Bike Setup Tips
Choose the right tires.
If you're planning to ride on gravel, the type of tire you choose will depend on the terrain you'll be riding on. For smoother dirt, you might prefer a skinnier, low-profile tire that allows for more speed, such as a 28mm slick tire. However, if you're dealing with rougher gravel that requires better cornering grip and flat protection, you may need a wider 40mm knobby tire.
Lower Your Tire Pressure.
Lower tire pressure not only provides a more comfortable ride but also enhances traction and confidence while climbing and descending. With a tubeless wheel/tire combination, you can run much lower pressure than you think, so it's recommended to try and experiment. The rider's weight and terrain determine the tire pressure, so starting at 35PSI and gradually decreasing (usually below 30PSI) is advisable. Even a tiny difference in PSI can significantly affect the bike's handling and feel. ICAN G25's tubeless-ready design allows for lower tire pressures, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride while minimizing the risk of punctures.
Choose Suitable Bars.
When looking for bars that offer better comfort and stability for gravel riding, consider drop bars with a flared shape. The flared shape provides more space for your hands and wrists, giving you a wider grip and better control over the bike. Additionally, you might want to consider handlebars with gel padding or shock-absorbing tape to reduce road vibrations, which can cause discomfort and fatigue on long rides. Finally, don't forget to adjust the handlebar height and reach to find the most comfortable position for you.
Gravel Intergrated Handlebar HBG01
To learn more, please refer to Choose The Best Gravel Handlebars 2024 – A Buyer’s Guide.
Ride Preparation
Helmet
Wearing a well-fitted helmet while gravel biking is essential as you may encounter rough terrain, which can cause falls.
Gravel bike repair kit
When you go for a gravel ride, you may end up in various places, some of which may be far away and secluded. Therefore, it is crucial to have the appropriate equipment with you. Ensure you carry the essentials such as spare tubes, tools, pumps, patch kits, and any necessary nourishment in a saddlebag or frame pack. For longer rides, you can use a hydration pack or fill up additional water bottles.
A list of essentials:
- Spare tube (or two)
- Tire levers
- Pump and/or Co2 inflator
- Tire Plugs / Tire Boot (a dollar bill or Clif Bar wrapper will also work)
- Chain tool and quick links
- Multitool
- Map (either paper, on your phone, or Garmin)
Before embarking on your gravel biking experience, it's essential to research and familiarize yourself with the terrain. This involves assessing the trail's difficulty, identifying potential hazards, and staying informed about the prevailing weather conditions.
Pre-ride bike check.
Before going on a gravel ride, it's important to develop a pre-ride routine to check your bike's tire pressure, brakes, and gears to ensure it's in optimal condition. Before hitting the trails, inspect and tighten the bolts for your water bottle cage, handlebars, stem, Seatpost, and pedals to prioritize safety.
Gravel Riding Skills and Tips
Stay loose.
Sometimes it's easier said than done, but try to stay relaxed while riding your bike. Don't overreact to the bike's movements, as any tension in your body can transmit to the bike and cause it to handle unpredictably. If you are tensing up or panicking, stop, take a few deep breaths, and calm yourself down before continuing your ride.
Use Your Eyes.
While cycling, it is important to keep your chin up and your eyes forward, scanning the terrain for the smoothest surfaces. Avoid crisscrossing all over the road by making small adjustments to stay on the most stable surfaces, and avoid deep piles of gravel that can wipe out your front wheel.
When entering a rock garden or navigating a technical descent, use your long vision to scan 10 to 15 feet ahead and find the smoothest line. Keep your weight between the center and slightly back. It is important to have some weight on your front wheel, but not so much that your wheel has no freedom to move.
Try Seated Climbing.
When climbing on dirt, gravel, or sand, it's best to stay seated so that your weight remains centered over the bike. This will provide your rear wheel with additional traction, which is important as the pitch of the climb increases and the riding surface becomes looser. Choosing the right tire and maintaining the proper tire pressure will also help you climb more easily. With these techniques, you'll be able to climb like a billy goat!
Remember to Breathe.
Remember to focus on where you want to go, trust your equipment, breathe, and have fun!
Go Easy on the Brakes.
If you have ever participated in a slow-speed race or attempted to track stand, you must know that your bike is much more stable at higher speeds, especially on bumpy terrain. If you decrease your speed too much, your bike will lose traction and start bouncing, making it difficult to control. To avoid this, allow your front wheel to roll freely and avoid the risk of washing out and losing control. If you need to reduce your speed, try feathering the brakes, giving more preference to the rear brakes. Save the majority of your braking for when you are going straight.
Tackle Corners Cautiously.
If you're a gravel biking enthusiast, it's crucial to understand the differences between riding on gravel and smooth surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. When taking sharp turns on gravel, you may face unique challenges due to the unpredictability of the terrain and loose rocks. This can affect your bike's stability and traction, making it harder to navigate turns.
To ensure your safety and avoid accidents, it's best to adopt a cautious approach when navigating corners. You should reduce your speed before entering the turn, brake earlier than you would on a smooth road, and gradually lean into the turn. It's important to practice cornering techniques on different types of gravel to gain confidence and adapt to varying terrains.
Remember, it's essential to strike a balance between having fun and being safe while enjoying your gravel biking adventures.
Have fun.
You're cycling on beautiful gravel roads with endless possibilities, but always remember to enjoy the ride.