The gravel bike, or simply gravel, is a versatile bicycle designed to ride on various surfaces: asphalt, gravel, rural roads, and forest trails. In France, this type of bike is particularly popular thanks to the diversity of routes, from Parisian streets and suburban cycle paths to the rural roads of Île-de-France, Normandy, and Burgundy.
Gravel bikes combine the comfort and off-road capabilities of mountain bikes with the responsiveness of road bikes. They are equally suited to commuting, bike touring, long-distance events, or leisurely rides in the countryside – for almost any road.
Summary:
Specifics of gravel biking
Gravel bike characteristics
Who is gravel riding for?
Conclusion
Specifics of gravel biking
Visually, the gravel bike combines elements of road bikes and mountain bikes: drop handlebars and a geometry designed for stability and comfort over long distances. However, its frame is more stable, its riding position less aggressive, and its clearance wider.
This allows for the fitting of wider knobby tires and confident riding on asphalt as well as gravel, forest trails or rural roads around Paris, Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and other suburban areas.
Gravel bike characteristics
Frame geometry and material
Gravel bike frames are distinguished by a more relaxed geometry, which reduces strain on the back and arms. This is particularly important for long distances, bike touring, and daily commutes between the city and the suburbs.
Two elements deserve particular attention: a longer wheelbase and a taller head tube improve stability on uneven surfaces – cobblestones, gravel, and rough roads, typical of suburban routes in France. This is especially true of models like the Welt G100 or the Kona Sutra .
Most frames are made of aluminum, offering an excellent balance between price, weight, and strength. Carbon fiber is lighter and absorbs vibrations better, but it requires a bit more care. Steel and titanium are less common, prized for their comfort and durability, especially in cycle touring.
Wheels and tires
Gravel bikes are generally equipped with two wheel standards: 700c and 650b. For asphalt, Parisian cycle paths or the banks of the Seine, 700c wheels with 35 to 42 mm tires are perfectly suited.
650b wheels with wide tires of at least 45mm are ideal for gravel, forest trails, and rural roads. Tubeless compatibility is also important: it reduces the risk of punctures and improves comfort on the uneven roads so common in France.
Transmission system
On gravel bikes, the most common drivetrain configurations are 1x and 2x.
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A 1x drivetrain, or single chainring (with only one chainring at the front), is simple, reliable, and well-suited to gravel, rain, and mud. It's an excellent choice for cycle touring and mixed terrain.
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The 2x drivetrain, or double chainring (with two chainrings at the front), offers a wider gear range and smaller gaps between gears. It is well-suited to hilly terrain, such as that around Paris, and to routes with many climbs.
Brakes
Almost all modern gravel bikes are equipped with disc brakes, either mechanical or hydraulic:
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Mechanical brakes are simpler and less expensive to maintain, they are suitable for leisurely rides and urban journeys.
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Hydraulic brakes offer more precise and stable braking, especially in the rain and on descents. They are the best choice for active riding, bikepacking, and long distances.
Fixing points
One of the reasons for the success of gravel cycling in France is its great versatility. Gravel bikes are easily adapted to urban and suburban journeys, as well as bicycle touring.
Check for the presence of mounting points for mudguards, racks, bottle cages, and panniers. While not essential at the moment, they greatly expand the bike's capabilities, whether for commuting or weekend getaways.
Who is gravel riding for?
Gravel bikes are an excellent choice for those living in Paris, the suburbs, or neighboring towns in the Île-de-France region who don't want to limit themselves to paved roads. They are particularly well-suited to cyclists who alternate between urban commutes and rides outside the city, heading towards parks, forests, the countryside, or gravel paths.
Gravel biking is for you if you:
— regularly drive on mixed surfaces - asphalt, cobblestones, park paths and gravel, as is often the case in Paris, Versailles, Boulogne-Billancourt, Nanterre and other suburban municipalities;
— want to use a single bike for commuting as well as for long weekend rides;
— prioritize comfort over long distances and avoid an overly aggressive position;
— plan cycling trips in France and sporting challenges;
— look for a bike that is equally at home in the city and outside urban areas.
Versatility largely explains the success of gravel bikes in the French market. They integrate seamlessly into the infrastructure of the Île-de-France region, where urban cycle paths often extend onto suburban and rural roads. This makes them an ideal solution for those who live at the pace of the city while seeking freedom of movement and a variety of routes.
Conclusion
The gravel bike is a versatile solution for French cyclists who want the freedom to choose their routes, regardless of road type. A well-chosen gravel bike will become a reliable companion in Paris, the suburbs, and beyond – for commuting, training, or touring on the most beautiful roads in France.
