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 a minimum of 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 on operating, and ended up doing my first-ever organized operating occasion: the Flying Pig half-marathon. If I’m trustworthy, I discover operating outdoors within the winter extra pleasant than using (except for 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 obtained an honest exercise. Coaching for the half was additionally an incredible motivator all through the winter, however as quickly as Spring hit, I couldn’t wait to get again on a motorbike.
My Editor’s Selection record this yr is like that first hit of spring fever. It’s gear that makes me excited to get out and experience. Gear that jogs my memory of why I do that within the first place.
Over time, 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 unimaginable, but it surely was a enjoyable occasion that introduced collectively cyclists of all sorts. It’s straightforward to effortlessly move by way of the throngs of avatars on Zwift, however occasions like Zwift Group Stay remind you that they’re actual folks doing the identical factor as you throughout the globe.
Editor’s Selection Bike Journey Daytrip: Experience to MLB Recreation
This yr, the Cincinnati Reds had been truly enjoyable to look at. So, my buddies and I hatched the concept to experience all the way down to the stadium to catch the final residence sport of the season. Storms had been threatening, however everybody had already known as off work. We had been going. We obtained drenched on the way in which down. It completely poured on the way in which again. The sport was delayed. However the Reds gained, we had a 50+ mile day, and we had one hell of a great time. This one will certainly need to turn out to be an annual custom.
Bikes
Editor’s Selection 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 for the shock, clevis, and eyelet {hardware}. That implies that technically, you may swap backwards and forwards with the best components. Traditionally, bikes that may very well be two issues in a single often resulted in some compromise(s) to make all of it work.
That was my worry with the Ripley/Ripmo, however I’m more than happy to search out that Ibis found out find out how to make each into superb 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 undoubtedly favor the Ripmo V3 to the earlier model, and the inner storage is very well executed.
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 conserving the shorter journey Ripley prepared for day by day missions again residence.
Editor’s Selection 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 manner sooner 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 need to admit that the skinny aspect profile of the fork seems a bit scary at first, but it surely doesn’t really feel overly flexy whereas using it. Total, it has a really easy experience 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 contemplate that when speccing your construct from Ari.
Editor’s Selection 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 good for a big proportion of riders.
I see the Libre CR as a greater choice for somebody on the lookout for a motorbike that can be on the street as a lot as it will likely be on gravel. It’s additionally a greater bike so as to add a rack to hold locks and kit to a baseball sport. I swapped out the tires at one level for a pair of 40mm slicks, and this factor was a pleasure to place lengthy street 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 Selection Commuter: Tern BYB
I’ve all the time needed to journey with a motorbike to Eurobike, however I by no means needed to take care of the trouble of packing/flying/constructing/repacking a full-size bike. The Tern BYB takes nearly all the trouble out of the equation and rewards you with a quick, environment friendly bike that simply suits into its personal suitcase. Up to now, it’s one of many best methods I’ve discovered to journey with a motorbike and presents the perfect performance-to-size ratio.
Editor’s Selection Child’s Bike: Biky Bikes Air 20
I used to be not accustomed to the Biky model after they first reached out, however they did have one thing I needed. Effectively, one thing I needed for my daughter – a light-weight, single-speed, 20″ bicycle known as the Biky Air 20. Many of the premium bike manufacturers both supply heavier 20″ bikes meant for coaching wheels, or skip the only velocity and go straight to gears. Many children (my daughter included) are already ripping round on two wheels by the point they’re on a 20″ due to steadiness bike life, but the simplicity and sturdiness of a single velocity is a stupendous factor for a motorbike that can be consistently crashed or dropped on the bottom.
Biky delivered a 20″ single velocity 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 Selection 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 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 celebration (once more). However the reward is a gaggle with the quickest wi-fi shifting, and greatest ergonomic changes on the shifter.
Editor’s Selection 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. Obtainable in each 1×13 XPLR teams, and a pair of×12 street teams, I’ve spent essentially the most time on the XPLR group on the Shafer. However I’m within the strategy of increase a 2×12 group on my Why PR street bike, and may’t wait to place the miles in.
Editor’s Selection Wheels: Trade 9 SOLiX Aero Highway
Trade 9’s newest SOLiX Aero street wheels test quite a lot of packing 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 street tires at 28-30mm, they usually use hooked rims. Mainly, my best street bike wheel, and that’s what they’ve confirmed to be.
