There was a lot new gear, race motion, and ground-breaking happenings in 2024 that I’m simply beginning to course of all the pieces. It was a banner yr for biking, racing particularly. The Olympic years are all the time good for brand new tech and outrageous pricing within the biking world. All the followers cross their fingers and hope that new tech results in a victory for his or her favourite rider (Victor Koretzky over right here). While others sit again and wait until the newest and best trickles right down to a palatable value.
With all of the racing, tire corporations out-sizing one another, and the rise of the robots (in our shifting solely, hopefully), 2024 was one heck of a yr as a biking fan.
About Jordan Villella
“Hi, I’m Jordan!” I’m Racing Tech Editor at Bikerumor.com. I’m the one who’s voted probably to put on a pores and skin go well with within the group experience, can speak for hours about pre/throughout/put up experience diet and loves a very good CRR graph. I’m additionally a biking coach with Cycle-Smart, so I like to see how a refined racing machine enhances a well-tuned athlete.
No matter racing, coaching, or car parking zone beers, my hands-down favourite factor about biking is the group. It’s one which I’m proud to be part of and that I cherish with each outing. So, regardless of what number of gears you could have, what package you’re carrying, or your experience objectives, be careful for one another. On the highway and within the forests, we’re all we’ve.
I want you all a contented and protected New Year full of no bonks, fewer flats, and many nice espresso — Now, onto the gear!
Event of the Year: Iron Maiden – Future Past Tour
If you requested me the very best occasion I attended this yr, sadly, it wasn’t bike-related. It was taking my son to see Iron Maiden on the Future Past Tour. Heavy steel, punk, and the reside music scene are a big a part of my life. Taking my oldest to see a reside present of one of many best to take the stage was a bucket listing second for me. It was additionally one of many few final reveals Nicko McBrain would play reside with the band, and that made it additional particular after the actual fact.
My son’s favourite a part of the evening? Seeing Bruce Dickinson combat Eddie.
My favourite a part of the evening? I appeared over and noticed my son’s eyes big with pleasure because the band took the stage, his first massive live performance, and it was a basic.
Best BIKE Event: ENVE Grodeo
For those that don’t know, the ENVE Grodeo is a gravel experience from the ENVE HQ in Ogden, UT, and covers almost each enjoyable terrain you’d wish to experience a motorcycle on. The experience is enjoyable, with sufficient difficult sections and technical bits to maintain the seasoned professional sincere. But with relaxation stops attractive sufficient to make you truly get off your bike and work together with the individuals round you. My favourite was the axe-throwing relaxation cease… that was superior.
The better part was ending the experience on the ENVE HQ and getting a tour of the carbon room and creation course of. No, it wasn’t as a result of “I used to be with the press.” Everyone who attended the experience was given a tour. It was good to see the individuals you have been ripping down mountainsides with, giving excursions of their workstations and wheel-building processes. For these in search of a experience that’s out of a traditional mixture of occasions, the ENVE Grodeo is a must-attend.
Road Bike Editor’s Choice: Sage Skyline
I don’t get to experience titanium bikes typically, I normally get carbon aero-race gear. That’s nice, don’t get me improper, however when the Sage Skyline bike overview got here in, I used to be hooked. The bike is a basic titanium construct with spherical, sturdy tubes and a contemporary clearance for bigger tires. The bike presents an unbelievable vigorous experience sensation whereas being responsive sufficient to race.
The consolation and really feel of the slight vibration rolling on the tarmac made this bike stand out in my overview catalog this season. Sage is a superb firm; I’ve cherished their bikes for some time. This is simply the primary of their highway bikes I’ve ridden. I hope to experience extra sooner or later, and it is best to examine them out when you’re out there for a titanium bike, regardless of the self-discipline.
Mountain Bike Editor’s Choice: Lauf Elja
The Lauf Elja is a singular bike, not solely in its appears to be like but additionally in its experience high quality. The silhouette is extra of a retro chainstay-less design; some really feel bizarre about it. I feel it appears to be like unbelievable and makes the bike really feel much less “severe.” That’s the entire vibe of the Elja. It’s unassuming, quick, and a heck of plenty of enjoyable.
When using the Elja on my residence trails, I discovered myself taking totally different traces, enjoying extra, and with extra confidence. Yes, the two.6″ tires assist, however the Elja experience is playful, however if you wanna go arduous, it might ship. The spec for my “race construct” is exactly what I’d need, and the SRAM Flight Attendant suspension with 120mm of journey entrance and rear is greater than sufficient to get rowdy (I don’t get that rowdy, truly).
Best Kid’s Editor’s Choice: Giant Faith
The Giant Faith was my son’s first actual expertise on a full-suspension bike. He’s ridden them round however by no means totally embraced the “bouncy” feeling. Plus, those he rode have been small grownup bikes, probably not “made for teenagers.” So when the Giant Faith got here into overview, I used to be curious to see how he would love it.
