As the golden days of summer drift away and the white shoes and socks get packed up, it’s almost time to stow away the fast bikes. For those of us with a collection in the garage, it’s now about dusting off the winter bike. But wait, before you settle for your usual winter setup, have you thought about upgrading to a gravel bike? If you haven’t, it might just be time.
At Yellow Jersey, we wholeheartedly support the N+1 philosophy because, well, one more bike won’t hurt, right? Plus, with our generous 60% multi-bike discount, adding another steed to your stable won’t break the bank when it comes to insurance. So, here are five reasons why gravel bikes just might be better than your road bike.
What is a gravel bike, anyway?
To the untrained eye, a gravel bike might look like a regular road bike, but the differences are significant. Gravel bikes are built to handle a range of terrains—gravel roads, dirt trails, rough pavement, and even light off-road tracks. They are designed to be fast, nimble, and capable on almost any surface.
gravel bike key features:
Longer wheelbase for better stability and handling off-road.
More tyre clearance for chunkier tyres, giving better grip and comfort.
Disc brakes (yes, most road bikes have them too, but gravel bikes take them to another level).
Lower gearing to help you handle those steep, gravelly climbs.
More relaxed geometry for extra comfort, making them ideal for longer, rougher rides.
Comfort: The name of the game
Let’s face it, winter roads can be treacherous. Between wet leaves, mud, gravel, and potholes, you need a bike that keeps you comfortable and confident. With the wider tyres of a gravel bike, you’ll get better traction and a smoother ride, making those chilly, messy roads more bearable. You don’t need to worry about aero in the winter—what you want is to enjoy quieter lanes without sacrificing comfort or control.
Go (almost) anywhere
With its off-road capabilities and extra grip, a gravel bike gives you the freedom to leave behind the busy roads. You can venture onto glorious cycle paths and gravel trails that would be too rough for your road bike. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our selection of Markus Stitz’ blogs here.
Gravel bikes make commuting a breeze
Gravel bikes aren’t just for weekend adventures; they make excellent commuter bikes too. The relaxed geometry, wider tyres, and space for mudguards make a huge difference on urban roads, especially in less-than-ideal weather. Plus, many gravel bikes come with mounts for pannier racks or frame packs, letting you carry your gear without resorting to a bulky rucksack or bursting jersey pockets. And when it comes to dodging potholes or hopping over road obstacles, gravel bikes excel where road bikes might struggle.
Get into bikepacking
The adventure of bikepacking is all the rage these days, and a gravel bike is your best friend if you’re planning a self-supported mini-tour. The versatility and comfort of gravel bikes make them ideal for longer trips with unpredictable terrains. For more inspiration, check out Markus Stitz’s books on UK gravel routes—great reading, and maybe even a Christmas gift idea for the adventurer in your life!
Is a gravel bike the only bike you’ll ever need?
Let’s be honest: no bike is perfect for everything. A gravel bike won’t be as fast as your aero road bike, nor as capable off-road as a dedicated hardtail. But can it do a bit of everything? Absolutely. That’s why it’s so popular. With an extra set of wheels, you can transform your gravel bike from an off-road warrior into a speedy, road-ready machine. It’s like getting two bikes for (almost) the price of one!
As the saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often better than a master of one.” A gravel bike epitomises that versatility. And in a time when many of us are looking to consolidate or simplify, trading in a few bikes for one that does it all might just be your smartest move.
Do you agree? Or do you think the bike industry is just inventing solutions to problems we never had? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget, at Yellow Jersey, we offer comprehensive bicycle insurance, including coverage for gravel riding anywhere in the world. Need help? Give our support team a call at 0333 003 0046