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Gravel biking: what it is and why to start

Everything you need to know about gravel biking: key features, benefits and what to wear

19 JUN 2026

Gravel biking: what it is and why to start

Over the past few years, gravel biking has become one of the most popular disciplines among cycling enthusiasts, thanks to its ability to combine the best aspects of road cycling and mountain biking. Speed, versatility and a spirit of adventure come together in a style of riding that allows cyclists to tackle a wide variety of routes and terrains, offering a freer and more dynamic experience than traditional cycling. Gravel is the ideal discipline for riders who want to explore new routes, escape traffic and turn every ride into an opportunity to discover new landscapes. It is therefore no surprise that more and more cyclists are embracing gravel, whether for training, multi-day adventures or bikepacking trips.

To make the most of long rides across varied terrain and changing conditions, choosing the right technical clothing is just as important as selecting the right bike. Comfort, breathability, durability and freedom of movement all play a key role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at what gravel riding is, the benefits this discipline offers and how to choose the most suitable technical apparel for every adventure.

The features that make gravel a unique cycling discipline

Gravel riding is a relatively young cycling discipline that has attracted a growing number of enthusiasts in recent years. Born from the desire to move beyond the limits of traditional cycling, it has evolved into a freer and more versatile way of riding, capable of adapting to a wide range of routes and terrain.

What makes gravel truly unique is its ability to bring together seemingly different cycling worlds. On the one hand, it retains the speed and rhythm associated with road cycling; on the other, it introduces a more adventurous approach that is not restricted by a specific type of route. Unlike traditional cycling disciplines, there is no single “ideal” terrain: gravel is designed to tackle a variety of surfaces, from tarmac roads and white roads to compact gravel tracks.

Another defining feature of gravel riding is its strong sense of independence and exploration. Many cyclists are drawn to gravel because it allows them to discover less-travelled routes, cover long distances and enjoy cycling in a more relaxed and flexible way, without focusing solely on performance.

Its growing popularity is also linked to its remarkable versatility. Gravel can be enjoyed as a sporting activity or training discipline, but equally as an opportunity to explore new routes or embark on bikepacking adventures. The ability to adapt distances, routes and levels of difficulty to individual preferences makes gravel accessible to everyone, from experienced cyclists to complete beginners.

Its close connection with nature is another aspect that riders particularly appreciate. Cycling along gravel roads, rural tracks and routes away from traffic offers a more immersive experience of the surrounding landscape and rekindles the pleasure of exploration. At a time when more and more people are embracing outdoor activities and seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit, gravel riding perfectly meets this need.

The benefits of gravel biking: why more and more cyclists are choosing It

As we have seen, the growing popularity of gravel riding is no coincidence. This discipline offers numerous advantages that make it suitable for both experienced cyclists and those looking to approach cycling from a different perspective. Some of the key reasons why so many riders are turning to gravel include:

greater freedom to explore: one of the most appealing aspects of gravel riding is the opportunity to venture beyond conventional routes and discover new places. Thanks to its ability to handle different surfaces, riders can combine tarmac, white roads and gravel tracks within the same ride, significantly expanding their possibilities for exploration. This makes it possible to reach less-travelled locations, immerse yourself in nature and experience the landscape from an entirely new perspective.
Greater variety of routes: riding the same roads repeatedly can become monotonous over time. Gravel riding offers more varied and dynamic routes that require constant adaptation, making every ride different from the last and keeping the experience engaging and rewarding.

Enhanced comfort on long distances: the characteristics of gravel bikes make it possible to spend many hours in the saddle with greater comfort than on a traditional road bike. A more comfortable riding position and wider tyres help absorb vibrations and small impacts from uneven surfaces, reducing fatigue during long rides.
Greater versatility for bikepacking and cycle touring: gravel riding is particularly well suited to travelling by bike. The ability to tackle mixed terrain and easily carry bags and accessories makes gravel bikes an excellent choice for riders who enjoy multi-day adventures, exploring new destinations or embarking on self-supported bikepacking trips.
A more complete training experience: riding across different surfaces demands greater involvement from the cyclist than simply riding on tarmac. Gravel riding helps improve endurance, balance, bike-handling skills and overall control, providing a constant challenge from both a physical and technical perspective.
Accessibility for all riders: one of gravel riding’s greatest strengths is its inclusiveness. You do not need to be a competitive cyclist or possess advanced technical skills to get started. Everyone can approach the discipline in their own way, choosing routes, distances and riding speeds according to their experience, goals and personal preferences.

It is precisely this combination of freedom, versatility, comfort and adventure that has made gravel one of the fastest-growing and most appreciated disciplines in the cycling world today.

How to choose the best clothes for gravel biking

In gravel riding, technical apparel plays a role that is just as important as the bike itself. Unlike other cycling disciplines, gravel rides often involve long hours in the saddle across a variety of terrains and weather conditions, from slow climbs and fast descents to exposed roads and rough gravel tracks. For this reason, it is essential to choose clothing that delivers comfort, practicality and protection in every situation.

When selecting gravel biking clothes, there are several key features worth considering:

breathability and moisture management: the intensity of effort during a gravel ride can vary significantly. Climbs generate considerable body heat and perspiration, while descents or rest stops can quickly lead to a drop in body temperature. Choosing garments made from highly breathable, quick-drying fabrics helps wick moisture away from the skin and regulate body temperature more effectively throughout the ride.
Long-distance comfort: gravel rides can last for several hours and, in the case of bikepacking adventures, even several days. In these situations, comfort becomes a top priority. Flatlock or bonded seams, soft and stretchable fabrics, and a fit designed to move naturally with the body help minimise chafing and pressure points, significantly improving comfort in the saddle.
Adaptable fit and freedom of movement: gravel apparel typically features a slightly more relaxed fit than traditional road cycling clothing. Garments should not feel overly compressive, but neither should they be excessively loose. The goal is to strike the right balance between comfort, aerodynamics and freedom of movement, allowing riders to pedal efficiently, move comfortably on the bike and tackle occasional hike-a-bike sections with ease.

