As 2023 involves an in depth, I used to be requested to present a fast rundown of my favourite merchandise of the yr. Now, you might be asking your self, who the heck is that this man? And that’s completely comprehensible. My title is Jeremy, and I began working at Bikerumor in March of this yr. My function is comparatively behind the scenes, so that you received’t see my title or picture almost as a lot as your favourite members of the Bikerumor editorial staff. Nonetheless, I’ve been testing and reviewing bikes and associated equipment for over 7 years, and I get to see and use A LOT of merchandise over the course of a yr. 

Mountain biking has come a good distance within the 30+ years since I began bouncing round on fats tires within the woods. It has at all times been enjoyable, however the bikes we trip and the gear we use simply proceed to get higher yearly which helps improve my efficiency, enjoyment, and expertise out on the paths. The listing under covers a number of the finest experiences, bikes, and merchandise that I beloved in 2023 and really feel are worthy of point out or excessive reward. A few of these issues have been model new this yr, others have been round some time and I lastly received to strive them, and a few of it’s simply stuff that I like loads. I attempted to maintain it brief, there’s loads extra the place this got here from.

Expertise: Native Races

The Downieville Basic

After a three-year hiatus, the Downieville Basic made a triumphant return final summer season for its twenty fifth Anniversary. Though I don’t dwell within the small city of Downieville, I’m solely about an hour away, trip within the space incessantly, and think about it to be one in all my native races. I used to be very excited for it to be again on the calendar as it’s hands-down my favourite race, and arguably the most effective occasions within the nation. It appears I wasn’t the one one excited because the occasion offered out as typical, and the professional subject was stacked heavier than I’d ever seen it. 

Should you aren’t acquainted, the Downieville Basic is a uniquely difficult mountain bike race placed on by the Sierra Buttes Path Stewardship that takes place on the rugged and rocky trails simply west of the crest within the northern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. There’s a standalone XC race, or you’ll be able to join the All-Mountain which consists of the XC race on day one, adopted by the Downhill race on day two, and it’s important to race the identical setup each days. The purpose-to-point XC race is 26.5 miles with 4,500 ft of climbing and 5,700 ft of descent. The DH is a 15-mile time trial with 5,000 ft of descent and 500-ish ft of climbing. Oh, and it simply occurred to be 100° F each days. (Shout out to the Evoc Hydro Professional 1.5L vest for retaining me hydrated on day 1) 

I raced within the professional class so there was undoubtedly no likelihood of me successful, particularly when lots of the finest racers in North America confirmed up this yr. Nonetheless, lining up with the likes of Keegan Swenson, Chris Blevins, Geoff Kabush, Felix Burke, and plenty of others was fairly cool. Regardless of the warmth, I nonetheless managed to fulfill my objective of PRs on each days and show to myself that I’m one way or the other quicker than I used to be 4 years in the past. It was additionally unbelievable to see so a lot of my pals come out and push themselves and the group come collectively over driving and racing bikes once more.

Truckee Tahoe Gravel

Along with the occasional mountain bike race, I totally get pleasure from gravel driving and racing. There are many nice gravel races all through northern California, and we’re fortunate to have an area occasion in my hometown of Truckee. Truckee Tahoe Gravel is a well-run occasion with difficult programs that happen on roads that I can trip proper from my home. 

Previously, this race felt like extra of an area, grassroots occasion. Actually, the final time I raced it in 2019, I completed 2nd general. Like the game of gravel typically, this race has steadily grown in reputation and participation, and a date change this yr meant it lined up properly for an entire bunch of get-paid-to-race-bikes execs to attend. Whereas that dashed any hopes of an general podium, it was nonetheless a blast to compete in opposition to these in my age group, and it was fairly candy to race alongside legends like Peter Stetina, Levi Leipheimer, John Borstelman, Matt Beers, Haley Hunter-Smith, and others. Till they flew off the entrance and I didn’t see them once more, that’s…

1984 Six Pac Camper

Okay, not an expertise per se, however a few yr and a half in the past, my spouse and I picked up a 1984 Six-Pac cab-over camper which has facilitated many nice experiences. It’s not precisely the fanciest factor on this planet, nevertheless it was very reasonably priced, and it matches within the mattress of my Toyota Tacoma. It’s almost as previous as I’m, and much from cutting-edge, nevertheless it’s tremendous comfy and is a significant improve over sleeping within the mattress of my truck with a camper shell like we did for too a few years. It has made our frequent highway journeys and weekend getaways this yr a lot simpler and extra satisfying, and it’s undoubtedly the most effective purchases we’ve ever made.

