For me… 7Mesh waterproof shorts. Got them cheap as they are stupid expensive, but they are the best I have tried. Also my Brompton G Line. For some reason I really enjoy riding it… much more than I thought I would.
Two upgrades for my old Levo - a 170mm Grip2 38, and a smaller narrower rear wheel (27.5 EX471 on a Pro 5) with a Grid Gravity Eliminator.
The 38 is so stiff and so damped that I feel like I can smash it into anything and it’ll hold up and go where I want, without spiking or diving. And the mullet set-up just flicks round bends so much easier.
The bike had its seventh bday last month and it’s riding better than ever - 170/157 travel 29/27.5 now, is meant to be 150/150 29/29!
This year has been year of the road for me - and the best (+ ultimately most expensive) thing for me was a bike fit.
Happy to hear the good feedback in the Highroller 3. I’ve just fitted one to my front wheel (and a new DHR2 rear) and looking forward to trying it out.
Not bought a lot of ‘new’ stuff this year but did buy a used Raaw Madonna v2 frame (ohlins coil) and love it.
This year has been year of the road for me - and the best (+ ultimately most expensive) thing for me was a bike fit.
That's a good shout and I did the same. Game changing for me.
This year has been year of the road for me - and the best (+ ultimately most expensive) thing for me was a bike fit.
I'm thinking I might have to begrudgingly do the same and pay up for a proper bike fit for my road bike. I just can't get comfortable on it no matter how much research I do to inform any adjustments I try. I don't even want to ride it at the minute as I'm so frustrated with how it feels! I've never had so many problems getting a bike to feel right as this one, have had a few road bikes over the years and always managed to get comfortable with a few quick adjustments.
As for product of the year, I didn't really buy anything other than the road bike which as you can tell I'm not really getting on with! I did finally go tubeless though which has been flawless so far.
MKS FD-7 wide folding pedal
• • • • • • •
It was a joy after years of folding Brompton ownership, accepting the quirks alongside its brilliance, that I discovered a folding pedal from Japan, that offers DMR Vault size and comfort whilst retaining the same functionality of the stock pedals
A few products have really impressed me that I've bought this year...
Most recently, the Madison DTE 4 season DWR Dungarees have impressed me a lot, as they are superb for riding in a mix of conditions, especially when it's not actually raining so you don't want to wear a jacket/onesie but the ground is wet and you want some significant coverage on your behind...
Been really impressed by the Fox 36 NA3 "Glidecore" air shaft too... I'll admit I was very sceptical, but a chance situation where I needed a shorter air shaft for my 2025 Fox 36's and I came across one in the right size, brand new removed from a 2026 fork that the owner had increased travel on, on ebay for less than the price of an NA2 air shaft, so decided to give it a go... It really makes the 36 a lot more capable fork as suddenly, it's removing just about all of the stiction related to chassis flex out of the equation when it comes to suspension performance.
But probably my best product of 2025 has been SRAM's Eagle 90... I've spent years bemoaning SRAM only applying all their new high end tech to their wireless groupsets only. For whatever reason, I just can't get on with the ergonomics or the haptics of any of the SRAM wireless shifters, and I've had terrible experiences with modern Shimano 12spd setups, but have been a huge fan of SRAM's higher end X01 and XX1 mechanical Eagle setups since their inception. So when Eagle 90 and 70 were announced, bringing all the benefits of T-Type but with a conventional style SRAM Eagle shifter, I was over the moon... Suffice to say, Eagle 90 is everything I hoped it to be and then some! The only downside is it doesn't shift quite as quick as old mechanical X01/XX1, but then T-Type doesn't anyway, but arguably the extra durability of the T-Type cassette and chain is the major upside here... As someone who's very much more concerned with the performance of the tyres, suspension and geometry of the bike, it does feel weird to be saying a groupset is my product of the year, but it really has impressed me that much and made my riding a lot more enjoyable on the whole as a result.
Diaz Suspension Runt. It transformed a 21 Zeb ultimate that was an emergency purchase earlier this year. Now it's the best fork I've ever used.
It's funny how long it can take some things to gain traction in the market... This was my product of the year in 2019! I've run one in every fork I've owned since... They are a game changer! I approached Diaz to see if they wanted a UK distributor, offering either my own services or to help them find one, but they were quite happy being a one man band supplying the market directly... I've spent hours waxing lyrical about them to anyone who will listen though, fantastic product!
This is like an externally adjustable bottomless token widget? Or does it do something else?
My product of last year was the TruTune widget for my Zeb, but I guess that makes the fork much better in a different way (creating magic extra air volume)?
