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 at all times good for brand 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 best trickles right down to a palatable value.
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 vitamin and loves an excellent CRR graph. I’m additionally a biking coach with Cycle-Good, so I like to see how a refined racing machine enhances a well-tuned athlete.
Irrespective of racing, coaching, or 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 have got, what package you’re sporting, or your experience objectives, be careful for one another. On the street and within the forests, we’re all now we have.
I want you all a contented and secure 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
Should 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 Previous Tour. Heavy metallic, 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 exhibits Nicko McBrain would play reside 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 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.
Finest BIKE Occasion: ENVE Grodeo
For many who 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 trustworthy. 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 very best 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 have been ripping down mountainsides with, giving excursions of their workstations and wheel-building processes. For these on the lookout for a experience that’s out of a standard mixture of occasions, the ENVE Grodeo is a must-attend.
Highway Bike Editor’s Alternative: Sage Skyline
I don’t get to experience titanium bikes usually, 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 unimaginable full of life 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’s best to examine them out should you’re available in the market for a titanium bike, irrespective of the self-discipline.
Mountain Bike Editor’s Alternative: Lauf Elja
The Lauf Elja is a singular bike, not solely in its seems but additionally in its experience high quality. The silhouette is extra of a retro chainstay-less design; some really feel bizarre about it. I believe it seems improbable 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 plenty of enjoyable.
When driving the Elja on my residence trails, I discovered myself taking totally different traces, taking part in extra, and with extra confidence. Sure, the two.6″ tires assist, however the Elja experience is playful, however if you wanna go onerous, 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).
Finest Child’s Editor’s Alternative: 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 absolutely embraced the “bouncy” feeling. Plus, those he rode have been small grownup bikes, not likely “made for teenagers.” So when the Large Religion 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, however it 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 father or mother to switch when want be. The bike is completely shreddable and a very good jumping-off level for intense path driving.
Part Editor’s Alternative: 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 proper path 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, nevertheless, appeared to have skipped a couple of generations, and it’s 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, however it helps immensely in its trigger. I sincerely hope that we’ll see an up to date SRAM Power XPLR and APEX sooner or later. This tech must be loved by all who need it, not simply the race crowd.
Headunit Editor’s Alternative: Garmin 1050
Over the yr, I’ve hung out on many alternative head models: 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/street difficulty reporting and wonderful mapping. Plus, it has a bell! Sure – there, 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), street (good sizing), and gravel.
Highway Tire Editor’s Alternative: Pirelli P Zero Race RC
The street tire I spent most of my time on this season is the Pirelli P Zero Race RC. It’s tremendous quick rolling, comfy within the bumpiest circumstances (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 street race tire for the previous two seasons.
When the P Zero Race RC arrived, it was like driving the tires I used to be used to, however quicker and gripper. What’s to not love? Effectively… the value, however you possibly can’t win all of them.
Gravel Tire Editor’s Alternative: 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 combined gravel with loads of hard-packed and street sections thrown in. The proper companion for these days was the Hutchinson Caracal gravel tire.
The 40mm measurement was simply sufficient quantity for my sort of driving, and it rolls effortlessly on the street. The scale knobs are simply sufficient to tear some single observe or pull you out of a deep gravel quicksand (gravel?) and bit 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) proceed into the following yr with one other basic firm returning.
Mountain Bike Tire Editor’s Alternative: Maxxis Aspen ST
You realize the Maxxis Aspen ST tire should you watch World Cup XCO racing. It’s the one you wanna experience, however they didn’t have it out there so that you can buy. 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 proper circumstances (should you can management it).
The extra suppleness is notable, and the voluminous casing is a good combine with trendy cross-country racing. Sadly, 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 positively must be on the brief listing of cross-country, short-track, and gravel racers trying to squeeze out probably the most pace (enjoyable) they will on race day.
Helmet Editor’s Alternative: Canyon Disruptr CFR
I’m going to get flack for this, however I prefer it. The brand new Canyon Disruptr CFR helmet with the Hello-Bar 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.” However I did (do) just like the design, and I really feel that the Hello-Bar system has promise.
The distinctive design is an acquired style, however it’s 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.
Subscription of the 12 months: Gasoline Items
For probably the most half, I believe 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 Gasoline Items Rider Packing containers. A few 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’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 looking for (like sip-able soup within the vacation field).
The Gasoline Items packing containers aren’t about getting you hooked on new manufacturers or merchandise. They assist the month and the exercise you’re doing. The most recent Vacation Field is a wonderful instance of that. It arrived with some chocolate (wonderful) but additionally 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 group and chat about Gravel Race Fueling and hydration. Extremely really helpful as a present for the bike owner or adventurous particular person in your life.
Cool Gear Editor’s Alternative: 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 charge 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 are taking samples, dial in your electrolytes and sodium, and take a look at once more. For athletes trying to dial of their hydration for lengthy occasions or are experiencing cramps (raises hand), it’s value a strive, and you may cross it round to your crew to share the information.
Bike Rack Editor’s Alternative: Velocirax Tilt and Pivot
With all of the bikes coming out and in of our place throughout the yr (together with our private bikes), it’s onerous 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 and was nearly as good because the automobile 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 might probably take a mess of differing bikes and totally different wheel sizes. Plus, I can shuffle by every bike with out scratching them. One thing that was at all times a problem with my do-it-yourself hanging bike rack I had beforehand. After almost a yr of use, I’m enthusiastic about my resolution. Extremely really helpful.
Mountain Bike Wheelset Editor’s Alternative: Roval Management SL Workforce Situation
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 package deal and presentation.
The hubs are silver bling and have every Specialised Manufacturing unit Racing group member’s signature. The carbon spokes are the identical ones used on the Roval Workforce Version street wheels. Nevertheless, the very best and most outstanding promoting characteristic of the Roval Workforce Version Management SL wheels is the additional bits. The wheels arrive with a second set of ceramic pace bearings, substitute spokes, Specializes Quick Observe Tires, and way more.
Highway Wheels Editor’s Alternative: 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. Probably the most iconic items I see from Mavic is their alloy street 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 experience of Mavic wheels, and after 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 only yellow spoke). They’re gentle and reliable, and now, due to a US presence with Mavic, substitute 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 a knock. I’m excited to see what they’ve in retailer for 2025 and past.
Now — on to 2025!
Every of those merchandise was totally chosen purely on their technical deserves, by me personally, and for the explanations described above. Extra nice merchandise handed by my palms 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 picks are principally (however not solely) restricted to merchandise I’ve truly hung out driving/testing in particular person. So a model’s willingness to ask Bikerumor to hitch a launch occasion, or to offer product samples could make it extra probably that we’ll have thought of their merchandise, if solely as a result of we are able to share our actual, firsthand experiences.