Gravel Bike For Touring: Is It A Good Idea?

Freedom and exploring the world on your bike are unparalleled. But have you considered using a gravel bike for touring? 

As gravel bikes gain popularity, the question of whether or not they’re the right companion for a long-distance journey remains. 

Here, we take a look at whether it’s the right choice for you. 

What is a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes combine the features of a road, mountain, and touring bike with elements like drop handlebars, wider tyres, and a frame that’s designed for a variety of terrains. Giving you the ability to ride on smooth tarmac to rugged trails. 

If you’re a rider who wants to take on adventure beyond paved roads, a gravel bike could just be the frame for you. 

The Moda Molto is designed with high-performance components that make it an excellent choice for long-distance touring. Its lightweight yet sturdy frame, precision-engineered gearing, and endurance-focused geometry provide durability and speed across varied terrains. 

Can you use a gravel bike for touring?

Gravel bikes are suited to touring, especially when your route includes a mix of surfaces. Moda gravel bikes feature carbon and titanium frames that can support panniers and bikepacking bags, ensuring that you carry all of the essential gear you need. 

The geometry of a gravel bike allows for comfortable riding for long days, and its wider, robust wheels provide stability and comfort on varied terrains. 

If you want to carry traditional touring gear, the Moda Strega is a great choice. Its titanium frame allows it to hold more weight in the bags mounted on it.

The appeal of using a gravel bike for touring 

The adaptability of gravel bikes makes them an appealing choice for touring. Riders can explore less-travelled routes without feeling confined to smooth pavements. 

You can choose to take forest trails, country lanes, or dirt roads. The ability to handle both on-road and off-road conditions allows you to create more dynamic itineraries.

Touring with a gravel bike

If you’re considering touring with a travel bike, you might want to think about: 

• Suspension: You can use suspension on the Moda Bikes gravel bikes using a suspension seatpost or stem. 

• Handlebar design: Flared drop handlebars, an option for Moda gravel bikes, can provide added stability on rough terrain. 

• Braking power: Moda Bike’s flat-mount disc brakes provide consistent stopping power, which is essential for long-distance touring. 

Comparing gravel bikes to traditional touring bikes 

Pros and cons of using gravel bikes for touring

Pros

• More adaptable to different terrains 

• Lighter than traditional touring bikes 

• Sportier geometry for an exciting ride 

• Better braking power with disc brakes

• More aerodynamic for speed and efficiency

Cons 

• May not support as much weight as a dedicated touring bike 

• Comfort might not be as high on long-haul road-only tours

• Fewer mounting points compared to traditional touring bikes

Is a gravel bike good for travel? 

If you’re a traveller looking for flexibility from your bike, then a gravel bike makes an excellent choice. Their capability to transition seamlessly between different terrains means you can make route changes without worry and explore as and where you want to. 

The Moda Strega Titanium is a great choice for adventure travel, thanks to its durable frame, which is built to handle challenging conditions. 

Are gravel bikes good for long distances? 

Gravel bikes are designed for endurance. Their balanced geometry, sturdy wheels, and ability to absorb shocks from uneven surfaces help reduce fatigue during long distances. 

However, if you plan to carry a lot of gear, you need to make sure your bike can handle the weight. The Molto can carry a maximum of 5kg per bolt, but the Moda Strega Titanium is a better option for those who’ll have more luggage. 

Are gravel bikes good for bikepacking?

If you’re looking to go bikepacking, a gravel bike makes a good choice for this. The Moda Molto’s carbon fork and lightweight frame make it a top contender for riders who want to go the extra mile on their adventures. 

A gravel bike design accommodates any bags you need without compromising handling. Plus, the wider tyres, and robust frames make them ideal for taking on unpaved trails, forest paths, and backcountry routes you may be planning for. 

Essential accessories for gravel touring

Bikepacking bags vs Panniers 

• Bikepacking bags: Light and aerodynamic, these bags can attach directly to the frame, handlebars, and seat post. They’re ideal for rougher terrain but often have less carrying capacity. 

• Panniers: Ideal for longer tours, panniers provide more storage and are easier to access. However, they can impact the bike’s handling, especially on a bumpy trail. 

Mudguards and fenders 

If your route includes wet or muddy conditions, mudguards can help keep you and your gear cleaner. Moda Bikes offers compatible mudguards for models like the Moda Molto, ensuring better protection on wet rides. 

Multi-tool and repair kit 

A well-equipped tool kit should include a multitool, tyre levers, a spare tube, and a mini pump. If your bike has tubeless tyres, consider carrying a tubeless repair kit. 

Clothing and footwear 

• Opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying apparel. 

• Stiff-soled cycling shoes help you to pedal, but they also need to be comfortable for walking in too. 

What to consider before touring on a gravel bike 

Before you think about touring on a gravel bike, you might want to consider the following: 

• Load capacity: Ensure that your bike can handle the weight of your gear. Even though gravel bikes are sturdy, they may not support as much weight as traditional touring bikes. 

• Mounting points: Check for mounts for racks, fenders, and extra water bottles. The design you choose might lack these features, which can be really useful when touring. 

• Tyre selection: Choose tyres that balance rolling efficiency with puncture resistance and are suitable for the terrain you’ll be riding over. 

• Gearing: Are your bike’s gears the right choice for hilly terrain, especially when it’s carrying extra weight? 

• Comfort: Long hours in the saddle require a comfortable setup. Changing your seat might be a good way to go. 

Touring on a gravel bike: Recommended setup 

Here’s our advice on prepping your gravel bike ahead of touring: 

• Luggage: Choose bikepacking bags that can attach directly to the frame, handlebars, and seat post. This helps maintain the bike’s balance and handling. Look for brands that are durable and waterproof. 

• Tyres: Select tyres with a balance of width and tread suitable for your planned terrain. Tubeless designs will reduce the risk of flats. 

• Gearing: Using a wide-range cassette will help you tackle varied elevations comfortably. 

• Navigation: Install a phone mount or a reliable GPS device on your bike to help you keep track of your route. 

• Lighting: Equip the bike with decent-glow front and rear lights. This is vital if you plan on riding in low-light conditions. 

Final verdict: Is a gravel bike a good choice for touring? 

If you want a tour that’s a mix of paved roads and off-road trails, and you want a versatile bike, a gravel bike makes an excellent choice. It’s suited to riders that are looking for flexibility and the option to explore as and where they’d like without having to be confined to traditional routes. 

If you’re ready to take on your next touring adventure, check out Moda Bike’s gravel bike collection. With expertly crafted frames, performance-driven components, and a passion for adventure, Moda Bikes bikes are built to go the distance.