금요일, 2월 14, 2025
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Bikerumor Editor’s Alternative 2024 – Cory’s Greatest Bike & Gear Awards


Let’s do it. One other 12 months of nice gear and my 2024 Editor’s Alternative Awards to wrap up one of the best of one of the best.

This 12 months once more felt prefer it flew by. That’s partly as a result of I took on increasingly of our Euro and mountain bike workload and partly simply that there was a recent stream of nice new bikes to check. Plus, I headed out to the tech pits of extra bike races this 12 months – from our residence Czech CX Worlds to new Enduro & DH World Cups in Poland, to the native XC World Cup, some Gravel World Sequence racing, and even gravel & street levels of the Tour de France. There was tons of latest tech to cowl throughout each self-discipline, even some actually attention-grabbing new ebike improvement.

…chasing World Cup mountain bike riders for Spy Photographs

I’ll admit the ever-growing value of top-end bikes is a bit disheartening to me. However on the identical time, a number of (however not all) of my favorites of the 12 months tended much more towards the extra inexpensive finish of the spectrum.

With that in thoughts, l’ll simply dive into my Editor’s Alternative round-up of one of the best new gear that I really examined first-hand this 12 months. Plus, I’ll even have a couple of strong Honorable Mentions for some promising new issues that I merely haven’t gotten sufficient time to trip simply but…

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About Cory

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Cory wonders why you are taking his picture

One other 12 months, one other fast refresher on who I – a motorcycle tech nerd & technical off-road rider – am, and why my picks would possibly matter to you. For over 30 years, mountain bikes have been my go-to device for enjoyable with buddies, health, racing, and simply solo exploration. I’ve additionally been a designer & maker of all issues huge & small for even longer. I’ll trip something with two wheels, however am actually a fan of getting myself and my bikes soiled. However using, each class, means I might need probably the most year-end picks of our entire crew, too.

Anyway, if I needed to suppose laborious about it, I might in all probability say I managed to place each bike I rode this 12 months onto at the least a little bit of dust, even these lightest, fanciest aero street bikes. So regardless that I recognize a little bit of old-school retro tech, I’m actually pleased that we’ve bought {powerful} disc brakes and fats tubeless tires on all forms of bikes lately.

Using (& testing) bikes isn’t at all times simple

Curiously (at the least to me), I’ve crashed extra on mountain bikes this 12 months than in in all probability the final 5 years mixed. However I do know precisely why. Just a few huge mountain bike improvements that I dove head-on into testing this 12 months have meant me pushing a lot more durable and sooner on a number of the gnarliest terrain I’ve ever ridden. And typically I’ve ended up on the bottom unexpectedly (or properly, it was most frequently to be anticipated). However a step up in rideable safety this 12 months has meant I walked away comparatively unscathed from all however certainly one of these ‘incidents’. And even that one, I rode away from, however was sore for fairly some time. However what sticks with me is that bike tech development helped me push myself additional this 12 months (kind of safely), and that’s one thing I can look again on favorably because the 12 months ends.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, biking is hard
(all photographs by Cory Benson, until in any other case famous)

Using bikes might be laborious – whether or not we do it for work or for enjoyable, however I wouldn’t change a factor.

Greatest Expertise

Editor’s Alternative: Silly Journey Rides with Associates

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, frosty morning ride with friends

Does it get any higher than a greatest buddy that convinces you and a bunch of different like-minded idiots to go trip someplace foolish on bikes, perhaps on ones not well-suited for the kind of terrain at hand, or in climate that’s doubtful at greatest, perhaps bordering on harmful at worst? I can’t consider something higher. And I’ve bought a type of nice buddies. This 12 months we didn’t trip collectively as a lot as we normally do. However we made up for the variety of rides with high quality & action-packed journey for his one birthday trip. We began quickly after dawn in freezing fog, climbed an enormous mountain with a daft hike-a-bike within the center, and completed lengthy after darkish, hours later than we deliberate.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, bad ideas rides with friends, hike-a-bike

Even with the no-drop tempo, attrition was excessive, dropping about 1/3 of our group alongside the way in which (don’t fear we deliberate a couple of bail-out spots the place different buddies would safely choose up the stragglers). However enjoyable was had by all, nobody died, and we emptied a keg within the night.

★★★★★: 5 stars. No notes.

Editor’s Alternative: A Household Journey to Saalfelden Leogang’s Massive Mountain Bikepark

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Epic Bike Park Leogang enduro

Now for one thing rather less excessive. Leogang might be greatest identified amongst mountain bikers around the globe for its World Cup DH monitor. However the bikepark itself has much more to supply. Assume large leap strains, a number of downhill tracks, a couple of ranges of groomed park stream path, and a few killer new natural-feeling enduro strains.

