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It's decided, you're getting into gravel! You've found your travel companion and are now looking to complete your gravel gear with a suitable jersey. But it's not always easy to find your way around the existing offer... Which cycling jersey should you choose for this discipline? Is a road or MTB jersey suitable? What are the characteristics of a gravel jersey? Ekoï gives you its advice to find the cycling top that will accompany all your adventures on the gravel!
What is gravel style?
Born on the American continent, the discipline has been spreading to Europe for a few years.
Gravel is the promise of combining the sensations of the road with the pleasure of gravel roads. A desire for versatility, freedom and adventure that seems to be increasingly sought after by cyclists.
This is a new practice that is becoming increasingly popular
This new practice inevitably comes with a look of its own!
The gravel look is a style within everyone's reach that prioritizes comfort above all. Better, in fact, to be comfortable in your clothes to ride long hours in the saddle on terrains as varied as your desires.
In short, a casual-leaning look sprinkled with a lifestyle touch, halfway between cross-country and road. Not to mention, of course, the technical side of the fabric.
Do you need a special gravel bike jersey?
There is no one way to dress for gravel, but an infinite number! Regarding the upper body, gravel jerseys are largely inspired by road cycling in terms of fit and design. On the other hand, exit the brightly colored jerseys.
While some brands now offer jerseys dedicated to gravel, a road bike or mountain bike top will do just fine. That's right, because in reality, the important thing is to choose a jersey that suits your cycling profile and is in alignment with your vision of gravel.
For the die-hard off-roaders:
The road? Very little for you: you want to take your gravel bike to the gravel roads and muddy trails. In this case, opt for a mountain bike jersey with a rather loose fit for maximum comfort. If your rides are longer than an hour, turn to more fitted models to enjoy greater freedom of movement.
For road enthusiasts:
Dreaming of gravel to add some unpaved sections to your road rides? A road cycling jersey will be your best alternative. Choose it close to the body, or even with a second skin effect for cyclists looking for aerodynamics and performance.
What are the specifics of cycling jerseys?
Whatever your choice of jersey, be aware that there are some common characteristics of this type of clothing:
- Smart materials: the textiles used are a true concentrate of technology. With such technical fabrics on your back, you will enjoy your gravel escapades 100%.
- Breathability: a cycling jersey consists of a combination of breathable fibers that are both light and strong. Their breathable structure offers optimal sweat wicking.
- Comfort: the seams are invisible or reduced to a minimum to limit unpleasant feelings of friction.
- Practical pockets: gravel jerseys are equipped with pockets on the back of the jersey, intended to accommodate your personal belongings and your ravito. On mountain bike models, the pockets are zippered, unlike the typical road jerseys.
- Front zip: a full or half zip allows you to regulate your temperature as needed.
- Silicone bands: the presence of elastic bands with silicone inserts at the sleeves and hem ensures that the garment fits perfectly on the body.
Which gravel jersey to wear in summer?
Getting ready to ride your gravel bike in the summer or spring sun? You're going to have to dress accordingly, or risk having a frankly unpleasant experience...
For the warm weather, you have two clothing options:
- the short sleeve gravel jersey for summer;
- the sleeveless gravel jersey if the temperatures soar.
These ergonomic styles are designed for riding in hot weather, with a thin, perforated fabric that helps cool the chest. Ultralight, slim-fitting, and extremely ventilated, they'll be the best ally for bikepackers and gravelers of all kinds to combat the hot weather. Perfect for staying dry throughout the ride.
What gravel jersey in winter?
In cold weather, when the thermometer plummets, gravel rides are all the more insane! Provided you are properly equipped.
For winter, the jersey comes in long sleeve version. The fabric is fleece lined for thermal insulation purposes, limiting the feeling of cold. Depending on the product, the sleeves can also be windproof and water repellent.
Underwear for gravel: what's the point?
Sliding a technical baselayer under your jersey is definitely a good idea when it's cold. But when it's hot, too!
When temperatures are cool, you need to stack layers to allow perspiration to dry and thus stay warm. A tight fitting long sleeve undershirt does this job perfectly.
The principle is the same for summer, except that the undershirt is short-sleeved, or sleeveless. It plays the same moisture absorption role to better wick away moisture.
The under shirt is the same for summer, except it is short-sleeved, or sleeveless
The undershirt is therefore essential in any season so that the long hours of effort pedaling on your gravel remain above all a pleasure.
How to choose your jersey design.
Tastes and colors are unique to each person: so it's up to you alone to choose the design of your gravel jersey! Depending on your personality and your appetite for the gravel philosophy, here are a few directions to take.
First option: you adopt the total gravel look.
Cap under the helmet, you opt for a jersey that is at once sober, elegant and original, stemming from a clever mix between cross-country and road bike style. Ideal for riding in both urban and rural environments, without attracting all eyes.
Second option: you no longer count the asphalt miles and you identify with the great champions of the discipline.
Why not set your sights on a jersey with the colors and sponsors of your favorite cycling team? Even if it is decried by the pure gravelist, this jersey, often fluorescent or at least flashy, has the merit of increasing your safety when you pedal on the tarmac, and knock!"
Aesthetics is a decisive criterion in choosing your gravel jersey. Treat yourself! A bevy of designs are available on the market: sleek or busy, discreet or fun, plain or patterned...
Take advantage of it to match your pants, tights, shorts or shorts. Then complete your cycling ensemble with gravel shoes, gravel gloves and a gravel helmet.