It gives you all the benefits of the Manitou IRT (which really has been Manitou's USP for a while) on any fork that Diaz have designed one to fit... The TruTune is/was a nice idea for lighter riders that simply struggle to achieve full travel on modern Enduro forks, with such high compression ratios... A larger negative chamber might make the fork feel more supple off the top, but it's robbing the air spring of +ve volume which only makes the fork more progressive, and in many cases, even with zero volume tokens in, some long travel enduro forks are simply too progressive still. BUT... It's not dynamic, and it's not really tuneable.
The Diaz Runt is infinitely tuneable and it's absolutely dynamic... The best way to visualise it is that you get all the benefits of running say 5/6 volume tokens off the top (so you don't actually need a particularly large -ve chamber for the suppleness) as you're running a much lower starting pressure than you usually would, but then as the fork compresses the pressure in the now much smaller +ve chamber will rise more quickly until it equalises with the secondary +ve chamber thus dynamically effectively reducing the number of volume spacers part way through the travel...
The reality...? You get all of the benefits of soft off the top, supple feel from running lots of volume spacers (if not quite, but much closer to, a "coil like" feel), at the same time you get all of the benefits of running zero volume spacers in terms of being able to achieve full travel whilst running a sensible amount of sag, and at the same time you get a massively increased amount of adjustability and mid-stroke support to rival a coil spring... I've got a cheap £250 Fox 36 Performance that I picked up from Merlin a few months ago with a "paint defect", that I've put a lighter oil in the damper, thrown an NA3 Glidecore shaft in the air spring along with a Diaz Runt, and it's honestly the best mid travel fork I've ever ridden, bar none...
Pivot Switchblade frame for me. Finally got a FS bike I don’t mind pedalling.
E Road bike for me, really wasn't enjoying road cycling due to a medical issue, got myself an Orbea Gain and love it, ride a lot more as I'm not burnt out and not struggling those last miles to get home every ride.
A +1 for radial tyres. Need better options for the rear though as I'd like a gravity soft option other than the albert for winter.
Endura mt500 jacket and dungarees that I got from vinted have been brilliant. Vinted is an amazing source for bike gear.
A couple of tools that have been fantastic, Cushcore beadbro, despite the cringy name it really is so helpful when trying to fit stiff casing tyres that like to pop off the rim as you go round. Also the cheapo amazon internal cable routing kit that cost a tenner has been so good when fitting new brakes and replacing dropper outers.
Not a product as such but I really like The Radavist for it's mix of eclectic articles and some superb photography
Strangely, I haven't bought any cycling products this year, despite cycling more than usual. Unsure if this is down to cancelling my STW subscription back in January or not accessing the website/forum for most of 2025. Or maybe down to CRC fire sale and having plenty stocks of "maintenance" items.
The best way to visualise it is that you get all the benefits of running say 5/6 volume tokens off the top (so you don't actually need a particularly large -ve chamber for the suppleness) as you're running a much lower starting pressure than you usually would, but then as the fork compresses the pressure in the now much smaller +ve chamber will rise more quickly until it equalises with the secondary +ve chamber thus dynamically effectively reducing the number of volume spacers part way through the travel...
Gotcha, ta.
Definitely an option for the future. Do you guys find they take a lot of tinkering to get the right setup?
Maxxis Highroller 3 in maxxgrip for me.
This for me too as a front tyre.
Also Schwalbe Click Valves coupled with a cheap mini electric bike pump from Amazon - so easy to check / top up tyre pressures pre-ride. Literally 30 seconds & both tyres done.
Only significant item i purchased this year, and therefore by default is my product of the year, is a set of Trickstuff Maxima brakes for my Raaw Madonna. A purchase that I didnt think i would ever make, due to the cost, but they are utterly lovely and superb. Amazing quality, sensational feel, endless power. So very impressed.
I would also mention my Chisel FS, but it was purchased in december last year.... but what a bike. covers ground with such ease!
Cannondale Moterra SL. It's a full power ebike! (hmm, so maybe shouldn't be in the "bike product" thread?!), but lightweight! Few teething troubles as it was 2nd hand, creaking cranks, going full 29er to avoid pedal strikes and getting shot of the pointless AXS shifting electronic stuff, it's now an amazing thing to ride.
Surprised mboy is a fan of the T-Type mechanical derailleur tbh! Those things are the same monsterous size as the AXS, which just picked up grass and debris in the jockey wheels whenever it was ridden offroad. Old XO is so much better.
Not bought much this year but from what I have, the 7Mesh foundation boxers have been the stand out. Way more comfortable than my usual padded liners on rides up to 3hrs+, and cooler in the summer.
Nothing stands out for me this year. Sure Ive bought stuff but that has been more like for like replacements. Im interested to try one of the radial tyres but that will have to wait until Ive worn out the existing ones. I would also like to try XT DI2 but given how spendy it is thats not likely to find it’s way onto my bikes
For me, the Stanton Sedona frame I've just built up.
