No — but some familiarity with the bike helps before a multi-day trip.

A gravel bike handles similarly to a road bike with a more relaxed geometry and wider tyres. If you already ride a road bike, the transition is immediate. If you're newer to cycling, a gravel bike is actually a more forgiving starting point than a road bike — more stable, more comfortable and more capable on imperfect surfaces.

Our pre-departure notes include specific setup and handling tips for first-time gravel tourers. You can also check out our activity levels guide to help you choose the right tour.

The key differences for touring:

• Wider tyres — typically 35–45mm versus 25–28mm on a road bike — absorb surface imperfections and handle mixed terrain

• More relaxed geometry — a longer, lower position that reduces fatigue over multi-day distances

• Disc brakes — stronger stopping power on loose or wet surfaces

• More clearance — the frame accommodates wider tyres and in some cases mudguards

On pure tarmac a road bike is faster. On mixed surfaces, converted rail trails and gravel roads, the gravel bike is the better tool by a significant margin.

Almost all of them — which is why it's our most popular bike choice.

The destinations where a gravel bike adds the most:

• Tuscany — strade bianche and gravel estate roads

• Romania — Carpathian forest roads and village lanes

• Scotland — Cairngorms gravel tracks and Highland roads

• Portugal — ecopistas and ecovias on converted railway lines

• Slovenia — Soča Valley forest corridors and mixed Alpine terrain

For destinations with predominantly excellent tarmac and serious climbing — Mallorca, Tenerife, the Pyrenees — a road bike may suit better. Get in touch and we'll advise.

It depends on the destination and tour. Our pre-departure notes specify exact recommendations for every tour — tyre width, pressure and any relevant setup adjustments.

As a general guide:

• 35–38mm suits predominantly tarmac tours with occasional gravel sections

• 40–45mm suits tours with significant mixed-surface or gravel-heavy stages

• Tubeless setup is worth considering for gravel-heavy destinations where puncture resistance matters

If renting through us, bikes are matched to your tour's terrain before you arrive.

Yes — and many of our cyclists do, particularly those with a bike already set up to their preferences.

Let us know in advance and we will ensure the logistics account for it. Our pre-departure notes specify exactly what tyre width and setup we recommend for your chosen tour's terrain so you can prepare before you travel.

Bike rental remains available if preferred — current-model gravel bikes matched to your tour and delivered to your first hotel.

Yes — gravel bikes are geared for touring, which means compact gearing suitable for sustained climbs as standard. Unlike road race bikes optimised for speed, touring gravel bikes prioritise comfort and range across varied terrain.

For particularly demanding destinations — the Dolomites, Norwegian fjords, the Swiss Alps — a gravel e-bike is worth considering. The terrain versatility of a gravel bike combined with pedal assistance on the climbs is our strongest recommendation for high-elevation mixed-surface tours.

Typically shorter — and worth factoring into your expectations.

Mixed surfaces take more time and energy than tarmac. A typical gravel touring stage runs 50–80 km compared to 80–120 km on an equivalent road tour. Our itineraries are planned with this in mind — gravel tour stage distances reflect the actual effort involved rather than the map distance.

If you're used to road touring distances, approach your first gravel tour with slightly more conservative expectations. Most cyclists find the shorter stages feel just as rewarding — often more so.