BICYCLING'S GEAR OF THE YEAR

"The hardest thing about being sober was probably the social pressure. But having good non-alcoholic options, like Athletic beers, solves that."—Lucia Deng

"It was a chance for me to give a voice to a lot of people who look like me, that also happen to ride bikes."—Reggie Miller

"As a Muslim woman, an important part of my cycling journey was maintaining modesty while being actively involved."—Ajoa Abrokwa

"Fat people aren’t waterproof. Nobody is. Yet as a plus-size cyclist, I’ve ridden for years and thousands of miles, through countless Seattle commutes, without a properly fitting, cycling-specific rain jacket."—Marley Blonsky

"The wristbands have now become a way for allies and community members to visibly declare a commitment to critical conversations and a commitment to promoting fair sport and inclusion."—Molly Cameron

"Helmets have always been a challenge for me. I have a large (64+cm) head. I also have naturally styled Black hair. These both individually make helmet fitting a challenge—combined, they make it nearly impossible."—Randy Locklair

"OXDX’s artwork brings Indigenous issues to light and challenges the institutions censoring our existence."—Renee Hutchens

The latest Dura-Ace group offers a lot to be excited about, starting with “semi-wireless” shifting. But the biggest win for many riders is how Shimano managed to make the 12-speed drivetrain compatible with existing freehubs. The overhauled brakes maintain excellent stopping power, with better modulation. For in depth coverage and analysis of the new Dura-Ace group, head to bicycling.com/dura-ace

OneUp’s EDC system is the ultimate way to carry a multitool on your bike. With its hidden, secure storage and easy access, we nearly forgot the tool was there—until we needed it.

Bivo wants to replace your semi-disposable plastic cycling bottle with a sustainable, recyclable stainless steel one. Drinking from a Bivo bottle is as effortless as sipping from a glass, without worrying you’ll spill it all over yourself. It’s like a high-tech sports sippy cup that we love.

This frame pack fits so nicely in modern road frames, it almost looks custom-fit. With three sizes, nonslip straps, and robust, water-resistant materials, this frame pack allows you to load up. We’ve carried everything from photo equipment to food and supplies for long hauls on the road.

The Terra CLs are a lot of performance for the money. We can’t think of a better all-around carbon-rim, tubeless-compatible wheelset for anyone who uses tires over 30mm and wants to upgrade their current gravel, CX, or all-road bike setup, without spending significantly more money.

If you ride on mixed-use mountain bike trails, the Timber Bell should be on your bike. The constant bell can take some getting used to (a sliding lever locks the clapper when you want silence), but it’s worth it to help alert other trail users to your presence.

SRAM's GX Eagle AXS is the same as the company's XX1 and X01 AXS groups in the most important ways—motors, electronics, batteries—but a lot cheaper. Slap the upgrade kit on your existing Eagle-equipped bike and enjoy more precise and consistent shifting, and no more cable and housing maintenance.

These durable, anodized-aluminum models are damn near perfect. With generous coverage and six sizes from 700x30mm to 650x65mm, they offer excellent protection from spray for both the rider and anyone on their wheel. Strategically placed silencing tape helps to minimize rattling even on rough roads.

Do you swap between bikes with different size wheels? Perhaps you have a new “mullet bike” with a 29" in the front and a 27.5" out back, or want to be ready when your friend forgets a tube on a ride? With the Mtn Mullet, you’re equipped for any situation.

It’s just a bottle; what makes it so great? These bottles make you smile. They make other people on a group ride smile. They’re conversation starters. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make or break a ride; Watrbodl makes rides better just by adding some humor to the day.

We’re big fans of minimalism but not of being stuck unprepared at the expense of style. This tiny saddle bag satisfies both, nestling neatly under a saddle. Despite its small size, we were able to fit a tube, dynaplug, inflator head, CO2, and a small multitool (including chain-breaker and quick-link pliers).

If the goal is confident traction on changing surfaces and setting new PRs on downhill sections, the Butcher T9 aims to please. From off-camber roots and rocks to hero dirt, these tires grab hold so you can let it rip. The T9 compound adds buzz-reducing damping to help tame rough trails.

The super-bright Flare RT is the smallest, smartest rear bike light in the game. With multiple flash and steady modes, battery life up to 15 hours, and ANT+ connectivity for remote control, you can leave it on your bike and feel seen and safe on every ride.

