This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with some big events and goals that didn’t all go entirely to plan. That said, it’s given me plenty of time in the saddle — much of it off-road.

I’ve raced across various disciplines and distances, but my real focus - and where I find the most enjoyable - is in long-distance events. Whether bikepacking adventures, big single-day rides or multi-day challenges, these have offered endless opportunities to test bikes, clothing, and components.

I’ve done my best to throw the gear in at the deep end — using test bikes for FKT attempts or tackling 100-mile rides with kit straight out of the box. It’s important to me to test things as they’re designed to be ridden, in the same way the riders buying them will. I often think about the riders who might go on my experiences to use the gear I test. I hope insight for anyone making decisions based on what I’ve written.

With 2025 nearly upon us, much of the year is already mapped out. In many ways, it will follow a familiar pattern with plenty of long-distance events on the horizon. The first challenge kicks off as early as February, so it’s time to focus on riding and training.

Here’s hoping the rollercoaster of the year ahead spends most of its time climbing upwards.

MTB of the Year - Orbea Oiz M-Team AXS

Cross-country racing at the highest World Cup level has evolved far beyond the days of simply looping around a bumpy field or tackling a few steep climbs and tame descents. Modern courses are increasingly technical, demanding bikes that can keep pace with the challenges they present.

The Orbea Oiz embodies this evolution. Its updated geometry, compared to the previous version, offers a confident and composed ride. With slacker angles, a dropper seatpost, and wider, more aggressive tyres, the Oiz is not only capable but genuinely fun to ride — all without compromising speed.

However, the shift towards internal cable routing could be seen as a drawback, especially for home mechanics who may find maintenance more fiddly and time-consuming.

Read all about it in my Orbea Oiz M-Team AXS review.

• orbea.com

Item of clothing – Albion All Road Pertex Shield

Living in Wales, you quickly learn why the hills are so beautifully green — it’s the rain! But rather than let it stop me, I’ve embraced riding in wet weather. With the right clothing, rain doesn’t have to be an excuse to stay indoors.

I’m fortunate to have a range of waterproof jackets, each suited to different conditions. Temperature plays a big role in my choice — some jackets aren’t as breathable, while others work best for shorter rides as they make it tricky to access pockets underneath.

The Albion All Road Pertex Shield stands out as a true all-rounder. It offers excellent protection against even the heaviest rain while remaining breathable across a wide range of temperatures. The unique triple-zip design is a game-changer, allowing easy access to pockets and extra ventilation on warmer rides.

With its versatility and performance, it’s quickly become my go-to waterproof jacket – perfect for any ride, no matter the conditions.

For more details, check out my Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket review.

• albioncycling.com

Helmet of the year – Fox Racing Crossframe Pro

While safety remains a key focus for Fox Racing, a brand better known for its full-face helmets, the Crossframe Pro still incorporates crucial safety features, including Mips technology and dual-density EPS construction. However, Fox has also made it an excellent choice for cross-country, gravel, and even road riding, thanks to its impressive comfort and effective ventilation.

Design is always a matter of personal taste, but, I think the Crossframe Pro strikes a good balance. It offers the aesthetic of a peaked off-road helmet — just without the peak. It also boasts standout features, such as the Fidlock snap buckle, which is highly intuitive and allows for one-handed operation, even when wearing thick winter gloves.

It doesn’t quite match the ventilation levels of some general-purpose or road-specific helmets, it performs reasonably well. In terms of comfort, however, few helmets I’ve used can compete.

For all the scoring details, read my Fox Racing Crossframe Pro helmet review.

• foxracing.co.uk

Wheelset of the year – Hunt XC Wide

Hunt has built a solid reputation for offering good value wheelsets, although they’ve occasionally lagged behind industry trends. The latest version of the alloy XC Wide MTB wheels brings them firmly up to date, featuring a wider internal rim width and upgraded hubs.

These wheels have been a staple on my main test bike since they arrived, covering hundreds of kilometres across varied conditions with multiple tyre setups.

They’ve been faultless yet somewhat forgettable—in the best way possible. The hubs deliver reliable performance with quick engagement, while the alloy rims provide impressive stiffness. Tyre changes have also been straightforward, thanks to a rim shape and size that accommodate a range of brands, models and sizes without stress.