A lightish hardtail on fast rolling XC rubber is simply more fun for local rides out the door where I live than my other bikes. It was designed by Steve from HTP to "make easy trails fun" as he puts it and does live up to the claim. I've built mine up as an XC bike for someone who doesn't like conventional/racier geometry XC bikes, but you could just as easily build it burlier too - it's just a good all round hardtail.
(If someone could kindly point me in the direction of info on how to post images here in a post-Imgur world, I'll do a NBD post)
(If someone could kindly point me in the direction of info on how to post images here in a post-Imgur world, I'll do a NBD post)
The forum supports Instagram again embeds now, so I just paste an Insta post URL in if I want to share a bike pic.
E Road bike for me, really wasn't enjoying road cycling due to a medical issue, got myself an Orbea Gain and love it, ride a lot more as I'm not burnt out and not struggling those last miles to get home every ride.
Yep, my e-gravel commuter bike for me.
I've done nearly 3000 miles of basically "free" riding (at the beginning and end of the day), riding that I would not otherwise have done. It's mostly a very scenic ride with lots of options but the e-bike unlocked a load of riding I'd never have done on an unpowered bike plus it's just good fun to ride.
Those warm dry summer evenings coming back across the moorland, extending the ride just because I could. It's been amazing.
Shimano 105 R7120
Affordable (ish) and it just works. I'm about 2000miles in on it in 8 months and I've not touched any part of it once. The brakes are consistently great, there's a real-world 34-36 bottom gear, the shifting is light and instant.
The only thing that worries me (as a bigger cyclist) is the rotors have discoloured and there isn't a 6-bolt "freeza" option.
Not bought much this year but from what I have, the 7Mesh foundation boxers have been the stand out. Way more comfortable than my usual padded liners on rides up to 3hrs+, and cooler in the summer.
a discovery I made a few years ago
if its going to be hot or wet (so most of the year in the UK being one or the other) and on a mtb (so frequent standing up and position adjusting) then sports boxers are so much better than padded shorts under mtb shorts.
AXS
After many years facking with cables & shimano derailleurs made of cheese, it has been an absolute zero faff upgrade.
@tomhoward still following those pedals with interest. Have the seen much slop since being sorted?
Nothing thick and gloopy, just loose & wet. A bit of snow the other week, but still spinning nice.
AXS
After many years facking with cables & shimano derailleurs made of cheese, it has been an absolute zero faff upgrade.
Same. I had no intention of trying it but I ended up with two sets of AXS Transmission here. One X0 and one GX and they're both excellent.
I still have one bike with XT 12 speed and I'll have to continue slumming it on that one for a while.
The best way to visualise it is that you get all the benefits of running say 5/6 volume tokens off the top (so you don't actually need a particularly large -ve chamber for the suppleness) as you're running a much lower starting pressure than you usually would, but then as the fork compresses the pressure in the now much smaller +ve chamber will rise more quickly until it equalises with the secondary +ve chamber thus dynamically effectively reducing the number of volume spacers part way through the travel...
Gotcha, ta.
Definitely an option for the future. Do you guys find they take a lot of tinkering to get the right setup?
I went to a local spot where I can park at the bottom of the trails. One ride to get it pretty much spot on. A digital shock pump is advised as it's sensitive.
Hillbilly Grid Trail T9 - I think I fitted it in December last year but I haven't felt the need to change it all year even in the dry/dust.
Giro Latch shoes - comfy, durable and good flat pedal grip.
Aenomaly switchhgrade 2.0. I've thought it was a good idea for a long time, and now very affordable. Works brilliantly.
I'm pretty tall and fat, and have seat posts V high at max pedalling height on 240 droppers, so even with steep seat tubes and saddles rammed forward, the saddle position can still promote wheely action. I would compensate by having saddle at about -6degrees nose down, which was kinda not great for everything except mild climbs.
Now for steep climbs, I've got the hang of tilting the saddle nose down and I get to sit on a v comfy sofa on the way up, and the rest of the time have a lovely flat position.
Game changer!
Diaz Suspension Runt
That looks like clever sh1t. I thought adding a volume spacer was a bit out there.
I'd need to upgrade from my Reba first tho? For epicevo am I looking at a SID or something else? Or would the upgrade from a Reba be enough of a difference? Or should I go tru-tone instead (not that light me..... )
Fiveten goretex trailcross on a 50% off PSA from here.
Dry feet in the rain and puddles is a revelation!
I picked up a Tru Tune a couple weeks ago for 140mm RS Pike and it’s absolutely fantastic!
Straight away the fork felt much more supple on its initial stroke, had a beautifully controlled but active mid stroke.
