Gravel Bike Guide: Questions & Answers on Choosing the Right Bike and Suitable Kit

Race or endurance? Which gravel bike is right for you?

Race gravel or endurance gravel – this choice has a greater impact on the riding experience and intended use than many individual components. Here’s a comparison between the two categories: with its low weight and aerodynamic design, the Van Rysel RCR-G is aimed at riders who want to ride at speed, complete training laps and compete in fast races. The EDR-G, on the other hand, prioritises comfort, numerous mounting points and practical solutions for long days in the saddle or bikepacking tours. Both models accommodate tyres up to 50 millimetres wide, but follow distinctly different design philosophies. The comparison shows which features are best suited to your personal gravel adventure.

​Gravel bike or road bike? 7 questions you should ask yourself before buying!

You want a bike with curved handlebars so you can experience for yourself what inspires so many people: a little sense of freedom, a wider range of movement, speed and a connection with nature. There are various categories of bike that might suit you. And then there are questions like “What springs to mind when you think of cycling?” or “Which appeals to you more: efficiency or adventure?” We have some questions and answers.

The right kit for your gravel bike

It’s not just the bike that determines how relaxed and safe you feel when riding on gravel. The right gravel kit needs to allow for freedom of movement, remain comfortable over long distances and provide storage space for snacks, tools or your mobile phone. The new Gravel Retreat collection from Van Rysel The range includes helmets featuring MIPS technology, jerseys, bib shorts and cycling glasses. The brand offers two distinct lines: a comfort-focused range for long distances and a performance collection with a more sporty fit. An overview shows which details in gravel clothing and accessories are relevant to your ride.

Buying a new gravel bike: My criteria for the perfect bike

A dream gravel bike doesn’t have to excel in every discipline, but it should suit your body, riding style and plans. This list of personal criteria shows why bike fitting and geometry are often more important than the trendiest frame design. Tyre clearance, gear ratios, mounting points, cable routing and frame material are also assessed based on real-world experience. Comfort, control and practical equipment are particularly important for long tours, bikepacking and varied terrain. This article provides practical guidance for anyone who wants to choose a new gravel bike that’s not just attractive, but also truly the right fit.

Race gravel bikes: Lightning fast and incredibly light

If you’re looking for something particularly fast, you’ll find what you’re after in race gravel bikes: The new Van Rysel RCR-G embodies the particularly sporty side of gravel cycling. Weighing from 7.7 kilograms, with an aerodynamic frame design and a clear focus on racing, it is designed to excel on fast gravel tracks and long sections ridden at full throttle. The resemblance to a road bike is intentional, as is the direct, precise handling. For bikepacking with lots of luggage or very rough rides, a more comfortable design usually makes more sense. However, if you’re looking for a fast race gravel bike for training and competition, you’ll find all the details here about the new model and the new gravel bike category.

​Gravel bikes 2027: trends, technology and real benefits

The 2027 generation of gravel bikes brings not only new colours and designs, but also a number of technical developments with real practical benefits. Wider tyres, 13-speed drivetrains, the UDH derailleur hanger and integrated bag solutions make modern bikes more versatile and better suited to touring. Suspension forks are also becoming increasingly important for riders who regularly ride on rough gravel and simple trails. At the same time, it’s worth distinguishing between useful upgrades and pure marketing. This overview explains which trends can actually make your everyday driving experience better.