And with one thing like a dozen potential uplifts on adjoining mountains accessible with a single elevate go, there actually are all types of trails obtainable for mountain bike riders of all ages and all ability ranges. Throughout the brief span of only a lengthy weekend, I watched my spouse leap into an airbag for her first time ever, descend loopy steep mud-slicked singletrack, trip lengthy (however safely extensive sufficient) twisting north shore-style bridges, after which stream alongside an alpine ridge path above tree line with my teen & pre-teen youngsters. To not point out slowly using the Speedster DH monitor, taking about 5x as a lot time to get down the hill as Vali Höll.

★★★★★: 5 stars. Keep on the Leogang facet, however don’t overlook to cross over to Saalbach & Hintergelmm, too.

(OK, that’s the top of my star scores. Again to a lot of phrases… and successfully a number of condensed critiques!)

Mountain Bikes

Editor’s Alternative – Lengthy-travel: Scott Ransom

Scott Ransom custom freeride mountain bike build

This new Scott Ransom is extra versatile than any long-travel mountain bike that I’ve ever ridden. I might depart it at that.

Debuted final February, that is 170mm of plush 6-bar journey out again paired as inventory with 170mm up entrance. I first rode this bike on the tail finish of 2023 forward of its launch, however was so intrigued by the way it felt and the way its distinctive rear shock distant labored that I needed to have one.

My very own private Scott Ransom construct is directly excessive, with 180mm of Method Belva journey up entrance and ultra-premium Trickstuff brakes, however balanced with a low-cost MicroShift drivetrain and both carbon DT or alloy Hunt all-mountain wheels. This ultra-capable freeride shredder legitimately seems to be like a DH bike how I’ve set it up. However I’m 100% OK with pedaling it up and down the mountain all day. And that primarily comes down to 2 options – a neatly designed shock with remotely managed air quantity & compression damping, plus an all-new 6-bar suspension structure.

Ride Review of 2024 Scott Ransom 900 RC DH-ready carbon enduro bike, Trac-Loc suspension remote

That new suspension design and slack however not-too-long geometry definitely does the trick. However, sitting simply above the dropper distant, it’s that 3-position Trac-Loc remote-actuated shock that seals the deal. However bear in mind, it’s not a lockout.

Freeride down, path again up

Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial enduro all-mountain bike tire review, Ransom rock riding grip

As an alternative within the totally open Descend place, the shock has entry to the total quantity of the big air canister. Then, within the second Ramp Management place on the distant lever, a portion of the air can is just minimize off, successfully lowering complete air quantity and giving the identical impact as having added a number of quantity areas to the shock. The ultimate Climb place the place you’ll anticipate finding a lockout is definitely the Path mode you would possibly discover on a conventional XC 3-position lockout. There, suspension journey is decreased to 140mm and compression damping ramps up, so that you get a firmer trip with a extra secure platform and extra environment friendly pedaling.

Trickstuff Maxima Black MTB brakes First Look, now actually available, Czech Enduro Series training

The result’s a motorcycle that transforms from totally open plushness to Descend the gnarliest tracks at excessive velocity, then a Ramp-ed up suspension mode for hitting leap strains or smoother path with a poppy & playful really feel, and lastly a nonetheless lively however managed mode to Climb again up any hill identical to you had been on a mid-travel path bike. It actually transforms 1 bike into 3 – from Freeride to All-Mountain to Path on the push of a button. Sure, I need this operate on each long-travel enduro bike I trip going ahead!

Editor’s Alternative – Shorter journey: Canyon Spectral KIS

Canyon Spectral KIS all-mountain trail bike

The kiss of dying, however in a great way, I promise.

Onto a shorter journey bike as a result of not everybody actually desires to go full freeride…

My different huge Editor’s Alternative for mountain bikes this 12 months was one other innovator – the Canyon Spectral KIS. What’s distinctive right here is Canyon took their all-mountain bike – bordering on gentle enduro, and so they shortened journey to distinguish it as extra of a path bike – dialed again to 140mm out again, 150 up entrance. Then, they added their distinctive KIS steering stabilizer tech, developed with Syntace. Principally, a light-weight & adjustable spring inside the highest tube self-centers your bars (it doesn’t gradual inputs so it’s not technically a steering damper), gently straightening the entrance wheel when it’s knocked off-line by any impediment within the path. The self-centering power is increased at first, lowering as you flip the bars, so it doesn’t make it more durable to steer in any respect.

But it surely really has an enormous, noticeable influence on how the bike handles.

