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
Checkpoint is the ultimate drop bar gravel bike for big adventures, gravel racing, and bikepacking.
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Up to 45mm (2.1 in) tire clearance - –
Progressive geometry that balances quick handling with comfort - –
Flared gravel handlebar for comfort on the long haul - –
Tons of mounts for bags and racks
Norco Search XR
The Search XR is up for whatever spontaneous, uncharted, off-piste adventure you can conjure.
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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
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.
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Up to 38mm tire clearance - –
Comfortable geometry for all-day rides
Trek FX Sport
FX sport is a flat bar all-road bike perfect for riding pavement and gravel paths, or even touring.
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Up to 40mm tire clearance - –
Upright, comfort-focused riding position. - –
Mounts for bags and a rack
Norco Search XR Flatbar
Adventure-seekers and daily drivers rejoice – Business all week and party on the weekend.
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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
Hardtail mountain bikes
Best as: A versatile choice for multi-day adventures
Trek 1120
- a bikepacker's dream. A rugged all-terrain frame, 29+ tires, an included rack system, and 1x drivetrain add up to a touring bike with unlimited off-road capability.
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So many mounting features let you set up your ideal expedition ride as you see fit - –
Dropper post—get low for stability - –
It's also an awesome mountain bike—if you're looking to shred, just pull off the racks
Trek Roscoe
With 140mm of squish up front, Roscoe delivers hardtail simplicity and fully capability for a heavy-hitting trail bike that amps up every ride.
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Boost148 wheels—stiff and strong through rough stuff - –
Wide 780mm bars—increases control on tricky terrain - –
Dropper post—get low for stability - –
Internal cable routing—for tidy looks and protection
Norco Torrent
If you want to get back to the basics, the Torrent is the way to go.
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Burly steel and aluminum frames for strength and durability - –
Long reach, slack head tube angle and steep seat tube angle allows more powerful pedaling, increased climbing traction and added grip and control
*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.