It was heavier than his hardtail (which he loves) and had extra controls, but it surely was like a “magic carpet” within the woods. The suspension was extra delicate to his small stature, and all the pieces from the dropper to the grips was kid-focused.
I personally like the additional confidence it gave him on the paths. The pedaling platform didn’t have him struggling on the uphills. Plus the spec was finely tuned for what a child would love, and priced for a guardian to exchange when want be. The bike is completely shreddable and a very good jumping-off level for intense path using.
Component Editor’s Choice: SRAM RED XPLR
As I discussed on the BikeRumor podcast, considered one of my favourite items of package this yr was the brand new SRAM RED XPLR. It’s not solely as a result of the RED XPLR groupset performs so effectively. It’s as a result of this group hopefully means a step in the precise path for SRAM highway groupsets.
When SRAM re-designed the RED group, I used to be tremendous excited. I didn’t just like the older design, particularly the brake really feel. The new RED groupset, nevertheless, appeared to have skipped just a few generations, and landed proper in a candy spot of consolation on the highway and performance off-road.
The shifting is accentuated by the assembly of SRAM’s transmission mountain bike tech and up to date lever design. Having 13 gears isn’t the piece that sells the RED XPLR group, but it surely helps immensely in its trigger. I sincerely hope that we’ll see an up to date SRAM Force XPLR and APEX sooner or later. This tech needs to be loved by all who need it, not simply the race crowd.
Headunit Editor’s Choice: Garmin 1050
Over the yr, I’ve frolicked on many various head models: the WAHOO Ace, the COROS DURA, and many smartwatches. The one which retains coming again on my bike is the Garmin 1050. It has options, together with waze-like path/highway subject reporting and glorious mapping. Plus, it has a bell! Yes, it’s not with out points; the battery life isn’t nice, and I’d like to see it have a photo voltaic panel – however perhaps for 2025. The Garmin 1050 has been my ride-or-die for the 2024 season on MTB (it’s too massive for many MTB, however…I prefer it), highway (good sizing), and gravel (superior).
Road Tire Editor’s Choice: Pirelli P Zero Race RS
The highway tire I spent most of my time on this season is the Pirelli P Zero Race RS. It’s tremendous quick rolling, comfy within the bumpiest situations (measurement dependent), and I didn’t have a flat all season. I’ve been a fan of Pirelli tires since they got here again into the biking world, and the P Zero has been my go-to highway race tire for the previous two seasons.
When the P Zero Race RS arrived, it was like using the tires I used to be used to, however sooner and gripper. What’s to not love? Well… the value, however you possibly can’t win all of them.
Gravel Tire Editor’s Choice: Hutchinson Caracal
Depending on what sort of gravel journey or race you’re rolling will dictate your tire. For me, I spent plenty of time on combined gravel with loads of hard-packed and highway sections thrown in. The good companion for these days was the Hutchinson Caracal gravel tire.
The 40mm measurement was simply sufficient quantity for my kind of using, and it rolls effortlessly on the highway. The measurement knobs are simply sufficient to tear some single monitor or pull you out of a deep quicksand (gravel?) and chew into the soggy earth.
Hutchinson had three glorious releases in 2024, all of which exceeded my expectations, particularly the Python 3 and Python Race Tire. I hope to see this development (and provide within the USA) proceed into the subsequent yr with one other basic firm returning.
Mountain Bike Tire Editor’s Choice: Maxxis Aspen ST
You know the Maxxis Aspen ST tire when you watch World Cup XCO racing. It’s the one you wanna experience, however they didn’t have it obtainable so that you can buy – as a result of it’s “pro-only”. All that modified this season once they lastly made inventory for the plenty. I used to be desirous to get my palms on a set, and it didn’t disappoint me. The tire is quick, tremendous quick, and it’s an absolute ripper in the precise situations (when you can management it).
The further suppleness is notable, and the voluminous casing is a superb combine with trendy cross-country racing. Unfortunately, the wear and tear isn’t that nice (it’s a race tire, so Im not bummed), and the value is bonkers, however….man, is it a quick, enjoyable tire. It undoubtedly needs to be on the brief listing of cross-country, short-track, and gravel racers seeking to squeeze out probably the most velocity (enjoyable) they’ll on race day.
Helmet Editor’s Choice: Canyon Disruptr CFR
I’m going to get flack for this, however I prefer it. The new Canyon Disruptr CFR helmet with the HighBar system was considered one of my most worn helmets this season. Why? First off, I favored displaying off the distinctive buckle and the “examine this out” look I’d get from some “too cool for college roadies.” But I did (do) just like the design, and I really feel that the HighBar system has promise.
The distinctive design is an acquired style, however I can see it gaining velocity within the commuter market and different segments of the game. I just like the match, the form of the Disruptr CFR helmet, and the sunglass ports. Win.
