Gravel riding is one of the most exciting ways to expand your cycling horizons. If you’re curious about giving it a go - or choosing your first gravel bike - you’re already on the right path. And choosing a Handsling is an excellent start. The A1R0evoG is built to take you anywhere, from smooth dirt roads to rugged, technical trails.

What Gravel Riding Really Looks Like

Gravel riding varies dramatically depending on where you live. In warm, dry regions with endless unsealed farm roads, you’ll enjoy big skies, quiet lanes and long, flowing miles.

In the UK, the experience is different: narrow bridleways, mud, roots, nettles and unpredictable weather. The good news is that the A1R0evoG thrives in both environments.

Why the A1R0evoG Is So Versatile

“Gravel bike” means different things to different riders. You might want:

• A fast race setup
• A lightweight commuter or winter trainer
• A fully loaded bikepacking rig

The A1R0evoG handles all of it thanks to:

• A refined frame design blending aero tube shapes with slack geometry and big tyre clearance
• Handsling’s custom build options that let you tailor the bike to your terrain and riding style

Tyres: The Most Important Gravel Choice

Tyres define how your bike feels on gravel. They’re your only contact with the ground, and because gravel riding covers everything from smooth dirt to deep mud, choosing the right tread matters.

Race Tyres

If you’re drawn to gravel racing, look for lightweight tyres with minimal centre tread for fast rolling. As you lean the bike, more aggressive shoulder tread engages to provide grip on loose surfaces.

Examples include:

• Schwalbe G-One RS PRO
• Vittoria Terreno PRO T30
• Challenge Gravel Grinder PRO
• Panaracer GravelKing Semi Slick TLR
• Pirelli Cinturato H

These excel in dry conditions and reward confident handling. Add mud and things get lively.

Muddy / Loose Conditions

For rougher courses, choose tyres with larger, widely spaced tread blocks—similar to XC MTB tyres. The spacing helps shed mud instead of clogging.

Options include:

• Pirelli Cinturato S
• Challenge Gravine PRO
• Vittoria Terreno PRO T60
• Schwalbe G-One RX PRO

Mixed‑Conditions Tyres

If you only want one set of tyres, mixed‑conditions models offer the best balance of speed, grip and versatility.

Examples include:

• Schwalbe G-One R PRO
• Vittoria Terreno PRO T50
• Challenge Getaway PRO TLR

Adventure Tyres

Race tyres prioritise speed over toughness. For rocky courses or multi‑day trips, durability matters more than grams.

Adventure‑focused tyres use:

• Tougher casings
• Extra puncture‑protection layers
• Thicker tread

Examples include:

• Schwalbe G-One Overland 365
• Pirelli Cinturato Adventure

Tubeless or Inner Tubes?

Tubeless systems remove the inner tube and rely on an airtight seal between tyre and rim. Benefits include:

• Lower pressures for more grip
• Improved comfort on rough terrain
• Self‑sealing punctures with sealant

Setup can be fiddly on some combinations, and sealant can be messy—but most riders agree it’s worth it. Even so, always carry a spare tube for sidewall cuts that sealant can’t fix.

Tyre Width: How Wide Should You Go?

Modern research shows wider tyres aren’t slower, they’re often faster and more comfortable. More air volume means:

• Better vibration damping
• More grip from a larger contact patch

The A1R0evoG accepts tyres up to 55mm, ideal for rough, dry terrain. For road‑biased riding, you can fit 30mm tyres for a lighter, faster feel.

The Road Less Travelled: Bikepacking Setup

If adventure is calling, the A1R0evoG is ready. With 25 integrated mounts, it supports mudguards, racks and multiple bottle cages.

Common luggage options include:

• Rear racks and panniers for stable, heavy loads
• Tailfin modular systems for a modern, lightweight alternative
• Saddle bags up to 18L for clothing or sleeping gear
• Top‑tube bags for snacks, electronics or documents
• Stem and handlebar bags for quick‑access items
• Frame packs in full or half‑sizes
• Fork‑mounted cages for extra bottles or dry bags

With today’s bikepacking kit, there’s almost nowhere you can’t strap a bag.

1x or 2x? Choosing Your Gearing

Handsling lets you choose the gearing that suits your riding.

• 2x drivetrains are ideal for road‑heavy riding, offering tight gear steps and a high top end.
• 1x drivetrains simplify shifting off‑road - just move up or down the cassette.

Modern gravel cassettes go up to 44T (or more), and pairing that with a 34T chainring gives you a climbing gear that older riders could only dream of; essential when trails get steep, loose or technical.

Colour: The Most Personal Choice

Your bike should make you want to ride the moment you see it. Whether you prefer stealthy matte black, bold single‑colour finishes or bright, expressive tones your paint says something about you. Choose the one that sparks joy every time you open the garage.

Where Will You Ride Your A1R0evoG?

Anywhere. That’s the beauty of gravel.

• Fit deep‑section carbon wheels, light tyres and bigger chainrings and you’re ready for fast road miles.
• Swap to knobbly tyres, a 1x chainring and an 11–44 cassette and you’re set for off‑road exploration.

The A1R0evoG handles both and everything in between.