Subsequent-gen, softer KIS

Canyon Spectral CF 140mm carbon trail mountain bike, KIS integration

That is the 4th KIS-equipped bike I’ve ridden in 2 years, and probably the most attention-grabbing from an actual all-rounder mountain biker’s perspective. It will not be 100% the right bike for all riders, however nearly each mountain biker might definitely profit from it. What actually stands out for me is how properly it unobtrusively retains the bike secure by means of the rougher sections of path at velocity, and the way it likes to be tossed up into the air. Level it the place you need to go into steep, free, or slick trails… and because the entrance wheel hits obstacles alongside the way in which and begins to bounce off monitor, it simply mechanically factors itself again the place it’s purported to be. I might leap right into a pile of moist roots or free rocks, and not likely fear the place the entrance wheel was going to land. It simply quietly and intuitively instills confidence in difficult path conditions, as you trip alongside.

Maintain It Steady

2024 Canyon Spectral CF, all-new 140mm travel carbon trail all-mountain bike, riding steep ladder

Now, alongside the strains of my earlier speak about some additional minor crashing… this nice bike kinda bought familiarly nicknamed ‘the kiss of dying’ this season. That’s as a result of it really requires you to rethink the way you trip, at the least at slower speeds. I typically trip our demanding boulders & steeps with a trial-inspired gradual techy type of using, the place I’ll cease & steadiness for a second to readjust & choose my preferrred line, simply earlier than I drop into some steep chute or down a steep slab. However then typically as I drop in, the steering stabilizer will mechanically straighten the bike out as I begin to trip. Greater than as soon as (with KIS set to its strongest setting), I’ve ended up off my desired line because the bike overcorrected – even as soon as right into a tree.

That seems like an enormous draw back, however actually I think most mountain bikers received’t trip fairly like I do. And even then, I’ve tailored my drop-in approach to account for it by now. The trick is when you have a number of path bikes (or swap between take a look at bikes as a lot as I do). The KIS system rewards rider who takes the time to rethink how they deal with the bike to max out advantages from the system.

My full takeaway is that solely individuals with a storage filled with bikes ought to steer clear. Everybody else might actually profit from some KIS-assisted using.

An ideal all-mountain bike, made higher by KIS

Schwalbe Albert Radial enduro all-mountain bike tires review

The Spectral itself is already an awesome bike. Lengthy, slack & secure enduro-ready geometry in a mid-travel 29er path package deal, with inner body storage and simple flip-chip swaps to a Mullet setup for those who choose a extra playful trip. Add within the KIS steering stabilizer, and you actually can throw this bike into probably the most technical path sections at increased speeds than you’re used to with the boldness of realizing that the bike goes to stabilize itself. It’s fairly spectacular.

Gravel & Cross Bikes

Editor’s Alternative: Equator Sensei

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Equator Sensei tii gravel ready for adventure

This inexpensive titanium Equator Sensei gravel bike is my newest go-to for just about any mixed-surface using. With a mixture of nearly all-road geometry, nonetheless sufficient room for 47mm extensive tires, and tons of mounts for every little thing from basic racks to fashionable bikepacking baggage, it feels quick on hardpack and roads, however remains to be a lot secure and predictable when hitting free gravel quick.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Equator Sensei titanium gravel bike

I’ve even put 50mm tires in it with a good clearance, nevertheless it shines with fast-rolling 45s – like these all-new Schwalbe G-One RX tires I trip now.

Schwalbe G-One RX Pro aggressive gravel bike race tire, wet ride testing
(Photograph/Schwalbe)

And naturally, it’s inexpensive titanium – with framesets from simply 2440€ & full Di2 bikes from 6350€. Which means you get a basic forgiving ti trip, and a motorcycle that’s seemingly going to final without end. Don’t fear about scratching the paint, dinging a tube, or it ever rusting.

Culprit CCSR gravel bike review_Carbon Composite Speed Rests aerobar armrest comfort+control upgrade, road riding

It is a bike that simply desires to go trip in any situations, on any sort of terrain, wherever. And it’ll preserve doing that for years to come back.

Honorable Point out: CDuro Gravel prototype

CDuro Gravel bike prototype, robot-wound carbon fiber bike Czech-made, complete

This prototype is an apparent Honorable Point out as a result of it’s not fairly prepared for the massive time, so I haven’t had an opportunity to trip one. However I actually love what CDuro is doing with its distinctive carbon building. As an alternative of laying up particular person plies and even merely filament winding tubes (which is how they begin), CDuro makes use of a novel robotic machine winding approach to loop carbon fibers from one tube throughout the joint to a different tube.

CDuro Gravel bike prototype, robot-wound carbon fiber bike made-in-the-Czech Republic, unique industrial estetic

This Built-in Loop Know-how (ILT) takes automated carbon tube manufacturing to a brand new perfectly-repeatable stage. And it ends in a uncooked, sinew-like aesthetic that can certainly be polarizing. However I dig that it unabashedly highlights the distinctive technical building technique, not hiding the joint or including pointless filler.

