It’s hard to believe that I’m about to put yet another year behind me, one filled with great memories of families and friends, some incredible rides, and as usual, a massive heap of different bikes and gear.
Much of that equipment was good but maybe didn’t blow me away while a few other items were sadly forgettable. Some, however, left such a good impression that I still reach for them whenever I’m not obligated to ride something else. My top picks this year aren’t necessarily the most exciting or the most expensive things – or even new in 2015. But if given the option, this is the stuff I tell my own buddies to buy (and in many cases, have purchased myself).
Campagnolo Super Record groupset
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I’m talking about the mechanical group here, folks, not the fancy electronic one. Electronic drivetrains – and especially SRAM’s new wireless Red eTap group – garner all the attention lately but there’s still something about a cable actuated transmission that I dearly love, and this one’s my overall favorite.
To me, Super Record offers the tactile feedback of SRAM Red 22 but a more refined feel, as well as nearly matching Shimano Dura-Ace for precision but with more – for lack of a better descriptor – emotion. It works extremely well, it’s lightweight, it’s proven to be very durable, it runs whisper-quiet, and it’s utterly beautiful to look at.
That it also happens to be outrageously expensive is almost a plus in my book because it’s rare that I ever see anyone else on the road using it. Super Record is far from the most sensible choice when it comes to flagship conventional road drivetrains, but sometimes the things that elicit the most impassioned responses defy conventional logic.
Bontrager Flare R taillight
Ibis Mojo HD3
Shimano Dura-Ace and XTR Trail pedals
Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0 shoes
Giant Rail helmet
Smith Pivlock Arena Max sunglasses
Specialized Atlas knee pads
POC Index DH gloves
Skratch drink mix
Squirt chain lube
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