The Singletrack Staffers pick the standout products and locations from their riding year. This article was originally published in Singletrack Magazine Issue 140.
The year has felt a little like approaching that nemesis feature on the trail: you roll up to it full of optimism, then at the last minute pull on the brakes in an attack of ‘nope’. Whether it was a ping that put paid to yet another plan, or a shipping container that didn’t arrive as expected (by now, perhaps, that should be ‘as expected, a shipping container didn’t arrive’), we had plenty of interruptions along the way. However, our northern hills had an unusually dry summer, so we managed a decent spell of short-sleeved riding on our doorstep, and there were a few chances to get further afield that we grasped and enjoyed. Like that trail feature, once we cleared it, the elation at meeting friends, riding new trails and generally enjoying bikes was all the sweeter.
Andi – Tech Editor
Another crazy year, but not quite as crazy as the last. It has been a challenge to get in test products, thanks to the ongoing cycling boom, but it has been awesome to see more riders on the trails. This year I also discovered gravel riding, which much to my surprise, is a hell of a lot of fun!
Fizik Gravita Tensor Flat Shoes
I mentioned there were two shoes that impressed me this year, and the Fizik Gravita Tensor shoe is the second pair to really keep me from the default Five Ten setting. While the Crankbrothers Stamp has a more casual and I would say comfier design, Fizik offers a stiff pedalling platform and a more ‘racy’ feel. If I’m going for a fun ride session with berms and jumps in the woods, I’ll wear the Crankbrothers, but if I’m heading up the hill to hit long descents with equally long climbs then the Fiziks come out to play.
The race-focused Fizik Gravita Tensor, and its standard Gravita sibling, boast a stiff and durable Vibram sole that offers predictable and consistent grip and traction on flat pedals. I can hit a rock section at full gas with the Fizik shoes and not worry about being bounced off the pedal, yet I never feel stuck to the pins and can easily pop a foot out for a dab if required.
Fizik uses a thin ripstop material for the upper of its shoes. It doesn’t really offer any water resistance, but it is very comfortable, breathable and fast drying. The asymmetric lace design angles your loops away from your chainset, and a Velcro strap adds more support and a place to keep your laces tidy. Serious gravity riders will also appreciate the ample toe box and ankle protection.
