Time flies when you're having fun—or when life feels like it's on repeat. It's hard to believe a whole year has passed since I last shared my favorite cycling gear and experiences. Looking back, 2025 has been a year of stark contrasts and profound self-reflection, both for me and the ever-evolving world of cycling. In the daily grind, it's easy to lose sight of progress, to feel like each day blends into the next. But when you pause and reflect, the changes become glaringly obvious—especially in a sport as dynamic as cycling.
And this is the part most people miss: while life might seem static, cycling offers a unique lens to witness transformation in real time. Whether it's testing cutting-edge gear or noticing how my own priorities shift month by month, the bike has been my constant reminder of growth. The first half of the year was dominated by my road bike—thanks to my XC bike being unceremoniously borrowed by thieves—where I focused on chasing numbers and letting a power meter dictate my fun. But here's where it gets controversial: by the second half, I began questioning what a sustainable, fulfilling cycling future looks like for me. I started prioritizing joy over metrics, embracing more 'type one fun,' and leaving the power meter at home for dirt trail adventures.
This shift is reflected in my favorite things from 2025—a balance between performance and pleasure, progress and play. While none of these picks are groundbreaking, they’ve consistently brought a smile to my face, and that’s worth celebrating.
SRAM Force E1: The Unsung Hero of Mid-Tier Innovation
When SRAM unveiled the E1-generation Red groupset last year, my excitement wasn’t for Red itself—it was for what it signaled for Force and Rival. SRAM has a proven track record of quickly trickling down cutting-edge tech to its mid-tier offerings, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before Force got its moment in the spotlight. The Force E1 delivers on that promise, blending high-end performance with accessibility in a way that’s hard to ignore.
But here's the controversial part: Is the cycling industry moving too fast, prioritizing innovation over sustainability? As we chase the latest and greatest, are we losing sight of what truly matters—the joy of the ride? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What’s your take on balancing performance and pleasure in cycling? And what gear has made your 2025 unforgettable?
