Gravel cycling – Fast freedom on dirt roads

🚴 Gravel Cycling – Speedy Freedom on Gravel Roads

Gravel cycling has become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It combines the speed of road cycling with the versatility of mountain biking into one discipline, allowing riders to enjoy freedom, varied terrain, and the joy of choosing their own path.

Gravel cycling simply means cycling on various unpaved roads – such as gravel roads, forest roads, and even light trails – but the bike is also perfectly suited for asphalt. This is made possible by the special construction of a gravel bike: it is fast, stable, and comfortable to ride on varied terrain. "Gravel" in Finnish means "soratie" or "hiekkatiepyöräily." But a gravel bike is capable of much more.

What makes a gravel bike special?

Superficially, a gravel bike looks like a road bike, but it differs in a few essential aspects:

• Tire clearance: A gravel bike can accommodate wider tires, usually 35–50 mm wide, which improve grip and riding comfort on uneven surfaces.
• Frame geometry: Often slightly more relaxed than a road bike, but gravel bikes also come with very sporty, even race-suitable geometries.
• Drivetrain: Drivetrains vary – many models feature a simple 1x11 or 1x12-speed setup, but some use a front derailleur, typically offering 22–24 gears. Often, a simple 1x works great on gravel roads. You can also choose between mechanical or electronic shifting.
• Handlebars: Drop bars are the most common, offering multiple riding positions and good ergonomics even on long rides. Some may also ride with flat bars.
• Versatility: A gravel bike can serve equally well as a training and touring bike or as a commuter bike. In winter, it can be fitted with wider studded tires and even mudguards if desired.

Riding characteristics and equipment

Gravel cycling in many ways resembles road cycling, but the riding surface is more varied. The bike is stable even on loose gravel, and with the right tires, riding comfort is maintained even on asphalt. I personally own a Cervélo Áspero, a full carbon fiber gravel bike with 11 gears. It is extremely fast and ergonomically excellent – a perfect combination for speedy rides and adventures. My own bike unfortunately doesn't have many mounting points, but various bags and such can still be attached to it.

By changing tires and wheels, a gravel bike can be perfectly adapted to different needs. One can ride with narrow road tires or wider knobby tires, which are better suited for softer surfaces or trails. Wheels can be easily changed if one wants to use different tire widths for different purposes. Just remember that with 11 or 12 gears, the ratios might feel too long for road riding. But even with an 11-speed bike, you can experience the thrill of speed on asphalt with the right tires.

Tires are either a slight compromise or directly designed for the terrain you primarily ride on. Wider tires are more comfortable in more challenging terrain. Narrower ones are suitable if you ride a mixed terrain of hard gravel roads and perhaps asphalt. I have 40mm tires, and they handle occasional challenging spots well, even if they aren't optimized for them. The Panaracer GravelKing X1 also seems to roll very well on asphalt. You can adjust tire pressure slightly according to the surface. Softer tires increase riding comfort, while harder ones usually roll nicely on hard surfaces.

There are many different types of tires. Some have a relatively smooth center with knobs only on the edges, some have small knobs all over, and others have robust knobs. You can also often choose a more puncture-resistant and lighter version of the same tire. For example, my X1 had three versions. I chose the middle one, the normal X1. The X1 R, a so-called race version, is light but more prone to punctures. The X1+ is very well protected but heavier. A more protected tire is advisable if you're going on a long bike tour, for instance.

Tubeless tires are excellent for gravel riding. There's sealant inside the tire that self-repairs punctures as they occur. Additionally, you can carry a small battery pump or a repair kit. And remember to replenish the sealant regularly, as it tends to dry out over time. If you ride with inner tubes, it's wise to carry a spare inner tube on long rides.

Finnish gravel roads – a treasure trove for gravel cyclists

Finland is full of perfect routes for gravel cycling. Gravel roads can be found almost everywhere, even in the Helsinki metropolitan area. For example, from Helsinki, you can quickly ride long stretches of gravel roads to the countryside or along a river or the coast. You don't have to go far to find magnificent routes.

Gravel cycling is also excellent for trail runners who want to expand their training methods or seek more endurance and speed. The first ride on a gravel bike can be a real "wow" experience – the lightness, comfort, speed, and quiet rolling make an immediate impression. Compared to a basic city or hybrid bike, the difference is like night and day.

🔍 Route Websites and Services in Finland

Here are some reliable websites/services that share cycling and gravel routes:

A special mention here for trailmap.fi, which is by far the best application for planning your own route. Trailmap's gravel routing is unparalleled compared to others. Other applications always seem to guide you to unridable trails even when using gravel routing.

Touring bike or race bike?

Gravel bikes come in many varieties:

• For touring, there are aluminum and steel frame models with many mounting points for bags and gear. Of course, nothing prevents touring on a carbon fiber frame, and nowadays many of them also have more pre-made mounting points. Carbon fiber certainly doesn't make the bike weak.
• For the competitive spirit, there are lightweight and aerodynamic carbon fiber models that resemble road bikes in their riding characteristics.

