'It's Not Just the Glamorous Test Bikes That Matter' - Aaron Borrill's Top Gear Picks for 2025
Let's face it, cycling gear can feel overwhelming with all those high-end bikes stealing the spotlight, but what truly transforms your rides are the unsung heroes that deliver real-world reliability and performance. As someone who's relatively new to the tech writing scene at Cycling Weekly—I've been on board for just two months—I've had the chance to dive deep into a wide array of products. Beyond the freelance gigs for various cycling outlets, I've put countless items through their paces. Sure, it's tempting to rave about the sleek, high-tech bikes that roll through our doors as the year's standouts, but I like to shine a light on the parts that genuinely elevated my cycling experience, no matter how humble they might seem.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite battling some health setbacks, including illness and a couple of surgeries, I still racked up an impressive 26,000 kilometers and over 780 hours of riding, split between outdoor adventures and indoor sessions. For beginners just starting out, think of indoor cycling as a fantastic way to build endurance regardless of weather—it's like having a gym on your bike that helps you stay consistent year-round. Every minute on the saddle is an opportunity for me to rigorously test gear, whether I'm pitting two products against each other or evaluating one in isolation. You can trust that I approach this with the dedication it deserves.
For my Gear of the Year roundup this time around, I've shifted the focus squarely to components rather than full bikes. While some incredible frames caught my eye—like the Cannondale SuperX, Merida Reacto 9000, and Cube Litening C:68X—I wanted to prioritize items that offer true bang for your buck amid rising living costs. Interestingly, many of these were battle-tested at the Gravel Burn, a grueling seven-day stage race in South Africa, where extreme conditions push gear to its limits.
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Wolf Tooth DEL Gravel Race Pedals
These pedals have quickly become one of my absolute favorites from the year. Crafted with precision through CNC machining from sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum, they mark Wolf Tooth's exciting debut into the clipless pedal world. The clever naming? It's a nod to computer shortcuts: CTRL for Trail, ALT for XC, and DEL for Gravel—ingenious and memorable.
I put these to the ultimate trial during the challenging Gravel Burn in South Africa, where they endured some of the wildest terrains and unpredictable weather I've ever faced on two wheels. A few surface scratches aside, they emerged looking nearly pristine, a testament to their toughness and superior craftsmanship. For those new to cycling terms, clipless pedals attach your shoes securely, allowing better power transfer but requiring practice to clip in and out smoothly. What sets these apart is their streamlined design, single-sided cleat system, minimal height, and wide platform, making them one of the lightest gravel-specific options at just 107 grams per pedal.
They're perfectly balanced for effortless clipping in hectic race starts, and you can even opt for a vibrant anodized ultraviolet purple finish for that extra flair. But here's where it gets controversial—some riders swear by traditional pedals for their simplicity, while others argue that clipless systems, like these, give a competitive edge. What do you think: Is innovation worth the learning curve?
saddleback.co.uk, £189
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(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 Cycling Computer
Building on the affordability and user-friendliness of its predecessors, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 adds touchscreen capabilities and extended battery power. On the specs sheet, it might seem bulkier and heavier, but it's actually narrower than the original Roam and Roam 2, creating a more compact feel. Wahoo pulled this off by removing the lighting features from the top and left edges. The big win? Battery life now stretches to 25 hours—a full 5-hour bump from the Roam 2.
Throughout the year, I've cycled with alternatives like the Coros Dura, Garmin Edge 850, and Wahoo Elemnt Ace, yet I keep coming back to the Elemnt Roam 3 for every outing. Its intuitive interface, glitch-free performance, and dual touchscreen-plus-buttons setup make it a joy to use, especially in chilly conditions with bulky gloves. Imagine trying to navigate a device with frozen fingers—having tactile buttons alongside the screen is a game-changer, letting you adjust settings without frustration.
uk.wahoofitness.com, £399.99
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Favero Assioma Pro RS-2 Power Meter Pedals
Hot on the heels of their off-road Assioma PRO MX, Favero introduces the Assioma PRO RS-2. These boast an impressive accuracy of just 1% deviation, thanks to integrated strain gauges, electronics, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery tucked into the spindle. The battery promises at least 60 hours of runtime, making them reliable for long rides.
I've long been a fan of Favero's products and rank them among the top power meters available. To give you an example, I still have a pair of their Assioma Duo pedals from 2019 that function flawlessly, proving their longevity. For beginners wondering what power meters do, they measure the force you apply to the pedals, helping track training intensity and progress—like a personal coach on your bike. This reliability justifies the cost, positioning them as a smart long-term buy.
Beyond their thoughtful design, these are the lightest power meter pedals out there, clocking in at 247 grams for the pair. And this is the part most people miss: In an era where data-driven training is king, tools like these can democratize performance insights, but some purists argue they're unnecessary for casual riders who prefer feel over metrics. Do you side with tech enthusiasts or those who value simplicity?
cycling.favero.com, £649
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Met Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet
I've consistently relied on Met's commitment to rider safety, incorporating their helmets into my road and time-trial routines annually. The Trenta 3K Carbon stands out as a top pick, blending excellent airflow, protection, and lightness. The updated version refines the formula, earning it a spot among the finest road helmets available.
Independent safety ratings have soared by 40% compared to the previous model, securing it a place among the safest ever evaluated by Virginia Tech. To clarify for newcomers, these tests simulate impacts to ensure helmets can mitigate head injuries in crashes.
The key upgrade lies in ventilation—it's 16% cooler, courtesy of generous 20 vents and the innovative 3K Airframe that ditches the traditional EPS internal structure. On hot days, this means noticeable airflow circulating from front to back, keeping you comfortable. Drawing from my history with Met's stellar customer support and its stellar show during Gravel Burn, I'm confident in recommending this helmet.
met-helmets.com, £350
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Bicycle Innovations Smart Lever
I get it—tyre changes can be a nightmare, as stubborn as they are to mount or remove, often needing a buddy or superhero strength. I've personally dealt with torn skin, blisters, and plenty of loud complaints while wrestling with them, and that's before even tackling tubeless setups, which bring their own set of headaches.
Over the years, I've honed techniques for easing tyres onto rims, but I've also broken countless levers in the process, constantly on the hunt for a robust, foolproof fix.
Enter the Smart Lever from Bicycle Innovations: a total revolution. It might look intricate and worlds apart from the classic levers we're used to, but once you get the hang of the instructions, tyre mounting becomes effortless. The same ease applies to removals. For extra-tricky cases, they offer a companion Bead Lever to pry stuck tyres from the rim.
smartlever.uk, from £22.50
What do you think? In a world obsessed with high-tech gadgets, should we prioritize practical tools like these over flashy innovations? Do any of these picks challenge your own gear preferences, or agree with them? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's spark a debate on what really matters in cycling!
