{"id":361,"date":"2021-12-22T15:00:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T14:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=655934"},"modified":"2021-12-22T15:14:18","modified_gmt":"2021-12-22T14:14:18","slug":"alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Alex Evans\u2019 Gear of the Year 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Alex Evans\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Wednesday, 22 December 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Although it\u2019s a little morbid to say so, with the countdown clock ticking ever closer to the inevitable, time only becomes more precious. As each year passes and I get older, certain ways of approaching riding seem to further cement themselves in my mind, and manifest in my day-to-day activities and practices.<\/p>\n<p>This has helped me focus on the products that make my time on the bike easier, more comfortable and more efficient \u2013 and just as importantly, more fun.<\/p>\n<p>Although the products in this year\u2019s Gear of the Year are no more philosophical than in my <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/gear-of-the-year-2019-alex-evans\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">2019<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2020\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">2020<\/a> editions, they have been refined to unilaterally improve my life out on the bike.<\/p>\n<h2>Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" s-works=\"\" turbo=\"\" levo=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-631006\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/05\/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Levo-electric-mountain-bike-19-99851b2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Specialized\" s-works=\"\" turbo=\"\" levo=\"\" electric=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Specialized\" bike-19=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The Turbo Levo is a good-looking bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a313,000<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>I promise I\u2019ll stop going on about this bike at some point in the future, but only when I find one that\u2019s as good.<\/p>\n<p>Although electric mountain bikes are universally capable of making hour-long lunchtime mash-ups with 1,000m of climbing and descending a vivid reality, at the time of writing this and my extensive <a href=\"\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/electric-bikes\/specialized-s-works-turbo-levo-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Turbo Levo review<\/a>, no other ebike made it as much fun, or as fast as this one.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its suspension, geometry, chassis, components and motor, the Turbo Levo is immensely capable across the vast swathes of terrain on my home trails, also used for the UK\u2019s round of the Enduro World Series.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"&quot;2022\" specialized=\"\" turbo=\"\" levo=\"\" review=\"\" alex=\"\" bike=\"\" is=\"\" a=\"\" emtb=\"\" width=\"&quot;200&quot;\" height=\"&quot;113&quot;\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7VqME2Y2eYE?feature=oembed&quot;\" frameborder=\"&quot;0&quot;\" allow=\"&quot;accelerometer;\" autoplay=\"\" clipboard-write=\"\" encrypted-media=\"\" gyroscope=\"\" picture-in-picture=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p>I was so impressed with the bike\u2019s performance that I said it was \u201cthe best bike I\u2019ve ridden to date, full stop\u201d. Now, that statement intentionally included all non-motorised bikes, too, so it would have been amiss of me to not include it in this edition of Gear of the Year.<\/p>\n<p>I agree wholeheartedly that the \u00a313,000 price tag is mind-blowing and takes it out of stocking filler territory, but its performance had me in awe.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for what I consider to be the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-electric-mountain-bikes\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">best electric mountain bike<\/a> to date, look no further.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Specialized\" s-works=\"\" turbo=\"\" levo=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>Bell Super DH Spherical MTB Helmet<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" super=\"\" dh=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-656173\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/Bell-Super-DH-Spherical-MTB-Helmet-1-6f3688e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Bell\" super=\"\" dh=\"\" spherical=\"\" mtb=\"\" helmet=\"\" title=\"&quot;Bell\" helmet-1=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The Super DH helmet feels safe and comfortable.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Alex Evans \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a3299.99<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>We only get one head and brain.<\/p>\n<p>Mountain biking is dangerous (but fun).<\/p>\n<p>Risk limitation and mitigation is a sensible practice, if we want to continue mountain biking.<\/p>\n<p>Given the consequences of ignoring this message are bleak, the principle of protecting your head isn\u2019t new, and no less sensible than when the first person decided to don a polystyrene hat when they were on their bike.<\/p>\n<p>The Bell Super DH Spherical is one of the safest convertible lids on the market, meeting the ASTM F1952 downhill standard when the chin bar is installed. It also uses the MIPS Spherical system that\u2019s claimed to help protect against rotational impacts.<\/p>\n<p>Its removable chin bar also increases its versatility. Slow, hot climbs can be tackled with it in open-face mode, before re-attaching it for gnarly descents.<\/p>\n<p>On top of that, it\u2019s comfortable, well-fitting and looks great, mimicking the styling of Bell\u2019s Full-9 DH lid.<\/p>\n<p>I wear the Super DH on almost every (trial and enduro-focused) ride and religiously attach the chin bar before descents.<\/p>\n<p>Technical editor-in-chief Rob Weaver agrees, awarding the lid <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/helmets\/full-face-helmets\/bell-super-dh-helmet-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">4.5 stars when he reviewed it in 2018<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, it\u2019s expensive at just under \u00a3300, but you can\u2019t put a price on your brain.