The fascination of gravel biking
An overview of the new trend sport
Gravel biking is on everyone's lips and is the trend for the 2025 bike season. But what is gravel biking anyway? Here you can find out everything about gravel biking, we give you tips and dive into the ‘gravel community’!
What is gravel biking?
Gravel means gravel and that's where the difference to a racing bike comes in.
Unlike a racing bike, a gravel bike is not designed for smooth, tarmac roads. You can ride a gravel bike on a variety of surfaces. Whether on tarmac roads, gravel paths or moderate forest tracks - the gravel bike is a versatile all-rounder!
If you are adventurous and enjoy travelling on adventurous trails, then gravel biking is just the thing for you.
What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?
Tyres
Gravel bikes have wider tyres for different surfaces and are more suitable for gravel roads and easy terrain. Road bikes have narrower tyres for smooth and asphalt roads. The tyre width for gravel bikes is 38 to 42 mm and for road bikes 19 - 28 mm.
A gravel tyre is a mix of MTB and road bike tyres. There are 3 different gravel tyre profiles:
- Tyres mainly for asphalt or very winding roads
- For good handling and grip, the tyres have a tread in the centre and studs on the sides
- Studded tyres with studs over the entire tyre
Tyres narrower than 40 mm are suitable for flat roads. Tyres between 40 and 45 mm narrow are all-rounder tyres and tyres over 45 mm are designed for rougher tracks. Semi-smooth tyres with low lugs are intended more for the road or light trails. Tyres with coarse lugs do not lose grip so easily and are almost similar to a mountain bike.
TIP: Don't gravel with flat tyres! Gravel tyres roll better and more safely with less pressure, but please note the air pressure number marked on the tyre sidewall
Gear ratio
The gear ratio (the range of gears) differs between gravel bikes and road bikes. Gravel bikes have a wider gear ratio (the gears are wider) to cope with different types of terrain. Road bikes, on the other hand, have a narrower gear ratio for an optimal riding experience on the road.
Brakes
While rim brakes are often used on racing bikes, manufacturers usually use hydraulic disc brakes (rarely mechanical) on gravel bikes. This ensures better braking performance in dry and wet conditions.
Gravelbiken im Pinzgau
The most beautiful gravel bike tours around Leogang
Leogang is known for the Epic Bikepark with its legendary lines and trails. But the region around Saalfelden Leogang is also a true gravel bike paradise.
Our favorite tours
Good to know
Who is a gravel bike suitable for?
Gravel biking is ideal for all bike fans who want to try something new and appreciate versatility. Gravel bikes can be ridden on both paved and unpaved roads and are perfect for longer rides and short mountain adventures.
What speed can you reach on a gravel bike?
The average speed on a gravel bike is around 23 km/h.
What is the material and weight of a gravel bike?
A gravel bike weighs between 8 and 10 kg.
Depending on the price, gravel bikes are made of aluminium, steel, carbon or titanium. Aluminium has greater rigidity for higher acceleration.
What to look out for when buying
The most important factors to consider when choosing the size of a gravel bike are stride length, torso length and arm length.
Which handlebar is the best?
Gravel bikes are often fitted with road bike handlebars, but flare handlebars are definitely a good choice. Flare handlebars are bent outwards in the lower grip area. This significantly improves control of the bike.
Adrenalin & happiness - that's gravel biking
Over hill and dale, through the forest, over gravel roads into the mountains, on unpaved paths - gravel biking lets you feel nature and is becoming increasingly popular. Cycling for hours on flat roads is not so much fun - that's why gravel biking in the mountains is the best - full of variety and views.
We recommend the following packing list:
- Backpack
- Sun cream & sunglasses
- Water & snacks (energy bars, nuts, fruit)
- Helmet, sunglasses, cycling gloves, rain cover
- Possibly a change of clothes
- Bike map
You can find the best tips for planning your tour here:
Gravelbiken im Pinzgau
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