On the other hand, the pressures on the industry have meant some very serious challenges and big shocks, with more to come.<\/p>
Personally, I\u2019ve tried to expand my horizons a little more, trying out lots of new electric bikes<\/a> and commuter bikes<\/a>. <\/p> I’ve kept my hand in riding as many cool road bikes<\/a> as I can, but used most of my (limited) time aside from testing bikes to get in plenty of gravel riding<\/a>.<\/p> So, I make no apologies that the stand-out products for me in 2023 have been mostly gravel-orientated. It was hard reducing the number down to five.<\/p> If framesets were allowed, I\u2019d be championing the Lab71 Topstone<\/a>, which I\u2019m adoring right now,<\/p> I was also impressed by the radical looks and top performance of Black Inc\u2019s Five<\/a> wheelset. I continue to enjoy Torq\u2019s energy products<\/a> (their cola-flavoured caffeine energy powder has become a staple), while MAAP\u2019s<\/a> clothing has continued to impress me, as have Sportful and Endura.<\/p> The final selection has boiled down to the kit I\u2019ve enjoyed the most, yet doesn\u2019t cost the earth \u2013 we are amid a cost-of-living crisis and a climate disaster, after all.<\/p> So, while I\u2019ve loved trying premium wheelsets, premium groupsets and top-of-the-line clothing, what I keep coming back to is the kit that works brilliantly but represents value along with performance. Here\u2019s my top five\u2026<\/p> After riding new Apex AXS XPLR<\/a> at the official launch earlier in the year, I came away impressed by just how well this cheapest wireless setup from SRAM performed.<\/p> So, when it came to building my dream gravel machine this summer, I wanted to have the brilliant Cannondale Topstone Lab71<\/a> frameset as the basis with lightweight carbon wheels, Tufo tyres, Easton cockpit and an XPLR dropper post.<\/p> Apex AXS has all the shifting performance of the higher groups and has proven tough and accurate over lots of miles.<\/p> On a bike that\u2019s built to be used and abused in the worst conditions, I\u2019m happier using a more affordable groupset. <\/p> If I tank an Apex rear derailleur on a rock or stack the bike when I run out of talent, the \u00a3295 \/ $275 \/ \u20ac330 cost of replacement is an easier pill to swallow than RED AXS XPLR at \u00a3610 \/ $710 \/ \u20ac685.<\/p> The premium groupset will save some weight and look a bit more bling, but my Lab71 build came to \u00a37,100 (with every part at full retail) and weighs in at 9.07kg (size 58cm) including extras, or 8.38kg without. That\u2019s plenty light enough for me.<\/p> Now we are deep in the depths of winter, it seems odd to be recommending shoes that I deemed best for drier conditions.<\/p> That said, Udog\u2019s Distanza<\/a> gravel shoe has been a real favourite for most of my years of riding.<\/p> The 3D-knit upper of the Distanza fits so well and conforms to the shape of my feet brilliantly, yet it’s supportive and breathable.<\/p> These are among the most comfortable gravel shoes<\/a> for long rides I\u2019ve tried. <\/p> I like that they were designed from the outset to be gravel shoes, rather than overly stiff XC shoes<\/a> that have been given a matt khaki makeover to appeal to gravel riders.<\/p> The Distanzas use a composite nylon outsole, which has enough stiffness but a little give to make them comfortable to walk, scramble and even run in. <\/p> I\u2019ve used Udog\u2019s premium Carbon version of the Distanza too, but I prefer this more affordable option.<\/p> I\u2019ve been impressed by premium road bike helmets<\/a> from Giro, Kask and Smith this year, but the one I keep coming back to is Bell\u2019s Falcon XR<\/a>.<\/p> It’s supremely comfortable, fits my head like a charm and has both MIPS<\/a> and Fidlock\u2019s brilliant magnetic buckle.<\/p> It also comes complete with a powerful rechargeable clip-in rear light, and while it may be a few grams heavier than top-of-the-range helmets, who can really tell the difference?<\/p> The Falcon has great airflow, thanks to its generous vents, yet it’s robust enough to stave of accidental knocks and dings.<\/p> It looks good, thanks to its lower volume, and at nigh-on half the price of premium lids, yet with all of the features, this one is something of a bargain.<\/p> Czech tyre maker Tufo<\/a> was legendary back when tubular tyres ruled the roost. These tubeless gravel tyres<\/a>, however, are in my opinion just as good.<\/p>SRAM Apex AXS XPLR<\/h2>
![\"Sram](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-12-.jpeg\")
Udog Distanza gravel shoes<\/h2>
![\"Udog's](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-08-.jpeg\")
Bell Falcon XR LED MIPS<\/h2>
![\"Bell's](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-03-.jpeg\")
![\"Bell's](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-05-.jpeg\")
![\"Bell's](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-04-.jpeg\")
Tufo Thundero gravel tyres<\/h2>
![\"Tufo](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-09-.jpeg\")
![\"Tufo](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-10-.jpeg\")
![\"Vaude](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-07-.jpeg\")
![\"Vaude](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Warren-Rossiter-gear-of-the-year-06-.jpeg\")