Gravel: passing trend or a true outdoor mindset?

Gravel isn’t just a bike or the latest outdoor trend. Gravel biking, gravel running… Discover what the word “gravel” really means and why it goes beyond mere hype.

The history of gravel: from forgotten roads to a global phenomenon

Gravel has deep roots in cycling history: races like Paris-Roubaix (1896) were held on gravel or cobbled roads. In the 1980s and 1990s, versatile riders like John Tomac experimented with hybrid bikes on mixed terrain, moving seamlessly between road, mountain biking, and BMX. This versatility informally inspired the modern gravel philosophy: freedom, adaptability, and the joy of riding on all kinds of terrain.

Today, gravel is officially recognized, with UCI World Championships. But beyond competition, gravel has quickly become a mindset: leaving conventional routes behind, prioritizing freedom over performance, and exploring new terrain.

Gravel bikes: more than a versatile bike

A gravel bike offers:

• A hybrid frame: more stable and comfortable than a road bike, yet faster and lighter than a mountain bike.

• Wider tires: designed for gravel, dirt, and pavement.

• Long-distance comfort: ideal for bikepacking and multi-day rides.

Most importantly, a gravel bike opens up endless possibilities: quiet roads, farm tracks, forest trails, forgotten paths… You can ride almost anywhere with a single bike.

Gravel running: when the gravel spirit goes on foot

Gravel isn’t limited to cycling. Increasingly, runners are embracing it too. Gravel running is a hybrid practice:

• Varied terrain: not asphalt, not technical trails — just rolling tracks, white paths, and accessible forest trails.

• A free spirit: no timing, no ranking — just the joy of exploring at your own pace.

• Open and accessible: suitable for all levels, without specialized gear, and less intimidating than trail running.

In short, gravel running is about rediscovering running in natural landscapes, simply and freely.

Gravel: A hipster trend?

With growing popularity, gravel sometimes attracts clichés: expensive bikes, “hipster” looks, trendiness. But reducing gravel to that misses the point: it’s an authentic, accessible, and timeless practice.

Cyclists and runners have always mixed terrains — roads, tracks, trails. Gravel doesn’t reinvent the sport; it gives it a name and a modern philosophy.

Why gravel captivates long-term ?

Gravel fulfills a deep desire:

• Freedom: leave marked routes behind.

• Joy: far from purely competitive mindset.

• Connection with nature: travel differently and discover new horizons.

Like trail running 20 years ago, gravel has moved from a niche trend to an established practice. Even if the word “gravel” disappears tomorrow, the spirit will remain: explore differently, by bike or on foot.

Explore the GravelUp world !

At GravelUp, we don’t just follow the trend — we make gravel accessible to everyone!

Our selection of destinations and gear is designed to offer versatility, comfort, and freedom. From high-performance bikes to the right shoes, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries, GravelUp helps you explore every road, trail, and path, and fully embrace the gravel spirit, whatever your playground.