The yr in gear: Our favourite new bits and devices of 2025

As 2025 wraps up, we’re having a look again at a yr full of massive releases from main manufacturers and progressive new designs from smaller, largely Canadian corporations. And we’re exhibiting you what stood out to us.

Some of what we appreciated had been the largest releases, for a number of causes. But there have been additionally smaller and extra area of interest examples that may not be for everybody, however we predict they’re properly executed and deserve extra consideration.

Shimano XT Di2 M8220 compact gearing

We’ve all waited a very long time for Shimano to go wi-fi. 2025 noticed the Japanese model go cable-free in a giant means. Shimano’s new Di2 teams, all of them, are fairly good. They’re additionally fairly completely different from SRAM’s. That is, in flip, good for shoppers. It ought to assist in restoring some steadiness to the high-end bike market.

XT affords nearly all of the options  of XTR, together with the compact 9-45 gearing choice that we’ve actually loved, with out the ultra-high-end value. It’s nonetheless very costly, however considerably inexpensive than XTR. We tried the compact 9-45 cassette model, one of many choices that units Shimano other than the competitors, and had been pleasantly shocked by the marginally narrower gearing choice.

High-end mechanical shifting

While fancy new devices are enjoyable, and serving to redefine the higher extremes of motorbike design, we’re additionally nonetheless followers of excellent previous mechanical shifting. With the key manufacturers specializing in electronics, it’s nice to see different manufacturers stepping as much as proceed creating mechanical shifting.

Two new boutique derailleurs (nonetheless priced close to or under mainstream digital choices) had been launched in 2025, from Madrone in Oregon and from Ratio Tech within the U.Ok.’s Lakes District. We talked to the engineers creating these derailleurs about what makes their mechs stand out and why they’re taking over the drivetrain giants.

Maxxis Dissector model 2.0

More grip than you’d count on and in some way additionally fairly quick rolling, Maxxis faucets into some magic with the second model of the Dissector. This tire delivers what the unique promised: a path tire that’s faster-rolling than Minions whereas nonetheless being very succesful. I.e. a implausible path bike tire. Great by itself, or as a entrance tire with a Forekaster for a sooner set-up, or as a rear tire with a meatier entrance for slightly extra velocity, the Dissector is an prompt traditional for Maxxis.

Akta Knee pads

I spent portion of the yr away from this journal however nonetheless, in fact, spending a number of time on the bike. When I wanted new knee pads in that point, I went for a pair from Sunshine Coast-based model Akta. The model’s constructed a popularity for very snug gear and these lived as much as that. They’ve rapidly grow to be a favorite by providing actual safety whereas feeling barely there whereas pedalling. A barely longer sleeve, gentle weight and really feel, stable safety and luxury set them other than earlier favourites from Rapha and Chromag.

Aenomaly SwitchGrade Pro

Vancouver-based Aenomaly’s seat angle adjuster simply retains getting higher. What admittedly began out as a distinct segment product (a extremely good area of interest product) retains broadening its attraction with each model. The SwitchGrade Pro affords a lot narrower steps in seat angle, simply 5 levels, with out essentially limiting vary. It additionally customisable to restrict vary, if you wish to try this. If Aenomaly can work out a technique to make a distant for this, I’d argue it’s one thing that must be on nearly each rider’s bike.

It could look completely different, and be utterly new. But for those who’ve ever struggled with again ache whereas driving – and I do know so many mountain bikers which have – this could completely be in your radar.

Lal Bikes Katana

This bike undoubtedly doesn’t have mass attraction. Its seems are divisive, to place it evenly. Its design is deliberately unconventional in nearly each means potential, from a wild drivetrain to supplies and suspension structure. But rattling was it cool to trip. Somehow all these shifting elements had been nonetheless environment friendly climbing and simply extremely silent on the best way again down. What’s even cooler? The Lal Bikes workforce design and make the bike totally of their Sunshine Coast workshop.

This bike will not be for everybody, certain. But we’re stoked to see a lot design innovation crammed into one machine. And very stoked that it’s all created right here in Canada.

Orbea Occam LT

We’re nonetheless wrapping up the overview on this Spanish sensation, however we will’t cease driving the Orbea Occam LT. It’s gentle, it’s quick and it’s a lot enjoyable to trip. There’s heaps of actually intelligent and purposeful design particulars. The M10 we’re testing has a wise mixture of mechanical shifting and high-end Fox Factory suspension elements that retains the value low and reliability sky-high. But, before everything, it’s a lot enjoyable to trip.