This yr was a bizarre one. 2025 marks 15 years of me writing about bikes, and for the primary time in that a few years, my non-bike adventures have no less than equalled my on-bike adventures. There are a selection of causes for that, but it surely boils all the way down to time, household, overtraining, and possibly a little bit of boredom.
Over the offseason between ’24/’25, I used to be goaded into taking over operating, and ended up doing my first-ever organized operating occasion: the Flying Pig half-marathon. If I’m trustworthy, I discover operating exterior within the winter extra fulfilling than using (except fats biking if there’s correct snow). It’s simpler to decorate, requires much less specialised gear, and requires much less time to really feel such as you received an honest exercise. Coaching for the half was additionally an awesome motivator all through the winter, however as quickly as Spring hit, I couldn’t wait to get again on a motorcycle.
My Editor’s Alternative record this yr is like that first hit of spring fever. It’s gear that makes me excited to get out and journey. Gear that jogs my memory of why I do that within the first place.
Through the years, I’ve spent quite a lot of time using in digital worlds on Zwift. This yr was the primary time I used to be capable of attend a Zwift occasion in actual life – within the biking mecca of Mallorca, Spain, of all locations. Not solely was the using unbelievable, but it surely was a enjoyable occasion that introduced collectively cyclists of all kinds. It’s straightforward to effortlessly cross via the throngs of avatars on Zwift, however occasions like Zwift Group Reside remind you that they’re actual folks doing the identical factor as you throughout the globe.
Editor’s Alternative Bike Journey Daytrip: Trip to MLB Sport
This yr, the Cincinnati Reds had been truly enjoyable to look at. So, my associates and I hatched the concept to journey all the way down to the stadium to catch the final residence recreation of the season. Storms had been threatening, however everybody had already known as off work. We had been going. We received drenched on the best way down. It completely poured on the best way again. The sport was delayed. However the Reds gained, we had a 50+ mile day, and we had one hell of a superb time. This one will certainly should grow to be an annual custom.
Bikes
Editor’s Alternative Mountain Bike: Ibis Ripmo V3
This one is an extension of my EC choose for 2024. The Ibis Ripley V5 and the Ripmo V3 share the identical body, except the shock, clevis, and eyelet {hardware}. That implies that technically, you’ll be able to swap forwards and backwards with the correct elements. Traditionally, bikes that might be two issues in a single often resulted in some compromise(s) to make all of it work.
That was my concern with the Ripley/Ripmo, however I’m very happy to search out that Ibis discovered the way to make each into wonderful bikes. This was the bike that Shimano constructed up for me with the brand new XTR Di2 group, and it was a blast on the paths of Tucson. I positively choose the Ripmo V3 to the earlier model, and the inner storage is very well finished.
The one catch for me is that the Ripley V5 is so succesful that it makes the Ripmo overkill on most of my trails again residence. However that’s one of many issues that attracts me to this bike – maintain the Ripmo fork, shock, clevis & {hardware} helpful, and you’ve got a Ripmo able to go for giant journeys out West whereas maintaining the shorter journey Ripley prepared for each day missions again residence.
Editor’s Alternative Gravel Bike: Ari Shafer Gen 3
This was a late addition to the combination, but it surely was clear instantly that the Ari Shafer is one thing particular. I’ve been on quite a lot of totally different gravel bikes with tires of all sizes, however the Shafer 3.0 manages to make 55mm tires really feel method quicker than they need to.
Providing a ridiculous quantity of tire clearance (700c x 58mm or 29 x 2.25″), Ari nonetheless managed to drop round 200g from the earlier Shafer. I’ll should admit that the skinny facet profile of the fork appears to be like a bit scary at first, but it surely doesn’t really feel overly flexy whereas using it. Total, it has a really easy journey high quality with better-than-average bump absorbing skills whereas nonetheless managing to really feel lightning quick if you stomp on the pedals.
I’ll say that the large tires will make you crave a dropper submit, so take into account that when speccing your construct from Ari.
