2019 Gear of the Year: Jim Clarkson's best bits of bike kit
Favourite bits of kit from a year's worth of testing
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Race stages more than once in 'mash-up' format
Automatically tuned suspension at the drop of a post....
Tyre sealant and inflator for an emergency
Big volume tyres for big adventure
New at off-road.cc this year is our ‘Gear of the Year Top Picks’ award, this is where we pick five pieces of mountain bike or gravel gear that we reckon is indispensable. We’ll then bestow one of these items with the soon to be coveted award for gear we ‘can’t live without’.
- The best four-piston disc brakes you can buy for all-mountain, enduro and trail MTBs
- The best trail and enduro mountain bike wheelsets, tried and tested
- Your complete guide to SRAM MTB drivetrains, from AXS and XX1 Eagle to NX
Third in line to take the stage is Jim Clarkson, he's our regular and reliable freelancer who doggedly tests anything we send to him, however exciting, tedious or otherwise! Let's hear what he has to say...
Deity TMAC flat pedal review
With its stunning looks and pro endorsement, this flat pedal delivered a rock solid trail connection coupled with excellent performance - it has continued to perform and has taken plenty of knocks. The only slight downsides are the clearance at times, but this is soon reduced by better riding lines and there is no getting away from the price, but it’s worth that premium.
Weldtite Pure Bike Wash
Made in the UK, biodegradable and environmentally friendly with uncompromising performance - this bike wash from Pure is an excellent, effective choice for cleaning your bike. You can’t ask for much more than that when it comes to cleaning your steed. I gave it five out of five stars when I tested it earlier this year!
AlpKit Airo 180 sleep mat
Alpkit is always a good stop for reasonably priced, well made and smartly designed outdoor kit and this Airo 180 sleep mat is no exception. Small and light enough for bikepacking, it made overnight bike adventures that little more comfortable. This is a full-length mat that's lightweight and compact when rolled, it fits in loads of packs and places. It's a great balance of comfort, weight and size.
Nukeproof Merino baselayer
Perhaps not the first item you think of with Nukeproof, this straight forward merino baselayer is a super soft, well made layer that offers a 'no frills' performance and comfort. Super comfy, its been worn very frequently due to its versatile abilities, and has washed well, with no shrinking. It’s also handy for several days as it definitely won’t let you stink as synthetics can.
VroomBag
The VroomBag is simply a huge waterproof bag that acts as a super-sized changing mat - you can get out of all your sweaty, mud-covered kit, and keep it all in one place, keeping your vehicle cleaner. It's great for loading up before a ride and then throwing all the muddy kit back in post ride. Simple idea, well made and one of those things you wonder how you did without which is why I'm making it my winner and giving it the "can't live without" award. For the post ride clean up before a drive home, there simply is nothing better.
- Jon's gear of the year (link to follow)
- Dave's gear of the year
- Rach's gear of the year
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