This year’s edition of my Gear of the Year is focused on products that have wowed and impressed me more than others, with a streak of pragmatism thrown in for good measure.
While my previous GOTY articles have followed a similar theme (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), this year has been an exceptional one for interesting and top-performing products.
Not only am I incredibly impressed by the kit that's made it into this round-up, I'm also very grateful for how much it's made my life on two wheels better.
RockShox Lyrik Ultimate MY25
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13148467
- £1,079 / $1,099 / €1,199
Mentioning the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate MY25 – with the Charger 3.1 damper – will score you top points in 2024’s edition of Alex Evans bingo.
But that’s for good reason.
The latest update to RockShox’s trail fork unlocked performance that wowed me into giving it a perfect 5/5 score.
On the trail, it balances all the most desirable metrics with absolute precision.
It's smooth, supple, grip-inducing and exceptionally plush, while doling out support in the mid-stroke that makes even the most robust damper jealous.
Not breaking the pattern, bottom-out is controlled beautifully; there are no teeth-shattering, bump-stop smashing hard stops to full travel.
In order to knock it out of the park with on-trail feel and performance, RockShox has fettled the Charger damper’s internals.
With this latest iteration, gone is the ‘set all the external dials to fully open’ default that has become an almost industry-wide issue.
Now the low- and high-speed compression adjusters sit comfortably in the middle of their range and the rebound is just shy of fully open.
The brand is also offering different tunes for the fork, so it’ll be much easier to get it performing for your specific needs.
Now permanently bolted to my Marin Rift Zone, there’s not a single fork on the horizon that's going to make me ditch the Lyrik any time soon.
SQUIRREL_13148467
Fox Launch Elite knee pads
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13122494
- £144.99
Another five-star product, the Fox Launch Elite knee pads impressed me by redefining just how comfortable protection could be.
Their glossy, smooth, and luxurious interior was like treating my knees to a spa day rather than locking them away on a torture rack, something which not a lot of knee pads can boast.
A figure-hugging fit means they stay in position no matter how much pedalling you do, or how wild and rowdy your descents get.
I was especially impressed with how this compression wasn’t overbearing, not strangulating the blood supply to my lower legs or restricting movement.
Providing protection from knee to mid-shin inspires confidence to get rowdy without adding unnecessary bulk.
Of course, they’re very expensive, and this’ll be a sticking point for some.
But those of you who’ve suffered from bruised, blistered knees from ill-fitting, badly made models will be happy to dodge any discomfort by spending a bit of extra cash.
The Launch Elite pads are worth their asking price in this respect, and it’s one of the main reasons they scored so well – and get an encore in my 2024 Gear of the Year selection.
SQUIRREL_13122494
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13083239
- £169.99
Slipping from glamorous to practical in my choices for this edition of GOTY is the Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II.
Although it’s not as swoon-worthy as a top-rated fork, the jacket still scored a hearty 4.5 stars when freelance contributor Sarah reviewed it.
This cemented it as a top performer, and I’d wholeheartedly agree with Sarah’s analysis.
Its pockets are accessed via generously sized zips, which makes stowing a range of items – even bulky ones such as MTB goggles – easy.
Space is also left for your hands to warm your digits once temperatures plummet.
And that’s where this jacket really excels – don it in the coldest weather to keep your core temperature optimal.
Its PrimaLoft Gold insulation and wind-blocking exterior work harmoniously to boost temperatures inside its well-fitting cut.
When you start to sweat, or the temperature rises, large underarm vents with two-way zips help to exhaust excess heat.
However, I’d be doing you – my dear reader – a disservice if I said this jacket was suitable for temperatures above 5ºC; it's not, because if you wear it you’ll roast.
Stick to freezing conditions (hence the name) and you’ll only have good experiences wearing it, though.
In the harsh winter climes of my native Scotland, I rely on the Freezing Point Jacket II to keep me toasty and I recommend you do, too.
SQUIRREL_13083239
Worx HydroShot Cordless Portable Power Cleaner
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13162443
- £199.99
In a moment of absolute folly, I stuck my hands as deep into my pockets as I dared.
From the bottom of the cavernous pit, I retrieved some of the dustiest and most crumpled bank notes in existence, so I could commit the infrequent act of purchasing something with my very own money.
Cue the portable HyrdoShot jetwash.
Although luxuriously opulent in its use-case – my hosepipe and brush from an old dustpan and brush set clean bikes adequately – I was convinced I needed a little more horsepower.
And oh boy, I am happy I bought it.
Thanks to 56 bars of water pressure, blasted mud glides effortlessly off the tubes and components of test bikes, leaving them perfectly clean, with absolutely no intervention or scrubbing on my behalf.
Its nozzle has five water-jet angle settings, ranging from 40 to 0 degrees, and a ‘watering’ position depending on your needs.
Click the ‘Eco’ mode button to reduce power consumption and jet intensity to save your bike’s bearings and seals from the full-power mode's blast.
It can connect directly to a hose pipe, or draw water from a bucket or container, truly marking its versatility.
It delivers winter-proof performance; pour yourself a bucket of warm water to draw from, so you don’t have to battle with a frozen hose.
Running on a rechargeable 20-volt lithium battery, I’ve managed to wash five bikes in its most frugal setting on one charge.
Wintery post-ride clean-ups have never been easier, and I’d say the £200 asking price has been more than worth it with the amount of time and stress I’ve reclaimed by using the HydroShot.
SQUIRREL_13162443