People often ask if they should get an e-gravel bike. I can only answer this by saying, why not if it feels right. Electric assistance doesn't do all the work, after all. It can allow you to go further than a non-electric bike, you can save your joints, and if it gets you moving, that's just a plus. E-gravel bikes aren't very common, but they do exist.

So, what's the best gravel bike for you? First, you need to consider your intended use for the bike. Commuting, training, touring, racing, some of these, or all of them. If, in addition to training and racing, the bike is intended for long tours, for example, it might be a kind of compromise. Perhaps the bike could then have a slightly more relaxed riding position and ample mounting points, but still a carbon fiber frame and wheels, as well as quality components to keep the bike light. However, a bike with a more competitive ergonomics is perfectly suitable for commuting too. I recommend hydraulic brakes and a sufficiently high-quality drivetrain. Carbon fiber wheels and even handlebars can be bought later as upgrades if you don't want to invest in them when buying the bike.

Shoes, pedals, and practical tips

Gravel cycling most often uses mountain bike shoes and SPD mountain bike pedals, as they are easier to walk in during breaks or when pushing the bike in difficult places. Mountain bike shoes are just right for support and provide good grip on uneven surfaces. Nowadays, there are also gravel shoes that closely resemble mountain bike shoes.

Especially if you are planning longer trips, it is important to invest in a good saddle and handlebar tape, as well as good cycling shorts, to improve riding comfort. With minor adjustments and the right equipment, a gravel bike can be the perfect companion for all types of riding. A carbon fiber handlebar also dampens shocks comfortably.

Why gravel?

Gravel biking is now trendy, but above all, it's sensible. It offers freedom and versatility: one bike is enough for many uses. At the same time, you get fast-paced exercise in nature, you can ride alone or in a group, and participate in various events and races. In Finland, gravel events are now organized all over the country, from Lapland to Southern Finland.

If I could recommend only one bike for most purposes, it would be a quality gravel bike. And when winter comes, a gravel bike can be attached to a trainer (e.g., Wahoo Kickr Core) and ridden indoors. More stories about indoor cycling, whose season is upon us, at least for me.

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🗺️ Gravel Routes in Helsinki – Planning and Inspiration

There are many good applications available for route planning, such as Komoot, Outdooractive, Strava, and Garmin Connect. However, the best map for a Finnish gravel cyclist can be found at Trailmap.fi, which conveniently shows gravel roads and their condition. Other routing services don't work as well for gravel specifically.

If you're looking for inspiration for gravel routes in Helsinki or want to go for a ride starting from East Helsinki, I recommend trying routes that pass through Mustavuori, Vuosaarenhuippu, Sipoonkorpi, and Hakunila. From these, you can easily put together 30–70 kilometer gravel-focused loops with as little asphalt as possible.

Here are a few routes in the east:

40km gravel route to Hakunila

58km gravel route along coastlines and forests

70km gravel route to Sipoonkorpi

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🥤 Fuel for long gravel rides

Gravel cycling is often long-lasting and takes place in varying weather conditions. Good hydration and sufficient energy intake are important to keep you feeling light throughout the ride. Especially on hot days or during rides lasting several hours.

Here are recommendations that work based on our own experiences and customer feedback:

🚴 Long rides and hot days

• Tailwind Endurance Fuel
  → An excellent choice for rides over 2 hours when you want to combine carbs and electrolytes in one bottle. Mild taste, also works well in the heat. Stomach-friendly.
• Näak Ultra Energy Drink
• → A sports drink containing some protein and amino acids, especially suitable for long adventures over 3 hours. Not too sweet, good for the stomach.

🍫 For a break or your pocket

• Näak Ultra Energy Gel
  → A gel developed for endurance athletes, also including electrolytes. Suitable for prolonged pedaling, especially to alternate with sports drinks.
• Näak bars
  → An easy and filling snack for breaks – suitable for situations where gels no longer appeal or you crave something solid. Very soft and easy to eat. Flavor options include Berries, Caramel Macchiato with caffeine, and Peanut Butter.
• NOSHT Jollos speed candy   Natural, soft energy candy. Works quickly, but doesn't cause a jolt, even if you take several.

💪 Recovery after riding

• Tailwind Recovery Drink
  A recovery drink combining carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes. Excellent after a long ride – mixes easily with cold water without a shaker and works immediately.

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💡 Tip: If you're heading out on an adventure in hot weather or the route goes through remote areas, bring 2–3 water bottles and combine sports drink & water. Additionally, a few gels, one bar, and a small savory snack will cover a 3–5 hour ride well.

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Team Future Peaks' success in gravel cycling

Our newest team member, Karoliina Leinonen, just won the Tarto Rattamaraton gravel race over 126km. The trip was very muddy, but her energy held up well, and Karoliina was able to ride in good company. It is extremely important that energy products work well over long distances and are stomach-friendly. We can almost guarantee this for our own products. I have personally tested all energy products either in ultra-running or long cycling events. Congratulations Karoliina!

Thanks for reading, and see you on the gravel roads!