The article highlights the BikeRumor Editor’s Choice 2025 awards, featuring top bikes, gear, electronics, and accessories that inspire enthusiasm for cycling, along with personal reflections on the author's year of riding and adventures, including attending a Zwift event in Mallorca and trying new activities like running.
Will's Gear of the Year highlights his top cycling gear, including the Assos Equipe R Habu S11 jacket, Albion Ultralight Insulated Jacket, alpaca wool socks, larger tyres for better performance, and the Scott Addict RC Ultimate bike, emphasizing quality, comfort, and innovation in cycling equipment.
The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is a versatile gravel bike that excels on various terrains, including single-track trails. Priced at $5,699, it features Trek's 500 Series OCLV carbon frame, a SRAM Force XPLR AXS D2 groupset, and Bontrager Aeolus Elite carbon wheels. The bike's endurance geometry, improved ride comfort, and multiple mount points make it ideal for long rides and bikepacking. While the brakes required adjustment, the Checkpoint offers a rewarding cycling experience, balancing performance and adventure.
The Flitescooter eFoil, priced at $12,995, is designed to make electric hydrofoil boarding more accessible to beginners, but a test ride reveals a rough experience with multiple falls and injuries. The board, powered by an electric jet propulsion motor, offers a smooth ride at speeds up to 30 mph, but its sharp fins and learning curve make it challenging to master. Despite its portability and swappable batteries, the Flitescooter's beginner-friendly positioning may not align with the challenging reality of riding it.
The Devinci E-Troy Bosch GX LTD is an aggressive all-mountain electric mountain bike (eMTB) featuring a Canadian-made aluminum frame, Bosch Performance CX Line motor, and a mixed wheel size setup. With a 150mm rear and 170mm front travel, a slack 63-degree head tube angle, and a steep 78.5-degree seat tube angle, it's designed for tackling steep and challenging terrain. The GX LTD model, priced at $7,499, offers a solid component package, including a Fox 38 fork, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, and RaceFace Aeffect eMTB wheels. It's praised for its descending capabilities, value for components, and quiet ride, though it may have some quirks on slower trails and could benefit from a longer dropper post for some riders.
Mike Kazimer shares his top 10 favorite things of 2023, including participating in the BC Bike Race, appreciating trail builders, getting a new townie bike, using the Feedback Mechanic HD Bike Stand, riding the Trek Fuel EX, enjoying Nerds Rope candy, testing the Scor 2030 mountain bike, and using the Fox Flexair Pro Gloves. He also mentions his favorite books and music picks of the year.
A study conducted by Curtin University found that mountain biking is not as dangerous as commonly perceived, with the health benefits outweighing the risks. Analyzing data from various studies, researchers discovered that most injuries sustained by mountain bikers were of low severity, primarily affecting the upper limbs. In contrast, hikers were more prone to leg and ankle injuries. The study emphasized the importance of wearing protective gear, such as helmets, and highlighted the improved safety standards in the sport. The economic and health benefits of mountain biking and hiking, including cardiovascular health improvements and reduced risk of chronic diseases, were also emphasized.
While there have been fewer discounts on mountain bike components this year, major upgrades to suspension, wheels, or drivetrain can significantly improve a bike's performance and are often a more cost-effective option than buying a new bike.