Gravel bikes take us everywhere: on sandy trails, gravel, dirt, and asphalt. If we want to go far and explore new places, we need to be prepared for anything and therefore well equipped. Let's find out what the most useful accessories are for our gravel bike.
Always ready for long mileage
The accessories we carry, food supplies, and clothing when we ride, depend essentially on two factors: where we're headed and how many kilometers we plan to ride. More specifically, they include the types of terrain we'll be riding on our gravel bike and how many hours our ride will last. Along with this, we also consider the weather. By combining these factors, we need to know what to bring with us. If the ride is short and not particularly demanding, we'll pack very lightly, including food, clothing, and accessories. Conversely, if the goal is to ride many kilometers, we'll need to be prepared for anything, especially in uncertain weather.
We've already looked at the best road bike accessories , now let's find out which are the most important gravel bike accessories . We've divided them into three categories: essential, very useful, and useful.
Essential accessories
These are the accessories that absolutely cannot be missed, for both short and long outings and in any weather conditions.
- A water bottle and bottle cage are, of course, among the first accessories you should add to your gravel bike. We recommend choosing a lightweight but sturdy bottle cage and a large enough water bottle.
- A saddle bag , or bag pack , is undoubtedly essential for carrying a tire change kit, food, or a spare jersey or vest. A saddle bag is typically used for tire replacement accessories in the event of a puncture, as it has less capacity. A bag pack, being generally more spacious, can hold larger items. Whether you opt for a saddle bag or bag pack, it's advisable to use waterproof ones.
- Where would we go without a bike computer ? Nowhere... or almost. There's no doubt that we can actually ride without one, but modern bike computers offer the ability to not only keep track of kilometers traveled, speed, and elevation gain, but also the map and route we intend to take. Therefore, with a bike computer on our gravel bike, we can keep track of all our trip data and, most importantly, avoid getting lost.
- Tires are extremely important. It may seem trivial, but we need to use the most suitable ones. With a gravel bike, you'll be tackling any type of terrain, so it's essential to use tires with a durable tread, designed for maximum traction on all road surfaces.
- Another accessory that may seem obvious is pedals . Which ones should you choose? Our advice is to opt for aluminum pedals, which are lightweight yet sturdy, with a wide platform and are therefore comfortable and durable.
- And finally, the aforementioned tire replacement kit : a new inner tube (preferably two), a pump, and levers to make it easier to remove the tire and tube. This is the essentials.
Very useful accessories
These are accessories that can become essential in specific situations, but are not necessary for every outing.
- If you'll be traveling at night, or in low light, you absolutely must have both front and rear lights. It's best to choose lights that are bright enough to illuminate any trail and that last a long time. This is essential for seeing and being seen, thus safeguarding your safety and that of others.
- If your trip is quite long, a handlebar bag or a frame bag can be very useful for carrying accessories, food, or spare clothing. In both cases, it's advisable to get waterproof ones.
Useful accessories
Sometimes they might seem like a whim, but in reality in particular situations they can be non-essential, but certainly useful.
- Handlebar tape can be a good idea, especially if your gravel bike ride is long and challenging. It provides a comfortable feel and makes the ride a little smoother, softening the pressure on the handlebars.
- A bicycle multitool , on the other hand, is more useful than you might think, although it's obviously especially recommended if you're tackling not only long rides but also ones that take you many kilometers away from residential areas, leaving you unable to visit a mechanic in case of technical problems. The multitool is a sort of Swiss Army knife for cyclists, allowing you to work on screws and other parts of your gravel bike.
Conclusion
It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go, or how far you ride. It doesn't matter what terrain you ride on, or how long your rides last. Every time you take your gravel bike to embark on a new adventure, whether it's near your house or on a mountaintop, you should always be equipped with the right accessories. Not too much, not too little, but just the right amount. Bring with you what you'll really need, and choose quality accessories when purchasing. And finally, if you have trouble installing accessories on your gravel bike, consult your trusted mechanic: that way, you can ride safely and enjoy the ride.
