Gravel Biking Cheat Sheet

The key takeaways for beginners – setup, riding technique and safety in one compact sheet for more control and range on gravel.

Equipment

Item	Priority	Tip
Tyres 38–45 mm	High	Light tread = the ideal mix of speed and grip on loose ground.
Tyre pressure	High	Rather low (2.0–2.5 bar): more traction, less vibration.
Helmet & glasses	High	Certified helmet; sports glasses protect against dust, stones, insects.
Emergency kit	Medium	Tube, tyre levers, multitool, mini pump – practise the change beforehand.
Padded shorts	Low	Chamois + layer principle for long rides and changing weather.

The 4 riding-technique rules

Factor 1: Stay elastic

Concept: Locked, tense joints lead to loss of control and rapid fatigue. Tip: Arms and legs slightly bent – work like a shock absorber and actively swallow the hits.

Factor 2: Line choice

Concept: Fixate on the obstacle and you will ride into it (target fixation). Tip: Look far ahead at the clean line beside it – the bike follows your gaze.

Factor 3: Braking & corners

Concept: Late, hard braking lets the rear wash out on loose ground. Tip: Brake with feel BEFORE the corner, weight back, let it roll through the turn.

Factor 4: Shift with anticipation

Concept: Shifting under load on a climb costs chain, strength and chainrings. Tip: Change into the easier gear BEFORE the gradient begins.

Safety

Helmet & bike check: Certified helmet snug, brakes and tyre pressure checked before every ride.
Plan & share the route: Plan with Komoot, share your live location and tell a trusted person your return time.
Ride defensively: On forest and farm tracks always expect oncoming traffic and sudden obstacles.
First aid on board: Compact kit (disinfectant, bandage, plasters) plus a charged phone with ICE contacts.

Nutrition & recovery

Carbs 60–90 g/h: Small portions (gel/bar) every ~45 min – eat BEFORE the bonk arrives.
Electrolytes: Drink isotonic and actively replace sodium – it prevents muscle cramps.
Post-ride 1:3: Within 30 min protein and carbs (1:3) for muscle repair.
Sleep & HRV: 8–9 h of sleep; if your HRV drops well below baseline, cut intensity immediately.

Pro tip: The most common beginner mistake is too much air. Drop your tyre pressure to about 2.0–2.5 bar – instantly more grip, comfort and control on gravel, without any expensive upgrade.