Hardtails are ideal for both those new to mountain biking and those who prefer the sheer simplicity and ride character they offer. Whyte's new Secta looks poised to hit both of those marks thanks to an on-point geometry, no-fuss build kits, and somewhat reasonable pricing. Here are the details.

While no stranger to the protectives market, the LS Flex Enduro knee pad is amongst EVOC's first go at limb protection. While it’s not a completely flawless pad, it provides good comfort, impressive airflow, with comprehensive coverage, so it ticks the ‘must-have’ boxes. It does feel a little overcomplicated, though, which holds it back compared to key players in the kneepad space. 

When it comes to top-level racing, gauging fitness, or looking to improve the general mountain biking experience, power meters are a seriously important tool. Without Shimano releasing a specific meter with its recently launched XTR Di2 drivetrain, 4iiii has stepped up to the plate, bringing its established Precision 3+ and Precision 3+ Pro to the most highly anticipated drivetrain we've seen for a while.

Gravel racing is growing exponentially, with events like Unbound gravel and the Traka both being staples in any gravel racer's calendar while attracting riders from all around the world. Off-road racing and gravel, especially, has its own demands on shoes, and Fizik reckons it's got the answer with the new Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave X kicks.

Gravel racing is perhaps the most exciting sector of all cycling disciplines at the moment, with it gaining entrants and spectators on an impressive scale. And with all of that hype, it comes as no surprise that the bikes are getting mighty techy and Cervelo has weighed in with its brand new Aspero-5, a bike the Canadian brand boasts is the most aerodynamic gravel bike ever made.

SRAM's Red XPLR drivetrain was the first gravel drivetrain from the brand to feature the Full Mount derailleur hanging system that did away with the derailleur hanger in favour of a mountain bike-inspired direct mount. With that drivetrain being nothing short of high-end, those without deep pockets can rejoice (kind of) as SRAM has trickled all of that tech down to its Force and Rival XPLR groupsets.

Although common amongst top-level athletes, cycling computers still aren't something that are really considered essential for more casual mountain bikers, despite their importance when used for training and the like. However, Garmin is poised to buck the trend, having launched the Edge MTB, a cycling computer built especially for mountain bikers that allows you to track your time in the air and much more.

Joining the likes of Ohlins, HEL, Yamaha, and a whole bunch more, Brembo is the latest brand to bring its motorsports know-how to mountain biking. Seen on Specialized's already fairly secretive downhill bike, the Demo, amongst the elite-level downhill circuit, the partnership is now official as both Specialized and Brembo promise to 'revolutionise' braking.

Despite boasting a sizable product range already, Insta360 may be considered one of the newer kids on the action camera block. But don’t let that fool you, as its flagship Ace Pro 2 camera is one powerful bit of kit. It’s brimming with features you may have to buy aftermarket with other cameras, and it produces top-quality and stable footage without requiring all that much knowledge. It could do better in terms of battery life, however, but if you’re looking for a super versatile action cam that knocks out decent footage with little effort, look no further.

Hot off the heels of the launch of Shimano XTR Di2 just a couple of weeks ago, the components giant has brought that wireless Di2 technology to XT and Deore level. The new drivetrains bring most of the tech seen on the brand's flagship model too, apart from the new brake design at Deore level. Here are all of the details...