In a cycling universe brimming with eye-catching race bikes and cutting-edge tech that promises the moon, the true MVPs often lurk in the shadows—those everyday components that transform your ride without breaking the bank. But here's where it gets controversial: In an era of skyrocketing living costs, are we prioritizing the right gear, or just chasing vanity? Join me as I dive into my top picks for 2025, drawing from real-world testing that might just challenge your preconceptions about what makes a cyclist tick.
I've been settling into my role as a tech writer at Cycling Weekly for just two months now, yet in that short span, I've put countless products through their paces—beyond that, my freelance gigs for various cycling outlets have exposed me to a plethora of gadgets and accessories. It's tempting for reviewers like me to rave about the glitzy test bikes that roll through our office, but I lean toward spotlighting the parts that genuinely elevated my cycling experience, making every pedal stroke smoother and more effective.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite battling some health setbacks and undergoing a couple of surgeries, 2025 turned out to be a milestone year for me on two wheels. I racked up over 26,000 kilometers and clocked 780 hours across outdoor adventures and indoor sessions—a testament to how cycling isn't just a hobby, but a lifeline. I treat every minute on the bike as a testing ground, meticulously comparing gear or isolating items to ensure I'm doing justice to the job, whether it's swapping components mid-ride or evaluating standalone features in controlled settings.
For this Gear of the Year roundup, I've shifted my focus squarely to components rather than complete bicycles. Sure, several bikes caught my eye, such as the Cannondale SuperX—perfect for tackling rugged terrains like the 800km Gravel Burn in South Africa—the Merida Reacto 9000 with its aerodynamic prowess, and the Cube Litening C:68X for its lightweight climbing efficiency. But given the financial pressures many of us face with inflation and rising expenses, I aimed to curate a list that delivers tangible value without the extravagance. Every item below not only stood out in my trials but also proved its worth during the grueling Gravel Burn, that seven-day off-road stage race in South Africa's wild landscapes.
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Wolf Tooth DEL Gravel Race Pedals
Standing out as one of my absolute favorites this year, these pedals from Wolf Tooth are a masterpiece of design and function. Crafted through precision CNC machining from durable 6061-T6 aluminum, they mark the brand's inaugural venture into clipless pedal technology. As for the clever naming—CTRL for Trail, ALT for XC, and DEL for Gravel—it's a witty nod to Windows keyboard shortcuts, blending tech savvy with a touch of fun.
I put these DEL Gravel Race pedals to the ultimate test during the punishing Gravel Burn, where they endured some of the most insane trails and unpredictable weather I've ever faced on a bike. Despite picking up a few superficial scratches, they emerged looking fresh and ready for more, a clear indicator of their robust build and longevity. What truly captivates me is the sleek, minimalist aesthetic, featuring a one-sided cleat system, minimal stack height, and a wide platform—all contributing to one of the lightest gravel-specific pedals available, tipping the scales at just 107 grams per side.
These pedals are impeccably balanced, making them a breeze to engage during frantic race starts, and you can even opt for a striking ultraviolet purple anodized finish to add some personality. For beginners wondering why clipless pedals matter, think of them as the difference between slipping in ice skates versus having secure bindings—they offer better power transfer and efficiency, especially on varied terrain like gravel paths where grip is crucial.
Available at saddleback.co.uk, priced at £189.
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(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 Cycling Computer
Building on the affordability and user-friendliness of its predecessors, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 introduces touchscreen controls and extended battery life to elevate the experience. On spec sheets, it might appear slightly larger and heavier, but it's actually slimmer than both the original Roam and Roam 2, creating a more compact feel. Wahoo accomplished this by removing the light strips from the top and left sides, streamlining the design without sacrificing functionality. The standout upgrade? Battery life now stretches to 25 hours—a solid 5-hour boost over the Roam 2, meaning fewer interruptions on long hauls.
Having rotated through devices like the Coros Dura with its unbeatable battery stamina, the Garmin Edge 850 for its comprehensive mapping, and the Wahoo Elemnt Ace throughout the year, I've increasingly defaulted to the Elemnt Roam 3 for every outing, which speaks volumes about its reliability. I adore its intuitive interface, glitch-free performance, and the hybrid of touchscreen and buttons that makes navigation effortless, even in sub-zero temperatures with bulky winter gloves. For those new to cycling computers, these gadgets are like smartphones for your bike—tracking speed, distance, heart rate, and routes, turning data into insights that help you ride smarter, not harder.
