From your first km off pavement to your five-hundredth, gravel riding ignites something inside us that’s hard to tap into anywhere else. Whether you’re pursuing quiet miles away from town, far-off scenic horizons filled with laughter and friends, a new physical challenge, or something else entirely, we’ve got you covered with all the knowledge, bikes, and gravel gear you need to explore what’s waiting for you down the road less traveled.
What is gravel riding?
What is a gravel bike anyway?
Gravel bikes are multi-surface bicycles built to explore millions of km of unpaved roads that roll on long after the pavement ends. They find the balance between the off-road capability of a mountain bike and the quick-rolling, lightweight feel of a road bike, giving you every benefit you need to explore far beyond the pavement.
Anatomy of a gravel bike
1. Long, stable geometry
Gravel bikes typically feature a longer wheelbase that helps elevate stability in rough terrain, and a slightly more open cockpit to boost comfort on long rides.
2. Tire clearance
To give you a boost of traction and comfort, gravel bikes typically offer more clearance for higher-volume (38c-45c), knobbier tires than those used for road bikes
3. Mounts for bags & cages
Gravel rides can take you far away from resources like water, bikes shops, and even cell service, so many gravel bikes come with mounts for cages, racks, and bags that let you load up with all the essentials you might need for the long-haul. Some even feature internal frame storage for stashing tools and gear!
Types of gravel surfaces
All-road
A little bit of everything. Smooth tarmac, rough pavement, rugged cobbles, and light gravel. Bikes for all-road riding should accept tires 32c-38c wide.
Gravel
Roads and paths with mixed surfaces ranging from hard-packed dirt to deep, loose gravel, and dusty, rocky terrain. Gravel riding is best done with tires 35c-45c wide.
Gravel Bikes
Best for: Light gravel, rough gravel, and light singletrack
TREK Checkpoint
The Checkpoint is the ultimate drop bar gravel bike for big adventures, gravel racing, and bikepacking.
- Up to 50mm tire clearance
- Progressive geometry that balances quick handling with comfort
- Tons of mounts for bags and racks
NORCO Search
The Search is up for whatever spontaneous, uncharted, off-piste adventure you can conjure.
- More clearance for a wide variety of rides
- Efficient pedaling & power transfer
- All out performance in all conditions
- Stash your stuff and mount your kit
MONDRAKER Arid
The Arid is your companion racing, adventuring, pon singletracks or the daily commutes.
- Up to 50mm tire clearance
- Internal cable guidance, a UDH derailleur hanger for stiffness and shifting precision
- Six water-bottle mounts, as well as downtube storage
Adventure Bikes - Rigid, Hardtails, Anything Goes
Best as: A versatile choice for multi-day adventures
NORCO Torrent
The Torrent rages trails without the need for rear suspension or advanced carbon layups – it’s just you and some good ol’ metallic hardtail goodness. Its progressive All-Mountain design provide stable, agile descending and crazy climbing capability. Just load it up and off you go.
HUDSKI Dualist
A rigid mountain bike, an ATB, a flat-bar gravel bike or a trusty commuter, there is something in it for everyone. The Dualist is just as comfortable on a pump track as it is exploring new dirt roads. The Dualist is up to whatever task you throw at it. Become enabled, this bike is a jack of all trades, master of most.
TREK CheckOUT
A full suspension drop bar gravel bike like never before. Designed to be faster than a mountain bike on paved roads and more capable than a rigid gravel bike on singletrack, this is the ideal rig for epic off-the-beaten path adventures. New Gravel Adventure geometry keeps you comfortable and confident.
All-Road Bikes
Best for: Light gravel, pavement, and mixed surfaces
TREK Domane
Domane is a drop bar all-road bike built for mixed-surface rides that roll anywhere from ancient cobbles to crushed gravel.
- Up to 38mm tire clearance
- Comfortable geometry for all-day rides
NORCO Search Flatbar
Adventure-seekers and daily drivers rejoice – Business all week and party on the weekend.
- Up to 50mm tire clearance for comfort and control on-and-off road
- A little slacker and longer than your typical Gravel machine
- Ample water-carrying capacity and stealth accessory mounts
TREK FX Sport
FX sport is a flat bar all-road bike perfect for riding pavement and gravel paths, or even touring.
- Up to 40mm tire clearance
- Upright, comfort-focused riding position.
- Mounts for bags and a rack
Electric-Assist All-Road & Gravel Bikes
Best for: Light gravel, rough gravel, and pavement with electric assist
TREK Checkpoint+
An ultra-quiet, lightweight TQ motor with a natural-feeling 32 km/h assist helps you venture even farther.
- 360Wh battery with up to 80km of range, 60Nm torque
- Up to 50mm tire clearance (42mm with fenders)
- Relaxed gravel geometry with all the mounts to haul it all
- IsoSpeed comfort tech for smooth rolling over the rough stuff
SALSA Confluence
This gravel ebike features a lightweight MAHLE hub-drive system that puts detect when you’re pedaling to moderate the level of support.
- 40Nm of torque; 250Wh internal battery in a stealthy package
- Up to 50mm tire clearance (42mm with fenders)
- Comfortable geometry for all-day rides and tons of on-bike cargo options
TREK Domane+
Fly up climbs and across flats with a lightweight frame, natural feeling high-power assist, and all-day comfort geometry.
- 360Wh battery; 60Nm torque
- Up to 40mm tire clearance (35mm with fenders)
- Stable Road Endurance geometry that's a bit more upright to keep you fast and comfortable on all-day adventures.
*Pictures might not show exact model as described. Models, geometry, components are subject to change without further notice. Availability not guaranteed.
*This is a selection made by shop staff, you can find detailed reviews on bikepacking.com or pinkbike.com (or other sources).
How to start your gravel adventure
Pavement ends — adventure begins
Gravel bikepacking & touring
Got an unquenchable thirst for adventure? Bikepacking and touring is your answer. Ride far beyond the beaten path and camp under the starts on bikes built to load up and roll way, way out there.
There are tons of unpaved roads across Vancouver Island alone. Find out where you can find the best gravel rides near you, or incredible rides you can explore on your next gravel getaway. Adventure is waiting for you.
Get geared up for gravel
Adventure bags
Bike bags should have all the capability and gear storage you need to get outside — and stay there. Whether you are gravel riding, bikepacking, touring, or anything in between, Adventure Bags are ready to load up with rugged, waterproof protection for your gear, and clever mounting systems that can even bolt directly to some models, like Trek Checkpoint.
What kind of tires do I need?
Tires are a surprisingly personal choice for your bike and picking the right ones will help you have the most fun on every gravel ride. From puncture protection to grip and size, many factors play a role in your perfect tire choice. A good rule to start with is, the rougher the gravel, the bigger the tire you want — just make sure they fit your wheels and bike.
