SRAM’s high-performance wheel sub-brand, Zipp, has developed two new models specifically for gravel riding. The new 303 XPLR S and SW wheels feature a completely redesigned internal architecture and rim shape – and they are much wider than conventional gravel bike carbon rims. What is a gravel bike? Are gravel bikes old-school mountain bikes? Gravel bike racing … Read more
SRAM has been developing drivetrains for gravel before it was even a thing, with many of the brand’s product developers dabbling with 32-35mm tyres and tubes on cyclo-cross bikes back in 2013 already. But a lot has changed since those early pioneering days and, as gravel has become more mainstream, riders have naturally leaned towards wanting … Read more
Many things in mountain biking and off-road cycling have peculiar names that don’t always allude to what they do. But dropouts are wonderfully onomatopoeic – doing exactly what they say. What is a gravel bike? Can you use a road bike helmet for MTB and gravel riding? Mountain bike tyre inserts – everything you need … Read more
Finding the right mountain bike shoe is a tricky exercise, so we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best mountain bike shoes you can currently buy. Shoes are more than just a style element, providing an important contact point with the pedal system whether that’s a flat, or clipless pedal. The … Read more
Ard Rock is the biggest open race event in the country. Welcoming thousands of riders to put in their best times over seven of the finest stages that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, there’s a fantastic opportunity for brands to show their wares at the expo that serves as the base for the event. We … Read more
For fans of skinny tyres and Tarmac, Pinarello is a brand that needs absolutely no introduction. Its road bikes have brought many a rider to great success but at the Nova Mesto MTB World Cup last year, it debuted its prototype cross-country bike under Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. Since then, it’s racked up numerous results, … Read more
The Favero Assioma Pro MX power pedals represent the Italian brand’s first off-road-specific blueprint and have been designed to provide gravel and mountain bike riders with accurate power data. The range spans single (MX-1) and dual-sided pedal options (MX-2) – we have the Favero Assioma Pro MX-2 pedals here. Having cut its teeth developing one of the lightest … Read more
[Words by Steve Thomas]With the 2024 Pairs Olympic Mountain Bike XCO races done and dusted with we assess how the races were won, how the cards were played, and take a look at the surprises and lessons thrown up in the French dust of Elancourt Hill. How to watch the Paris Olympics mountain bike cross-country … Read more
This Merida Silex 700 may be lower down the brand’s gravel range of bikes but, with a mixture of some major tweaks to the geometry and overall design for 2024, plus a great selection of kit it is an affordable gravel machine which is capable of taking on more technical terrain than most. With some … Read more
Privateer has been ticking off race wins since its 161 development three years ago. It was built to be race-ready for season after season and is now in its Gen 2 phase. Following the Gen 1, the bike is a mullet set-up with 161mm of bounce with an option of increasing to 174mm with some tweaking. Seasoned … Read more