The Supple Lite bar tape begs the question, why is all other bar tape so skinny? At 40mm wide—nearly twice that of regular bar tape—it allows more flexibility in how you wrap your bars and how thick you want your tape to be, and it helps in placing satellite shifters.

Silca’s Hot Melt Wax took the old-school hot wax technique favored by old-school mechanics to prolong drivetrain life, combined it with some new-school science, and made some serious long-lasting, low-friction stuff. After weeks racing and riding a Silca-waxed chain, there’s barely any wear. 

A made-in-Italy performance saddle that rides like a $300 model but costs only $50? Yes, please!

The Ergon GE1 EVO is a favorite grip in nearly every category of mountain biking. With a construction that absorbs shock and relieves arm-pump on the downhills, it fits perfectly in the shape of your hand and has a grip pattern that inspires confidence even on the sweatiest days.

Mountain bikes have been using cleverly hidden tool storage for some time, and now Wolf Tooth brings tool integration to drop-bar bikes. Hex heads, chain tool and tire plug, even a valve-core wrench: EnCase tools keep you prepared for most roadside repairs while cleanly hiding inside your handlebar.

Nothing we’ve found minimizes chafing in the saddle like Chamois Butt’r. Of four different “flavors,” including a women’s version, we like the cooling feel of Euro Style, with menthol and witch hazel. All stay on during the longest of rides, yet wash off easily.

The RUNT is an easy-to-install, drop-in upgrade for many air-sprung suspension forks. The dual-positive air chamber replaces the stock air cap assembly and plastic spacers for additional tuning resolution of end-of-travel progression, and improves midstroke support as well. 

The latest 404 Firecrests are disc-brake only and they only fit hookless tubeless tires, but those help to make for a lighter, faster, and stronger wheel. Zipp’s zippiest wheel now measures 27.5mm wide, while lopping off a massive 370 grams. Plus, they go whoosh-whoosh when you hammer.

Ekar proves that Campagnolo loves dirt, too. This 1x13 group provides excellent shifting performance and chain security with a great gear range for the varied gradients you may encounter on a gravel ride. The disc brakes are the best around: quiet, smooth, and easy to modulate with all the power and consistency you need. 

Is the Lupine Piko expensive? Yes. Worth it? 100 percent yes. Why? 1,900+ lumens, tiny form factor, and low weight (300g total system). Additional SmartCore battery options let you boost runtime and are compatible with all other platforms of Lupine lights.

With a fast-rolling center for straight-line speed and a hexagonal side knob pattern that gives much better cornering grip than its looks might suggest, the tubeless Terreno Zero, available from 700x32mm to 650x47mm, is an ideal “fast-gravel” tire.

The DHX is simpler, lighter, and cheaper than Fox’s DHX2 coil-over, the choice of top downhill and enduro racers, but still offers loads of adjustment options. Though heavier than an air shock, the DHX has the velvety smooth feel that air shocks can’t match, offers excellent support, and rides high in its travel with a buttoned-down ride. 

Ergon’s winged grips are a polarizing design. Detractors claim they look ugly. To those folks, we say, “You can’t see them when your hands are wrapped around them, enjoying unrivalled comfort and wrist support simply not available with a round grip.”

Are you on the hunt (😉) for a reliable tubeless-ready, aluminum, disc wheelset that doesn’t break the bank? The Hunt 34 Aero Wide is a no-nonsense set of aero wheels that are lighter than a lot of carbon offerings (1,589g) and cheaper than comparably light aluminum hoops.

SRAM took the heart of its very good Red and Force AXS groups and wrapped them around less-expensive materials to come up with its cheapest wireless, electronic-shifting group yet. Rival AXS shifts great and offers solid braking performance, too. It’s the best-performance-for-the-dollar drop-bar group you can currently buy.

Ortlieb designed this waterproof bag for e-bikes, but it’s great for any ride where you want to keep stuff close at hand. The detachable, USB-powered LED lights on the outside add front and side visibility, and the interior lights on the 7-liter storage compartment make finding stuff easier.

Our test team fell in love with this distinctive-looking saddle when testing the Ventum NS1 bike. With a short nose (but not so short that you can’t change position), generous cutout, and wide platform across the sit bones for support, it’s great for road or gravel riding.