I’m genuinely curious how this can evolve right into a manufacturing bike in 2025, and stay up for getting an opportunity to trip one.

(All) Highway Bikes

Editor’s Alternative: Basso Venta R

2024 Basso Venta R affordable Italian integrated aero carbon all-road bike Review, lighter with carbon wheels & gravel tires

A 100% made-in-Italy semi-aero, built-in carbon street bike for 2850€ that can match 35mm quick gravel tires, the brand new Basso Venta R sounded just like the type of street bike I might get behind from the beginning. To be trustworthy, a variety of legacy Italian bike manufacturers don’t actually make their carbon bikes in Italy anymore, so once I noticed a low-cost Basso made in Italy at such an inexpensive value, I used to be a bit shocked.

However its secret appears to be construct simplicity, quantity, and a mid-level carbon layup. There’s just one construct – a no-nonsense mechanical 105 2x construct with fairly heavy alloy wheels, that make an awesome entry-level. Plus, there are nonetheless 7 inventory body sizes and easy black or white paint. My massive 56cm take a look at bike weighed 9.25kg out of the field with out pedals, so it’s no featherweight. However I simply shed greater than half a kilo swapping to some carbon wheels and even quick gravel tires that I already had in on take a look at.

2024 Basso Venta R affordable Italian integrated aero carbon all-road bike Review, roads up close

What which means although, is that this in all probability probably the most inexpensive all-road bike I’ve examined in a few years. And it occurs to be a great-looking, made-in-Italy street bike on the identical time, with fast dealing with geometry impressed by Basso’s rather more costly race-ready street bikes and totally built-in inner cable routing that also works with all disc brake groupsets – mechanical or digital.

Journey it on tarmac, trip it on dust roads, and improve to lighter wheels when you’ve extra money to spend.

Honorable Point out: Ribble AllRoad Ti

2024 Ribble Allroad Ti Sport, affordable 3D-printed titanium all-road bike
(Photograph/Ribble)

This built-in titanium all-road bike wins my Honorable Point out as a result of I’m simply amazed on the worth they pack in right here. The Ribble AllRoad Ti is the primary 3D-printed, ti bike that standard cyclists would possibly really be capable to afford. 3D-printing titanium introduced the likelihood to have modern – nearly carbon-like – tube shapes and next-level integration. However most swoopy, techy ti bikes lately have costs beginning within the five-digit realm.

Ribble presents a type of tremendous premium builds. However the bike that caught my consideration is one other 105 mechanical construct at simply $4135 / 4780€ and a claimed 9.9kg with alloy wheels. Just like the Venta, 35mm tires match and a wheel swap would make a strong improve down the street. However this looks like a killer entry level to a reasonably great-looking titanium do-it-all street bike.

eBikes

A particular standout in my thoughts this 12 months had been the eMTBs. Between seemingly minor powertrain updates and all-new drive system gamers, I really feel like the newest crop of efficiency eMTBs is simply so improved to make ebike naysayers rethink how a lot enjoyable an ebike may very well be. The newest motors are quieter, extra {powerful} but smoother on & off energy, and they’re nearly all extra customizable lately.

Editor’s Alternative: Amflow PL Carbon Professional

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Amflow PL Carbon Pro eMTB

That is the eMTB that may simply make you rethink using ebikes off-road.

Crucial ebike improvement, for my part, this 12 months was the entry of drone maker DJI into the market with their all-new Avinox motor. Who higher to make an ebike drive system than an organization already used to creating sensible electrical motors that need to be {powerful} & gentle sufficient to handle flight in variable wind situations, have batteries to max power output & vary whereas holding weight to an absolute minimal, and extra environment friendly management methods developed to get each ounce of juice out of an electrical drive system with none additional weight.

Just one ebike firm thus far is fitted with this compact new DJI Avinox drive system, however I think extra will leap on within the coming years.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Amflow PL Carbon Pro powered by DJI Avinox ebike motor

Enter the Amflow PL Carbon Professional. Amflow could also be an entire beginner to the biking scene, however their eMTB debut is fairly stellar. This ebike is sort of as light-weight because the lightest light-assist eMTB, even with an enormous 800Wh battery inside. But it surely additionally places out extra torque than just about something within the full-power ebike section. I’m speaking a couple of large 105Nm of torque. Drop this beast into Turbo mode and flies uphill with the regulated 250W of averaged-out ‘nominal’ pedal-assisted energy, peaking out momentarily at 850W in preferrred conditions.

100W & 105Nm, oh my!

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Amflow eMTB super Boost DJI mode

However press the Increase button subsequent to your dropper distant, and DJI delivers as much as 1000W of boosted energy on the 105Nm max torque for as much as a full half a minute. It’s far more energy than you want on any path, however wow it looks like flying by the seat of your pants for a second on a brief steep gravel or paved street ramp.

