The gravel bike is a versatile bicycle, designed to tackle different types of terrain. Asphalt, unpaved roads, suburban routes in the Île-de-France region, Parisian cycle paths, or even trips to Normandy, Burgundy, or Brittany: the gravel bike is at home everywhere. It's perfectly suited to off-road adventures, bikepacking, and even commuting by bike.
One of the key questions that arises when choosing a gravel bike is: how to carry your gear reliably and practically? In this article, we examine what types of bags exist for gravel riding, how to install them correctly, and how to distribute your equipment efficiently.
Summary:
Specifics of gravel bikes
Which panniers should I choose for gravel riding?
Types of gravel panniers
Choosing your panniers according to the type of outing
Possible errors
Conclusion
Specifics of gravel bikes
The gravel bike, or gravel bike, is a hybrid between a road bike and a mountain bike. It combines a riding position and geometry similar to a road bike with the off-road capability of a mountain bike. This is precisely what explains its success in France: it is equally suited to urban commutes, rural roads, and forest trails.
Most gravel frames have numerous mounting eyelets on the frame, fork, and seat tube. This is a major advantage for attaching bikepacking bags without a traditional rack.
Since gravel riding is often used where asphalt alternates with dirt and gravel, the choice of panniers is based on two essential criteria: stable fixings to avoid any movement that can affect handling, and easy access to equipment while riding, particularly important during long journeys outside urban areas.
Which panniers should I choose for gravel riding?
On most gravel bikes, it's difficult, if not impossible, to install traditional racks and rear panniers. The frequent lack of mounting points on the rear triangle, combined with short chainstays and specific geometry, makes this type of setup unstable and unsafe. Furthermore, a rack shifts the center of gravity upwards and rearwards, which degrades handling on gravel and rough roads.
This is why gravel bikes favor lightweight panniers attached directly to the frame, handlebars, and seatpost. This load distribution helps maintain stability and control, even on uneven terrain, from rural roads to forest trails.
Types of gravel panniers
Frame bag
It sits within the frame triangle, the most stable area of the bike, closest to the center of gravity. It's ideal for carrying heavy items: tools, food, a power bank, a water filter, or a repair kit. The frame bag is particularly effective on rough roads, where bike stability is paramount. A good example of well-thought-out design is the Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack .
Saddlebag
Attached under the saddle and to the seatpost, like the 9 or 17-liter Apidura Expedition models , it's generally designed for lightweight but bulky gear: sleeping bag, clothing, or sleeping mat. A reliable and rigid attachment is essential to minimize movement on rough terrain.
Handlebar bag
Perfect for a warm jacket, a tent, or supplies. It usually has a cylindrical shape and attaches with straps or a mounting plate, like the Cyclite Handlebar or Brooks Scape models . During installation, it's essential to check that it doesn't interfere with handling or the routing of cables and hoses: a particularly important point on the narrow roads and cycle paths of Paris and its suburbs.
Stem bag
It's a small vertical bag that attaches to the stem and handlebars. Ideal for a snack, a compact water bottle, a camera, or a smartphone. It's very practical for long distances and allows you to eat while riding, without stopping.
Top tube bag
It attaches to the top tube, near the stem. It holds items requiring quick access: keys, documents, smartphone, maps, or energy bars. This bag is ideal for commuting and long-distance touring, like, for example, the Apidura Aero System model , which consists of a top-tube bag and a complementary bottom bag.
Down tube bag
Attached under the frame's downtube, it serves to carry tools, an inner tube, tire levers, and other heavy items not frequently used while riding. It helps optimize weight distribution.
Fork bags
Many gravel forks have mounting points for attaching 3- to 5-liter panniers, such as the Apidura Expedition fork kit . If there are no mounting points, they can be secured with straps. These panniers are extremely useful on multi-day bikepacking trips.
rear bag
Less common, but present on some gravel bikes equipped with mounts for a lightweight rack, such as the Basil Navigator. This solution allows for the addition of extra cargo space.
Choosing your panniers according to the type of outing
The number of panniers depends on the duration of the trip, the weather conditions and the type of route.
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For a day trip: one or two panniers are sufficient, a frame bag combined with a saddlebag or handlebar bag, for a total volume of 8 to 15 liters. Enough for water, food, a windbreaker, a repair kit, and the essentials for riding in the city, the suburbs, or in parks.
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Weekend: A set consisting of a frame bag, a saddlebag, and a handlebar bag, for a total volume of 20 to 35 liters, offers an excellent compromise. This configuration allows you to carry spare clothes, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, food supplies, and the essentials for camping.
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Bikepacking over several days: we add fork bags and side frame bags. The total volume then reaches 35 to 55 liters, or even more, depending on the duration, the level of autonomy, the season and the possibilities of nights in camping or in a refuge.
Possible errors
Choosing panniers solely based on volume isn't always a good idea. An overly large handlebar bag can hinder handling, while an ill-fitting frame bag can prevent the use of bottle cages. Before buying, it's best to check compatibility directly on the bike and ensure the mounts stay securely in place, even on rough terrain.
Conclusion
A well-chosen pannier kit significantly improves the cycling experience. By combining different types of panniers, you can distribute the weight evenly and adapt your gravel bike to all types of rides: from a light urban outing to fully self-supported bikepacking adventures.
At Routes and Roads , our experts will guide you in choosing the panniers best suited to your riding style. Enjoy the freedom of routes offered by gravel riding!