After all, bikes include us more often than not, and transporting them on a rack whereas nonetheless having quick access to the camper is fairly darn essential. I’ve been utilizing a Rocky Mounts MonoRail as my major bike rack for a few years however bought components to transform it right into a BackStage Swing-Away. It’s lighter and much cheaper than most racks plus swing-away extensions, will get the bikes and rack out of the best way for camper entry, and continues to work properly after a lot of use and abuse.

Bikes

EDITOR’S CHOICE MTB: Fezzari La Sal Peak

I’m admittedly an enormous fan of do-it-all mid-travel path bikes, however after I received the possibility to trip the newest model of the Fezzari La Sal Peak, I jumped on it. I don’t spend plenty of time on longer journey enduro bikes, however there are a bunch of tremendous enjoyable steep/skiddy/slabby trails very near my home (thanks native path builders!) the place the 170mm of journey and 64-degree head angle of the La Sal have been a welcome change in comparison with my on a regular basis trip. Tyler reviewed it some time in the past, so I’ll maintain my ideas transient.

With 170mm of entrance and rear journey, a slack 64-degree head tube angle, and an extended wheelbase, the La Sal performs exceptionally properly on the descents. It feels steady at pace, soaks up massive hits and drops, and has a peaceful, muted, ground-hugging really feel. However all that’s to be anticipated. What I didn’t anticipate from a motorbike like that is simply how properly it does the whole lot else. Positive it’s a little bit heavier than what I’m used to, however this bike climbs like a goat with unbelievable traction and really affordable, managed dealing with for its journey/geometry. I felt like I might claw my approach up absolutely anything together with tremendous technical sections and tight switchbacks the place I initially anticipated it to falter. This translated to mellower trails too because it didn’t really feel overly portly or bland on average descents or at decrease speeds, as a substitute, it remained partaking and enjoyable.

Whereas it won’t be the outright hardest charger for its journey class, it’s the flexibility that actually impressed me essentially the most in regards to the La Sal. For a motorbike to carry out in addition to it does on the descents but retain climbing and dealing with attributes extra akin to a snappier path bike is one thing particular, for me anyway. Oh, and Fezzari’s costs are excellent. The Elite Shimano construct I’ve been driving retails for $4,799 (at the moment on sale for $3,999), which is unbelievable for a full carbon body, XT drivetrain and brakes, and Final-level RockShox suspension bundle. The Zeb Final fork and Tremendous Deluxe Final shock additionally deserve particular point out for being completely unbelievable on this bike.

EDITOR’S CHOICE E-MTB: Specialised S-Works Levo SL Gen 2

On a visit within the early summer season, I blew out the rear shock on my path bike driving in Ashland, Oregon. We have been assembly a bunch of pals in Oakridge, OR, the following day to tear shuttle runs for 2 days, so I used to be in a little bit of a pickle with a shock that had no compression or rebound damping. Fortunate for me, a pal introduced an additional bike with them, which simply occurred to be a model new Specialised S-Works Levo SL, that they kindly let me borrow. (Zach received to trip it again in Might when it launched)

I’ve ridden plenty of totally different e-bikes in my life, however I used to be significantly excited to throw a leg over the brand new Levo SL Gen 2. On the primary day, we did six shuttle laps and I even rode with the motor utterly off for just a few of them. What instantly struck me was simply how a lot it dealt with and pedaled like a daily path bike. It additionally felt extremely intuitive and cozy with no getting-to-know-you interval in any respect. After all, we’re speaking in regards to the absurdly costly top-of-the-line mannequin with the fanciest the whole lot and a just-under-40-lbs weight, so that you’d hope that’s the way it rides, and it does. 

The SL motor was additionally a spotlight. Placing out extra torque than the earlier model whereas additionally producing much less noise. The up to date show can be an enormous improve, as are the motor tuning choices to dial it in how you want. After all, there’s additionally the wealth of geometry changes, yada yada. Would I ever spend that a lot on a motorbike? Completely not! Will I leap on the likelihood to trip one once more if the chance arises? You guess I’ll.

EDITOR’S CHOICE GRAVEL: YT Szepter Core 4

YT stepped into the gravel market final yr once they launched the Szepter. I like gravel driving however I’m nonetheless a mountain biker at coronary heart, so this bike actually spoke to me. I received to trip the YT Szepter Core 4 for a number of months final winter and spring, and whereas it could not match everybody’s concept of the right gravel bike, I fell in love with it.