All that may sound like an excessive amount of energy. However what actually satisfied me of the virtues of the Amflow PL Carbon Professional was the Auto mode of the DJI Avinox system. Certain, you’ll be able to spend a variety of time in some super-powered modes, however then it feels extra like you’re being pulled up the hill as a substitute of using a motorcycle. And certain you’ll burn by means of these 800Wh very quickly.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Amflow ebike smart DJI Auto mode

However pop this factor into Auto mode, and DJI makes positive you get the max vary out of your battery, however you continue to have the max torque and max energy obtainable at your fingertips. Using felt extra pure and clean in Auto mode, but nonetheless, while you ramped up enter into the pedals, the motor kicked it up a notch, seemingly simply as robust as in Turbo mode, however with battery vary longer than Path mode. Outdoors of attempting to run the battery down as quick as potential burning laps again up gravel forest roads, I feel I’d by no means take this factor out of Auto mode besides to drop right down to Eco for even longer vary or to trip slower technical descents with much less motor suggestions. Anyway, the Increase button is at all times there if, for some unearthly motive, you are feeling such as you want extra energy, say to meet up with a buddy (or drop them like a nasty behavior!)

Smarter, full-power ebike drive

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, riding Amflow PL Carbon Pro eMTB powered by DJI

Plus, there’s additionally tons of mode customization within the DJI app that lets the top consumer tweak how pure or how torquey you favor the pedal help in every mode. It truly is as much as you ways you need this ebike to really feel.

The one actual draw back is proscribed availability. For now, you’ll be able to solely choose one up in a couple of international markets. Certain, my 10,000€ Amflow PL Carbon Professional was on the costly facet of ebikes. However there’s additionally a way more affordable 6400€ model with the identical motor, battery & body… only a extra affordable suspension spec, mechanical derailleur, and alloy wheels.

At 20.8kg with out pedals for my Massive 1.2kg PL Carbon Professional take a look at bike, that is really a light-weight amongst ebikes, with none foolish gentle or particularly boutique parts. And but, what you get is probably the most-powerful e-mountain-bike in the marketplace this 12 months, but additionally one of the vital even-tempered!

Honorable Point out: Merida eOne-Sixty SL

2025 Merida e160 SL 8000 eMTB Review: complete lightweight carbon ebike powered by Bosch SX & 400Wh battery

I give the brand new Merida eOne-Sixty SL simply an Honorable Point out, not as a result of I didn’t trip it in any respect, however as a result of I solely bought a few days on it. And but it pleasantly stunned me greater than I had anticipated. It’s a light-assist eMTB, powered by a 5cw5Nm Bosch SX motor and a comparatively small 400Wh inner battery.

2025 Merida e160 SL eMTB Review: lightweight carbon Bosch SX powered all-mountain eBike, rocking rock slabs
(Photograph by Manuel Kleinmann/Merida)

At an actual weight of 20.4kg for my 9500€ take a look at ebike, it was gentle sufficient to actually descend and stream trails with the sensation of a daily, albeit heavier alloy, all-mountain bike. It’s considerably extra maneuverable than most (however not all) full-power eMTBs, and is a simple ebike to hop round on the path with weight steadiness that by no means felt sluggish. And the SX motor actually makes for a clean pedal-assist really feel. By no means too torquey, at all times like you’re using on recent legs.

It’s an awesome ebike for riders that choose softer motor help. What will get me although is, if you’re in certainly one of their obtainable markets, now you can get the rather more {powerful} Amflow for much less with cash on the identical weight with a lower-spec, or only a bit extra money for a extra premium spec.

Wheels & Tires

Editor’s Alternative – MTB tires: Schwalbe Albert Radial

I might go on and on about these tires. In actual fact, I kinda did with the subsequent version of the Bikerumor podcast December Tech Spherical Up. That’s coming quickly so preserve your ears peeled.

These tires are actually, game-changing. The uniquely easy replace to a extra radial building of those Alberts and Schwalbe’s up to date Magic Mary & all-new Shredda give the tires magic-like grip. The key is that because the route of the first fibers that make up the physique of the tire are shorter and angled extra straight throughout the tire from bead-to-bead, the tread is ready to deform extra regionally to an influence of impediment. The result’s much-improved tire deformation for rather more grip on the identical tire pressures. Ultimately, I run +2-5psi greater than earlier than and nonetheless get higher grip. Certain, there’s some additional rolling resistance compromise which means these received’t be viable XC race tires. However this new Albert tread is mostly fairly clean rolling, with out actually sacrificing a lot all-rounder grip.

Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial enduro all-mountain bike tire review, tread detail

Now once I want a set of latest path, all-mountain, or enduro tires… that is the one tire I need.

