire the most important aspect of gravel riding: dipping off one’s route to see where that other line on the map goes.

And that’s it. Remember, respect your fellow cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers. Respect the trails and terrain you travel on. And have fun. After all, a bicycle is the ultimate freedom machine. Never forget it!