2024 witnessed a whole what of very fancy, high-tech new things proming to make you ride better. But some of the best mountain bike gear we tested this year doesn’t require any batteries.
Some of it, particularly from Canadian brands, is innovative. Other favourites just make a familiar piece of equipment better, refining and improving on the familiar. Not all of it is the most expensive, either.
The best bits and pieces tested by our editors this year.
Koo Alibi Galaxy sunglasses
After getting poked in the eye by an errant twig several years ago, and it resulting in a cascading series of annoyances beyond the initial pain, I vowed to always ride with some sort of eye protection. Or at least almost always. That’s led to much annoyance with fogging, fit, and poor visibility from sub-par lenses. Koo’s Alibi Galaxy, though, are the opposite. They’re light, comfortable, small enough to fit with any helmet (unlike some wide-frame glasses in the current huge-lens trend) while still providing an excellent field of view. Most importantly, the lenses work impressively well in mixed and changing light conditions. With the Alibi’s, I don’t have to wonder if they’ll be the right pair for that day’s riding. Unless it’s dark, they always are.
Aenomaly Constructs Switchgrade 2.0 Evo
Vancouver’s Aenomaly Constructs created something rare in 2025: an entirely new product. The Switchgrade allows you to quickly change your seat angle with the touch of a lever. Why? So you can get more power and less discomfort, in your lower back, legs, and undercarraige, on longer and/or steeper climbs. We’ve been riding a Switchgrade for a few months and it is really amazing how much of a difference this small change makes. It’s a bit awkward to use, sure, but it makes such a big difference in comfort on longer climbs that I miss it when it’s not on my bike. With the new 2.0, Aenomaly lowers the weight, price and allows the choice between standard 3-position and a XC/gravel/bikepacking-friendly 2-position adjustment. And the Switchgrade is made right in North Vancouver, which is cool.
Maxxis HR3 is the new king of grip
Maxxis Aspen ST is all about rolling speed
Maxxis rules again: High Roller III and Aspen ST
It was a big year for Maxxis, with two very different and high profile tires launching. These come after a period of relative calm from the prolific and preeminent brand. Both are standouts in nearly opposite ways. High Roller III is earning lots of…
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