There’s not enough room here to list all the great things about Pāpr deodorant. Just know: It’s safe for you, it’s kind to animals, and the biodegradable packaging is made from FSC-certified paper. It works, too. The cedarwood and cypress scent was still prevalent after a 45-minute workout on a humid 95-degree day.

From day one, the Ara felt softer as well as more broken-in than bags I’ve had a dozen years, thanks to Visi-Hemp, Po Campo’s proprietary reflective fabric that’s part organic hemp, part recycled polyester. It has just the right number of pockets in all the right places, including a mesh harness for your helmet.—Jen Sherry

Documenting a ride is more than just uploading it to Strava. And for reaching into a sweaty jersey pocket for midride snaps, the loop on the Lander case is a game-changer. Leave the lanyard hanging out your pocket, slip your hand through the loop, pull out your phone, snap photos, return to pocket. No more fumbling-phone mishaps.

EK USA has an eclectic product portfolio, and the oddest might be Cat Crap. It’s a cheap, easy-to-apply anti-fog coating that works exactly as advertised. Great on glasses and goggles, or any optics: scopes, binoculars, camera lenses. Rub on, wipe off—fog-free, as simple as that.

When legislation targeting young transgender athletes like Massachusett’s Jessica Beck began sweeping through the country’s statehouses, Grimpeur Bros. founder Dan Manco stepped up to support the talented junior cyclocross racer with this excellent fundraising bean.

This electric washer screws onto a hose and can even siphon from a bucket. The compact size is handy for races or home use when space is at a premium. It’s not as powerful as a true pressure washer, but it’s more than enough for bikes.

This 24-piece toolkit is perfect for basic repairs at home or in the paddock at races. It rolls down small, so it’s perfect for travel or small-space living without a dedicated work area, and the smart pocket layout keeps everything organized and in reach.

Everything about this durable, dependable pump is carefully considered. The oversize precision gauge is easy to read, the chuck secures tightly to Presta and Schrader valve stems, and there’s even a built-in valve-core wrench for tubeless systems.

With tubeless tires, hookless rims, and new research on rolling resistance, tire pressure has never been more important. The Xiaomi Mijia is an iPod-looking, handheld, digital tire inflator that makes preride or race tire pressure setting easy and precise, letting you get the most from your tires.

As one of the first commercially available tubeless sealants, the brand name “Stan’s” has become the generic term for any sealant. The original stands the test of time, can be used across different riding disciplines, and is an essential part of every workshop.

This stand is is perfect for e-bikes, with effortless powered height adjustment, 120-pound bike capacity, and built-in USB charging ports. If I had the money, I’d have one in my home shop. For now, I’ll just be happy with the one we have at Bicycling.—Joël Nankman

One-handed operation and Kashima-coated pistons effortlessly open the U-shaped arms to secure your bike. Integrated lights connect to your vehicle’s wiring to communicate turns and braking. Every part is made of stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum, and it fits bikes up to 67 pounds.

The newest version of the Ratchet Rocket adds preset torque bits. This tool does double duty in your home garage or as a multitool to take on a ride. It can get into spots that traditional multitools can’t and without the bulk and heft of a full Allen key set.

Unlike conventional plugs that only use rubber strips to physically seal holes, the DART also reacts chemically with sealant to seal even big gashes. It’s a bit bulkier than a Dynaplug, but it’s the only tire plug I have used that will reliably seal tubeless tire punctures.—J.N.

E*Thirteen Tire Plasma may be the future of tubeless tire sealant. It has fantastic sealing capabilities with easy cleanup. This sealant impressed us in our recent tubeless tire sealant test and it continues to exceed expectations in real-life use.

A stylish, made-in-the-USA wind vest that packs down small enough that you’ll never leave home without it. Made from ultra-light and durable stretch Cordura fabric and bearing thoughtful touches like a two-way zipper for jersey pocket access, the Breezer Vest will outlive most pieces of kit in your closet.

The convertible Arbitrator is a shapeshifting helmet that offers MIPS protection in a nicely vented half-shell configuration for a day on the trails, and a burly chinbar attachment that is ASTM-certified for downhill riding. It’s stylish, light, comfortable, and basically two helmets for the price of one.