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Bell\" super=\"\" dh=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex mountain bike shoes<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" ten=\"\" trailcross=\"\" gore-tex=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-651135\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/510-Trailcross-GTX-Gore-Tex-mountain-bike-shoes-4-073c344.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;510\" trailcross=\"\" gtx=\"\" gore-tex=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" shoes=\"\" title=\"&quot;510\" shoes-4=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> These are the first flat-pedal specific shoes to include a Gore-Tex membrane.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Alex Evans \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a3150<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Although I only got my feet into these shoes fairly recently, and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/shoes\/mountain-bike-shoes\/five-ten-trailcross-gore-tex-shoes-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">published a four-star review<\/a> at the start of November, they\u2019ve got to be one of the best products launched for flat-pedal riders, period.<\/p>\n<p>Grip is spot on, blending the outright traction of the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/shoes\/mountain-bike-shoes\/five-ten-impact-pro-flat-pedal-shoes-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">Impact Pros<\/a> with the slightly more on-pedal adjustability of the Trailcross XT.<\/p>\n<p>The Gore-Tex membrane means they\u2019re submersion-proof (up to the membrane\u2019s limit on the ankle), and their fit is secure but not overly tight.<\/p>\n<p>On a British winter ride, having dry, warm feet is revolutionary and can extend a ride beyond the first puddle or stream crossing, with vastly improved comfort and enjoyment.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re not faultless \u2013 their price and reliance on the rest of your setup to remain waterproof marginally tainting their performance \u2013 but they\u2019re damn close.<\/p>\n<p>Arguably though, these shoes are a milestone product for flat-pedal riders and are worthy of featuring in my Gear of the Year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Five\" ten=\"\" trailcross=\"\" gore-tex=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>EVOC Hip Pack Race 3l<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" hip=\"\" pack=\"\" race=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-656174\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/EVOC-Hip-Pack-Race-3l-1-1154ccd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;EVOC\" hip=\"\" pack=\"\" race=\"\" title=\"&quot;EVOC\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Large enough to store essentials, not so large that it\u2019s bulky and moves around.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Alex Evans \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a356.95 (discontinued)<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Although I waxed lyrical about the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/accessories\/bags\/waist-bag\/patagonia-black-hole-waist-pack-5l-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L<\/a> when I tested it, and my review still stands, like the sands of time, preferences and needs move on.<\/p>\n<p>The EVOC Hip Pack Race 3l took over as my go-to bum bag earlier this year, when I started taking even more snacks on my rides and was struggling for space in the Patagonia.<\/p>\n<p>The need for more space stuck, and this pack has now travelled over 5,000 off-road kilometres around my waist in 2021, proving its worth.<\/p>\n<p>Inside, there are two compartments. The larger of the two has space for my tyre and shock pumps, snacks, plus a jacket, spare gloves and my phone. The second section has three individual elasticated pockets that are perfect for a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/lose-mass-and-money-with-tubolitos-high-tech-tubes\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot;\">slim Tubolito tube<\/a>, a puncture repair kit and tubeless tyre plugs, and a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-multi-tool\/&quot;\">multi-tool<\/a>, with more space for tyre levers and extras.<\/p>\n<p>There are two further zipped hip pockets, and straps to attach the chin bar of my Bell Super DH lid on the climbs. And there\u2019s an elasticated section that\u2019s large and tight enough to securely transport a 750ml water bottle.<\/p>\n<p>Although this model has been discontinued, the current model Hip Pack Pro 3 is equally good, and tops our picks as the <a href=\"\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-hip-packs\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">best hip pack<\/a> currently available.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;EVOC\" hip=\"\" pack=\"\" pro=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Alex Evans Published: Wednesday, 22 December 2021 at 12:00 am Although it\u2019s a little morbid to say so, with the countdown clock ticking ever closer to the inevitable, time only becomes more precious. As each year passes and I get older, certain ways of approaching riding seem to further cement themselves in my mind, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":362,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"5"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021.jpg",2400,1601,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-1536x1025.jpg",1536,1025,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/alex-evans-gear-of-the-year-2021-2048x1366.jpg",2048,1366,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Alex Evans Published: Wednesday, 22 December 2021 at 12:00 am Although it\u2019s a little morbid to say so, with the countdown clock ticking ever closer to the inevitable, time only becomes more precious. As each year passes and I get older, certain ways of approaching riding seem to further cement themselves in my mind,&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/361"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}