OBERSON BUYING GUIDE
What to Wear for Gravel Biking
From cycling shorts and jerseys to shoes and outer layers, the right clothing can make gravel biking more enjoyable. Here’s what to wear for different riding styles and conditions.
AT A GLANCE
You don’t need gravel bike clothing to enjoy gravel riding. Many cyclists comfortably use road cycling, mountain biking, or multisport apparel they already own. This guide covers bike shorts, tops, layers, shoes, helmets, sleeves, and gravel-specific clothing to help you dress for comfort, performance, and changing conditions.
Do You Need Gravel Bike Clothing?
No, most riders can comfortably ride gravel using road cycling, mountain biking, or multisport apparel they already own.
The best clothing depends on both the terrain you ride and your riding goals. Riders looking for speed and efficiency and who tend to ride paved roads and hard-packed forest roads often prefer the closer fit of road-inspired apparel. The more aerodynamic design reduces flapping and stays comfortable over long distances.
Riders who venture onto rougher roads, doubletrack, or singletrack tend to ride at lower speeds and may look for more comfort, durability, and freedom of movement. In this case, mountain bike clothing can be a good option because it often offers a more relaxed fit, additional pockets, and greater abrasion resistance.
Gravel bike apparel sits somewhere between the two. Many pieces combine the streamlined fit of road clothing with practical features such as cargo pockets, relaxed cuts, and odour-resistant fabrics designed for long rides and bikepacking adventures.
| If you prioritize… | Consider… | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and efficiency on smoother surfaces | Road bike apparel | |
| A balance of performance and practicality | Gravel bike apparel | |
| Comfort and freedom of movement on rougher terrain | Mountain bike apparel | |
| Simplicity, minimalism, or budget-friendly choices | The cycling or multisport clothing you already own |
What Bike Shorts Should You Wear for Gravel Riding?
For most riders, padded bike shorts or bib shorts with a chamois are the best choice for gravel riding. Long hours in the saddle and the constant vibrations of gravel roads can cause serious discomfort, and a quality chamois can make a major difference.
Bib Shorts and Bike Shorts
Both bike shorts and bib shorts work well for gravel riding. Bib shorts tend to stay in place better and eliminate pressure around the waist, making them a popular choice for long rides. Traditional bike shorts are often easier to put on and take off and can be more convenient during rest stops.
Cargo Bibs and Cargo Shorts
Cargo bibs and cargo shorts have become particularly popular among gravel riders. In addition to a chamois, they feature pockets on the thighs or lower back that provide convenient storage for snacks, a phone, gloves, or other small essentials. These extra pockets can reduce your reliance on jersey pockets or bike bags.
Baggies and Liner Shorts
Some gravel riders prefer the casual style and freedom of movement offered by baggy shorts. These are often paired with padded liner shorts worn underneath. While baggies are generally less aerodynamic than bib shorts or traditional bike shorts, they can be a comfortable option for riders who spend most of their time on rougher surfaces.
| If you prioritize… | Consider… | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum comfort on long rides | Bib shorts | |
| Simplicity and convenience | Bike shorts | |
| Extra storage | Cargo bibs or cargo shorts | |
| Casual style and rougher terrain | Baggies with liner shorts |
What Should You Wear on Your Upper Body?
There’s no single right answer when it comes to tops for gravel riding. The best choice depends on the terrain you ride, your pace, weather conditions, and your preferred style.
Road Cycling Jerseys
Road cycling jerseys are a popular option for gravel riders who prioritize speed and efficiency. Their close-fitting cut reduces flapping in the wind, and rear pockets provide convenient storage for snacks, tools, and extra layers. They’re particularly well suited to rides that combine paved roads and relatively smooth forest roads.
Gravel Bike Jerseys and Tops
Many brands now offer gravel bike jerseys and tops that bridge the gap between road and mountain bike apparel. These garments often feature a slightly more relaxed fit and technical fabrics and practical storage options. Gravel jerseys and jackets sometimes include hoods, which can keep you comfortable in variable weather. Some models also incorporate odour-resistant materials, such as merino wool blends, which make them an appealing option for epic rides and bikepacking trips.
Mountain Bike Jerseys and Shirts
Mountain bike jerseys and bike shirts sport a more casual style and give greater freedom of movement. They can be a good choice for riders who spend time on rougher surfaces at lower speeds. The downside is that their looser fit may feel less streamlined on faster rides.
| If you prioritize… | Consider… | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and efficiency | Road cycling jersey | |
| A balance of comfort and performance | Gravel jersey or top | |
| Casual style and freedom of movement | The cycling apparel you already own | |
| Your budget and practicality | The cycling apparel you already own |
Ultimately, you can of course wear whatever you want. Many gravel cyclists combine elements of road, gravel, and mountain bike apparel rather than sticking to a single style.
How Should You Dress for Different Weather Conditions?
Warm Weather
In hot conditions, prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin. A lightweight jersey or technical top with a front zipper paired with bike shorts or bib shorts is often all that’s needed.
