Gravel racing doesn’t require a lot of special kit, but these essentials will make your next race more fun, efficient and safer.
From racing safety gear to a solid spares setup, you’ll want these items safely stowed away in your trendy bar bag at the start line.
If you’re looking for a race to test this whole kit, check out our roundup of the best UK gravel races.
1. Lots of liquid
Racing is a thirsty job, and gravel races are generally self-supporting.
This is why so many of the best gravel racing bikes have the means to carry more water than the typical two bottles on a road or mountain bike.
If you’re riding a long event, especially in hot conditions, you probably won’t regret maximizing the amount of water you take with you. The extra weight of the extra bottle and cage will have minimal impact on performance – definitely less than running out of water between feeding stops.
At this point, if you want to ride competitively, minimizing your time at feed stops is also a great way to ride efficiently – you’ll save a lot of time if carrying extra water means you can skip even one crowded feed stop.
An extra bottle is a useful safeguard against accidental ejection – a big option on rough roads.
Some riders like to use hydration packs in addition to water bottles. It’s a lot easier to guzzle down a nutrient water hose in the middle of a pack of pothole-dodging riders than it is to search for a bottle covered in mud.
2. Comprehensive set of spare parts and repairs
Gravel races require mechanical self-sufficiency.
While shift stops may have a few basic tools, few plants provide comprehensive neutral mechanical support along the way.
How many tools and spare parts you bring will depend on the event – ​​a long-range, multi-day morning calls for a more extensive setup.
As a starting point for a longer gravel event, in addition to the usual trail repair kit, we recommend bringing:
- Replacement pegs and screws – hike-a-bike can loosen pegs easily
- Length of chain links and quick links
- Handful of spare screws – bottle cages can easily come loose on rough roads
- Tubeless puncture repair kit including tire shoe
3. Tasty snacks that work for you
How you fuel up for a long ride is somewhat personal—one person’s nutritious mini blocks of cheddar are another’s express train to Bonktown.
Nevertheless, there are some basic rules of nutrition that you should follow in order to avoid dizziness.
Whatever your snacking preference is, aim to consume around 30 to 60g of carbs per hour. Although it will take some stomach training to achieve, up to 90g per hour can be beneficial on longer rides.
Drink regularly and never start a ride dehydrated. Consider using electrolytes if you sweat a lot or ride in hot weather.
Again, don’t rely on feed stops to get you everything you need, especially if you have specific dietary requirements – a plate of deviled eggs glistening in the sun is the last thing a vegan cyclist wants to see 150 miles into a gravel epic.
4. Emergency kit and spare layers (follow the rules!)
Most gravel races require participants to bring emergency equipment, and for good reason.
A foil blanket may seem like overkill in the middle of summer, but it can make all the difference if you come across an injured rider in shock.
Similarly, with hyper-focused racers whizzing by and unlikely to pay much attention to their surroundings, a whistle can attract vital attention when you’re lying in an injured heap by the side of the road.
Even if the forecast is favorable, it’s a good idea to pack extra layers – you’ll be thankful for a waterproof jacket if you’re involved in an accident or stranded due to mechanical damage.
Rules will vary from race to race, but respect the requirement to bring any other necessary equipment, such as lights, listed in your race handbook. Circumventing these rules is foolish and a sure path to disqualification if you are subject to pre-race inspection.
5. Top tube, frame or bar bags
Now you’ll need some way to carry your carefully selected spare parts.
Jersey pockets are enough for a shorter ride, but you’ll quickly run out of space if you’re also carrying a lot of food. Backpacks are best avoided as they are hot and uncomfortable.
Most gravel riders supplement their race setup with a bag or two strapped to their bike.
Top tube bags are the preferred solution for most gravel racers as they provide quick and easy access. Frame bags are another good option if you need more storage space.
Pole bags work well but can get in the way of the license plate and are harder to access at the trot.
Finally, saddlebags are fine if you don’t require frequent access.
6. A reliable cycling computer
A GPS-equipped bike computer is by no means necessary for gravel racing – after all, professional racers have survived the better part of 100 years without one.
However, for riders who aren’t perfectly in tune with their bodies or don’t have the navigational skills of a homing pigeon, it’s worth the investment.
Some riders will benefit from what others would consider data overload.
If you wish, a modern cycle computer will let you plan your pace strategy for every climb to the nth degree and even set reminders to eat or drink.
Others will just use simpler metrics and use GPS data to keep their average pace in check and track remaining distance.
Serious racers will use heart rate monitors and power meters to track performance, but these require significant financial investment and time to get the most out of the data interpretation.
Whatever your approach, be sure to post your ride on Strava – showing off epic ride stats is, after all, why we all suffer through the ordeal of gravel racing.
Bonus: Test, test, test!
As with any event, preparation and testing are key.
The most comprehensive repair kit on the planet won’t care if your valves are too short for your rims. Likewise, a super expensive waterproof jacket won’t increase your chances of success if you haven’t followed a solid training schedule before the event.