It is superb that such a critical component can perform as a fit-and-forget item, and even more so when you consider the excellent price point.

My Hunt XC Wide V3 MTB wheelset review covers all the details and more.

• huntbikewheels.com

Accessory of the year – Tailfin Frame bag

 

It’s rare for products to receive a perfect score on off.road.cc but the Tailfin Frame Bag achieved just that. Available in a wide range of sizes, these bags are meticulously designed to fit the space within your frame perfectly, minimising any wasted space in the front triangle.

Crafted from durable and weatherproof materials, the bag features a zip that operates smoothly and effortlessly. It attaches securely using the provided silicone straps, which loop through the grippy sections of the bag. This combination ensures the bag remains firmly in place, even when fully loaded.

Although it is pricier than some entry-level bags, the Tailfin Frame Bag offers a competitive price compared to the main competitors. For anyone seeking a bag that performs brilliantly and is built to withstand extensive use and abuse, this is the only option I would consider.

Read the Tailfin Frame Bag review for the full lowdown on the scoring.

• tailfin.cc

Tyre of the year – WTB Macro

With most products, compromise and balance are essential, and in cycling, nowhere is this more important - or harder to achieve - than with tyres. For a tyre designed for cross-country riding, factors such as speed, grip, comfort, weight, and puncture resistance are crucial, with specific conditions and individual circumstances playing a vital role.

The Macro from WTB marks their first foray into performance-orientated cross-country tyres, where speed takes centre stage — and what an impressive debut it is! While there are lighter and grippier options available, and although I haven’t seen detailed performance data, you could likely find tyres with slightly lower rolling resistance.

However, few manage to deliver such a well-rounded package that excels in real-world riding situations rather than just race-track conditions. It feels fast and grippy across most terrains, offering a level of confidence and assurance that makes it a joy to ride.

Read about why I rate this tyre so highly in my WTB Macro tyre review.

• saddleback.co.uk

Component of the year – USE Vybe stem

Suspension stems have been around for years but even the latest models, such as the Redshift Shockstop, often feature a basic design with minimal adjustability.

The USE Vybe, however, takes things a step further. In addition to offering elastomer changes, as seen with other brands, it also allows adjustment of rebound and compression damping. This means you can fine-tune the stem to perfectly suit your riding style and local trails, offering a level of customisation that’s hard to beat.

While 20mm of suspension travel might not sound like much, the difference it makes is remarkable – even if you’re already running generously sized tyres. Add to that a lower weight and more affordable price than other suspension stems, and the Vybe becomes an easy choice for anyone seeking extra comfort and control on their bike.

Everything you need to know can be found in the USE Components VYBE Suspension Stem review.

• use-components.com

Product of the year – Silca Secret Chain Blend – Hot Melt Wax

I’ve been a fan of hot-waxing chains for several years, although I recognise it’s not for everyone. For me, the biggest benefits are increased chain longevity and a much cleaner drivetrain — advantages that are hard to ignore.

Of all the waxes I’ve tried, the Silca Secret Chain Blend stands out as the best. It delivers impressive performance with greater durability and weather resistance than many others, which can struggle, especially in the wet.

Switching to hot waxing does require some effort at home, and investing in a few extra tools can make the process quicker and easier. With so many wax options on the market, choosing the right one can feel daunting, but after testing nearly all of them, Silca’s Secret Chain Blend has proven to be the best all-rounder.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, this wax is a great place to start.

Read my Silca Secret Chain Blend - Hot Melt Wax review.

• silca.cc

Object of Desire – Sturdy Cycles Tara

I have a real passion for titanium and handcrafted frames, and the Sturdy Cycles Tara is a standout example. With its stunning 3D-printed lugs and incredible components - also crafted by Tom at Sturdy Cycles - it’s a bike that exudes craftsmanship and attention to detail.

From the sleek integrated stem and handlebar to the beautifully designed chainset and thoughtful extras like the disc lock rings, every element of the Tara showcases style and precision.

Designed around a 130mm fork, I can easily imagine myself riding it on local trails or taking it on more adventurous bikepacking expeditions.

For me, it’s not about owning the latest or biggest brand. A bike like this - sleek, handcrafted, and made so close to home - would be something truly special.

• sturdycycles.co.uk

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