Gravel Gear

Gravel Bike?

What should I ride? Ride what ya got! If you are just getting started in gravel we recommend cyclists ride what they are comfortable riding. I am comfortable riding a 2” mountain bike tire on an adventure bike, but you may feel comfortable on 28mm slicks installed on a road bike. It is typical to see road bikes, mountain bikes, cross bikes and gravel bikes on our rides.

Shopping for a bike and want to compare it to your current frame? Check out the BikeInsights website for more information.

Clothing

It’s what you wear on your body! Duh.

Summer - Some of us ride with spandex jerseys and bibs, others wear their light merino wool shirts with MTB shorts. We don’t care what you wear as long as you are comfortable. Some options include;

  • Tops

    • Technical fabric that wicks well. Lots of brands to choose.

    • Merino wool. Doesn’t smell and wicks well.

  • Bottoms

    • Bibs

    • Shorts (MTB or spandex options)

  • Socks

    • We love Defeet socks. They have so many choices.

Winter

  • Consider carrying a packable puffy jacket in case there is a breakdown. Handy for staying warm.

  • Full wind proof bibs

  • Wool socks. We love Defeet Woolie Boolies.

  • Pogies. Not technically clothing but you put your hands inside and they stay warm because of the neoprene. You can wear light gloves instead. Bar Mitts is a leading brand.

GPS/Routes

Navigate! We recommend everyone join our Ride with GPS Club Account p/b Paradise Garage and download the route to your phone (Android/iPhone) and use the free turn by turn feature with the route. If you join a ride and you don’t own a GPS unit please make sure you follow a pace leader who knows the route or is following the route on GPS/Cellular Phone.

Some of the more popular mapping software includes Ride With GPS, Strava, and Komoot. Popular GPS units are available from Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Lezyne, and Magellan.

Bikepacking

It’s like backpacking, but on a bike! Here’s an idea, how about letting your bike carry all the weight? All you have to do is pedal it. Sound easy? Just about, but there are a few things to consider. One is - you guessed it - weight. The more you carry, the harder it is to get over that next hill. We’ll teach you some basics so you can get started on your own journey, exploring further than you had ever thought possible! Just go to our bikepacking section to get started.

Nutrition & Hydration

What do I eat while on a ride? Many of us bring snacks like bananas, cookies, peanut butter and bagels. We bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Our rule of thumb is a bottle of water an hour, more if it is hot outside. If you want to buy prepackaged energy foods there are many to choose from, including Honey Stinger, Untapped, GU, and PowerBar. There are many, many more! If you are training for an event the options became even more plentiful and you may want to consult with a nutritionist and/or a trainer.

Some of our favorite gear vendors

Fine print

By participating in any offline arranged ride or activity, you, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives do hereby agree and will absolve and hold harmless Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers, it's corporate sponsors, cooperating organizations, and any other parties connected with this web site in any way together with their respective successors from and against any blame and liability for any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind including, without limitation, personal injuries, death, and property damage, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever either directly or indirectly related to or arising from your participation in any such offline Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers arranged ride or activity.

User assumes all risk and liability for any action in relations to usage of information and routes on ohiogravelgrinders.com, including if actions result in injury, death, loss or damage of personal property or other complications. Ohio Gravel Grinders, its partners, associates, and contributors accept no liability. Route information and advice is provided as a planning resource only, and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and in no way should replace your own due diligence, research, and safety precautions. All users are advised to check current conditions before embarking on any route, including weather, surface conditions and closures. Riders should obey all laws including public and private land usage restrictions and guidelines and carry adequate safety and navigational equipment.