Editor’s Alternative Gravel Bike: Kona Libre CR
The place the Ari Shafer is the new-school fats tire gravel bike, the Kona LIbre CR is a little more conventional with simply 700c x 45mm tire clearance. It wasn’t that way back when 45mm tire clearance was fairly beneficiant for a gravel bike, and I nonetheless assume the scale is right for a big proportion of riders.
I see the Libre CR as a greater possibility for somebody on the lookout for a motorcycle that can be on the highway as a lot as will probably be on gravel. It’s additionally a greater bike so as to add a rack to hold locks and equipment to a baseball recreation. I swapped out the tires at one level for a pair of 40mm slicks, and this factor was a pleasure to place lengthy highway miles on. The geometry and sizing are higher on this than the earlier mannequin, and it has a fairly strong spec. Sadly, the value has gone up about $800 since we first posted about it, however that’s life within the post-tariff bike world.
Editor’s Alternative Commuter: Tern BYB
I’ve all the time wished to journey with a motorcycle to Eurobike, however I by no means wished to take care of the trouble of packing/flying/constructing/repacking a full-size bike. The Tern BYB takes virtually the entire problem out of the equation and rewards you with a quick, environment friendly bike that simply matches into its personal suitcase. Up to now, it’s one of many best methods I’ve discovered to journey with a motorcycle and provides the very best performance-to-size ratio.
Editor’s Alternative Child’s Bike: Biky Bikes Air 20
I used to be not aware of the Biky model after they first reached out, however they did have one thing I wished. Nicely, one thing I wished for my daughter – a light-weight, single-speed, 20″ bicycle known as the Biky Air 20. A lot of the premium bike manufacturers both supply heavier 20″ bikes meant for coaching wheels, or skip the one pace and go straight to gears. Many youngsters (my daughter included) are already ripping round on two wheels by the point they’re on a 20″ due to stability bike life, but the simplicity and sturdiness of a single pace is a gorgeous factor for a motorcycle that can be continuously crashed or dropped on the bottom.
Biky delivered a 20″ single pace that’s foolish mild at simply 14.18lbs with pedals, it has a totally protected drivetrain, and it’s competitively priced (vs. say, a Woom 4).
Drivetrains
Editor’s Alternative MTB Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9200 Di2
In all probability no shock right here. Shimano lastly launched their wi-fi MTB drivetrain, and their top-tier XTR led the Cost. The brand new XT Di2 can also be nice, however the nicer shifter really feel and brake lever really feel of the XTR group permit it to stroll away with the title. Sure, Shimano was late to the occasion (once more). However the reward is a bunch with the quickest wi-fi shifting, and greatest ergonomic changes on the shifter.
Editor’s Alternative Highway/Gravel Drivetrain: SRAM Pressure & Rival AXS 12/ XPLR 13
For me, this one is a shock. I had not but had an opportunity to take a look at the brand new SRAM Pressure & Rival teams since they had been launched in June. Then the Ari Shafer confirmed up, and I used to be blown away principally by the shifter and brake really feel. Out there in each 1×13 XPLR teams, and a couple of×12 highway teams, I’ve spent essentially the most time on the XPLR group on the Shafer. However I’m within the means of increase a 2×12 group on my Why PR highway bike, and might’t wait to place the miles in.
Editor’s Alternative Wheels: Business 9 SOLiX Aero Highway
Business 9’s newest SOLiX Aero highway wheels verify quite a lot of containers. They provide a number of aero profiles with a sturdy layup, roll on high-engagement SOLiX hubs that aren’t tremendous loud, they’re optimized for contemporary highway tires at 28-30mm, and so they use hooked rims. Mainly, my supreme highway bike wheel, and that’s what they’ve confirmed to be.
Electronics
Editor’s Alternative Electronics: Lezyne Radar React System
Radar tail lights are a type of expertise objects which have slowly grow to be a part of my each day highway bike equipment. No, it’s not a panacea for all on-road risks, however I do really feel higher about what’s developing behind me. Significantly, I really like that radar tail lights inform me simply what number of automobiles are behind me, and if it’s an extra-long automobile like a truck towing a trailer.