Lots of people discuss how gravel bikes are mainly simply turning into hardtail mountain bikes from 20+ years in the past, and whereas that’s kinda true, a motorbike just like the Szepter truly rides approach higher than my classic ‘93 S-works FSX {custom} hardtail. With a 40mm RockShox Rudy fork, 50mm Reverb AXS dropper, and progressive (for a gravel bike) geometry, this bike smoothes out the tough gravel that’s frequent in my space and it’s surprisingly enjoyable and succesful on mellower singletracks as properly. Positive, the suspension and the dropper add a little bit weight, however I’d fortunately commerce the few seconds I lose on a climb for the consolation, management, and stability it provides me on the descents. 

Just like the Fezzari above, the YT Szepter Core 4 can be very moderately priced for the standard of the construct and the most effective values you’ll discover. You could find out extra in John Herron’s Szepter assessment from earlier this yr.

Elements

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Roval Management SL Wheels

I like my bike to be an inexpensive weight, however I undoubtedly wouldn’t name myself a weight weenie. However after I mounted up a set of the Roval Management SL wheels on my path bike, it felt like unlocking a cheat code. At simply 1,282 grams for the pair (measured with rim tape and valves), they’re very light-weight for a 29er wheelset. Actually, they’re round 500 grams (17 ounces) lighter than my typical wheels, which may be very important. I slapped some XC tires on them for good measure and dropped the whole weight of my bike by over two kilos, and, proper the place it issues. 

These wheels immediately made me really feel noticeably quicker on the climbs and accelerating out of corners. They don’t strike me as essentially the most forgiving wheels, however they’re snappy, exact, and responsive with out beating you up both. On the identical time, they really feel surprisingly robust for one thing so shockingly light-weight. They don’t really feel like they’ll explode in the event you hit a rock, and the flat-topped 4mm vast bead wall ought to assist cut back pinch flats if/once you do. I’m not saying anybody ought to exit and race enduro on them, however they’re an effective way to lighten and quicken up your XC or brief to mid-travel path bikes in the event you can justify the excessive asking value.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Reserve Fillmore Valves

$50 for a set of tubeless valve stems? I additionally scoffed on the value of the Fillmore valves once they first got here out, however then I began utilizing them. These items ship on the guarantees they make, keep clog-free, and make it approach simpler to do frequent tire swaps while not having to make use of a compressor or tubeless booster. I do know you’ll be able to take away valve cores, clear them, change them, and so forth, however with the Reserve Fillmore Valves I don’t should and that’s a win for me.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: HT T2 Pedals

HT Elements doesn’t have the market share of better-known pedal manufacturers like Shimano, Crankbrothers, or Time, however their T2 Path pedals would possibly simply be my new favourite. They’ve received a considerably distinctive clip mechanism that takes a proprietary cleat, however they’re simple to get out and in of, have a stable connection, and a extra dynamic-feeling float that I’ve grown to essentially like. The mid-sized pedal physique interfaces very properly with the soles of footwear for nice lateral stability, and including the rear traction pins might help improve the grip and sole contact. They’re additionally lighter weight than many related pedals, competitively priced, they usually are available an enormous vary of colours if that’s your factor.

The Hope Union TC pedals additionally deserve a point out right here as a result of they’re fantastically crafted, identical to the whole lot else Hope makes. They’ve additionally received a terrific clip mechanism that takes as proprietary cleat and supplies a really safe connection. There are 4 elective, adjustable pins per facet and the marginally bigger than mid-size platform supplies wonderful help and stability underfoot for a path/enduro pedal.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Cannondale 18-in-1 with Dynaplug

I received a Dynaplug tablet a number of years in the past they usually rapidly turned my tubeless tire plug of alternative. I’ve at all times had fairly dangerous luck with bacon strips, however Dynaplugs virtually at all times work for me and they’re tremendous fast and simple to make use of. Currently, many manufacturers are incorporating tubeless tire restore instruments into their multi-tools, and the one which received me most excited is the brand new Cannondale 18-in-1 with Dynaplug.

This can be a compact and light-weight (125-gram), fully-featured multi-tool that comes outfitted with a dual-headed Dynaplug plugger. The device itself works simply positive for my on-trail wants, and now I can carry one much less factor with me after I trip. Sure, the $80 price ticket is excessive, nevertheless it’s nonetheless cheaper than shopping for a Dynaplug tablet and most different multi-tools individually.

Attire

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Mons Royale

I’m a fan of pure fibers and I like Merino wool for its consolation and pure odor combating capacity. I’ve received an older Mons Royale ¾ sleeve jersey that I’ve been driving in for years, and I’ve at all times kinda simply preferred their stuff typically, even whether it is costly. On the finish of the summer season, I received my fingers on the Mons Royale Virage Pants and the Tarn Merino Shift Wind Jersey, they usually rapidly rose to the highest of my pants and jersey piles and stayed there. 

