If you’re completely new to mountain biking or gravel, here’s everything you need to get started

road.cc, a prominent online cycling publication, has released a comprehensive guide aimed at complete novices entering the world of mountain biking or gravel cycling. Titled "Here's everything you need to get started," the article outlines essential gear, fundamental techniques, and initial considerations for those new to off-road disciplines, effectively serving as a primer for prospective knobbly-tyre enthusiasts.

This publication underscores a significant trend within the cycling industry: the continued expansion and democratisation of off-road cycling. With gravel riding, in particular, experiencing a boom in participation and equipment sales over the last five years, guides like this are crucial for onboarding new riders. It reflects an industry keen to capitalise on this growth, moving beyond the traditional road cycling focus to embrace the broader appeal of dirt and adventure.

While hardly groundbreaking, road.cc's guide is a sensible, if somewhat predictable, move to capture the attention of an ever-growing segment of the cycling market. One must start somewhere, after all.