There was a lot new gear, race motion, and ground-breaking happenings in 2024 that I’m simply beginning to course of every little thing. It was a banner yr for biking, racing particularly. The Olympic years are all the time 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 most recent and biggest trickles right down to a palatable worth.
With all of the racing, tire firms 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 definitely to put on a pores and skin swimsuit within the group experience, can discuss for hours about pre/throughout/put up experience 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.
Irrespective 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, regardless of what number of gears you’ve got, what equipment you’re sporting, or your experience targets, be careful for one another. On the street and within the forests, we’re all now we have.
I want you all a cheerful and secure New Yr crammed with no bonks, fewer flats, and many nice espresso — Now, onto the gear!
Occasion of the Yr: Iron Maiden – Future Previous Tour
In the event 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 stay music scene are a big a part of my life. Taking my oldest to see a stay present of one of many biggest to take the stage was a bucket listing second for me. It was additionally one of many few final exhibits Nicko McBrain would play stay with the band, and that made it additional particular after the very fact.
My son’s favourite a part of the evening? Seeing Bruce Dickinson struggle Eddie.
My favourite a part of the evening? I appeared over and noticed my son’s eyes enormous with pleasure because the band took the stage, his first huge live performance, and it was a basic.
Finest BIKE Occasion: ENVE Grodeo
For individuals who don’t know, the ENVE Grodeo is a gravel experience from the ENVE HQ in Ogden, UT, and covers practically each enjoyable terrain you’d need to experience a motorbike on. The experience 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 folks round you. My favourite was the axe-throwing relaxation cease… that was superior.
The perfect half 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.” Everybody who attended the experience was given a tour. It was good to see the folks you had been ripping down mountainsides with, giving excursions of their workstations and wheel-building processes. For these searching for a experience that’s out of a standard mixture of occasions, the ENVE Grodeo is a must-attend.
Street Bike Editor’s Selection: 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 unsuitable, 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 affords 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 good firm; I’ve liked their bikes for some time. That is simply the primary of their street bikes I’ve ridden. I hope to experience extra sooner or later, and it is best to verify them out when you’re out there for a titanium bike, regardless 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 experience high quality. The silhouette is extra of a retro chainstay-less design; some really feel bizarre about it. I feel it seems implausible and makes the bike really feel much less “critical.” That’s the entire vibe of the Elja. It’s unassuming, quick, and a heck of numerous enjoyable.
When using the Elja on my residence trails, I discovered myself taking totally different strains, enjoying extra, and with extra confidence. Sure, the two.6″ tires assist, however the Elja experience is playful, however whenever you wanna go laborious, it may 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: Big Religion
The Big 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 had been small grownup bikes, not likely “made for youths.” So when the Big Religion got here into overview, I used to be curious to see how he would really like it.
It was heavier than his hardtail (which he loves) and had extra controls, nevertheless it was like a “magic carpet” within the woods. The suspension was extra delicate to his small stature, and every little 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 really like, and priced for a mum or dad to interchange when want be. The bike is completely shreddable and a very good jumping-off level for intense path using.
Part Editor’s Selection: SRAM RED XPLR
As I discussed on the BikeRumor podcast, one in all 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 course for SRAM street 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 a couple of generations, and landed proper in a candy spot of consolation on the street 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, nevertheless it helps immensely in its trigger. I sincerely hope that we are going to see an up to date SRAM Power 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 frolicked on many various head items: 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/street difficulty reporting and glorious 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 perhaps 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), street (good sizing), and gravel (superior).
Street Tire Editor’s Selection: Pirelli P Zero Race RS
The street 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 circumstances (dimension 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 street 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? Properly… the value, however you may’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 plenty of time on blended gravel with loads of hard-packed and street sections thrown in. The right companion for these days was the Hutchinson Caracal gravel tire.
The 40mm dimension was simply sufficient quantity for my kind of using, and it rolls effortlessly on the street. The dimensions knobs are simply sufficient to tear some single observe or pull you out of a deep quicksand (gravel?) and chunk 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 pattern (and provide within the USA) proceed into the subsequent yr with one other basic firm returning.
Mountain Bike Tire Editor’s Selection: Maxxis Aspen ST
You understand 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 accessible 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 lots. I used to be desperate 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 circumstances (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 value is bonkers, however….man, is it a quick, enjoyable tire. It undoubtedly ought to be on the quick listing of cross-country, short-track, and gravel racers trying to squeeze out essentially the most velocity (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 in all my most worn helmets this season. Why? First off, I favored exhibiting off the distinctive buckle and the “verify 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 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 Yr: Gasoline Items
For essentially the most half, I feel I’ve my ear to the bottom and know in regards to 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 Containers. A few yr in the past, I obtained a Rider Field (from Gasoline Items) and was launched to the subsequent superior tea, hydration combine, gels, chocolate, and extra. Each month, I might get these treasures, some I knew and a few that had been additional to me. I didn’t know I might be into a few of the items within the field, however now I’m looking for (like sip-able soup within the vacation field).
The Gasoline Items bins 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 wonderful instance of that. It arrived with some chocolate (glorious) 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 house owners, take a look at the BikeRumor Podcast. I sit with the workforce and chat about Gravel Race Fueling and hydration. Extremely beneficial 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 price and focus. The companion app will give suggestions and evaluation after the experience (and through).
The cool factor is you don’t must 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 trying to dial of their hydration for lengthy occasions or are experiencing cramps (raises hand), it’s value 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 laborious 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 course.
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 pretty much as good because the automotive rack. The set up was tremendous simple, and I’m no Al Borland (90s youngsters get that joke). The rack itself is tremendous beefy and clean-looking. It may 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. One thing that was all the time a problem with my selfmade hanging bike rack I had beforehand. After practically a yr of use, I’m enthusiastic about my choice. Extremely beneficial.
Mountain Bike Wheelset Editor’s Selection: Roval Management SL Workforce Subject
I’m very aware of 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 unit Racing workforce member’s signature. The carbon spokes are the identical ones used on the Roval Workforce Version street wheels. Nevertheless, one of the best and most distinguished promoting characteristic of the Roval Workforce Version Management SL wheels is the additional bits. The wheels arrive with a second set of ceramic velocity bearings, substitute spokes, Specializes Quick Observe Tires, and rather more.
Street 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. One of the crucial iconic items I see from Mavic is their alloy street wheels. I raced on a set of Ksysim SL wheels for years, they usually had been my infants. I fell in love with the experience of Mavic wheels, and once I rode the Mavic All Street 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 only yellow spoke). They’re mild and reliable, and now, due to a US presence with Mavic, substitute 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 fully 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. By no means had been any of my picks, paid for by their producers. Nor was any choice or favor given to the model or advertiser. My alternatives 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 doubtless that we are going to have thought of their merchandise, if solely as a result of we will share our actual, firsthand experiences.