Subscription of the Year: Fuel Goods
For probably the most half, I feel I’ve my ear to the bottom and know in regards to the “cool package” coming within the sports activities and dietary realms. It seems… I don’t know, and one place that jogs my memory month-to-month is Fuel Goods Rider Boxes. About a yr in the past, I obtained a Rider Box (from Fuel Goods) and was launched to the subsequent superior tea, hydration combine, gels, chocolate, and extra. Every month, I’d get these treasures, some I knew and a few that have been additional to me. I didn’t know I’d be into a number of the items within the field, however now I’m seeking out (like sip-able soup within the vacation field).
The Fuel Goods containers aren’t about getting you hooked on new manufacturers or merchandise. They assist the month and the exercise you’re doing. The latest Holiday Box is a wonderful instance of that. It arrived with some chocolate (glorious) but additionally some Ginger Chews, hangover helper (thanks!), and a parade of vitality bars and gels (together with my favourite TORQ). If you wish to meet Fuel Goods’s house owners, try the BikeRumor Podcast. I sit with the crew and chat about Gravel Race Fueling and hydration. Highly really helpful as a present for the bicycle owner or adventurous individual in your life.
Cool Gear Editor’s Choice: Nix BioSensor
Nix Biosensor is a sweat monitor that’s “kinda” like a CGM, besides it doesn’t penetrate your pores and skin. It creates a layer across the pores and skin and takes samples of sweat, something for sweat fee and focus. The companion app will give suggestions and evaluation after the experience (and through).
The cool factor is you don’t have to put on it on a regular basis. You can do rides the place you are taking samples, dial in your electrolytes and sodium, and take a look at once more. For athletes seeking to dial of their hydration for lengthy occasions or are experiencing cramps (raises hand), it’s price a strive, and you’ll cross it round to your crew to share the information.
Bike Rack Editor’s Choice: Velocirax Tilt and Pivot
With all of the bikes coming out and in of our place in the course of the yr (together with our private bikes), it’s arduous to discover a dependable and sturdy bike rack for household use. We moved this yr, and it was an opportunity to begin over bike rack-wise, so I went in a brand new path.
I purchased a Velocirax 8-bike wall rack for my storage. It wasn’t low-cost, however I figured I used to be in enterprise if it held up nearly as good because the automotive rack. The set up was tremendous straightforward, and I’m no Al Borland (90s children get that joke). The rack itself is tremendous beefy and clean-looking. It can take a large number of differing bikes and totally different wheel sizes. Plus, I can shuffle by means of every bike with out scratching them. Something that was all the time a problem with my home made hanging bike rack I had beforehand. After almost a yr of use, I’m enthusiastic about my determination. Highly really helpful.
Mountain Bike Wheelset Editor’s Choice: Roval Control SL Team Issue
I’m very aware of the Roval MTB wheel household. I’ve raced the Roval Control SLs for the previous couple (5 years), and they’re my go-to race wheels. So when Roval up to date them, I questioned how. They didn’t do a lot, however they made them lighter and gave them a superb package bundle and presentation.
The hubs are silver bling and have every Specialized Factory Racing crew member’s signature. The carbon spokes are the identical ones used on the Roval Team Edition highway wheels. However, the very best and most distinguished promoting function of the Roval Team Edition Control SL wheels is the additional bits. The wheels arrive with a second set of ceramic velocity bearings, alternative spokes, Specializes Fast Track Tires, and rather more.
Road Wheels Editor’s Choice: Mavic Mavic Allroad SL
2024 was a giant yr for Mavic, particularly within the USA. The French model opened a USA workplace in 2023 and has been trucking since. One of probably the most iconic items I see from Mavic is their alloy highway wheels. I raced on a set of Ksysim SL wheels for years, they usually have been my infants. I fell in love with the experience of Mavic wheels, and once I rode the Mavic All Road SL wheels, I used to be reunited with that feeling.
The Allroad SL wheels are harking back to the yellow age of wheels (minus the one yellow spoke). They are mild and reliable, and now, because of a US presence with Mavic, alternative components are available. Now that carbon has changed high-end alloy, the high-end alloy Mavic creations are greatest served with unpaved roads, slight gravel, and the trail much less traveled. I’m excited to see what they’ve in retailer for 2025 and past.
Now — on to 2025!
Each of those merchandise was fully chosen purely on their technical deserves, by me personally, and for the explanations described above. More nice merchandise handed by means of my palms in 2024. Under no circumstances have been any of my picks, paid for by their producers. Nor was any desire or favor given to the model or advertiser. My choices are largely (however not completely) restricted to merchandise I’ve truly frolicked using/testing in individual. So a model’s willingness to ask Bikerumor to hitch a launch occasion, or to supply product samples could make it extra seemingly that we’ll have thought of their merchandise, if solely as a result of we will share our actual, firsthand experiences.
