In my previous Gear of the Year selections, I’ve focused on kit that served a specific purpose, whether because of impressive performance or an unfaltering duty to make my life more comfortable and easy.
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This year, however, I want to shout out the kit that performs exceptionally and gets used and abused on (almost) every ride.
The frequency with which I rely on these bits to help me do my job or have fun gives them a special place in my heart.
Garmin Edge 830 bike computer
Arguably the most-used product I own, my Garmin Edge 830 has missed only a handful of rides since I got it in 2019.
As a self-professed ride-recording addict, the computer’s onboard wizardry affords me a wealth of stats both during and post-ride, culminating in an afterglow endorphin hit.
Geeking out on heart rate, power, cadence, elevation and speed data is almost unbeatable; all that delightful data is conveniently pumped out on its colourful 2.6in screen.
Paired with one of Garmin’s smartwatches, such as the Fenix 6 Pro Solar I’ve reviewed, those stats are bolstered with training statuses, body battery and more.
Fortunately, the diminutive 830’s performance is matched by its robustness.
It holds its own in the worst conditions; through scorching sun, soaking rain, freezing cold and sideways snow, mine hasn’t missed a beat over thousands and thousands of kilometres.
Although it looks leggy, thanks to a mud-stained body and scratched screen, performance-wise it’s no different today than when I peeled off the screen protector and first mounted it to my bike.
MET Parachute MCR helmet
Existing in some guise or another, the MET Parachute is one of the original convertible helmets.
This latest version – the MCR – is arguably the best-looking and most feature-packed convertible lid from MET.
This makes it one of my standout performers of the year, and I wear it religiously.
Boasting MIPS, a Fidlock buckle, Boa fit adjustment and a magnetic chin-bar release (hence MCR), it meets the ASTM 1952 certification.
This is all handy given my unwavering love and obsession with the inherently dangerous gravity-focused side of mountain biking, and my surprising penchant for safety.
Convertible lids, such as this one, make total sense; you can whip the chin bar off for winching to the top of the hill, then reattach it prior to descending for maximum protection.
However, even with the chin bar on, there’s enough ventilation to breathe comfortably while looking to push your FTP on a climb.
I use the lid for the lighter, less engaged cycling disciplines too, even wearing it when simply bombing around the local trail centre, not just gravity shredding.
While that certainly raises a few eyebrows from onlookers – “who’s that lunatic wearing a full-face helmet on his trail bike?” – I certainly feel more at ease wearing it than I do in an open-faced model.
As these pictures will attest, it’s hard to mask the signs of how much I use the MCR. The peak bolts are rusting from sweat, its paint is scratched and patinated, and it has a distinct, albeit not very pleasant aroma despite a regimented cleaning procedure (thankfully for you, Smell-O-Vision is consigned to the history books).
If you’re on the hunt for a convertible lid, the classic Parachute is certainly one to look at.
Evoc Hip Pack Pro bum bag
An Evoc bum bag has featured in my gear of the year before, but in the now-discontinued Race guise.
Adding to the Race’s features is this year’s entry – the Pro.
An extra mesh side pocket, increasing the pack’s carry capacity and versatility, and an improved waistband made from a chunky Velcro material rather than the skinny strap and clip of the previous model, boost its usability.
With the Pro improving comfort and upping how much I can stash in it, the Race version has been sidelined indefinitely.
Whether I’m out testing the latest bikes, components or clothing, the Hip Pack Pro is invariably strapped around my waist.
Dutifully – just like my helmet and GPS – it stands strong and resistant against mud, water, snow and rain to protect its contents.
Storing my ride essentials securely and comfortably is its modus operandi; my snacks, puncture repair kit, tube and jacket, along with a 1.5-litre bladder, can all be conveniently stashed within.
But seemingly like everything I own, it bears the weathered patina of a hard life.
Frequently getting snagged on trees, there are small rips and tears, especially in the side pockets, but none so bad that performance is compromised.
Covered in mud, its once-gleaming material is now deep-stained brown, and it has gone stiff from frequent sweat drenchings.
Its hard life attests to my unwavering affection – the Hip Pack Pro is a true performer.
If you’re after the best bum bag, look no further.
Nukeproof Blackline Trail Pants
By now, the theme linking each of these products should be clear, and my Nukeproof Blackline Trail Pants do not buck the trend.
Stretchy, flexible, lightweight and plain-looking, these affordable riding trousers from Nukeproof tick so many must-have boxes with borderline perfection.
Their cut is sporty but not aggressive and there’s room for knee pads without an excess of material, making them equally at home on the DH or trail bike.
The pants are warm but not roasting. Layer up with bib tights for cold-weather protection, but run them with a set of padded MTB shorts and you don’t get excessively hot.
With robustness that’s surprising, the amount of use they can sustain justifies the reasonable £90 RRP.
Mine are showing those tell-tale signs of a hard life though.
Some small nicks and rips – such as at the knees, caused by outlandishly wild crashes – demonstrate their rough-and-tumble lifestyle.
The once black backside panel has faded patches matching the shape of my sit bones, testimony to the countless kilometres they’ve pedalled.
I’ll admit the DWR coating is all but gone, though that’s hardly a surprise given the life they’ve had.
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Whether I’m riding in my personal time or heading out testing, the Blackline Trail Pants are among the bits of kit I’ll actively reach for time and time again.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