Whether mountain biking, gravel riding, or racing cyclocross, the Empire is un-killable. I recently retired a pair only because the lugs finally wore off. They have old-fashioned laces, fit beautifully, and come in great colors. They cost a little more, but they make up for it in comfort and longevity. —Tara Seplavy

With a soft fleece inside, these warmers keep you cozy, and the PI Dry surface treatment repels the elements. They’re incredibly durable—one fall destroyed my knee, but the leg warmer was intact! There is also a zippered ankle for easy on/off, and reflective elements on the calf.—Amy Wolff

Bib shorts are our must-have piece of riding kit. These size-inclusive men’s and women’s bibs feature a comfy chamois at a price that seems like an error (but it’s not). They’re proof that you don’t always have to shell out hundreds of dollars for functional, stylish riding clothes.

These photochromic shades with crisp, clear optics are great on days where you’re riding in and out of clouds.

This merino hoodie is a sport coat for people who like to sweat. The lightweight fabric won’t roast you when riding and dries fast. It’s stylish and comfy enough for daily wear off the bike, and its close, nonrestrictive silhouette is how a good piece of cycling gear should fit.

These might be the best bibs on the planet right now. The woven fabric is light and supple, with excellent breathability, and it’s quick-drying. Even so, the shorts are very supportive with excellent compression—even when soaked with sweat or rain.

I’m a sucker for locally made gear, and this Philipsburg, Pennsylvania–sewn fanny pack comes in 40 colors and prints of Cordura nylon, plus fun options for the straps, zippers, and thread. It snugly fits a standard bottle, with just enough room to spare for a tube, tools, and an EpiPen.—Taylor Rojek

With the perfect combination of water- and wind-resistant shell, Polartec insulation, finger dexterity, and superior handlebar feel, these are still our go-to gloves for the winter’s coldest rides.

For less money than a six-pack of IPA, you get a comfy Merino wool mountain bike sock with good compression that can survive the washing machine without pilling, fraying, or turning into a ball of scratchy fibers. What feels even better? Supporting one of the few Black-owned cycling brands.

With extensive ventilation, a polycarbonate shell with a variable-density EPS foam liner, and POC’s SPIN rotational-energy management technology, this helmet looks, feels, and performs like many lids double the price.

These are Specialized’s best flat-pedal shoes yet. They pair that all-important, glued-to-your-pedals traction with comfortable, neutral footbeds and just the right amount of flex and stiffness. With the right pedals under them, the level of grip is massive.

Right now, the Hellion Elite stands atop the pyramid of trail/all mountain flat-pedal shoes not for any one thing, but because it gets everything right. Fit, comfort, grip, stiffness, feel, weight, and looks: This shoe balances all those elements superbly. The result is a shoe that’s nearly perfect.

In a summer where hot days were followed by hotter ones, the Diablo jersey became my favorite piece of cycling kit. The race-cut jersey is lightweight, super breathable, has roomy pockets, and the color range is ace!—Tara Seplavy

These are my go-to shorts for long days on the bike, with impossibly soft fabric that offers just the right amount of compression and multi-density chamois pads for long-distance comfort. Best of all, they come in men’s and (nature-break-friendly) women’s styles, in a huge size range.—Dan Chabanov

Helmet tech has come a long way in recent years, and Giro’s Aether is a great example, with MIPS, Roc Loc 5+, and new Spherical Technology, which helps manage impact forces during a crash. Did we mention its great looks, fantastic ventilation, and 14 color options?

This cozy, feather-light trail jacket checks every box, thanks to soft, fuzzy Polartec Alpha insulation beneath a breathable outer shell. Pull it over any weight base layer to be comfy whether it’s a bit frosty or downright frigid.

Based in Squamish, British Columbia, 7mesh knows all about riding in inclement weather. Their Copilot off-road shell features a wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex fabric and a hood that fits over your helmet, and packs down into its own pocket. Is it pricey? Yes, but a good jacket is worth the investment.

POC’s latest mountain bike helmet, the Kortal Race, skips the brand’s usual jolly, plump shapes in favor of sharper angles, straighter lines, and a smaller profile many riders will welcome. It also comes packed with POC’s best tech, including a MIPS liner, NFC Medical ID chip, and RECCO emergency-locator beacon.

These shoes ooze quality and style, and have the performance to match. They’re grippy, light, stiff enough to pedal hard, but easy to walk in. Whether you’re tackling a 200-mile gravel event, riding a 90-minute XC race, or just taking a spin to the coffee shop, these won’t let you down.

