Cycling enthusiasts are abuzz over high-performance engines, but my pick for the year underscores the significance of bicycle's ride and handling qualities above all else.
2024's Standout Bikes and Gear: An Unfiltered Review
Danny Milner Gear of the Year 2024Credit: our platform
The Top Picks of 2024In a tumultuous year for the MTB industry, these bikes and products managed to leave a lasting impression. From exceptional e-bikes to innovative technologies, here are the standouts that earned a spot in our gear bag.
The Year That Was
The industry faced a rollercoaster ride in 2024, with post-pandemic supply chain chaos leading to overstock and selective product launches. Furthermore, the entry of DJI into the e-bike market caused quite a stir. Despite the challenges, there were some outstanding bikes and technologies that captivated us.
Victims of the Market
2024 became an annus horribilis for many brands and businesses in the MTB world. Big distributors like Moore Large and 2Pure and retailers such as the Pro's Closet faced insolvency, unfortunate casualties of a struggling market. Top-tier brands with massive stock holdings and vast factory debts also made headlines. The financial situation at KTM motorcycles raises concerns, hinting at possible industry-wide woes.
Revolutionary E-Bikes
The Amflow PL Carbon, equipped with the DJI Avinox motor, redefined expectations for e-bikes, boasting remarkable performance and technology. In 2025, legacy MTB brands are expected to partner with DJI, promising an exciting future for e-bikes.
DJI Shakes Up the Market
With the arrival of DJI in the e-bike market, the playing field was thrown into turmoil. The right system on the right platform has become essential for riders, making selection even more crucial as the music stops.
Top Performers
Amidst the industry upheaval, there were several impressive products that stood out.
Whyte ELyte 150 Works
Whyte ELyte 150 WorksE-Bike of the Year 2024Credit: Whyte
The Whyte ELyte 150 Works took top honors with its superb suspension and geometry that delivered an enjoyable, energetic ride. The dash of pop in the handling made every corner, jump, and bank a pleasure to navigate.
Bosch CX Motor
Overwhelmingly, the Bosch CX motor proved to be the most impressive product in 2024. Riders appreciated its exquisite calibration, providing unparalleled control directly through the pedals. Climbs that once seemed impossible now proved effortless with the Bosch CX.
SRAM Maven Brakes and RockShox Zeb
Rounding off the list are SRAM's excellent Maven brakes, which offered remarkable power, consistency, and confidence, and RockShox's Zeb with the new Charger 3.1 damper, proving to be an easy-to-set up and ideal suspension solution.
Paving the Way for the Future
There is no shortage of exciting developments and product launches on the horizon. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how the market adapts to new entrants and emerging technologies.
A remarkable e-bike, the Amflow PL Carbon with the DJI Avinox motor, redefined expectations for technology in the biking world and could potentially revolutionize the industry in 2025 with collaborations with legacy MTB brands. In addition to the e-bikes, the exceptional Bosch CX motor offered unparalleled control and made once challenging climbs effortless, paving the way for future advancements in sports technology.
