May 12 min read

Embracing the Gravel

Updated: May 7

Picture yourself on a bike, not quite a road racer, not quite a mountain bike, but a versatile blend offering the best of both worlds – that's the gravel bike. Its a road bike with relaxed geometry, easier gearing and extra clearance for big tyres. The result is a brisk comfortable ride with relaxed climbing. It's for adventurous types wanting to hit gravel roads and mixed terrain in comfort. In regions like Byron Shire and its surrounding areas, where poorly maintained roads beckon the adventurous spirit, gravel riding finds its natural habitat. Here, gravel bikes thrive, offering riders a blend of comfort, performance, and versatility.

One might wonder, is gravel riding merely a trend, or does it possess a deeper significance? Gravel riding has recently evolved into a “discipline” of sorts, with UCI world titles, “gravel” specific group sets and clothing and, according to some of its more ardent practitioners, its own ethos of rebellious self reliant fun.

Consider the humble beginnings of gravel riding. Old school, pre-suspension mountain bikes of the 1970s and 80s were very much gravel bikes. And cyclocross racing is more than a century old. When cyclists first started circumnavigating the Australian continent 125 years ago, they rode exclusively on unpaved roads on bikes that were heavy and single geared but not radically dissimilar to today’s.

As the popularity of gravel riding continues to soar, so too does the bike industry's response. With a keen eye for every niche, manufacturers eagerly cater to the gravel riding community, crafting bikes, apparel, and accessories tailored to its unique needs. Yet, amidst the sea of options, one truth remains clear – gravel riding is more than just a pastime; it's a celebration of exploration, resilience, and the joy of the open road.

At True Wheel Cycles we're committed to providing riders with top-notch gear that enhances their gravel riding experience. That's why we're thrilled to introduce the Northwave range of gravel wear to our collection. Designed with the adventurous gravel rider in mind, Northwave's offerings boast a perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and style.

One of the features of Northwave's gravel wear is its relaxed fit jerseys. Unlike traditional cycling jerseys that prioritize aerodynamics, these jerseys offer a more laid-back fit, allowing for greater freedom of movement on rugged gravel trails. In addition to their jerseys, Northwave also offers a range of baggy shorts that are perfectly suited for gravel riding. Constructed from durable yet lightweight materials, these shorts provide ample protection against abrasions and trail debris, ensuring that you can focus on the thrill of the ride without worrying about discomfort or wardrobe malfunctions.

But don't just take our word for it – we invite you to come in and see our range of Northwave gravel wear for yourself.