Bicycling Advancements of the Year: 2024's Equipment That Boosted My Cycling Performance and Development
Awesome Year-End Bike Gear That Boosted Rebecca's Riding Experience
Rebecca Bland Gear of the Year 2024
Gear of the Year | Top Story
The past year has been thrilling for Rebecca! She tackled her first marathon XC race and got her hands on some fantastic new gear that significantly elevated her riding game. Let's dive into her top picks of the year!
Specialized Epic 8 Mountain Bike
Kicking things off, the Specialized Epic 8 made a massive statement in the cross-country and downcountry segments. With an aggressive geometry, it offers an exhilarating ride, as Rebeca discovered. This bike was her go-to ride for much of the year before she had to reluctantly pass it back in the autumn.
The bike's excellent performance can be attributed to RockShox SID forks and a three-option lockout, which boosted its racy feel. Rebecca rode it on challenging terrains like the Yorkshire MTB Marathon, and it consistently proved its mettle as a versatile and reliable XC ride.
Bluegrass Vanguard Full-Face Helmet
Stepping up her game with bike parks, Rebecca needed a full-face helmet that would suit her smaller head size. The Bluegrass Vanguard stood out, with its numerous adjustment options, including rear closure dial, cheek pads, and other inserts. The helmet's comfortable fit, stability, and ventilation made it perfect for Rebecca.
For added security, she opted for the Mips option, which provides an extra layer of protection if an impact occurs.
Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One Turbo Trainer
Training indoors can be grueling, but the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One made Rebecca's turbo sessions more bearable. This trainer allowed her to combine the convenience of indoor training with the outdoors by offering a realistic ride feel and enabling her to mount her MTB to it.
The Zwift Cog feature meant she didn't need a dedicated cassette, and its user-friendly setup quickly integrated with Zwift, which Rebecca already used. If you're looking to stay fit over winter while still spending quality time with your bike, this is an excellent option to consider.
Favero Assioma PRO MX-2 Power Meter Pedals
Power meter pedals offer invaluable data for training, and the Favero Assioma PRO MX-2 power pedals have been a favorite of Rebecca's. These pedals accurately measure power output and boast strong durability. Ideal for off-road riders seeking power data, they are available in dual and single-sided versions.
Built with SPD cleats, these pedals are perfect for trail and off-road adventures, offering precision, efficiency, and enduring quality.
Trail Bloom Trail Trousers
Finding suitable mountain biking gear for women can be challenging, but the Trail Bloom Trail Trousers exceeded Rebecca's expectations. These trousers cater to a wide range of sizes (UK 8 to UK 24) and are designed for both casual and hard trail riding.
Reviews praise their lightweight construction, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort, even during muddy rides. Trail Bloom is a woman-owned brand dedicated to creating stylish and performance-focused mountain bike wear for women.
Congratulations to Rebecca on an action-packed year filled with new gear and incredible experiences! Keep pedaling, Rebecca!
- Rebecca incorporated technology into her rides with the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One Turbo Trainer, making her indoor training sessions more enjoyable and realistic.
- In pursuit of safety, Rebecca made a crucial addition to her gear collection, choosing the Bluegrass Vanguard full-face helmet, which offered a comfortable fit, stability, and versatility for various terrains.
- Rebecca upgraded her wardrobe with the Trail Bloom Trail Trousers, a women-focused brand that delivers stylish and high-performance trousers suitable for both casual and hard trail riding.
