The trusty regulars helping Alex get through another year on two wheels

By Alex Evans

Published: Saturday, 09 December 2023 at 09:00 AM


In my previous Gear of the Year selections, I’ve focused on kit that served a specific purpose, whether because of impressive performance or an unfaltering duty to make my life more comfortable and easy.

This year, however, I want to shout out the kit that performs exceptionally and gets used and abused on (almost) every ride.

The frequency with which I rely on these bits to help me do my job or have fun gives them a special place in my heart.

Alex Evans Gear of the Year 2023 Nukeproof Blackline riding pants
My MET Parachute lid and Nukeproof riding trousers are some of my most-used bits of kit.
Scott Windsor / Our Media

Garmin Edge 830 bike computer

Alex Evans Gear of the Year 2023 Garmin Edge 830 GPS bike computer
Plug in the right sensors and the amount of data available on the Edge 830 is eye-opening.
Scott Windsor / Our Media
  • From £309.99

Arguably the most-used product I own, my Garmin Edge 830 has missed only a handful of rides since I got it in 2019.

As a self-professed ride-recording addict, the computer’s onboard wizardry affords me a wealth of stats both during and post-ride, culminating in an afterglow endorphin hit.

Geeking out on heart rate, power, cadence, elevation and speed data is almost unbeatable; all that delightful data is conveniently pumped out on its colourful 2.6in screen.

Paired with one of Garmin’s smartwatches, such as the Fenix 6 Pro Solar I’ve reviewed, those stats are bolstered with training statuses, body battery and more.

Alex Evans Gear of the Year 2023 Garmin Edge 830 GPS bike computer
Dirty, scratched and covered in sweat; my 830 gets used a lot, but it has never missed a beat.
Scott Windsor / Our Media

Fortunately, the diminutive 830’s performance is matched by its robustness.

It holds its own in the worst conditions; through scorching sun, soaking rain, freezing cold and sideways snow, mine hasn’t missed a beat over thousands and thousands of kilometres.

Although it looks leggy, thanks to a mud-stained body and scratched screen, performance-wise it’s no different today than when I peeled off the screen protector and first mounted it to my bike.