Electronics
Editor’s Selection Electronics: Lezyne Radar React System
Radar tail lights are a type of expertise gadgets which have slowly turn out to be a part of my day by day street bike package. No, it’s not a panacea for all on-road risks, however I do really feel higher about what’s developing behind me. Notably, I 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 everyday radar system a step additional and means that you can use it with no GPS biking pc if desired. You possibly can nonetheless use it with any suitable pc, 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 purple when automobiles are approaching and can play a warning tone. I nonetheless favor to make use of it with a pc, however no different radar system presents the usability choices that Lezyne does.
Honorable Point out Electronics: Coros Nomad/Apex Good Watch
I’ve been testing plenty of Coros merchandise lately, and whereas many have lacked options initially, close to fixed firmware updates have rapidly improved nearly each system. The good watches (any good watches) are attention-grabbing as a result of they wouldn’t be my first alternative for biking use, but at this level, I couldn’t see myself not utilizing one every day to trace every part from operating to mountaineering.
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 observe of the tide schedule and wind was good. I nonetheless want the tide display screen was seen on the bike experience actions, however possibly that can be one thing obtainable as an replace. The Apex 4, however, is a greater look ahead to day by day use and means that you can 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 turn out to be a calling card for Coros. There are higher watches on the market for the data-obsessed, however for individuals who need one thing to offer an affordable quantity of information with out requiring a thick guide to determine it out, the Coros watches are inexpensive choices.
Footwear & Pedals
I’ve been a fan of varied Shimano bike sneakers for yr, and whereas the RX8 was good, it nonetheless had room for enchancment. The RX910 S-Phyre Gravel Footwear ship on that enchancment with a greater match, extra secure strolling platform, and a brand new Pontoon Cleat System that delivers true road-like efficiency whereas conserving 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 could be swapped out when issues begin to get sloppy. Good.
Editor’s Selection 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. They usually 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 cause – the tiny units 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 actually 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 coloration display screen that makes it straightforward to set and dial within the excellent pressures. Battery life is first rate, 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 Selection 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 as a result of 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 similar time. The jersey presents all the advantages of merino, plus a merino mesh ventilated again panel for even higher breathability.
Editor’s Selection Clothes: Good Wool Each Day Social gathering Shirt
This may very well be bike, it may very well be non-bike, however when Good Wool despatched me this shirt I wasn’t fairly positive what to do with it. It’s not precisely a motorbike jersey, but it surely’s not precisely a gown 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 excellent for warm, sticky climate.
Non-Bike
Editor’s Selection Non-Bike: Nocs Professional Problem Binoculars
Apparently, I’m a birder now. A part of that growth has meant testing almost the total vary of Nocs Provisions to determine what’s the perfect optic for carrying on bike rides. Whereas the Subject Tube monocular was my alternative for greatest on-bike birding, the Nocs Professional Problem 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 focus wheel, these are nicely 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 presents, however I wouldn’t hesitate to place these in an enormous bike bag if you happen to had been using out to a birding vacation spot.
Editor’s Selection Non-Bike: 24h Rock Climbing Gyms
Earlier this yr, Arc’teryx obtained me again on a climbing wall for the primary time since I had my bike shoulder/nerve damage. 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 now have an incredible climbing health club known as Mosaic that gives 24h bouldering entry, so it’s the right winter exercise to remain lively and prepare muscle groups you don’t usually use on a motorbike. Plus, it’s very addictive. We’re fairly fortunate to have a minimum of 5 totally different climbing gyms shut by, however just one presents hours which can be conducive to these with busy schedules and who usually can’t get out till after the youngsters are in mattress.
Editor’s Selection Music: WNCW 88.7
I needed 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 not possible. When you ask Apple, my high artists of the yr embody 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 take heed to is usually 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 people & 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 an in depth, I hope everybody is ready to take a while to mirror on a yr (hopefully) filled with adventures. Whereas this yr was a little bit of a reset for me, it’s allowed me to essentially deal with 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 way in which. 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 by way of 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. Not at all had been any of our choices paid for by their producers. Nor was any desire or favor given to advertisers or manufacturers who invite us on journeys. Our choices 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 offer 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.