No single product I’ve tried this 12 months will make as huge an influence within the lives of skilled mountain bikers greater than these tires. And actually, at ~$75€ a bit – and Path or Gravity casings – that is probably the most moderately priced and high-value improve that I feel most mountain bikers could make to be prepared for subsequent season.

Editor’s Alternative – Highway & Gravel wheels – Parcours FKT aero gravel wheels

2024 Parcours FKT all-rounder affordable aero carbon gravel bike wheels Review, aerodynamic dust detail

I’ll admit that I’m typically slightly skeptical of firm aerodynamic claims. I’m pleased to see new merchandise refined in CFD and the wind tunnel – as a result of free watts are beautiful, even when they aren’t at all times probably the most inexpensive. However oblique or apples-to-oranges comparisons are sometimes not exceptionally helpful. So colour me stunned once I might actually see the aero efficiency of Parcours’ new FKT aero gravel written in mud on their sidewalls.

Review: Parcours FKT aero gravel bike wheels, aerodynamic sketch
notice: Cory’s sketch of how he interprets aerodynamic gravel mud

These extensive 27mm hookless inner, mid-weight aerodynamic carbon wheels have a novel profile that’s widest at 40mm of their midsection, after which taper again to the bead the place they meet the tire. The final idea is that by extra intently mimicking the bulb form of a 40mm gravel tire – which can also be widest in its midsection – the edges are aero each within the entrance the place the tire cuts first into the wind and behind the wheel the place the rim leads into the wind. Then, within the center, the narrower part the place the rim & tire meet creates a lifeless zone the place air is actually trapped because the wheel is spinning, and air flows previous the wheel easily with much less drag.

2024 Parcours FKT all-rounder affordable aero carbon gravel bike wheels Review on a Canyon Grail

Ultimately, you’ll be able to see their aerodynamic efficiency in how mud merely doesn’t ever decide on the half of the rim closest to the tire (nevertheless it does decide on the nostril of the edges.)

They aren’t particularly flashy. However I set some private Quickest Recognized Instances on native segments earlier than sending them again to Parcours. And so they hit a candy spot of seen aero efficiency, light-enough weight, and affordable sufficient affordability that I feel makes them a superb all-rounder gravel bike improve.

Elements & Devices

Editor’s Alternative – Drivetrain: Campagnolo Ekar GT

Campagnolo Ekar GT actual weights, affordable Campy gravel group, gruppo on gravel

This previous spring, Campagnolo adopted up their 13-speed Ekar mechanical gravel bike groupset with Ekar GT, billed as a lower-cost various to make Ekar much more accessible. It was positioned as a decrease spec, however in actuality, it improved on the unique in a lot of methods, whereas holding the superb brakes, carbon levers & no-nonsense, exact mechanical shifting.

Ekar GT has a extra strong rear derailleur with pulleys that don’t clog up with mud anymore. Its cassettes are really lighter than the originals, and there’s a brand new wider vary 10-48T possibility (480%).

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Campagnolo Ekar GT custom 9-48T cassette

In actual fact, because the cassettes at the moment are modular, I managed to mash-up a 9-42T & 10-48T to create an excellent vary 9-48T cassette (533%) for the widest gearing vary within the gravel business. Its shifting is ideal in 11 out of the 12 shifts, with one shift within the center being OK. That makes this the right cassette for me for loaded bikepacking, whereas I can then use a 9-42t (467%) for on a regular basis gravel using.

The one actual draw back vs. OG Ekar was a considerably heavier alloy crankset. But when there’s one part customers prefer to improve out of groupset, that is the very first thing to go – whether or not you’re searching for an influence meter or one thing fancy like a set of titanium eeWings.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Equator Sensei ti gravel bike with Campy Ekar GT groupset

Campy Ekar GT... every little thing nice concerning the unique 13-speed Ekar, besides 15% extra inexpensive and with larger cassette ranges. I name {that a} win.

Editor’s Alternative – Suspension: Method Belva enduro fork

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Formula Belva fork before Blinduro race start

Palms-down probably the most plush, best-feeling mountain bike fork that I’ve ever ridden!

This previous spring Method formally debuted the double-crown Belva enduro mountain bike fork with 170 or 180mm of journey, after a number of years in improvement. I first rode the Belva as a prototype again in 2021 earlier than it had a reputation, and was instantly enamored.

Trickstuff Maxima Black MTB brakes First Look, now actually available, super enduro riding

The straightforward idea was to take a normal 35mm stanchion 160mm journey Selva, and to extend its journey not by beefing up the stanchions, however by extending them previous the headtube to a second crown. The consequence was a protracted journey enduro fork that was as gentle or lighter than an equal journey Fox 38 or RockShox Zeb. But it surely additionally has a decrease axle-to-crown stack top and smoother motion due to the higher help & power switch you get from two thinner double-crown connections vs. the cantilever of a single outsized crown design.

