What are you all wearing for a gravel race? Or Gravel based tri?
Just wondering if a regular bib with cycling shirt is best or is there specific things that are different that should be taken into consideration.
Thanks
I wear the same kit I wear on the road for gravel events. I havent done a gravel tri yet, the closest thing I have done is an xterra where I just wore my tri suit.
Some brands sell cargo bibs with extra pockets. I usually have a handlebar or half frame bag on my gravel bike during events so I havent had a need for extra pockets on my bibs to store stuff.
I guess if I rode gravel more often I would look into bibs with more abrasion/tear resistant fabric. I’m more likely to crash off road. I havent ripped any road bibs gravel riding yet, but I have racing cyclocross.
Yep - I was thinking I might need something more durable.
I have yet to see a gravel triathlon.
I bought a Sportful Supergiara kit this year after seeing Peter Stetina’s custom Supergiara kit and it is super nice.
Loads of extra pockets which I actually kind of like.
It’s very race fit though.
I gravel race in my custom team skinsuit from Jakroo. Don’t need to carry much when there are aid stations.
I’ve never worn anything different than a regular kit, other than occasionally bibs with cargo pockets.
Idk about a gravel tri. But for regular gravel rides and races, I ride with a regular bike kit and a camelbak. The Camelbak makes stopping at aid stations less necessary and it’s a lot easier to stay hydrated if you don’t have to reach down for a bottle while avoiding rocks, etc.
just regular kit. Haven’t done gravel tri yet.
Idk about a gravel tri. But for regular gravel rides and races, I ride with a regular bike kit and a camelbak. The Camelbak makes stopping at aid stations less necessary and it’s a lot easier to stay hydrated if you don’t have to reach down for a bottle while avoiding rocks, etc.
I found I didn’t care for the camelbak on my back especially on the heat. I switched to a evoc waist pack. holds max 1.5 L but more comfortable for me.
What are you all wearing for a gravel race? Or Gravel based tri?
Just wondering if a regular bib with cycling shirt is best or is there specific things that are different that should be taken into consideration.
Thanks
We put on our first gravel tri last month and if my memory is correct, it seems like most people wore their normal tri kit.
Castelli makes some gravel kit that I picked up that is awesome. Everything fit true to their measurement guides.
There really isn’t anything special about it, other than I tend to buy super tight kit for road stuff and wanted something a bit more comfortable for a long gravel race. I don’t have any qualms about wearing my road kit thought at all. I use that for MTB too.
All good stuff - thank you.
same as road except the shoes/pedals. I use XTR pedals with Bont Vapor G
I did the Belgian Waffle Ride this year in a regular road cycling jersey and cargo bibs. Stashed some extra gels in the bib pockets so I could fuel more easily between aid stations. Also had a handlebar bag with sunscreen and some treats for later in the race.
What are you all wearing for a gravel race? Or Gravel based tri?
Just wondering if a regular bib with cycling shirt is best or is there specific things that are different that should be taken into consideration.
Thanks
San Remo suit (or similar “road race†suits) are perfect for gravel.
Just look for big pockets in the back of the Jersey. Easier to stash pocket beers.
Last gravel race I did handed out Hamms at the last 2 miles.
I find, for gravel, that I do not like having a lot of stuff in my jersey pockets. I’ve invested in multiple frame bags this year and much prefer them to stuff in my pockets, so much so that I fought a frame bag for my “road-ish” bike as well.
Also, when I ride remote fire roads I have to be totally independent so i have a lot of stuff for repairs to include a chain tool. The one race I thought to reduce some weight, I popped my chain on an awkward shift and had to wait on someone’s charity to get me back on the road.
Even my pump goes in the frame bag because the dust killed my last one.
With everything in the frame bag, I wear the tightest, most aero jersey I have.
From what I see around Boulder, you need flannel and jorts (sew a Rapha patch on the jorts, preferably) and definitely un-button the flannel and let it flap in the wind, even if it’s cold out and don’t wait until you’re hot, the flapping needs to happen 100% of the ride, and you need to layer in a way that conforms to other Rapha-wearing gravelists; just enough scruff to say ‘I don’t give AF’ and you need square glasses that cover your forehead, cheekbones, but that leave room to show the stache…
Regular road stuff with a few possible exceptions: full finger gloves, Camelbak Chase Vest, XC MTB shoes and pedals.
From what I see around Boulder, you need flannel and jorts (sew a Rapha patch on the jorts, preferably) and definitely un-button the flannel and let it flap in the wind, even if it’s cold out and don’t wait until you’re hot, the flapping needs to happen 100% of the ride, and you need to layer in a way that conforms to other Rapha-wearing gravelists; just enough scruff to say ‘I don’t give AF’ and you need square glasses that cover your forehead, cheekbones, but that leave room to show the stache…
Last race i saw someone wearing Carhartt’s cut to capris length. I couldn’t imagine the chaffing happening
bibs and a jersey.
there are gravel shoes with a neoprene sock top to keep out debris. I scoffed when I saw a review of them. A week later I wished I had them as my shoes filled up with pebbles and grit on the first 60 miles of a long race.
if you’re worried about falling down you should maybe think about tires and psi instead of clothes.