With 2013 fast approaching it would be rude not to look back and reflect on how good 2012 has been in the world of cycling and bikes. Here's a selection of BikeRadar's most popular news stories from the last year.
Swift Carbon: Inside a high-end Chinese bike factory
Back in April, Swift Carbon invited us to visit a production facility they were then using in Xiamen, China. We gained an interesting and rare insight into a Chinese carbon fibre factory that built frames for several major European brands.
Click here to take a tour of the factory with our image gallery
Tech gallery: Tour de France prologue 2012
This year's Tour de France began with a 6.4km prologue around the urban streets of Liège, Belgium – a pan-flat, blisteringly fast course that Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek) completed with an average speed of 53.21km/h (33mph).
Bike choice for the course was all about aerodynamics and efficiency, not weight, and BikeRadar's James Huang took a detailed look at the tech behind the peloton.
Click here to see James' massive image gallery from the Tour prologue
Specialized 2013 mountain bikes launched
Specialized mountain bikes require no introduction, and it's no surprise that coverage of their 2013 range proved a big hit with BikeRadar readers. Rob Weaver's overview revealed exciting changes to the line-up, including a full overhaul for the Enduro and 29er product lines.
Click here to read about Specialized's 2013 mountain bike range
Rach tech: Behind the glamour at Paris-Roubaix
This article gave readers another perspective on the most brutal one-day race on the calendar, Paris-Roubaix. Robin Wilmott takes a look into the logistics involved in organising the event, from final bike tweaks to vehicles brought in specially for the challenge.
His packed image gallery shows everything from support cars with raised suspension to dust-damaged drivetrains from race day bikes.
Click here to see Robin's Paris-Roubaix image gallery
Bikes of the 2012 Tour de France
This two-part article from eagle-eyed tech editor James Huang captures the machines beneath the riders of the Tour in unrivaled detail. The gallery includes more than 150 images to satisfy even the biggest of bike nerds.
Bikes of the 2012 Tour de France – part one
Bikes of the 2012 Tour de France – part two
Gallery: The bikes of the USA Pro Challenge
James Huang is back with another example of what he does best – a 90 image gallery of bikes and gear from this year's USA Pro Challenge. From power meters and saddles to number plate holders, we made sure you didn't miss out on any of the detail.
Click here to relive the tech action of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge
Inside the Team Sky service course
In April this year, BikeRadar visited the Team Sky service course to witness the preparation, equipment and effort it requires to steer a successful team of more than 25 riders.
With around 50 full-time staff members, and pros who go through roughly 600 chains and almost 35,000 water bottles a season, it really has to be seen to be believed.
Click here for a tour of the Team Sky service course
North American Handmade Bicycle Show 2012
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show wrapped up its eighth show this year, and tech editor James Huang gathered so much information during his visit that reading it made us feel like we'd been there.
NAHBS 2012 part 1: Black sheep to Wheel Fanatyk
NAHBS 2012 day 2 gallery: Ahearne to Hunter
NAHBS 2012 part 3: Naked Bicycles to Zullo