My manufacturing Method Belva fork weighs simply 2.47kg, and is ready up with 180mm of journey however the identical a-c of the Fox 38 that I rode on the primary Ransom I examined.

Extremely-plush double-crown enduro journey

Scott Ransom custom freeride mountain bike build
(Photograph/Cory Benson)

The one actual draw back is that there’s an inherent steering angle limitation with a double crown, however realistically inner routing and steering block headsets have additionally proven that doesn’t actually matter whereas using even probably the most tight & twisty trails. The opposite is seems to be. This fork undeniably makes my enduro Ransom appear like a full-on DH bike. However I don’t actually thoughts that in any respect. In actual fact, it makes it much more enjoyable to show heads using this bike up the mountain previous them. And with a lockout simply accessible on the highest of the appropriate leg (now simply subsequent to the bar) even climbing steep gravel or paved climbs looks like no power is misplaced.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Formula Belva enduro double-crown fork

Ultimately, the journey is so extremely clean that I can plow by means of the roughest tracks I’ve ever ridden. Or totally ship it off ever-bigger drops, totally embracing this Ransom’s need to be a freeride bike. But, I also can simply improve the big quantity air chamber’s strain a bit if I really feel like I desire a bit extra help, and extra of an excellent path bike really feel. Then after all, with Method’s signature CTS tuning chips, you’ll be able to simply adapt the forks compression tune to a person’s private using type.

Who would have guessed that my favourite enduro fork would really appear like a DH fork!

Honorable Point out – Braking: Trickstuff Maxima

Me solely giving these an honorable point out and never a full “editor’s selection award” has nothing to do with efficiency. I’ve really examined these totally. And I feel these could also be one of the best mountain bike brakes that I’ve ever ridden. However… they don’t seem to be for everybody. And I don’t simply imply that they value 1300€ for a pair of brakes.

Trickstuff’s Maxima brakes have been the holy grail of gravity mountain bike brakes since they debuted a number of years in the past. Without delay, due to their rumored stopping energy, but additionally as a result of they had been extremely laborious to get ahold of. Produced in small batches, they at all times offered out instantly. Now with some distribution assist from new mum or dad DT Swiss, the brakes are simpler to supply. And I bought ahold of a brand new all-black set this previous summer season.

Unimaginable stopping energy

Trickstuff Maxima Black MTB brakes First Look, now actually available, Jested enduro racing DH

Their energy is unbelievable. However the lever really feel is a bit unfamiliar at first. Like different brakes, the preliminary pull to the braking level is fast & clean, at which level the brakes have most probably already stopped you. However, from there, lever pull continues to be clean & simple. Standing subsequent to the bike, which means you’ll be able to slowly pull the lever nearly all the way in which to the bar. However on the path what it means is that after the brakes interact, much more energy is offered with a really tiny quantity of extra lever pull. And you’ll by no means pull the lever to the bar earlier than you’ve fully stopped. The result’s that you just don’t get hand fatigue or forearm pump when pulling the levers for longer durations on tremendous steep or tough/rutted tracks. It’s fairly wonderful, however requires some willingness for the mountain biker to adapt to one thing totally different.

In actuality, not everybody will love them, not everybody will recognize their totally different ‘really feel’, and they’re so costly that they’re far out of most bikers’ finances. However… wow, they are surely {powerful} with out placing a variety of stress in your arms.

Instruments

Editor’s Alternative – Residence mechanic: Repair Manufacturing 224 Torque Wrench package

Fix Mfg 224 simple affordable easy-to-use home mechanic torque wrench on workbench
(Photograph/Repair Mfg)

Sure, it’s simply one other torque wrench. But someway, this Repair Mfg 224 Torque Wrench package is the one which made me change for my most typical set up and adjustment wants. It has easier-to-read settings that just about each different compact adjustable torque wrench I’ve used. It’s a must to flip the deal with till the arrow factors on the appropriate settings. Even Nm markings on high, odd on the underside – separating the 2 takes the guesswork out of whether or not try to be precisely beneath the road, splitting the road, or masking it.

Then, there’s a broader useable vary than most compact biking torque wrenches – right here 2-24Nm covers just about every little thing delicate exterior of cranks or backside brackets (the place, not that I’d suggest such a factor, however… you’ll be able to in all probability get away with tightening to ‘as tight as potential’). It is available in a pleasant light-weight meat field. All of the bits I would like and an extension are neatly tucked inside. And it prices an affordable 120 bucks.