Cool Weather
For spring, fall, and chilly mornings, start with a lightweight base layer and add a cycling jersey or technical top. Arm warmers, knee warmers, and a lightweight vest or jacket can help you adapt to changing temperatures without taking up much space in a bag, pack, or pocket.
Wind and Rain
A packable, waterproof, windproof jacket is one of the most useful pieces of clothing a gravel rider can own. It provides protection during long downhills, rain showers, and unexpected-temperature drops.
Long Rides and Bikepacking Trips
Comfort becomes increasingly important as ride duration increases. Odour-resistant fabrics, such as merino wool blends, can remain comfortable over multiple days and reduce the need for frequent washing. Additional storage, whether in your clothing or on your bike, can also make long rides more enjoyable.
| Conditions | Consider… | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot weather | Lightweight, breathable clothing | |
| Cool temperatures | A base layer, arm warmers, or a vest | |
| Windy conditions | A packable windbreaker | |
| Wet weather | A lightweight waterproof or water-resistant jacket | |
| Long rides or bikepacking | Odour-resistant fabrics and additional storage |
What Shoes and Helmet Should You Wear for Gravel Riding?
Most gravel riders wear either gravel bike shoes or mountain bike shoes. Both have recessed cleats that make walking easier than with most road cycling shoes. This is useful because, as anyone who has traveled remote gravel roads can attest, they sometimes have long hike-a-bike sections caused by washouts, erosion, fallen trees, or collapsed bridges.
Gravel bike shoes are a lighter, somewhat less rugged version of mountain bike shoes, with durable uppers and soles flexible enough for some walking.
When it comes to helmets, road cycling helmets are a common choice for gravel riding. They’re lightweight, well ventilated, and comfortable. Some riders prefer helmets that blend road and mountain bike features, such as a slightly more rugged design, better head coverage, or a removable visor.
| If you prioritize… | Consider… | |
|---|---|---|
| Pedalling efficiency | Gravel bike shoes | |
| Traction and durability | Mountain bike shoes | |
| Lightweight performance | Road cycling helmet | |
| Additional coverage or a visor | A road-gravel or mountain bike-inspired helmet |
FAQ — What to Wear for Gravel Biking?
Do you need gravel-specific clothing?
No, you can comfortably ride gravel using road cycling, mountain biking, or multisport apparel based on how you ride and your personal style.
Gravel bike clothing can offer advantages, such as cargo pockets, relaxed fits, hoods, and odour-resistant fabrics, but it’s not a necessity. Many gravel riders mix and match clothing from different cycling disciplines.
Can you wear mountain bike clothing for gravel riding?
Yes, mountain bike clothing can be a great choice for gravel riding, especially on rough roads, doubletrack, or routes that incorporate singletrack. Compared to road cycling apparel, mountain bike clothing typically offers a looser fit, greater freedom of movement, and additional abrasion resistance. The trade-off is that it’s less aerodynamic at higher speeds. Many gravel riders wear mountain bike clothing exclusively or combine it with road or gravel apparel.
Can you wear road cycling clothing for gravel riding?
Yes, many gravel riders wear road cycling clothing, especially on routes that combine pavement with well-maintained forest roads. Road cycling apparel offers a close-fitting, aerodynamic design that’s comfortable and efficient. Jersey pockets also provide convenient storage for snacks, tools, and extra layers. You can wear road cycling clothing exclusively or mix and match with mountain bike or gravel-specific apparel.
Are cargo bibs worth it for gravel riding?
Often, yes. Cargo bibs add pockets to the thighs or lower back, providing convenient storage for snacks, a phone, gloves, or other small essentials. They’re particularly popular among gravel riders because they enable carrying extra supplies on long rides in remote areas.
Do you need a chamois for gravel riding?
For most riders, yes. A chamois reduces pressure and friction, which helps you avoid some serious discomfort, especially during bigger outings. This is particularly the case on gravel roads, where constant vibrations can quickly become unpleasant. If you’re planning on getting out regularly, shorts or liner shorts with a chamois are a worthwhile investment.
Can you wear a mountain bike helmet for gravel riding?
Yes, many gravel riders wear mountain bike helmets, especially on rougher routes that include bumpy doubletrack or some rolling singletrack.
The advantage is that mountain bike helmets often provide more coverage toward the back of your head, which is useful on this type of terrain. Plus, they usually include a visor, which provides some protection against bright sunlight, light rain, and overhanging branches.
That said, road cycling helmets remain a popular choice for gravel riding because they’re lightweight, well ventilated, and comfortable on long rides.
Cycling Clothing at Oberson
At Oberson, you'll find a wide selection of cycling clothing for every style of riding, including brands, such as Assos, Castelli, 7mesh, Craft, Rab, and Parmi Lifewear. Shop online or visit us in Laval or Brossard. Our experts are here to help you choose the clothing best suited to your style and the conditions you ride in.