Durability and long-term performance: gravel roads, dust, loose stones and extended use place greater demands on cycling apparel than standard road riding. For this reason, it is advisable to choose garments made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear while maintaining their technical performance ride after ride and wash after wash.
Practicality: during a gravel ride, it is often useful to carry snacks, a smartphone, tools and other essential accessories. Spacious rear pockets, additional storage options and functional details make it easy to keep everything within reach and can prove particularly valuable during longer rides and bikepacking adventures.
A high-quality pad: among all the elements of gravel apparel, the pad is arguably one of the most important. Constant vibrations from rough surfaces and long hours in the saddle require adequate support. A high-quality pad designed for endurance riding helps reduce pressure on contact points, improving comfort and reducing fatigue throughout the ride.

Choosing garments that combine these features means being able to tackle every gravel adventure with greater comfort, confidence and freedom of movement, regardless of distance or terrain.

Nalini gravel bike clothing: comfort, breathability and performance on every route

As we have seen, making the most of every gravel ride requires clothing that delivers long-distance comfort, excellent temperature regulation and practical functionality. Nalini’s gravel collection has been developed specifically to meet these needs, combining technical fabrics, innovative features and carefully considered designs created to support cyclists on every type of route.

Among the most versatile jerseys in the collection is the Pure Gold Jersey, a highly technical garment defined by its clean and minimalist design. Made from a fabric that offers quick drying properties, exceptional elasticity, UV protection and an incredibly soft feel against the skin, it delivers outstanding comfort even on the longest rides. The structured, highly breathable sleeves promote airflow and help maintain a pleasant feeling of freshness on warm days.

For gravel riders and bikepacking enthusiasts, practicality is often a key requirement. The Five Pockets Jersey has been designed specifically for long adventures across mixed terrain. In addition to its soft and protective fabric, which provides excellent UV protection, the jersey stands out thanks to its five-pocket configuration: three traditional rear pockets and two additional side pockets that increase carrying capacity and keep snacks, smartphones and other essentials within easy reach. Micro-perforations in the underarm area further enhance airflow where it is needed most.

The same philosophy can be found in the Five Pockets Lady Jersey, developed to offer female cyclists the perfect balance of comfort, functionality and protection. The fabric is slightly more substantial than that used in lightweight summer jerseys, providing improved wind protection during cooler conditions while maintaining excellent breathability thanks to lighter side panels and laser-cut ventilation holes under the arms. The pre-dyed polyamide fabric offers exceptional softness and stretch, wrapping comfortably around the body without restriction, while the five-pocket design provides ample storage capacity for longer rides and bikepacking adventures.

The Bark Jersey brings a contemporary interpretation of gravel riding, featuring a design inspired by natural colours and a strong focus on breathability. Its ultra-light perforated fabric, made from recycled materials, promotes heat dissipation during intense efforts, while the five-pocket layout provides additional storage space for long days in the saddle. The rear panel has been engineered to maintain stability even when the pockets are fully loaded, enhancing overall comfort during the ride.

For cyclists looking to stand out from a style perspective, the Tie Dye Jersey is the ideal choice. Thanks to its unique dyeing process, every jersey features one-of-a-kind colour variations. The compact, stretch fabric delivers exceptional comfort and an ergonomic fit, making it equally suitable for gravel adventures and road cycling.

Long-distance comfort also depends heavily on the quality of your bib shorts. The Nalini Contact Bib Short is the ideal choice for cyclists seeking the highest levels of innovation and performance. Its defining feature is the exclusive patented system that integrates the pad and bib straps into a single structure. This technology allows the pad to follow the rider’s movements more naturally and adapt more effectively to the body’s anatomy, improving comfort, stability and freedom of movement. The minimalist upper construction also promotes ventilation, making it particularly well suited to endurance rides.

The New Gravel Bib Short has been developed specifically for the demands of gravel riding. Its compressive fabric provides effective muscular support throughout the ride, while the practical mesh side pockets allow riders to carry snacks and small essentials without compromising freedom of movement. Perforated microfibre bib straps improve breathability and help maintain comfort even in the warmest conditions.

For riders looking for an even more performance-focused solution, Nalini also offers the Gravel Suit, an aerodynamic one-piece suit developed specifically for cyclists who want to combine speed, comfort and functionality on gravel roads. Designed for long-distance riding, it is made from a lightweight, highly breathable perforated fabric that enhances ventilation and helps keep the body dry during intense efforts.

A practical chest panel improves fit and allows the front zip to be opened easily while riding, increasing airflow when temperatures rise. Aerodynamic raw-cut sleeves and a lightweight yet durable lower section ensure comfort and performance, even after many hours in the saddle.

The Gravel Suit also features five pockets, providing ample space for snacks, a smartphone and other essentials during long rides. Completing the design is the Nalini All Terrain pad, developed specifically to cope with the vibrations and impacts associated with mixed terrain and gravel riding. Inspired by the colours of nature, the design perfectly reflects the adventurous and exploratory spirit that defines the gravel world.

Discover the Nalini gravel collection and find the ideal apparel for your next cycling adventure.

Buy in the online shop!