Clothes & Safety

Editor’s Alternative – Leatt Velocity 4.0 X-Movement MTB goggles

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Leatt Velocity X-Flow MTB goggles

I already was fairly pleased with the airflow of Leatt’s Velocity 4.0 MTB goggles a couple of years again after they launched vented mountain bike-specific lenses. However realistically, I run too scorching and sweat an excessive amount of to put on them exterior of cool to chilly climate for any rides that embrace sustained climbing. Even taking the goggles off to climb, my helmet will get so sweaty and humid that placing goggles again on immediately ends in fogging.

Then, final winter, they launched a follow-up with the Leatt Velocity 4.0 X-Movement MTB goggles. By fully slicing off the decrease part of froth padding and eradicating all the mesh material that lined the highest & facet vent construction, Leatt boosted airflow considerably. Now, I can put on goggles in scorching climate – particularly useful for heat climate enduro racing or dusty bikepark laps with buddies in peak summer season. I make a small modification by slicing a slit within the facet of the froth to make room for Rx glasses beneath, and I’m good to go for additional scorching climate eye safety!

Editor’s Alternative – Leatt ReaFlex Chest Protector

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Leatt protection at Leogang

One among my greatest revelations find tremendous technical trails this 12 months was this Leatt ReaFlex Chest Protector (renamed from AirFlex once I bought mine). It’s not that this factor presents extra safety than different nice chest and again protectors I’ve ridden (and this one is definitely a bit restricted in some points.) However I had nearly by no means worn a chest protector earlier than on any trip that might see me pedaling uphill even slightly bit. And albeit, I’d solely put on a again protector in a lift-served bikepark or at an occasion that explicitly required one. I merely sweat an excessive amount of and am at all times too scorching throughout summer season using to even contemplate a full-coverage chest and/or again protector.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Leatt soft ReaFlex protector rolled up

However this Leatt ReaFlex Chest Protector is gentle and versatile with a viscoelastic (hardening on influence) protector entrance & rear for Stage 1 chest & again safety. What which means is I can actually take it off, roll it up, after which strap it to the handlebar for each climb. That has meant that I take this factor on nearly each native technical path trip and larger enduro rides and races. It provides me rather more confidence when sending it off some characteristic that could be on the limits of me/the bike/my tires.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Leatt ReaFlex back protector

And I’ve crashed a lot of occasions and bought up unhurt.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, Leatt back protector

The one draw back is that it presents slightly false confidence, as there’s solely very minimal facet (flank) safety. And I did as soon as slip onto a rock slightly below that minimal flank pad, reminding me for a number of weeks later the way it left my kidneys & decrease ribs susceptible. For positive, once I go to the bikepark, or extra technical journeys with uplifts, I escape much more safety.

Parting ideas

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, gravel riding with fiedns

That’s a wrap on one other busy 12 months, and a strong overview of my highlights for one of the best new bike gear of 2024.

It’s been a 12 months filled with a variety of nice off-road using. And I have already got extra arrange for the New 12 months. In the intervening time, there’s recent snow on the bottom exterior, and I’m trying ahead to some extra good winter fats biking from my doorstep – with some new tech ready to get examined. Plus, a brand new cargo trailer is on the way in which to haul every little thing from instruments for native path upkeep to tenting gear for longer adventures with household and buddies. And I set January plans to trip in one of many few EU international locations I’ve but to set foot in. Plus, the primary new gravel & mountain bike testing journeys are already lined up for early spring. I’ve even been in discussions for a couple of attention-grabbing Manufacturing unit Excursions as properly, so it’ll simply be a case of figuring how you can squeeze them into my busy schedule to share extra attention-grabbing tech with you our devoted readers.

2024 Cory's Editor's Choice Awards, winter fat bike riding

Till then, I hope you all benefit from the holidays, and hopefully a much-needed break. Go trip your bikes. Even whether it is chilly, moist, or snowy… a day on the bike is best than any day simply fascinated about bikes. Or for those who’ve overtrained, take a breather. We’ll all be right here while you’re prepared to come back again. And we promise a lot of attention-grabbing new bike tech to share within the New 12 months!


Methodology & Clarification

Every of those merchandise was chosen solely by me, purely on their technical deserves for the explanations I elaborated intimately above. Many extra nice merchandise handed by means of my arms in 2024, however I needed to choose what I assumed stood head-and-shoulders above the remaining. Not at all had been any of my picks paid for or influenced by their producers. Nor was any choice or favor given to any model or advertiser. My Award choices are restricted to merchandise I’ve really frolicked using/testing in particular person, Honorable Mentions a bit much less so. That does imply {that a} model’s willingness to ask Bikerumor to hitch a launch occasion, or to offer me with product samples definitely makes it extra seemingly that I’ll have given their merchandise full consideration, if solely so I can share my true firsthand experiences.

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