Merino wool is a great material for cycling jerseys. However, often these jerseys aren’t cut well or sag too much in the pockets when loaded. But Velocio managed to make a true race-cut Merino jersey. It happily pairs with arm warmers and a vest or, on warmer days, as a standalone item. —Trevor Raab

This long-sleeve top’s cozy Polartec fabric and windproof shoulder and arm panels help block the chill on breezy days but breathe when you’re cranking hard. The relaxed cut is articulated for on-bike comfort, and a hidden essentials pocket keeps cards and keys secure.

These shorts excel at every measure we looked at: They’re light (178 grams), breathable, and comfortable; boast excellent water repellency and smartly placed pockets; and have a simple but secure buckle system that allows you to fine-tune the fit.

Available in multiple patterns, the sleek fabric on this stylish top is lightweight and breathable, but long sleeves and UPF50+ protect skin from the sun. It’s not my first choice on sweltering days, but I’ve found plenty of conditions in which to wear this jersey over the past year.—Amy Wolff

So many gloves are maddeningly overdone. But not Tasco’s Fantom. It’s light, breathable, and fits like a surgical glove. A single-layer, one-piece Ax Suede palm provides great bar feel, with enough protection for daily riding without any additional seams (failure points) or pads (bulky, squishy, blech).

At a quick glance, the sleek, clean profile makes the Lumos look like any road helmet. But after a couple of rides, we could see the benefit of the integrated front and rear lights (including turn signals), especially riding late in the day or on busier roads. It weighs a little more than a racing-oriented helmet, but the visibility is worth it.

With air flow that lives up to its name, the Vent is extremely stiff and yet the most comfortable S-Works shoe. The padded ankle collar and supple uppers grant these shoes a plushness not found in other high-end S-brand shoes. 

Every winter bootie promises to keep your feet warm and dry. Few deliver. The Velocio Zero+ isn’t cheap, but it delivers on that promise. This bootie’s innovative four-layer fabric creates an air cavity for insulation and kept our toes comfy even when temperatures hovered around freezing.

Weather-resistant and durable, yet pliable and perfectly tailored, these are the pants for you if you want some hard-charging, cool-weather trail pants that are stylish enough for commuting and casual outings. They’re slim-fitting but have spacious front pockets and are roomy enough for pads.

During the pandemic, cycling saw a huge influx of new riders. With gyms closed, a lot of people took their workouts home with a Peloton bike. Many new riders who entered the sport last year cite Peloton as their gateway, raving about the instructors, the community, and the lack of judgment training in your own home. Yes, it’s expensive, but Peloton kept us fit, and also saved our sanity.

The Hero9 is the most comprehensive update in several generations of the camera. It now packs a new sensor for 20MP stills and 5K video plus a larger battery for longer life, especially in cold weather. But most importantly, it has GoPro’s best in-camera stabilization yet.

The Assioma Duo Shi pedals offer the precise, reliable power measurement we’ve come to expect and the easy swap-ability of a pedal-based power meter, now compatible with the most popular road pedal system, Shimano SPD-SL. The only catches: a wider Q-factor and you have to BYO pedal bodies.

When Matt Phillips named the Karoo 2 “The Best GPS Cycling Computer You’re Not Using,” he was right.  I was blown away by its high-resolution screen, great road navigation, and seamless integration with apps like Strava and Training Peaks. Hammerhead’s addition of color options and its new “Climber” feature were icing on the cake for me. - Tara Seplavy

Enhanced mapping, a color screen, and tactile buttons make the Bolt an easy-to-use yet function-filled unit. Map out your next off-the-grid adventure, or seamlessly sync workout plans with ease. The improvements are subtle, but they bring the Bolt right back into the ranks of best head units.

The tiny form factor and smooth 1440p footage make this a worthy successor to the discontinued GoPro Session. It is so light you’ll forget it’s even on your helmet. And the easy-to-use app is full of features that make it a snap to edit and share high-end footage to your platform of choice.

Wahoo’s Core, is priced less than the flagship Kickr (thanks to a lighter flywheel and less adjustability), but features the same Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity as its higher-priced sibling. Unless you’re putting out pro-level watts, it’s a great entry into virtual racing.