In recent times, I’ve been driving in pants loads, and there are plenty of nice choices in the marketplace for all sorts of driving and preferences. What I like in regards to the Mons Royale Virage pants will not be solely that they match nice and have superior pockets, however they’re made out of a mix of Merino Wool and recycled polyester that’s merely extra comfy in opposition to the pores and skin than every other pants I’ve worn. They’re additionally the right weight. They aren’t overly scorching, they breathe properly, and on the identical time, they take the sting off the chilly in temps down into the 40s. After I do get sweaty, they dry rapidly, they usually don’t maintain onto my stink almost as a lot as artificial supplies after I use them for greater than a few rides between washes. Additionally they look pretty affordable off the bike, and you’ll put on them round like a cushty pair of joggers and never seem like you simply completed a motorbike trip.

The Tarn Merino Shift Wind Jersey unlocked a brand new stage of consolation whereas driving in cool fall situations. It’s a long-sleeved jersey made out of a Merino Wool mix, and it has a wind-blocking Pertex panel protecting the whole entrance panel. On chilly days the place I’d often be placing a jacket on on the prime of a climb to maintain the wind off my sweaty torso, then taking it off once more earlier than heading up for an additional lap, this jersey permits me to simply skip these steps plenty of the time and carry on rolling.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Velocio MTB

I’m going to echo what Tyler mentioned about Velocio’s new line of MTB attire. I’ve been driving in just a few items of their newest gear and completely like it. Their experience in making high quality highway biking gear may be very obvious within the design, building, and high quality of supplies, and these items matches me higher than absolutely anything else I’ve worn. 

The Ultralight Path Shorts really feel like they have been custom-tailored to suit me. That won’t translate to everybody, however the paneling and match of the dimensions Medium is totally good for me. They’re, in actual fact, ultralight, weighing in at a scant 135 grams in a measurement Medium. Fortunately, they aren’t awkwardly brief like many different superlight shorts are usually, so that they cowl extra of your leg and don’t make me seem like an XC nerd, even when I’m generally. Positive, they’re costly, however they arrive with a candy, stretchy Arcade belt, and I can’t say sufficient good issues about them.

Together with the shorts, I’ve been rocking the Delta Path Jersey which is tremendous mild, ethereal, and matches precisely how I would like my driving jerseys to suit. I sized all the way down to a Medium from my regular Massive, and it’s loads lengthy whereas having a really contoured match that works exceptionally properly for my physique form. With a stable coloration and minimal branding, it blends in properly with different manufacturers’ attire, and it rapidly turned my new go-to heat to scorching climate driving prime.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Specialised SWAT Bibs

For shorter rides or rides after I’m by no means that removed from the home or the automotive, I attempt to keep away from carrying a pack of any sort. I strap issues to my bike and I put on cargo bibs to hold the whole lot else. I’ve tried many alternative manufacturers, however for me, the Specialised SWAT Bibs are nonetheless the perfect. I can stuff a shocking quantity of snacks and different gear in these again pockets and it’s comfy and doesn’t actually transfer round. My favourite half about the newest model is that they shortened the entrance of the chamois pad (the half you don’t sit on anyway), which allowed them to include a flap within the entrance that makes stopping to pee a lot simpler.

Safety

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet

I don’t crash that always, however after I do, it’s often fairly spectacular, so defending my head is a precedence. I’ve owned and examined plenty of totally different helmets through the years, and I’ve to say that the Giro Manifest Spherical is my new favourite. It’s been round for a pair seasons now, however this yr was the primary time I spent important time carrying one. 

The Manifest has the protection I search for in a contemporary path driving helmet, but it’s nonetheless competitively light-weight. Air flow is correct up there with the perfect of ‘em and it has an adjustable visor that’s truly efficient at blocking the solar once you want it to. I haven’t personally examined the dual-shell MIPS Spherical system by smashing my head into something, however the Manifest has a 5-star Virginia tech ranking that leads me to imagine it really works. Even with the twin shells, Giro managed to maintain it comparatively low-profile, and I believe it appears to be like fairly cool even when I don’t. 

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Race Face Covert Knee Pads

I wish to pedal, loads. I’m the sort of one who will get as a lot satisfaction out of pushing the tempo up a climb as I do on the descents, and that’s the principle motive that I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of carrying knee pads, even after I needs to be. A fast have a look at my knees, and you’ll inform that’s truly pretty usually. For me to put on knee pads constantly, they’ve received to be light-weight, slim, breathable, tremendous pedal-friendly, and never transfer round on my legs in any respect whereas I’m driving.

