There are hundreds upon hundreds of brands in bicycling. From budget to billionaire worthy, the range in prices can vary significantly.

If the items we have sent you are faulty, damaged or not as we described, we will cover the cost of collection and the delivery of the correct item. For some of us, gravel is simply a jaunt down a few green lanes, while others regard gravel as anything that mixes tarmac and dirt in one ride – even if that dirt calls for what are effectively mountain bike skills but on drop bars.The XC7 tightens and closes the same way as its roadie relative, the RC7, producing a fantastic fit. Performance XC (cross-country) mountain bike shoes make for the closest match, which is why we’re seeing some styles badged as mountain bike and gravel hybrids. In fact, the difference between the two is often so small it might as well be non-existent and either will work fine for the other. Five things to consider when looking for gravel shoes However, every product is different, and every brand has its budget products and big flops. Make sure to research the exact product you’re looking at to see if the quality is worthy of the brand it represents. Don’t go for the cheapest thing In practice, on rougher terrain an all-over lug pattern is best for stability. The question of whether or not to add studs is a personal one, though for us it’s not crucial unless we’re racing cyclocross, where the extra grip could make or break a race. Fit

The synthetic leather used for the upper feels supple yet sturdy enough for off-road scuffles. It's essentially one piece of material, with just an added reinforced section to secure the strap across the toe. The under and over wraparound design eschews the traditional two sides and separate tongue opening and it's incredibly comfortable as the shoe wraps over the entire foot with no pressure points or seams to rub. But what do you need to look out for when shopping for cycling gear? What are the best brands? What kit is really necessary? Do you really need it? Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, Location is often a factor too. In the UK, ‘gravel’ is more likely to mean country lanes and bridleways, while in the USA the well-maintained gravel roads of races such as Unbound are more commonplace.

Latest Comments

You get two of Sidi’s Tecno 3 Push dials for retention, with the top one working in tandem with a strap across the instep. We don’t find Sidi’s dials quite as simple as the two-way micro-adjustment of the latest Boa dials, but they are still easy to use and hold firm over long rides. Integrated seamless midsole and upper construction set a new level of fit, stability and lightweight performance. The line between gravel shoes and cross-country mountain bike shoes is often thin. David Caudery / Immediate Media You might also want to get a bike cover if your bike will be open to the elements whilst at work, school or elsewhere. A cover will protect your bike’s surface from wear and tear, helping to keep it in the best condition possible.

Synthetic uppers are common across the price spectrum. Often, synthetic uppers rely on perforation and mesh inserts for breathability. They don’t mould to the shape of your foot in the same way that leather does, but they don’t cost as much either, and fastening paired with other factors such as insole choice can practically circumvent this issue. a lightweight glass fiber reinforced nylon sole with rubber XC outsole to promote a stable pedal engagement, secure walking grip and assured power transfer. This olive green version of Sidi’s premium Jarin is aimed at the gravel market. At 760g for a pair of size 45s, it sheds over 100g from the weight of Sidi’s previous range-topping off-road shoes, but has the same replaceable grips protecting the carbon sole.Compared to road shoes, gravel shoes are designed for walking comfort and are a bit more forgiving. They also differ from many road shoes in that they use two-bolt mountain-bike style cleats as opposed to three-bolt road cleats. At the other extreme, flat-soled mountain bike shoes might have off-bike comfort but their flexible soles aren’t the best for power transfer. These need to be stiff enough for us to put the power down but flexible enough to walk in, and light enough not to feel uncomfortable, but sufficiently stable and grippy to keep us grounded. The gold standard is the double Boa, which allows you to independently tighten the forefoot and instep. In our experience, this creates a fit that’s both secure and comfortable, yet stays solid throughout your ride. Uppers Old-school laces have their fans, though. If you have a high instep, you probably find that they allow for the differentiation in tension that gives a snug forefoot fit combined with ease over the instep that you need for best comfort.

The Shimano XC3 is ultra-versatile, an off-road shoe that is equally at home racing cross-country or on a casual pub ride. The Shimano XC models also feature the DNA of the premium S-PHYRE MTB range, with high-end looks and the capability to deliver performance. Of course, this doesn’t mean buy the most expensive items, but it does mean to think about if the price tag has more to do with the bragging rights than the actual quality of the product.

Recently Viewed

The Sector closes with a dual Boa dial system that allows for precise adjustments, while the supportive footbed is better than many. The toe box is also roomy. I haven’t had the chance to practise cyclocross skills in the XC7s because we’re out of season in the UK. This is a very simple but very important question. You may have heard the old adage ‘all the gear and no idea’. This concept is very much applicable to new riders that want to make sure that they have everything they need before their first trip on the pedals. The downside of laces is that they have a habit of working loose over the course of a ride, especially if walking is involved, which is likely on more technical gravel rides. Outsoles made from rubber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) add grip and durability, with gravel shoes tending to have a more open lug pattern than the outsoles of off-road shoes. In theory, this provides enough grip while still enabling them to shed mud faster.