Lezyne’s new Radar React System takes the standard radar system a step additional and permits you to use it and not using a GPS biking laptop if desired. You possibly can nonetheless use it with any suitable laptop, and it’ll show oncoming automobiles (together with different customizable options), however if you happen to don’t have a pc, you should utilize it as simply the sunshine/radar. When used as a entrance/rear combo, the entrance mild will flip pink when automobiles are approaching and can play a warning tone. I nonetheless choose to make use of it with a pc, however no different radar system provides the usability choices that Lezyne does.
Honorable Point out Electronics: Coros Nomad/Apex Sensible Watch
I’ve been testing quite a few Coros merchandise lately, and whereas many have lacked options initially, close to fixed firmware updates have rapidly improved virtually each machine. The sensible watches (any sensible watches) are fascinating as a result of they wouldn’t be my first selection for biking use, but at this level, I couldn’t see myself not utilizing one every day to trace all the pieces from operating to mountain climbing.
I lately had an opportunity to check out the Coros Nomad for onshore and offshore fishing, and the usefulness of the watch to trace my place, log totally different factors of curiosity, and maintain monitor of the tide schedule and wind was good. I nonetheless want the tide display screen was seen on the bike journey actions, however perhaps that can be one thing obtainable as an replace. The Apex 4, alternatively, is a greater look ahead to each day use and permits you to reply telephone calls in your watch.
Greater than something, I recognize the benefit of use and the ludicrous battery life from the Apex 4 which has grow to be a calling card for Coros. There are higher watches on the market for the data-obsessed, however for many who need one thing to supply an affordable quantity of information with out requiring a thick guide to determine it out, the Coros watches are reasonably priced choices.
Sneakers & Pedals
I’ve been a fan of assorted Shimano bike sneakers for yr, and whereas the RX8 was good, it nonetheless had room for enchancment. The RX910 S-Phyre Gravel Sneakers ship on that enchancment with a greater match, extra steady strolling platform, and a brand new Pontoon Cleat System that delivers true road-like efficiency whereas maintaining it walkable (and pedals double-sided). To not point out that the pontoon space is replaceable, so a very powerful space in your shoe for pedal/shoe contact may be swapped out when issues begin to get sloppy. Good.
Editor’s Alternative Pedals: Wolf Tooth Parts CTRL/ALT Pedals
With so a few years to excellent the SPD, it’s uncommon that some other model’s “SPD suitable” pedals are literally higher than the Shimano originals. However in fact, Wolf Tooth Parts is not any stranger to creating issues higher. And so they did simply that with their new clipless pedal vary. I’ve been using the CTRL path & ALT XC/Gravel pedals, and the clip-in/clip-out is flawless. I additionally love that you could simply change the q-factor of the pedals by swapping the place of inside spacers. Add the truth that they provide essentially the most contact space, and are available Ultraviolet purple, and you’ve got my favourite clip in pedals of the yr.
It’s wild how rapidly mini inflators took over. However that’s for good purpose – the tiny gadgets take all the trouble out of flat tires and even simply topping off your tire pressures. I’ve spent quite a lot of time with the Trek Air Rush, and it’s definitely worthy of an EC award. It’s comparatively small, works for Presta or Schrader, each with or with out an extension hose, and it has a shade display screen that makes it straightforward to set and dial within the excellent pressures. Battery life is respectable, permitting for as much as 7 full inflation from flat, relying on the tire measurement, and it’s priced proper at $100.
Clothes
Editor’s Alternative Clothes: Velocio Luxe Merino Jersey
Traditionally, a few of Velocio’s clothes hasn’t labored for me fit-wise, whereas different items have been nice. The brand new Velocio Luxe Merino Wool Jersey is squarely within the latter class. I feel that is largely because of the merino material being extra forgiving, which doesn’t make the shoulders and chest really feel so cramped however retains the waist from bagging out on the identical time. The jersey provides the entire advantages of merino, plus a merino mesh ventilated again panel for even higher breathability.
