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Gravel Cycling Ruined Road Bikes For Me...Here’s Why!

Cycling Weekly

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Gravel cycling is getting more and more popular but why are so many people choosing a gravel bike over a road bike in 2026? Jamie and Emily discuss why their riding habits have changed over the last few years but also how gravel cycling hasn't always been smooth sailing. Here's some things to consider when gravel cycling and how to get the most out of your gravel bike.

Let us know if you prefer road cycling or gravel cycling in the comments below...

https://www.forestryengland.uk/nation...

This video contains paid promotion on behalf of Forestry England. if you're looking for amazing gravel tracks to try out over the next year, use the code FECWGR26 to get 15% off a Forestry England national membership. The offer ends this Halloween, so don't leave it too late to redeem the offer! The offer is valid for National Membership only, is available to new members only, and is not available on Direct Debit. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Presented by: Jamie Williams
Videographer/Editor: Edward Westrop & Andrew Daley

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20 Comments

@keizersoze907 12 days ago

95% of my miles this year has been gravel. But you have to have the environment local to you that allows it. Alot of people stay away from it due to lack of trails or dirt roads in proximity to them

@Ballacks101 2 weeks ago

I avoid roads for leisure cycling now. I’m done with feeling hated. I don’t like that I’ve given in and given up but I’ve had enough.

@xavcarmic0686 2 weeks ago

Absolutely the same here in Australia. Thankfully we have plenty of hard packed unpaved roads and forestry fire trails. Just sick of the agro from vehicles.

@DarenC 12 days ago

I really like the idea of gravel riding, but the benefit of the road for me is that it starts at my door. I don't need to drive for an hour to Grizedale or Gisburn to ride my bike (which also leaves my wife and kids without the car). Not aware of anything local to me that I could just ride to and do

@urbanadventurer5 2 weeks ago

I love the mixed use trails and forest service roads we have out here in Colorado for all of the sane reasons. I am mostly over riding with cars and not as into full mountain biking, so gravel riding on light trails and forest roads has become my favorite type of riding.👍🏾

@musicman5075 2 weeks ago

Don't know why you need a gravel bike, all those forest trails look far smoother than any of the roads round my way.

@MikeDontknowwhyYTchangedthis 13 days ago

While not as big as the Forest of Dean I live near Delamere Forest that I can ride my gravel bite to as well as ride around. That’s a big win compared to driving to somewhere when my time is limited with kids. NB driving somewhere was what I did every week when mountain biking in my younger years. Now that driving time feels a waste

@333wheeler 2 weeks ago

Yes that looks like the Alton Towers of gravel. ! The reality of linking up bridleways of dubious nature good and bad place to place or a local circuit loop is a whole different ballgame :).

@fennec13 2 weeks ago (edited)

I never was a road cyclist - I grew up with MTB in the 80-s and 90s . Once I started city riding and having fun, and doing longer rides, a gravel bike was my next logical step, NOT a road bike.
I do have 2 sets of wheels - one with 32mm tires for more pavement oriented rides (and light gravel) and a set with chunkier gravel tires around 45mm. for light MTB trails and gravel rides.
There is NO such thing as N+1 to me. My one bike does it all and I cannot fathom why I would need anything else for the type and scope of riding I do.

@karlnorberg7768 2 weeks ago

I only ride offroad now. Training for TT nationals my tibia was demolished by a car that ran me over at a traffic light. Took me two years to get back. It’s just not worth risking our lives without better legislation and protection from our communities.

@BaldTreads 2 weeks ago

I do a bit of all cycling disciplines. I sure as hell wont be backing down the road riding just to suit impatient morons in cars vans and trucks.

@RicGravelgavel 2 weeks ago

I currently live in a tropical gravel paradise… but next month I’ll be moving to a bustling tropical city with no gravel whatsoever to be found. Thankfully there’s a closed off road loop that goes actually above the ocean. Pretty scenic to be honest

@markwhalley3859 13 days ago

The roads where I live in south Devon are becoming increasingly busy and there are more pot holes to contend with. Gravel paths are the way forward for stress less riding