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 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 most recent and best trickles right down to a palatable worth.
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 probably to put on a pores and skin go well with within the group experience, can speak for hours about pre/throughout/submit 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’ve got, what package you’re carrying, or your experience targets, be careful for one another. On the highway and within the forests, we’re all we’ve got.
I want you all a cheerful and protected New 12 months crammed with no bonks, fewer flats, and many nice espresso — Now, onto the gear!
Occasion of the 12 months: Iron Maiden – Future Previous Tour
Should you requested me the perfect 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 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 dwell with the band, and that made it additional 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 regarded over and noticed my son’s eyes large with pleasure because the band took the stage, his first massive live performance, and it was a traditional.
Greatest 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 need to experience a motorcycle 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.
One of the 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 in search of a experience that’s out of a traditional mixture of occasions, the ENVE Grodeo is a must-attend.
Street Bike Editor’s Alternative: 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 fallacious, however when the Sage Skyline bike assessment got here in, I used to be hooked. The bike is a traditional titanium construct with spherical, strong tubes and a contemporary clearance for bigger tires. The bike provides 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 assessment catalog this season. Sage is a superb firm; I’ve liked their bikes for some time. That is simply the primary of their highway bikes I’ve ridden. I hope to experience extra sooner or later, and you need to verify 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 feel it seems unbelievable 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 lots of enjoyable.
When using the Elja on my house 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 if you wanna go laborious, it could 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).
Greatest 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 youths.” So when the Large Religion got here into assessment, 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, 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 love, and priced for a mother or father to exchange when want be. The bike is completely shreddable and a very good jumping-off level for intense path using.
Part Editor’s Alternative: SRAM RED XPLR
As I discussed on the BikeRumor podcast, one in every 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 nicely. It’s as a result of this group hopefully means a step in the suitable 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 a couple of 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, nevertheless it helps immensely in its trigger. I sincerely hope that we’ll see an up to date SRAM Drive 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 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 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 massive for many MTB, however…I prefer it), highway (good sizing), and gravel (superior).
Street Tire Editor’s Alternative: 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 (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 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? Properly… the value, however you’ll be able to’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 a number of time on blended 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 dimension was simply sufficient quantity for my sort of using, and it rolls effortlessly on the highway. The scale 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 development (and provide within the USA) proceed into the subsequent yr with one other traditional firm returning.
Mountain Bike Tire Editor’s Alternative: Maxxis Aspen ST
You understand 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 accessible 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 fingers on a set, and it didn’t disappoint me. The tire is quick, tremendous quick, and it’s an absolute ripper in the suitable situations (should you can management it).
The extra suppleness is notable, and the voluminous casing is a superb 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 quick listing of cross-country, short-track, and gravel racers seeking to squeeze out essentially the most velocity (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 HighBar system was one in every of my most worn helmets this season. Why? First off, I appreciated displaying 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 12 months: Gas Items
For essentially the most half, I feel I’ve my ear to the bottom and know concerning 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 Gas Items Rider Containers. A few yr in the past, I bought a Rider Field (from Gas 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 have been additional to me. I didn’t know I might be into among the items within the field, however now I’m looking for (like sip-able soup within the vacation field).
The Gas Items bins 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 vitality bars and gels (together with my favourite TORQ). If you wish to meet Gas Items’s homeowners, try 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 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 have to 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 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 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 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 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 pretty much 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 actually take a large number of differing bikes and totally different wheel sizes. Plus, I can shuffle by way of 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 determination. Extremely beneficial.
Mountain Bike Wheelset Editor’s Alternative: Roval Management SL Workforce Problem
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 bundle 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 highway wheels. Nevertheless, the perfect 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, alternative spokes, Specializes Quick Monitor Tires, and far more.
Street 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. 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, they usually have 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 one yellow spoke). They’re mild and reliable, and now, because of a US presence with Mavic, alternative elements are available. Now that carbon has changed high-end alloy, the high-end alloy Mavic creations are finest 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 way of my fingers in 2024. In no way have 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 solely) 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 offer 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.
