There was a lot new gear, race motion, and ground-breaking happenings in 2024 that I’m simply beginning to course of every thing. It was a banner yr for biking, racing particularly. The Olympic years are at all times good for brand spanking new tech and outrageous pricing within the biking world. All of 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). Whereas others sit again and wait until the newest and biggest 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
“Hello, I’m Jordan!” I’m Racing Tech Editor at Bikerumor.com. I’m the one who’s voted most probably to put on a pores and skin go well with within the group journey, can speak for hours about pre/throughout/put up journey diet and loves a superb CRR graph. I’m additionally a biking coach with Cycle-Sensible, so I like to see how a refined racing machine enhances a well-tuned athlete.
Regardless of 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, irrespective of what number of gears you’ve gotten, what equipment you’re carrying, or your journey objectives, be careful for one another. On the highway and within the forests, we’re all we now have.
I want you all a cheerful and protected New 12 months full of no bonks, fewer flats, and plenty of nice espresso — Now, onto the gear!
Occasion of the 12 months: Iron Maiden – Future Previous Tour
In case you requested me one of the best occasion I attended this yr, sadly, it wasn’t bike-related. It was taking my son to see Iron Maiden on the Future Previous Tour. Heavy steel, punk, and the dwell music scene are a big a part of my life. Taking my oldest to see a dwell present of one of many biggest to take the stage was a bucket checklist second for me. It was additionally one of many few final exhibits Nicko McBrain would play dwell with the band, and that made it further particular after the actual fact.
My son’s favourite a part of the night time? Seeing Bruce Dickinson struggle Eddie.
My favourite a part of the night time? I seemed over and noticed my son’s eyes large with pleasure because the band took the stage, his first huge live performance, and it was a basic.
Finest BIKE Occasion: ENVE Grodeo
For many who don’t know, the ENVE Grodeo is a gravel journey from the ENVE HQ in Ogden, UT, and covers almost each enjoyable terrain you’d wish to journey a motorbike on. The journey is enjoyable, with sufficient difficult sections and technical bits to maintain the seasoned professional sincere. However 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 very best half was ending the journey 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.” Everybody who attended the journey 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 on the lookout for a journey that’s out of a ordinary mixture of occasions, the ENVE Grodeo is a must-attend.
Highway Bike Editor’s Selection: Sage Skyline
I don’t get to journey titanium bikes typically, I normally get carbon aero-race gear. That’s nice, don’t get me fallacious, however when the Sage Skyline bike evaluation got here in, I used to be hooked. The bike is a basic titanium construct with spherical, strong tubes and a contemporary clearance for bigger tires. The bike presents an unimaginable full of life journey 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 evaluation catalog this season. Sage is a good firm; I’ve cherished their bikes for some time. That is simply the primary of their highway bikes I’ve ridden. I hope to journey extra sooner or later, and you must examine them out when you’re available in the market for a titanium bike, irrespective of the self-discipline.
Mountain Bike Editor’s Selection: Lauf Elja
The Lauf Elja is a novel bike, not solely in its seems but in addition in its journey high quality. The silhouette is extra of a retro chainstay-less design; some really feel bizarre about it. I feel it seems improbable 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 a variety of enjoyable.
When using the Elja on my dwelling trails, I discovered myself taking totally different strains, enjoying extra, and with extra confidence. Sure, the two.6″ tires assist, however the Elja journey is playful, however once you wanna go exhausting, it will possibly 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).
Finest Child’s Editor’s Selection: Large Religion
The Large Religion 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, not likely “made for youths.” So when the Large Religion got here into evaluation, 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 every thing 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 father or mother to exchange when want be. The bike is completely shreddable and a very good jumping-off level for intense path using.
Element Editor’s Selection: SRAM RED XPLR
As I discussed on the BikeRumor podcast, one among my favourite items of equipment this yr was the brand new SRAM RED XPLR. It’s not solely as a result of the RED XPLR groupset performs so properly. It’s as a result of this group hopefully means a step in the fitting 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 brand new RED groupset, nonetheless, 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 Pressure XPLR and APEX sooner or later. This tech ought to be loved by all who need it, not simply the race crowd.
Headunit Editor’s Selection: Garmin 1050
Over the yr, I’ve hung out on many various head items: the WAHOO Ace, the COROS DURA, and plenty of smartwatches. The one which retains coming again on my bike is the Garmin 1050. It has options, together with waze-like path/highway problem reporting and wonderful mapping. Plus, it has a bell! Sure, 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 possibly for 2025. The Garmin 1050 has been my ride-or-die for the 2024 season on MTB (it’s too huge for many MTB, however…I prefer it), highway (excellent sizing), and gravel (superior).
Highway Tire Editor’s Selection: 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, snug 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 quicker and gripper. What’s to not love? Properly… the worth, however you’ll be able to’t win all of them.
Gravel Tire Editor’s Selection: Hutchinson Caracal
Relying on what sort of gravel journey or race you’re rolling will dictate your tire. For me, I spent numerous time on combined gravel with loads of hard-packed and highway sections thrown in. The right 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 dimensions 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 wonderful releases in 2024, all of which exceeded my expectations, particularly the Python 3 and Python Race Tire. I hope to see this pattern (and provide within the USA) proceed into the following yr with one other basic firm returning.
