My Gravel Biking Essentials

Have you seen these videos on Instagram of people recording the evolution of their style between day one and day 30 of riding bikes? I relate so much!

I've been fighting it, but cycling is rapidly taking over my life, the Goldilocks WhatsApp group is the first thing I check when I wake up in the morning (kidding, kidding!) and I count the days until our next ride.

I’ve dropped enough hints about being a gravel biker now, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned (and acquired, let’s be honest) over the past few months.

Bike

Choosing a bike was overwhelming, so when Octave offered to take on this task, I happily let him.

We settled on the Canyon Grizl 7 RAW. I have nothing to compare it too, but I've been loving it so far.

We got our bikes and followed the video to put them together, it was so much fun!

So far, my only issue has been an initial numbness in my right hand a couple days after a ride. I seriously considered a proper bike fitting (and got a few great recommendations), wondering whether my frame was too small. But the issue seems to have resolved itself. Was it the padded gloves? My position on the bike? Or did my body just adapt? I concluded it was likely the strain on my index and middle fingers from so much gear changing.

Octave and I immediately switched to tubeless following this tutorial. Mine were a bit more finicky and I'm grateful for Octave... and our air compressor! Pro tip: don't skip the soapy water step.

Pedals

Riding with clips for the first time was so intimidating! I ate it a few times, as is customary. But I'm getting way better and don't think I'd ever go back, the comfort and power are so worth it!

Here's the pedal model we chose.

Now, don't get me started with power meters!

Repair Kit

Octave and I share a compact EnCase Pump that holds all the tools we might need on the trail. I recently mounted it on my top tube.

I carry a spare tube, zip ties and a quick link in my underseat bag.

Last fall, I took a bike maintenance and trailside repair class with my friend Julia, owner of Chariot Bike, and now I feel much more confident in my skills.

Clothing

Jersey

Octave gifted me my first jersey for my birthday, and I felt legit right away.

Then this 90s model caught my eye at a local thrift store, and now I know why. Who wore it best?

I also scored this flowery number secondhand from a gal in my cycling crew.

Before my first event, I invested in the outfit below (jersey and bib).

Bib

I had a few cycling shorts and even cycling underwear, but they're nothing compared to cycling bibs (waistband-free). Bonus points if they have a droptail (for bathroom breaks), and a scalloped edge (for style), like these biker bibs, pictured below.

Note: Skip underwear under your chamois pad (aka shammy) to minimize friction and manage moisture.

Shoes & Socks

I initially ordered the SH-XC300 but, despite careful measurements, ended up sizing up with this model instead.

I got a pair of Wild Rye socks, a gifted pair of mismatched, indestructible and PDX-designed The Athletic socks (10% discount code), and can't wait to receive our custom Goldilocks "Not Too Fast, Not Too Slow" socks.

I also keep hearing that Aero socks make you faster...

Ride adjacent apparel

• Here for the women's race
• Everybody watches women's sports

Safety

Helmet

I was in the market for a helmet, my Bern one is now over 12 years old, but I'm suffered from analysis paralysis. I wanted a versatile option, both for mountain and gravel biking.

I ended up getting the Smith Engage with its two-position visor, and the Smith Triad for road and gravel.

Glasses

I'm not on the cycling sunglasses train yet, considering I wear prescription glasses and do not like wearing contacts. But this Rx Adapter caught my attention.

Gloves

I invested in a pair of gel fingerless gloves and my rides are so much more comfortable! Now I need a pair of winter ones.

These lightweight ones, and these cold-weather ones have also gotten a lot of use.

Lights

I got a set of bike lights years ago and cannot find them anywhere. I found this one on the trail, but would also recommend these.

Storage

Bags

I first invested in a frame bag from Canyon, a Midloader for my tools, and an Underseat Bag for a spare tube. I later used store credit to get got a Handlebar Bag for my first aid kit.

Riding without carrying weight on my body works best for me. I usually only carry my phone (with a lanyard) and stash snacks in my jersey back pockets.

But I might need to rethink this setup. I'm considering adding another bidon cage, and making a stem pouch.

I'm also looking into making more custom bags and have already pinned a few patterns.

Bidon + Cage

Octave got us these titanium bottle cages.

While I wait to invest in a safe, metal bidon/water bottle (I might need a plastic bottle cage for this one), I opted for these cool ones, one for Octave, one for me.

Camera Strap

I don't take my camera one on challenging rides as I'm still adjusting to using clips, but this camera strap has proven really handy on shorter, scenic ones.

Navigation

Apps

I'm not paying for any app... yet.

• For now, I manage routes for free by downloading them from ridewithgps and importing the .gpx files into Komoot (though I recently learned they let go of their team after being acquired), and getting navigation prompts on my Apple Watch.
• I also use Strava to record my rides or download the routes planned by the Goldilocks leaders.

Free plans mean I don't have access to everything, but the multiples options I do have are plenty... for now!

Bike Computer

But I'm seriously considering a bike computer, maybe secondhand from the gals in my bike crew...

The Wahoo Elemnt, paired with a heart rate monitor strap, seems like the way to go.

Routes

I've been saving routes left and right. Local bike shops recommend cool rides, and so do friends and cycling groups. Dirty Freehub also catalogs rides by region.

Training

Many people I ride with use a heart rate monitor and pair it with their bike computer.

I dove into this hobby without much prep, but I might try to prepare for the next riding season with one of these workout plans:

• Garmin Cycling Coach
• RideStrong
• JOIN

Check in with your health insurance provider, you might get special discounts a local gym!

Tips

• How to ride in a group

Nutrition / Hydration

Snacks

I don't have a favorite snack yet. Clif bars are a staple, I guess. Also, can someone explain to me why people are obsessed with Nerds Clusters?

Gels / Energy

I love these gels, the Salted Caramel and Salted Watermelon are my favorites so far.

And these energy chews have done wonders for me.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes saved me on a grueling hike a few years ago, and I've been buying these ever since.

Media

Podcasts

• This episode of The Matchbox is in my queue.
• I just subscribed to the Bonk Babes podcast.

Movies

• Someone recommended this documentary
• I stumbled upon this one.
• And this branded documentary warmed my heart.

Conclusion

Wow, listing all of this was something. I knew it was quite an investment, and I was willing to make it. I wasn't planning on going on holidays this summer, and this ended being the best thing I've done for my body and my mental health.

I'm excited to keep making new connections by going on weekly weekday rides with the crew and pushing myself to try new routes and ride with stronger cyclists on weekend rides.

What’s the one piece of gear, tip, or habit that’s made the biggest difference in your cycling journey?