road.cc Recommends Components of the Year 2024/25
: The best groupsets, grips, saddles and more from the last 12 months
Unlike our bike awards , we don't arrange components and accessories into top-10s. Instead, we present three types of awards:This award goes to the product that gives the best combination of performance and value for money. One major improvement is the revised shifter shape. Smaller hoods than previously, a design borrowed from the Rival AXS groupset, are more comfortable for riders of all hand sizes. Larger, textured paddles improve control, even when you’re wearing thick winter gloves. The wireless climbing Blips – the name SRAM gives to its supplementary shifters – are a great touch, allowing effortless shifting whatever your hand position.
The second-generation Force AXS is the culmination of all the good bits of what SRAM has done recently. This is a comfortable, functional, and durable groupset that’s easy to live with.The Fizik One-to-One programme offers a groundbreaking approach to bike saddles, providing a custom fit tailored to your individual anatomy. It uses advanced 3D-printing technology to create a saddle that works perfectly with your unique pressure profile.
Okay, £500 is a lot of money to spend on a saddle, and a custom saddle isn’t necessary for everyone, but the price increase over a regular saddle isn’t massive. The durability of a One-to-One saddle matches that of Fizik’s 3D-printed Adaptive range, and the included follow-up fit session adds further value. It sets a new benchmark in cycling customisation and, potentially, comfort.
Available in only 70mm and 90mm lengths, the Vybe comes with a selection of four different elastomers to cover different rider weights and setups. It’s the ability to tune the elastomer movement to suit your weight, riding style and preference that really sets the Vybe apart from the competition. Okay, swapping elastomers can be fiddly due to their positioning and the need for lubrication, but preload/rebound adjustments are a straightforward job with a 3mm Allen key.
From a performance point of view, not much has changed from the 11-speed R7000 version, and that’s a good thing. The shifting remains smooth and precise, with the levers offering an action that’s light enough to be a pleasure even after many hours in the saddle, but with enough weight there for good feedback.
The Assioma Pro MX-2 pedals perform well even in wet, muddy conditions. Their design is compatible with Shimano SPD-style cleats and a pair of SH51 cleats is included in the box. The clip-in mechanism is dual-sided so it’s simple enough to engage whatever the pedal’s orientation. In testing, the MX-2s delivered accurate and consistent power and cadence measurement. There is nothing on the market that is as precise, reliable, durable and easy to set up. This is the best off-road-specific power meter out there.SRAM’s recently updated Red AXS groupset is stunning in terms of performance and ergonomics.
Another neat addition is the Bonus Button on the inside of each hood at the top. Each is set as a standard shifter by default, but you can connect it to any ANT+ or SRAM AXS device – using it to scroll through pages on your computer, for instance, without taking your hands off the handlebar. With a lightweight carbon-reinforced shell and carbon rails, the Spyd 3.0 certainly offers a comfortable, ergonomic fit. The cut-away central channel relieves perineal pressure, and the saddle’s shape avoids leg chafing as you pedal. Available in two widths and weighing in at 175g for the wider option, it’s impressively lightweight too.
Getting the grips aligned involves a bit of trial and error but isn’t overly complicated. Using double-sided stickers and high-tensile tape, you secure them in place on your handlebar before wrapping bar tape over the top. The instructions and extra installation materials that are included make it easy to retry if needed. Adjusting their angle before finalising the wrap is crucial.
The shift/brake controls are superb. Offering redesigned ergonomics, slimmer hoods, and improved lever throw, they enhance comfort and control, especially over long rides. The push-piston brake design offers unparalleled modulation and power, enabling confident, single-finger braking even on technical descents.
Despite these caveats, the Revoloop Race Ultra Tube offers you the chance to drop a little weight from your bike at a relatively low cost, delivering an easy performance boost.SRAM Apex XPLR AXS trickles electronic shifting down to a more affordable section of the market. Despite being a fourth-tier groupset, Apex XPLR AXS offers the refinement, durability and performance of its more premium siblings. It’s the best 1x entry-level electronic groupset available.
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