I never really got on with the Pike, finding it just a bit too stiff in small chattery stuff. But the Tru Tune has transformed it.
Also loving the new Maxxis Forcaster, fantastic trail tyre, great in all kinds of conditions and rolls really well too. I’ve only recently found its grip limits now it’s really sloppy in my local woods. But it’s still hangs on for most things to the extent I’m too lazy to put a more suitable tyre and keep saying maybe next week….
Benji’s review of the Decathlon braces in issue 163 has proven to be a revelation.
A mere tenner and my Endura Humvee shorts no longer need to rely on Endura’s garbage belt.
So good I’m contemplating a fresh pair for my pub jeans. Belts are so 18th century.
Braces at 0:55
Most of my purchases have been service items or just replacements of worn kit. However, I did splash out on some VEL 50mm carbon road wheels and they've been a bit of a revelation. While I've noticed a minor tendency to catch side-winds, they are definitely providing an aero benefit when rolling and seem faster to get up to speed too.
Fiveten goretex trailcross on a 50% off PSA from here.
Dry feet in the rain and puddles is a revelation!
My three year old pair are suffering major delamination. Attempting repair with rubber glue. So if anyone sees them discounted again, let me know, as they have been brilliant for 2 and a bit autumn/winters.
I like the AXS on the two bikes I've added this year, but it hasn't been trouble free. Probably my fav.- rather niche - product has been Peatys Mushroom Grips. Recommended by Benji, and bought because my otherwise healed collarbone was sore at the shoulder joint after riding for over an hour. I've used Ergon GA3 (winged) grips for years and really rate them. But going to the softer, well engineered Peaty grip has made a decent sized difference to being able to ignore the shoulder for longer.
Probably my fav.- rather niche - product has been Peatys Mushroom Grips.
I got a pair of these as a treat on a new-to-me enduro bike, agree they are very good. My new fave.
I'd recommend an Ochain for your Giga as well if you want more comfort and improved performance.
@chakaping - interesting. I was reading about that earlier in the thread and it piqued my interest. Need to catch up on some week long trips next year after missing out in 2025, so potentially a worthwhile purchase. I need to pull the Giga apart anyway as it's lunched another set of main bearings... I'm also curious about putting a 297 rear end on it if ones comes up.
Oh some great product listed above, and I agree with quite a few, but for me this silly little piston spreading tool is the best thing going. I know there is a twin head version too but as it's only held by magnets, I can see that being a faff to use. I have Birzman Double-ended Piston Pusher tool and a Sram clone, and have used tyre levers/specific lever tools over the years but these so much better. Get one, they cost f** all and work really really well. ACRZ Hydraulic Brake Piston Press Tool - AliExpress 18 (there are UK shops selling them too)
@chakaping - interesting. I was reading about that earlier in the thread and it piqued my interest. Need to catch up on some week long trips next year after missing out in 2025, so potentially a worthwhile purchase. I need to pull the Giga apart anyway as it's lunched another set of main bearings... I'm also curious about putting a 297 rear end on it if ones comes up.
that's just what your Giga needs, more weight 😉 I will admit to being slightly interested in one for my SJ Evo, just not sure on doing all day pedallers on it.
not sure on doing all day pedallers on it.
You can fully lock it out in a few seconds on the R model, if that helps
that's just what your Giga needs, more weight
It's only 37lb with a coil on it. Basically a burly trail bike 🙂
The Rimpact one you can't turn off, they reckon it's not that noticeable once the spring compresses.
Sunshine and dry trails. Bought a couple this year and they were amazing. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Sadly I've run out of stock at the moment.
Echoing some other comments - Madison DTE dungarees, they are ace. And Trailcross GTX boots. And for really minging weather on the ebike. Leatt drysuit
Not new, but adopted by me over the past year. AXS - both gears and post. Probably moreso the post for the fact you can take it out without the faff of the attached cable. And tubeless - I finally did it with zero dramas, apart from a re-taping faff ending up losing my patience with rim tape and using insulation tape and gaffer tape
New products - indisputably, electric pumps. Brilliant little invention. Seats tubeless. Is convenient. Everyone having flats on rides has really appreciated it. Get one with a decent battery though - the Cycplus AS2 Pro Max might be a bit bulky, but it'll do numerous inflations
Orbea Rise eeb. So much fun getting up and out into the hills with Turbo Thursdays giving me another night of riding.
Shout outs:
SQLabs inner barends: So good I fitted multiple bikes with them.
Coros Dura GPS: Just works (pisser it doesn't talk to the eeb though).
MucOff electric bike pump has been fun too. Saved rides for several friends and when I showed it off in the local pub, the look I got from the lasses at the next table was magic.
