Gravel Endurance

Essential kit for comfort, safety, and smarter rides on gravel and e‑gravel bikes

Gravel riding in your 50s and beyond is all about freedom, fun, and comfort—and the right accessories can make all the difference. Whether you’re tackling light local trails, riding to the coast, or exploring with a bit of e‑assist, your gear should work with you, not against you.

1. Padded Gloves – Because Comfort Starts at Your Hands

In this post, I’ve pulled together five must-have accessories for over-50 gravel riders. Each one is chosen for comfort, confidence, and practicality, with suggestions across three price levels: affordable, mid-range, and premium. Whether you’re on a traditional gravel bike or an e‑gravel model, these will help you ride further and feel better doing it.

After 50, our hands don’t always tolerate vibration like they used to. Padded gloves protect against numbness, joint fatigue, and handlebar buzz—especially on longer rides or rougher terrain.

Tier	Recommended Glove	Why It’s Great
Budget	Decathlon Van Rysel Road 900 Mitts (~£15)	Breathable back, well-reviewed, secure wrist closure; great bang-for-buck.
Mid-Range	Giro Bravo Gel Gloves (~£25)	Gel padding reduces nerve pressure; solid grip on bar tape
Premium	Specialized Body Geometry Dual-Gel Gloves (~£35)	Ergonomically designed, absorbs shock, great for longer gravel rides

👉 Tip: Choose gloves with a pull-off tab system. Much easier for stiff fingers or cooler days.

2. Rear Light with Daytime Flash – Because Visibility Saves Lives

Even on trails or quiet lanes, being seen is critical—especially on mixed-surface routes. A powerful daytime running rear light can make all the difference.

Tier	Recommended Light	Why It’s Great
Budget	Cateye Rapid Micro USB (~£20)	Small but bright, easy USB charge
Mid-Range	Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 300 (~£40)	Multiple modes, long battery, USB direct plug
Premium	Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar Light (~£140)	Built-in radar alerts you to cars approaching from behind; great on solo rides or quieter routes

For riders who want next-level visibility and real peace of mind, the CYCPLUS L7 Radar Tail Light is a smart upgrade and great value (£65.66).

Combining a powerful 270-degree tail light with radar that detects vehicles up to 160 m behind, it gives audible and visual alerts so you can focus on the ride instead of checking over your shoulder. Its automatic brake-sensing bright-up, IPX6 waterproof rating, and lightweight 67 g design make it perfect for long gravel adventures or city commutes alike—an ideal choice for riders over 50 who want to stay seen and informed on every outing.

Buy on the Cycplus website here

3. Helmet with MIPS Protection – Because You Only Get One Head

A lightweight, well-ventilated helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) adds an extra layer of protection against rotational forces during a crash. Modern gravel helmets are lighter and more comfortable than ever.

Tier	Helmet	Key Benefit
Budget	Giro Fixture MIPS (~£75)	Excellent value, secure fit system
Mid-Range	Bontrager Rally MIPS (~£90)	Deeper coverage, great airflow, adjustable fit
Premium	POC Ventral Air MIPS (~£200)	High-end protection, very lightweight, great for e‑gravel climbs

4. Compact Pump or CO₂ Inflator – Because No One Wants to Be Stranded

Whether you’re running tubeless or classic tubes, having a reliable way to inflate your tyres mid-ride is essential—especially if you’re out on backroads or bridleways where help isn’t close by. Over-50 riders often value simplicity, speed, and tools that don’t stress the hands.

Tier	Product	Why It’s Great
Budget	Topeak Mini Dual G Pump (~£20)	Lightweight, frame-mounted, works well with high-volume gravel tyres
Mid-Range	Lezyne Pressure Drive Hand Pump (~£40)	CNC-machined, reliable, includes flexible hose to reduce valve stress
Premium	Silca Tattico Bluetooth Mini-Pump (~£95)	High-quality inflation + connects to your phone for pressure accuracy (ideal for tubeless users)

CO₂ Inflator Options

If you have reduced grip strength or just want a quicker option:

• Budget: Lifeline CO₂ Inflator Kit (~£20)
  
• Premium: Silca EOLO III Regulator (~£45) — ultra-precise and built to last
  

Tip: Combine a mini-pump with a single CO₂ cartridge for backup—you’ll be ready for anything without needing a full floor pump in your pack.

Electronic Bike Pumps are compact, portable devices that use an internal battery to automatically inflate tyres to a preset pressure. They are highly accurate, often displaying pressure in multiple units (PSI, BAR). These pumps eliminate the physical effort of manual pumps and the waste of CO2 cartridges, making them a convenient tool for both pre-ride preparation and on-the-go puncture repairs. Keep an eye out for future articles.

5. Saddle That Suits Your Sit Bones – Because You’re Not 25 Anymore

Your backside has earned a better saddle. For gravel and e‑gravel, you want something supportive, shock-absorbing, and suited to your sit bone width, not just your style.

Tier	Saddle	Why Riders Over 50 Love It
Budget	Charge Spoon (~£25)	Surprisingly comfy for the price, flexible shell
Mid-Range	Selle Italia X-LR Gel Flow (~£80)	Great for endurance riding, lightweight gel support
Premium	Ergon SMC Core Men / Women (~£120)	Dual-layer cushioning, ideal for back and hip comfort

👉 Read our Professional Bike Fit article

Bonus Section: “Nice-to-Have” Accessories (Coming Soon!)

If you’re already sorted with the essentials, here are some extras to keep an eye on—we’ll cover these in more detail in future articles:

• Suspension seatposts for reduced back fatigue
  
• Tyre inserts for added comfort and puncture resistance
  
• Multi-tools with torque keys
  
• Bikepacking bags for day rides or overnighters
  
• Electronic Bike Pumps
  

Enjoyed This Post?

I’ll be covering all the gear, bikes, tech, and training that help cyclists in their 50s (and beyond) ride longer, climb easier, and feel better in the saddle. If you’re just getting into gravel—or levelling up with an e‑gravel bike—subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss what’s next.