But whether you’re meeting up with friends or riding solo, having the proper gear to stay safe, visible and fast is paramount — and fun. Cycling continues to see innovation in accessories, apparel, components and more, and in 2023, there was no slowing down. Here’s what caught our editors’ eyes this year.
The newest version of State’s carbon road frameset (launched in January and updated in July) is the surprisingly affordable Carbon All-Road option. Featuring a lightweight frame, 1×12 drivetrain, multiple mounting points and the option to order a second set of wheels, it’s one bike you can ride almost anywhere.
Available in eight colors, the Alibi cycling collection features (interchangeable) cylindrical polycarbonate lenses by Zeiss and an ergonomic fit for comfort on the road and trail. The half frame maximizes your field of view, while the overall form factor is so light and comfy, you may forget you even have them on.
Say hello to what Lectric calls the industry’s first folding electric tricycle. Built for hauling cargo and commuting, the XP Trike takes Lectric’s XP platform and adds a bigger battery, hydraulic brakes and a third wheel. With the included front rack and two baskets, it’s perfect for everything from beach trips to grocery runs.
Early this year, Fox Racing debuted its brand-new line of mountain bike shoes, including this Union BOA Clipless model. Constructed with reinforced toe caps, a super grippy outsole and the BOA Li2 system, this shoe is ready to race.
This brakeless, velodrome-ready 16-pound beast boasts a belt drive and borderline bonkers 70/22 gear ratio, but that’s not all. The sports-car-compact drop bars are aggressive but comfortable, the 700×25 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires are grippy and the frame is stiff enough to be swift on the straights and steady on the turns.
When your pockets simply aren’t enough to carry all the EDC gear you need on a given day, a crossbody bag is an excellent alternative. They’re still relatively small and secure yet can afford you a lot more storage. This affordable new one from Thousand is made from water-repellent nylon and doubles as a handlebar bag, making it perfect for bike commuters.
With elevated electric assistance, full suspension and plenty of storage space (including an integrated rear rack), the Turbo Tero X 4.0 is a high-octane utility rig meant to haul more stuff over longer distances. Need more power? Specialized also offers 5.0 and 6.0 models featuring bigger motors and other upgrades.
This year Adidas Five Ten broadened its reach, releasing its first-ever clipless cross-country bike shoe. The Kestrel BOA features a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a full-length glass fiber-reinforced plate and a Stealth rubber instep, delivering max power output and comfort.
Top-notch component brand ENVE continued its push into full bikes with the delightful, sub-18-pound Mother of Gravel. Our favorite features include a versatile 1×13 Campagnolo Ekar AG25 groupset, clearance for up to 50mm tires, myriad mounting options and the “Cargo Bay,” 36 cubic inches of downtube storage for gear and snacks.
Velocio marked its 10th anniversary by rolling into the mountain bike space with a plethora of off-road-ready apparel, including shirts, shorts, pants and jackets. One standout piece is this lightweight technical hardshell, boasting a PFAS-Free DWR treatment, helmet-compatible hood, four discreet pockets and a relaxed fit for tearing up the trails.
The latest in Chrome’s Artist Series is a skate-inspired collab hitting three packs, a wallet and a hat. Our favorite item is this 9L sling bag: with its handy bike lock slot, it can fit a surprising amount of gear.
It’s not often you’ll find a Class 3 ebike with a SRAM groupset and carbon-fiber frame for less than $2,200, but Ride1Up answered the call with its first-ever dropbar offering. The CF Racer1 is available in both road and gravel versions, both of which feature a 250-watt nominal BAFANG motor to help you keep rolling over tarmac and trails.
In September, the cycling brand known for its performance jorts pulled a 180 and released what it hailed as “jants” — performance jeans infused with enough stretch and and style to transition from the bike to the bar without the wearer batting an eye. Boasting similar elements to the jorts, the pants come in multiple versions — all ready to rip it up outside.
UK-based Quoc launched some impressive footwear this year, highlighted by this high-end, adventure-ready gravel shoe. Notable features include dual BOA dials for a perfect fit, a carbon composite midsole with an integrated TPU tread that maximizes pedaling efficiency and a colorful, abrasion-resistant microfiber upper that turns heads on and off the beaten path.Learn more about Quoc here.
Santa Cruz’s Heckler is the lightest, most powerful and longest-range e-bike in its class. Featuring a Fazua Ride60 drive unit, 150mm of VPP suspension, mixed wheels, and progressive geometry, the Heckler is no joke. Wanna know more? You can check out the details in this hilarious video.
When two stylish brands partner up, it’s hard not to take notice. This water-repellent nylon riding shirt from Rapha and Snow Peak is quick-drying, packable and, of course, good looking.
The streamlined carbon frame houses a 450-watt motor that assists up to 28 miles per hour. But what really makes Cervélo’s first e-bike (available in two road and two gravel options) sing are the brand’s performance-driven touches — vertically orienting the battery to save 25g in the wind tunnel, clever controls and silky-smooth electronic shifting.
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