That’s why I used to be stoked after I received my fingers on the Race Face Covert Knee pads this fall. These are light-duty knee pads however the sizeable D30 Ghost pad provides me the protection I would like and has a a lot more durable really feel than most related pads whereas remaining tremendous comfy in opposition to the knee. The sleeve is pretty lengthy, nevertheless it’s made out of tremendous breathable mesh that permits for nice airflow and doesn’t irritate me regardless of how lengthy I trip. The higher and decrease leg openings even have wonderful grip that has stored them securely in place on my legs with much less motion than every other pads I’ve tried.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Julbo Density Sun shades

I put on contact lenses and my eyes are pretty delicate in consequence, so good eyewear is totally vital for me every time I trip. I’ve been and proceed to be an enormous fan of Smith’s biking sun shades, however what impressed me essentially the most this yr is the brand new Julbo Density. I’ve tried quite a few pairs of Julbo glasses up to now, however none of their earlier fashions actually labored for me, till now.

The Density glasses got here out this yr and they’re tremendous light-weight at simply 19 grams. They’re so mild that it barely feels such as you’re carrying something in any respect, but they’ve been extremely steady on my face on the roughest trails and even throughout path runs. Additionally they have enormous lenses that successfully maintain the wind, mud, and bugs from irritating my eyes. The Reactiv 0-3 Excessive Distinction photochromic lens adjusts primarily based on the sunshine situations and has been completely unbelievable. They undoubtedly aren’t low-cost, however they’re a number of the finest biking sun shades I’ve ever used.

Footwear

I’m a shoe man. I personal extra bike footwear than common footwear, and that’s not an exaggeration. My favourite shoe of all time is the unique Specialised 2FO Cliplite, which I felt set a bar for what trendy path driving footwear needs to be. Ever since these footwear received up to date, nonetheless, I’ve been struggling to search out one thing I like simply as a lot. The Shimano ME7 was working properly for me, however alas, now these have been discontinued as properly. Happily, I rode in plenty of totally different footwear this yr and located some new favorites.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Crankbrothers Mallet Boa

They’ve been in the marketplace for just a few years now, however I lastly received round to driving within the Crankbrothers Mallet Boa and I used to be very impressed. The only is a tiny bit softer flexing than I’d like, however the whole lot else about these footwear actually does it for me. They’re a number of the most comfy footwear I’ve ever worn, have an inexpensive weight, are simple to stroll in, present a average stage of foot safety, appear tremendous sturdy, and I like the best way they appear. 

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Fox Union Boa

Fox’s new Union Boa footwear additionally get a nod from me. These is perhaps “DH” footwear, however they’re path bike weight and as stiff as I wish to really feel environment friendly on the pedals and stop foot/calf fatigue. They aren’t fairly as comfortable because the Mallet Boa and the toe might use a little bit extra flex for lengthy hike-a-bikes, however they appear badass and I actually like them regardless.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Shimano S-Phyre XC-9

After I’m driving or racing gravel, the Shimano S-Phyre XC9 is my go-to. I received a contemporary pair originally of the summer season to interchange the earlier model that I’d been driving in for the previous 5 or 6 years. These footwear are loopy mild and tremendous stiff, but they’re surprisingly comfy with the wrap tongue and twin Boa closure. Air flow can be spectacular and the brilliant blue coloration simply makes me really feel fancy. Sure, they’re wildly costly, however my final pair lasted lengthy sufficient for me to think about it cash properly spent.

Parting Ideas

I’ve mentioned it many instances earlier than and I’ll say it once more. There’s by no means been a greater time to be a mountain biker, or any sort of rider for that matter. The bikes we trip and the gear we use simply proceed to get higher and I believe that’s an exquisite factor. I’m undecided what 2024 has in retailer, however well being, happiness, and time spent driving bikes are all that I’m actually hoping for, and I want the identical for you.

Many extra nice merchandise have handed via our fingers this yr, however this assortment highlights the perfect I’ve seen or ridden. Full disclosure: Every of those merchandise has been chosen purely on their efficiency and/or technological deserves for the explanations described above. In no way have been any of our picks paid for by their producers. Nor was any desire or favor given to advertisers or manufacturers who invite us on journeys. Our picks are restricted to merchandise that we’ve truly frolicked driving/testing in individual. So, a model’s willingness to ask Bikerumor to affix a launch occasion, or to supply product samples, does make it extra probably that we’ll have thought-about their merchandise just because we’ve had an opportunity to strive them firsthand.