Editor’s Alternative Clothes: Sensible Wool Each Day Occasion Shirt
This might be bike, it might be non-bike, however when Sensible Wool despatched me this shirt I wasn’t fairly certain what to do with it. It’s not precisely a motorcycle jersey, but it surely’s not precisely a costume shirt both. Earlier than I knew it, I used to be sporting it on informal pedal adventures, seashore missions, journeys to the bar, you title it. It’s what it says – a celebration shirt, however one that’s extraordinarily breathable and ideal for decent, sticky climate.
Non-Bike
Editor’s Alternative Non-Bike: Nocs Professional Concern Binoculars
Apparently, I’m a birder now. A part of that improvement has meant testing practically the complete vary of Nocs Provisions to determine what’s the very best optic for carrying on bike rides. Whereas the Subject Tube monocular was my selection for greatest on-bike birding, the Nocs Professional Concern binoculars take the EC award for simply being so rattling good to make use of. From the visible readability and brightness to the smoothness of the main target wheel, these are effectively well worth the worth (I purchased them myself from REI). I’m calling them non-bike since these are the largest, heaviest binoculars that Nocs provides, however I wouldn’t hesitate to place these in a giant bike bag if you happen to had been using out to a birding vacation spot.
Editor’s Alternative Non-Bike: 24h Rock Climbing Gyms
Earlier this yr, Arc’teryx received me again on a climbing wall for the primary time since I had my bike shoulder/nerve harm. It’s taken years to really feel like I’ve the energy once more in my shoulder and left arm to climb, but it surely feels so good to be climbing.
We’ve an awesome climbing health club known as Mosaic that provides 24h bouldering entry, so it’s the proper winter exercise to remain lively and practice muscle mass you don’t usually use on a motorcycle. Plus, it’s very addictive. We’re fairly fortunate to have no less than 5 totally different climbing gyms shut by, however just one provides hours which might be conducive to these with busy schedules and who typically can’t get out till after the youngsters are in mattress.
Editor’s Alternative Music: WNCW 88.7
I wished to observe Jordan’s lead right here and dive into the music world, however I rapidly realized that deciding on an album of the yr for me is almost unimaginable. In the event you ask Apple, my high artists of the yr embrace Charley Crocket, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Grateful Lifeless, Jimmy Buffett, Khruangbin, Jack Johnson, Ocean Alley, LA LOM, Billy Strings, Jon Batiste, Herbie Mann, Debussy, Lefover Salmon, RATM, and the Steep Canyon Rangers. However the music I hearken to is commonly much more eclectic than that.
About the one place I can discover a mixture of music that fits most of my tastes is WNCW out of Spindale, North Carolina. From jam band to jazz to blues to bluegrass to folks & Americana to digital to reggae to Celtic, there are a variety of weekly radio exhibits on WNCW that I plan my schedule round.
Using Into 2026
With 2025 quickly coming to a detailed, I hope everybody is ready to take a while to replicate on a yr (hopefully) filled with adventures. Whereas this yr was a little bit of a reset for me, it’s allowed me to actually concentrate on what sort of using and occasions deliver me essentially the most pleasure. On the finish of the day, that’s what it’s all about, proper?
As all the time, thanks to all of our readers and the businesses which have supported us alongside the best way. 2025 has been a tough yr for lots of the bike trade, and we’re hopeful that the yr forward is best for all – and packed full of recent adventures.
Cheers,
Zach
Many extra nice merchandise have handed via our palms this yr, however this assortment highlights the very best 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 had 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 hung out using/testing in particular person. So, a model’s willingness to ask Bikerumor to affix a launch occasion, or to supply product samples, does make it extra doubtless that we are going to have thought-about their merchandise just because we’ve had an opportunity to strive them firsthand.