Mountain Bike Tire Editor’s Selection: Maxxis Aspen ST
You recognize the Maxxis Aspen ST tire when you watch World Cup XCO racing. It’s the one you wanna journey, however they didn’t have it out there so that you can buy – as a result of it’s “pro-only”. All that modified this season after they lastly made inventory for the plenty. I used to be desirous to get my arms on a set, and it didn’t disappoint me. The tire is quick, tremendous quick, and it’s an absolute ripper in the fitting situations (when you can management it).
The extra suppleness is notable, and the voluminous casing is a good combine with trendy cross-country racing. Sadly, the damage isn’t that nice (it’s a race tire, so Im not bummed), and the worth is bonkers, however….man, is it a quick, enjoyable tire. It undoubtedly ought to be on the brief checklist of cross-country, short-track, and gravel racers seeking to squeeze out essentially the most pace (enjoyable) they will on race day.
Helmet Editor’s Selection: Canyon Disruptr CFR
I’m going to get flack for this, however I prefer it. The brand new Canyon Disruptr CFR helmet with the HighBar system was one among my most worn helmets this season. Why? First off, I preferred exhibiting off the distinctive buckle and the “examine this out” look I’d get from some “too cool for college roadies.” However 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 pace 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 12 months: Gasoline Items
For essentially the most half, I feel I’ve my ear to the bottom and know concerning the “cool equipment” 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 Gasoline Items Rider Bins. A couple of yr in the past, I acquired a Rider Field (from Gasoline Items) and was launched to the following superior tea, hydration combine, gels, chocolate, and extra. Each month, I might get these treasures, some I knew and a few that have been further to me. I didn’t know I might be into a number of the items within the field, however now I’m looking for (like sip-able soup within the vacation field).
The Gasoline Items containers aren’t about getting you hooked on new manufacturers or merchandise. They help the month and the exercise you’re doing. The most recent Vacation Field is a superb instance of that. It arrived with some chocolate (wonderful) but in addition some Ginger Chews, hangover helper (thanks!), and a parade of power bars and gels (together with my favourite TORQ). If you wish to meet Gasoline Items’s homeowners, take a look at the BikeRumor Podcast. I sit with the group and chat about Gravel Race Fueling and hydration. Extremely really useful as a present for the bike owner or adventurous individual in your life.
Cool Gear Editor’s Selection: 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 journey (and through).
The cool factor is you don’t have to put on it on a regular basis. You are able to do rides the place you’re taking samples, dial in your electrolytes and sodium, and check once more. For athletes seeking to dial of their hydration for lengthy occasions or are experiencing cramps (raises hand), it’s price a attempt, and you’ll move it round to your crew to share the data.
Bike Rack Editor’s Selection: Velocirax Tilt and Pivot
With all of the bikes coming out and in of our place through the yr (together with our private bikes), it’s exhausting to discover a dependable and sturdy bike rack for household use. We moved this yr, and it was an opportunity to start out 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 youngsters get that joke). The rack itself is tremendous beefy and clean-looking. It could take a mess of differing bikes and totally different wheel sizes. Plus, I can shuffle by means of every bike with out scratching them. One thing that was at all times a problem with my home made hanging bike rack I had beforehand. After almost a yr of use, I’m enthusiastic about my determination. Extremely really useful.
Mountain Bike Wheelset Editor’s Selection: Roval Management SL Staff Problem
I’m very conversant in the Roval MTB wheel household. I’ve raced the Roval Management 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 equipment package deal and presentation.
The hubs are silver bling and have every Specialised Manufacturing facility Racing group member’s signature. The carbon spokes are the identical ones used on the Roval Staff Version highway wheels. Nonetheless, one of the best and most outstanding promoting characteristic of the Roval Staff Version Management SL wheels is the additional bits. The wheels arrive with a second set of ceramic pace bearings, alternative spokes, Specializes Quick Observe Tires, and way more.
Highway Wheels Editor’s Selection: Mavic Mavic Allroad SL
2024 was an enormous yr for Mavic, particularly within the USA. The French model opened a USA workplace in 2023 and has been trucking since. Some of the iconic items I see from Mavic is their alloy highway wheels. I raced on a set of Ksysim SL wheels for years, and so they have been my infants. I fell in love with the journey of Mavic wheels, and once I rode the Mavic All Highway SL wheels, I used to be reunited with that feeling.
The Allroad SL wheels are paying homage to the yellow age of wheels (minus the one yellow spoke). They’re gentle and reliable, and now, due to a US presence with Mavic, alternative elements 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!
Every of those merchandise was solely chosen purely on their technical deserves, by me personally, and for the explanations described above. Extra nice merchandise handed by means of my arms in 2024. On no account have been any of my picks, paid for by their producers. Nor was any choice or favor given to the model or advertiser. My choices are principally (however not completely) restricted to merchandise I’ve truly hung out 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 are able to share our actual, firsthand experiences.
