Gravel cycling has always been about adventure, versatility, and the thrill of the unknown. But as we roll into 2025, the sport is evolving at breakneck speed, fueled by innovation, bold new trends, and a growing, passionate community. Whether you’re a seasoned gravel racer, a weekend explorer, or just gravel-curious, this year’s trends are set to reshape how—and where—we ride.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the three hottest topics dominating gravel cycling right now: the shift to wider tires and new bike geometries, the rise of grassroots and independent events, and the relentless push for all-road versatility and tech innovation. Along the way, we’ll explore what these changes mean for riders, racers, and the industry at large.
If there’s one thing that’s impossible to ignore in 2025, it’s the explosion of tire widths on gravel bikes. The days when a 38–42mm tire was considered “wide” are over. Now, 50mm is the new standard, and some riders are pushing the envelope with 2.1–2.4 inch (53–61mm) mountain bike tires on drop-bar bikes.
While marquee races like Unbound and SBT GRVL still draw huge crowds, 2025 is seeing a groundswell of interest in grassroots and independent gravel events. The reasons are clear: economic uncertainty, rising costs of travel and entry fees, and a desire for more intimate, community-driven experiences.
In 2025, the line between road, gravel, and mountain bikes is blurrier than ever. Riders are demanding bikes that can do it all—commute on Monday, race on Saturday, and explore backcountry trails on Sunday.
It’s not just the bikes and gear that are changing. The way gravel races are run—and won—is evolving, too.
The Era of Wide Tires: Gravel Bikes Go Big
If there’s one thing that’s impossible to ignore in 2025, it’s the explosion of tire widths on gravel bikes. The days when a 38–42mm tire was considered “wide” are over. Now, 50mm is the new standard, and some riders are pushing the envelope with 2.1–2.4 inch (53–61mm) mountain bike tires on drop-bar bikes.Why the Shift?
- Comfort and Control: Bigger tires mean more air volume, which translates to a smoother ride over rough terrain. Riders can run lower pressures, improving grip and reducing fatigue.
- Performance: Pro gravel racers have openly declared that mountain bike tires are often faster in real-world gravel racing than traditional gravel tires. The added traction and stability can make a significant difference, especially on technical courses.
- Versatility: With wider tires, gravel bikes can tackle everything from chunky fire roads to singletrack, blurring the lines between gravel and mountain biking.
The Geometry Revolution
This tire trend is forcing bike manufacturers to rethink frame design. New models are being built with increased tire clearance, slacker head angles, and longer wheelbases to accommodate the larger rubber. The result is a new breed of gravel bike—one that’s more stable, more comfortable, and more capable than ever before.“The 38-42mm tyres that have reigned supreme in years past are now gone from the front of races. Within a year, tyres have ballooned to 50mm and beyond… this year, it seems the answer to the ‘best gravel tyre’ question is simply: the biggest one you can run.”
Will the Bubble Burst?
As with any trend, there’s debate. Some riders find that above 42mm, tires become heavy and sluggish, especially on less demanding terrain. There’s speculation that, like mountain biking, the market may eventually settle on a “sweet spot” for tire width. For now, though, the arms race for bigger tires is in full swing.Grassroots Gravel: The Rise of Local and Independent Events
While marquee races like Unbound and SBT GRVL still draw huge crowds, 2025 is seeing a groundswell of interest in grassroots and independent gravel events. The reasons are clear: economic uncertainty, rising costs of travel and entry fees, and a desire for more intimate, community-driven experiences.What’s Driving the Shift?
- Affordability: Local races are often cheaper to enter and closer to home, making them accessible to a wider audience.
- Community: Smaller events foster a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity that can be lost in massive, corporate-backed races.
- Innovation: Grassroots organizers are experimenting with new formats, such as combined running and riding events, and creative course designs.
The Big Names Aren’t Going Away—Yet
Major series like Life Time and SBT GRVL remain popular, but their dominance is being challenged. Some events have even been dropped from the big series calendars, making room for up-and-coming races to shine.“Beyond the big names, there are many fantastic races that are run by local organisations and are starting to earn a loyal following. Races like the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, Gravel Worlds, FoCo Fondo, and Mid South continue to build momentum and add new aspects to their charm.”
The Future Is Local
As more riders discover the joys of local gravel, expect to see a renaissance of homegrown events. This democratization of gravel racing is making the sport more welcoming and diverse—one of the reasons gravel has captured so many hearts.All-Road Versatility and Tech Innovation: The Swiss Army Knife Bike
In 2025, the line between road, gravel, and mountain bikes is blurrier than ever. Riders are demanding bikes that can do it all—commute on Monday, race on Saturday, and explore backcountry trails on Sunday.Key Innovations
- Aero-Optimized Gravel Wheels: Deep-section, wide-profile wheels are making their way onto gravel bikes, offering aero gains and better tire support.
- Suspension: Gravel-specific suspension forks and seatposts are becoming more common, providing extra comfort on rough courses.
- Internal Storage and Mounts: New frames feature clever storage solutions and more mounting points for bags, bottles, and gear.
- Drivetrain Evolution: 1×12 drivetrains and electronic shifting are now standard on high-end gravel bikes, offering simplicity and reliability.
The “All-Road” Bike
The dream is a bike that’s just as happy on pavement as it is on gravel or light singletrack. Manufacturers are responding with models that feature adjustable geometry, swappable wheelsets, and tire clearance that rivals mountain bikes—all while retaining the speed and efficiency of a road bike.“We’ll see more deep-section gravel wheels with 27 mm internal widths, going as far as the 32 mm internal rim width Zipp uses. Just as on a road bike, there are aero benefits to be had from an outer rim depth matching the profile of the gravel tire.”
Style, Function, and the Wild West of Gravel
Gravel cycling remains the “Wild West” of the bike world, with riders experimenting with everything from drop bars on mountain bikes to wild helmet designs and unconventional gear setups. The spirit of innovation—and a willingness to break the rules—remains alive and well.The Human Element: Racing, Tactics, and Community
It’s not just the bikes and gear that are changing. The way gravel races are run—and won—is evolving, too.Team Tactics and Live Coverage
- Team Dynamics: While gravel racing has traditionally been an individual pursuit, the biggest races are starting to see more team tactics, sponsor alliances, and even lead-outs reminiscent of road racing.
- Live Streaming: Events like Gravel Worlds are pioneering wall-to-wall live coverage, bringing fans closer to the action and adding a new dimension to the sport.