If you or a friend is gearing up for the season and getting ready to take on some gravel, I have my best all-time recommended gear checklist to make sure you take all you need and have everything for any event!
Let's get right into it.
I am going to break it down into a few sections so we can focus on each component *no pun intended haha.
Bellow are all recommended brands and types that I love to use if you are confused about exactly what to bring or get...
The Clothing departmentThe key is to make sure to have an extra set of your favorite bibs and jersey
For summer riding, I would recommend a lightweight long-sleeve jersey that can help protect you a bit from the sun and you can just focus on reapplying sunscreen on the neck and legs.
Rain Jacket *this one is 100% waterproof, I can vouch for that as well as it packs away nice and tight so you can take it with you
Wind Breaker jacket
This is a great versatile jacket to put on at the top of a climb or at the start. It packs so well and is a great addition
Vest
My favorite brand:
2x Bibs
My favorite brands:
2x jerseys
My favorite brands:
leg warmers and arm warmers *just in case
Half Gloves
Full Gloves
Shoe Covers*Great for keeping your feet warm
The Bike Body Care DepartmentSunscreen travel size *perfect to take with you to reapply ESPECIALLY if you are out there for many hours
Embro Cream. This is if it's cold enough but leg warmers don't suffice for you. Get the low or medium heat and apply before heading to the start it will help warm your legs for the first cold bit before it warms up... Just DONT use it as chamois cream! I can tell you.. it's horrible haha.
The Technology DepartmentIt's important to make sure everything is up to date and you have to charge cords and whatnot to make them work. Here are some of my top picks...
Wahoo Element Roam & Charging chord:
https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-computers/elemnt-roam-buy?utm_id=go_cmp-17720792527_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-WFCC6_mca-9049687_sig-CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncflzQrWFh__Eihwpi5_ReNJ2bInUbNuDCeryZNS_k5uAUksGGww4LhoCPCgQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncflzQrWFh__Eihwpi5_ReNJ2bInUbNuDCeryZNS_k5uAUksGGww4LhoCPCgQAvD_BwE
Front and red backlights & Charging chord:
Charger for any electronic shifting OR extra batteries!
The BikeNow for bike setup, there is a lot out there. this is my top choice along with the gear set and power pedals for the best quality and fun!
Ventum GS1
Saddle:
Velo saddles are really great fits and I live by them for all my bikes.
Use Code: BACKUS22 for 25% off
Gearing: Campagnolo EKAR 13 speed (it's been the best one-by gearing I've had yet and highly recommend it!
Helmet:
Safety is PRIORITY and I have been loving my Limar helmets, ESPECIALLY the new gravel helmet with a light on the back
USE Code ba_charlottebackus_fnf30 for 30% off
Garmin Rally SPD Power Pedals
*you can also get Double Power sided:https://www.backcountry.com/garmin-rally-xc-dual-sided-power-meter-pedals
Regular XTR SPD pedals *cost-effective version
The Tires Now depending on race, it can vary so here is a protocol I like to use
Over 70-80% paved road:
50% or less paved road but smooth gravel *AKA Steamboat Gravel race:
Chunky gravel *Unbound or Lincon Nebraska:
Way out Yonder rugged all types:
Bike Bags
My favorite part! bags are your friend but it's having the right ones that are both aero and good for use... here are my top picks
Saddle Bag
https://www.amazon.com/arundel-Gordo-Seat-Bag/dp/B07WDCXV7V/ref=sr_1_2?crid=4E6NVW7GUZTW&keywords=arundel+saddle+bag&qid=1682125473&sprefix=arundel+saddle+ba%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-2
Top Tube Bag
Hydration DepartmentRecommended Hydration pack:
Nutrition Department
This is very important to have the essentials you know and need as races and events are fun and have new things, But I always recommend starting with what you know and if you see something you want to try, try it during training and note to yourself. You don't want to have any problems from trying something new that could break your race.
Here are some top picks for nutrition ON the bike
Carb mix for bottles *gravel racing is tough so the best way to stay on top of nutrition and hydration in putting both in one hydration pack and use that as your main source. that way you minimize the difficulty of grabbing food and water and you have both hydration and
Electrolyte & Carb
Coconut Water
https://www.amazon.com/Vita-Coco-Organic-Coconut-Water/dp/B07DJ16CD6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3FANS4TNAAPDP&keywords=coconut+water+no+sugar&qid=1682124720&sprefix=coconut+water+no+sugar%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzS1ozNU5aQjhSV1I2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI1NDc0MzMyQlYxWkYwNzNVVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjAzNjQyUEZMWkRKUkxIQ0YyJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Skratch Labs Hydration
Electrolytes tablets
Skratch Carb Mix
Tailwind Medium Carb mix
Science in Sport Carb Mix
Food picks
I love real food if you do decide that way... I recommend making that Allen Lim style Skratch labs Rice cakes.
Rice cakes
https://www.skratchlabs.com/blogs/recipes/rice-cake-prep
Thats it
Sans Meal Bar
Down there department 🙈CHAMOIS cream is your friend for down there! and if you are out on a long
I recommend to always take some sample packs with you on the go.
The Master tool Kit set up*key is to always pack extra food and electrolytes (either pills or tablets)
Sample Chamois cream Packet for reapplication
SPF Lip Balm *it can get dry out there and nothing feels better than well-covered lips.
Downtube Pump
Recommended valve stems
Extra sealant
2x Co2 cartridges *if flying to the event DO NOT fly with them and purchase them when you get there.
Co2 Dispenser
Tubeless Tire Plug
LUBE!
yes, it's VERY helpful to bring extra lube for your chain because the dirt can make it chattery and other is nothing worse than a loud chain.
Dollar bill *just in case you have to use it For a big gash on your tire
Extra tube *with a LONG enough stem for your Wheels
Extra Derailer Hanger *these can get bent easily
Extra Chain Link
This is a lot, but rest assured, if you come prepared, you will not end up being stranded. here are some great videos to watch on how to manage mechanicals just in case so you are prepared more than ever.
How to change tubeless
How to fix Tubeless
How to fix Chain
How to Plug Tubeless
The Travel!
when it comes to flying with bikes, it can be hard to know what case to get. here are my top three picks that will ensure your bike gets there in one peace. *just make sure to take off or adjust things to the directions OR reach out to coach Charlotte for any questions.
Road, Gravel
https://www.backcountry.com/evoc-pro-road-bike-bag?CMP_SKU=EVCM01N&MER=0406&skid=EVCM01N-BLA-ONESIZ&mr:trackingCode=0034385A-2B2C-EC11-8120-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&k_clickid=_k_CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncTN-u2VIEZQYo3wV0TM3t5HvxpuENlEjB2KB7tbirMnPFrthaCxUPRoCU0kQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_id=go_cmp-12868123114_adg-121976326232_ad-517539148775_pla-542546377654_dev-c_ext-_prd-EVCM01N-BLA-ONESIZ_mca-7811_sig-CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncTN-u2VIEZQYo3wV0TM3t5HvxpuENlEjB2KB7tbirMnPFrthaCxUPRoCU0kQAvD_BwE&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncTN-u2VIEZQYo3wV0TM3t5HvxpuENlEjB2KB7tbirMnPFrthaCxUPRoCU0kQAvD_BwE
Road, Gravel, Mtb
and of course last but not least
DONT FORGET
Your shoes and helmet and sunglasses *The Three MOST important that get forgotten the most haha.
Have fun and Shred on!