Gear of the year 2023 - Matt Page's tech highlights

A look back at Matt's year of testing

Matt Page

Dec 27 2023

This year has delivered a fair share of ups and downs. The same I am sure will be said about the industry in general, with some areas flourishing and others unfortunately closing.

January was an exciting month for me with a new mountain bike that I am looking forward to challenging myself with at a few big events over the coming years. It has also provided a great mule for testing parts and kit aimed at cross-country mountain biking, which is the area I enjoy the most.

I’ve managed to keep myself in good shape and, at one cross-country marathon-style event, I found myself riding alongside my cycling hero, Nick Craig up the final climb of the event. It was something to remember, even if he did get the better of me but it was still a highlight of my cycling career. Maybe the CloseTheGap ErgoMyRide XC-M helped achieve that in a small way.

I am extremely competitive and I am always looking for new adventures and challenges. But not everything has gone to plan with some road-based challenges that haven’t ended well, but off-road things have been a little better. Tackling the Trans Eryri route as a non-stop ride was great, even if the weather didn’t play ball. Considering I live in Wales, you’d think I would be used to bad weather, but it never gets easier, although I am fortunate to have some good kit to make it more comfortable.

Outside of working with off.road.cc I organise cycling events and I have enjoyed exploring local areas, still finding new tracks despite living and riding in the same area for over 20 years.

With 2024 nearly here, I am already starting to feel old, as it will be my first year racing in the veteran category. When I think back to my very first races as a junior, there have been so many changes – both in the styles of riding and the kit being used. 2023 was another year where things have continued to improve and these are my stand-out products.

Bike of the year – Rockrider RACE 900S

The Rockrider RACE is a bike that seems to have grabbed more attention than other bikes I have tested this year, with lots of questions asked about it. This isn’t because of the kit on it or race credentials but it is the value and the specification of parts offered for the money.

But the RACE 900S has shown for me that the value is not the only element worth talking about, with performance to back it up. It does have some quirks, such as the extensive seat stays that rubbed my calf, and the rear suspension took some time to set up properly. In an ideal world, I’d have liked to test the shock with some volume spacers to increase the progression but other elements of the frameset helped slingshot it to the top of my list.

The frameset is nicely finished with clean cable routing and the dual lockout with clear frame protection patches at all the important points. To have SRAM GX AXS on a bike at this price is rare and the performance and lack of maintenance it needs have been great – so long as you remember to charge the battery. The over-spec you get is like some brands cross country options at almost double the £3,000 retail price.

To find out more about why this is such a bargain, read my Rockrider RACE 900S mountain bike review.

Clothing of the year – Castelli Unlimited Puffy Jacket

The Castelli Puffy jacket is one of those products you can’t help but have preconceptions of how it will perform.

While I expected a chunky and overly hot jacket, the opposite was true. The jacket is incredibly lightweight for the size and style and it packs down small, which makes it perfect for bikepacking or longer rides. Despite the lightweight, the Polartec Alpha fabric has a fluffy feel that proved to be very warm but also breathable.

The quality is fantastic, as you would expect from Castelli, with a fit that suits the target riders, with nice touches such as the chunky YKK zip that makes using it with gloves easier.

Read about all the details in my Castelli Unlimited Puffy jacket review.

Shoes of the year – Lake MX322

When it comes to footwear, I feel like I am quite fussy or maybe my foot shape just doesn’t sit within the average range. With footwear being so important for comfort when riding, the Lake MX322 feature a heat mouldable section, which makes fitment a breeze.

I have used the shoes on long rides, multi-day bikepacking trips and a successful FKT route attempt and they have delivered the comfort I want. They also maintain a stiff carbon sole to minimise any loss of power.

The two-way Boa dials make adjusting the fit while riding very easy and they are available in a huge range of sizes, with half EU sizes and three widths also available.

After a set of heat mouldable shoes? Here's the Lake MX332 shoe review.

Component of the year - CloseTheGap ErgoMyRide XC-M

Bar ends were all the rage in the 90s and now the inner bar is starting to become more popular. Bar widths have been getting progressively wider in recent years, giving more control for technical sections but they can prove too wide and uncomfortable in certain instances.

The hinged clamp makes it easy to swap them between bars or remove them altogether. Since I first had the bars on test they have been fitted to every bike I have tested – including my bike.

Considering they are not an expensive product when compared to many other parts, the impact they have made goes beyond even the most expensive parts used throughout the year.

If you like the idea of adding more hand positions to your bar, read my CloseTheGap ErgoMyRide XC-M review.

Accessory of the year – Tailfin Fork Pack

Tailfin has designed another market-leading product with a Fork Pack that offers a minimal size mount, while also being strong enough to carry reasonably heavy loads. It was completely silent during testing. The material is fully waterproof and feels strong with compression straps that are included allowing contents to reduce the volume within the back.

The small mount and attachment clamp are quick to use and when the bag is not attached it doesn't impact the looks dramatically, allowing riders to simply leave it on, even when not in use.

For more on this, take a look at the Tailfin Fork Park review.

Tyre of the year – Vittoria Mezcal G2.0 TLR

Jack of all trades, and master of them all. Okay, that might not be completely true but these tyres do come close. The Mezcal is fast rolling and quiet on all surfaces, which is something that often annoys me with other tyres.

The weight is competitive and they were easy to fit. Above all else, they gripped extremely well in more than just dry conditions. As a rear tyre I would happily leave it on year-round on all surfaces, and only for typically muddy, wetter conditions would I consider swapping the front – which I'd replace for another impressive tyre, the Vittoria Barzo.

For more details have a look at the Vittoria Mezcal G2.0 TLR review.

Bike light of the year – Exposure Lights Maxx-D mk15

This is my go-to bike light. The Reflex function adjusts the power automatically to suit different speeds and gradients, and it does so smoothly, and I barely noticed when the output changed. The clamp has been used by Exposure for years, and it remains one of the best for any light, giving a secure connection and plenty of adjustment options.

It can at times feel too bright, and for any use on the road, the broad light spread means you need to turn the brightness to the lower levels to avoid blinding drivers. The Maxx-D isn’t cheap but with renowned backup and service, it is a light that should last you for years.

If this light seems like the one to light up your trail, check out the Exposure Maxx-D MK15 review.

Wheelset of the year – Reynolds Blacklabel G700 Pro

In terms of cost-to-performance gains, I will admit that wheels are not near the top. As the price goes up, there is a big level of diminishing returns but I still absolutely love testing top-level performing wheels.

The Blacklabel G700 Pro offers everything I want, with a beautifully finished carbon rim, with dimensions that suit current gravel tyres that complement a set of Industry Nine hubs.

They proved to be a fast, solid and dependable set of wheels. Tyre fitment was a breeze, too, which made them brilliant when testing multiple tyres.

Intrigued? Read my Reynolds Blacklabel G700 Pro wheels review.

Object of desire Bikeyoke Devine SL seatpost

I haven’t been using a dropper seatpost regularly for too many years and often wonder how I have managed all this time without one. While it might not sound like the most aspirational of parts, on paper it ticks lots of boxes..

As the lightest dropper seatpost you can buy, it appeals to the weight-weenie in me. I also like that it gives a small amount of suspension in a slightly dropped position. Maybe I will get the opportunity to test the post sometime in 2024 and compare it to the other lightweight seatposts. Bring on the group test.