But here's where it gets controversial: In a market dominated by premium brands like Garmin, is Wahoo's value-driven approach democratizing tech for everyday cyclists, or does it skim on features that pros demand? I'd love to hear your takes in the comments—do you stick with big names for perceived quality, or embrace affordable alternatives?
Purchased at uk.wahoofitness.com, for £399.99.
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Favero Assioma Pro RS-2 Power Meter Pedals
Hot on the heels of their off-road Assioma PRO MX, Favero introduces the Assioma PRO RS-2, packing strain gauges, electronics, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery into the spindle for pinpoint accuracy with just a 1% deviation. The built-in battery promises at least 60 hours of runtime, ensuring you can power through multi-day events without constant recharges.
I've long been a champion of Favero Electronics, ranking them among the elite in power meters—after all, my pair of Assioma Duo pedals from 2019 are still chugging along flawlessly. This unwavering dependability is why their products feel like a smart, long-term buy, worth every penny for athletes who invest in precision training. For the uninitiated, power meters measure the watts you generate per pedal stroke, providing data that optimizes workouts, like knowing if you're pushing too hard on climbs versus sprints.
Beyond their thoughtful engineering, these pedals boast a stunning design and claim the title of the market's lightest power pedal setup, weighing in at a mere 247 grams for the set. And this is the part most people miss: In gravel racing, where every gram counts against rough terrain, lighter pedals can mean the difference between fatigue and endurance—yet some argue that the cost of such tech perpetuates inequality in cycling. What do you think—should high-end components be accessible to all, or is excellence reserved for those who can afford it?
Find them at cycling.favero.com, priced at £649.
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Met Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet
I've consistently placed my trust in Met's safety assurances, rotating through their helmets for road rides and time trials annually. The Trenta 3K Carbon has swiftly become a personal standout, striking an ideal balance between breathability, protection, and weight. The latest iteration refines the formula, positioning it as a top-tier road bike helmet.
Independent safety ratings have soared by 40% compared to the prior version, landing the new Trenta among the highest-scoring helmets tested by Virginia Tech's rigorous protocols. For context, these tests simulate real-world impacts, giving riders peace of mind that their headgear can withstand crashes—think of it as a safety net that might save lives on fast descents.
The key enhancement lies in ventilation: it's 16% cooler, courtesy of 20 spacious vents and the innovative 3K Airframe that ditches the traditional EPS internal structure for better airflow from front to back. This was palpable on hot days during Gravel Burn, where cool air circulated seamlessly, keeping my head clear and comfortable.
Drawing from Met's stellar customer service track record and the helmet's standout performance in tough conditions, the Trenta 3K Carbon earns my full endorsement. But here's where it gets controversial: With rising helmet standards, are we over-relying on tech to justify sky-high prices, or is investing in safety a non-negotiable? Share your views below—do you prioritize budget over bells and whistles, or does advanced protection take precedence?
Available at met-helmets.com, for £350.
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Bicycle Innovations Smart Lever
I get it—mounting bicycle tires can feel like wrestling a greased pig, often needing a buddy or superhuman strength (think WWE wrestlers). I've personally shed skin, nursed blisters, and unleashed a string of colorful language while battling stubborn tires—and that's not even touching tubeless setups, which bring their own set of hurdles.
Over the years, I've honed techniques to finesse tires onto rims, but I've also broken countless traditional levers in the process, always on the hunt for a resilient, user-friendly fix.
Enter the Smart Lever from Bicycle Innovations: a revolutionary tool that might look intricate at first glance, worlds apart from the familiar levers we know and loathe. But once you grasp the instructions and mechanics, tire changes become effortless—for fitting or removing. For extra-tricky beads, their companion Bead Lever aids in prying stuck tires from the rim's sidewall.
For beginners struggling with tire swaps, imagine this: Traditional levers pry and can slip, risking damage, while the Smart Lever uses a pivoting design for secure, controlled leverage—saving time and frustration on group rides or solo adventures.
Grab yours at smartlever.uk, starting from £22.50.
In wrapping up, these components aren't just about performance; they're about making cycling more accessible and enjoyable in challenging times. But I have to ask—what sparks debate for you? Is emphasizing value over extravagance the way forward, or should we continue splurging on those flashy bikes? Do you agree that reliability trumps trends, or disagree based on your own experiences? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
