Editor’s Dozen: Nic’s Favorite Gear of 2025 (Spring/Summer)

After the first big, permanent move of my life, things are finally starting to seem more stable here in Western North Carolina. With just over six months of contributions to the site, I’ve cycled through quite a bit of gear in my short time on the job. In conjunction with my experience prior to joining the team and a few sentimental thoughts here and there, I found myself with more than a few pieces of gear to conjure up a summer Editor’s Dozen. From carbon components to a bit of appreciation for the place I now call home, here’s a list of things I’ve found worthwhile recently.

Carbon Wheels

Although I’m still hesitant to endorse most carbon components due to my views on the material, I’ve started to soften a bit. While I still have my doubts about its use as a primary frame material, the area where I’ve seen the most use of carbon is in wheelsets. Being relatively heavy for my size—180 pounds at 5’9” on any given day—I’m pretty rough on components. Here in the Asheville area, I’m subjecting them to a lot of abuse, and my alloy wheelsets have not fared particularly well. That said, subjecting the few but growing number of carbon wheelsets to even greater abuse hasn’t delivered the same amount of destruction. Even those that are older and not designed for off-road use have tested pretty well.

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Despite my efforts to huck and chuck my mortal coil around, most if not all of my carbon wheels are straight, true, and entirely without visible signs of wear. Weight or aero considerations aside, this has been a game-changer for me, as I haven’t had to haphazardly true my wheels now and again, likely messing with the careful balance my alloy hoops were built with. This is supposedly down to a few things: carbon, unlike its alloy counterpart, has no material “memory.” It isn’t straining to keep the shape it was laid into (like in the case of alloy extrusions.) Carbon also has more of a black-and-white status, if you will. Carbon rims won’t deform unless they break. Obviously there’s nuance here, but alloy can bend and dent, making a small ding worse over time if unnoticed and not dealt with. Since I haven’t had a catastrophic failure as of yet, I’m pretty happy with the wheels I have managed to acquire. With a few sets in for review, be on the lookout for my detailed thoughts on them in the coming months.

Ricoh GR III

Made in Vietnam / $1,049 USD at Ricoh Imaging

Once I realized how important it was to shoot almost everything for this job, it dawned on me that I needed an everyday carry camera. With a limited budget and a desire to try something new, I opted for the much-loved Ricoh GR III. It’s been a phenomenal little camera as the quality and versatility shock me almost every time I use it. Although the focal length takes some getting used to, particularly after years of largely shooting with a 70-200 lens, the Ricoh GR III is the best bang for your buck camera due to its ease of use and the quality it manages to produce.

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With built-in memory for instances where I’ve forgotten to load a memory card, solid battery life through USB-C charging capabilities, and a sleek, slender profile, I just can’t be beat at just under $1,000 USD. Though it doesn’t impress with its durability, I’ve dropped it a few times and it still works fine. Josh Meissner’s Dozen from a few years back also gives me hope that when these clumsy hands do manage to break something, I can fix it, too.

Collins Cycle Works Hip Roll v4

Made in England / £130 GBP at Collins Cycle Works

I met Patch Collins (yes, that’s his real name!) at Bespoked earlier this year. Though we only spent a short time together, he was kind and clearly quite talented with a sewing machine. Convincing him to let me have his classic hip pack was probably one of the best moves I’ve ever made because it is categorically the best hip pack I’ve ever owned.

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Comfortable, spacious, and containing all the extra bits and bobs I might need, Patch’s hip roll is one of the most well-thought-out bags I’ve come across. With a small Fidlock bottle holder on the side, extra storage space for clothing on the outside, and ample room in the main, essentially waterproof compartment, I cannot recommend this bag enough, along with all of the other work Patch puts out.

COROS Dura Cycling Computer

Made in China / $249 USD at COROS

I’m not big on cycling computers for a few reasons: they’re expensive, can interfere with bags, and contain environmentally taxing lithium-ion batteries. When not on a pre-established route or attending an event, I enjoy learning about roads and routes myself. I find it allows me a greater understanding of my local area, creating a deeper connection to the place I live. However, I travel frequently and have found events to be a great way to get involved in the broader cycling community.

I visit and ride through places I’ve never been, and in these instances, the COROS Dura is nearly unbeatable. Neil and Logan have spoken to the computer’s credit extensively, but my own experiences have confirmed that this is one of, if not the, best cycling computers on the market. The screen is large, the battery seemingly never dies, the touchscreen and dial work intuitively, it’s priced competitively, and it syncs and handles route files without issue. What more could you want?

TRP Spyre Mechanical Brakes

Made in Taiwan / $79.99 USD at TRP

I’ll be the first to admit that I have not been kind when speaking about this brake. As someone who prefers mechanical actuation, I’ve spent a lot of time with Spyres. They always appeared on cheaper, OEM outfitted bikes as a basic but workable brake. Better than their standard Tektro counterparts, the Spyres never truly impressed me before I upgraded to Growtac Equals. The bite and strength of the Spyres paled in comparison to the Equals, and, up until recently, I never really saw myself going back.

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However, I was recently forced to put a set of Spyres on my lightweight alloy gravel bike due to a lack of adapters and have re-evaluated my opinion on these more affordable, less immediately impressive brakes. Aggressive bite and stopping power are lacking, but the consistency in braking force once bedded in is solid. Out of the box, they’re still an inferior brake to the Growtacs, but I found that once the system is settled, they perform quite well. To make matters better, they’re a fraction of the cost of their Japanese rivals and can be found pretty much everywhere. They’re truly the working person’s brake, and much better than I remember.

Ultradynamico Corn Plastic Water Bottle

$12 USD at Ultradynamico

Generally speaking, I believe every drop counts. I don’t use Amazon, I’m on my way to canceling my Spotify subscription, and I try to do things that align with my set of values where possible. It might seem daunting or inconsequential for one person to avoid doing something we all know isn’t great, but I think it’s important to live with some degree of conviction. Within that, I aim to minimize the use of plastic and microplastics as much as possible. I tried to give Bivo bottles a go, but it just never seemed to work. The lid was finicky, and I hated the grating sound of metal on metal when taking them in and out of a cage.

When I saw Ronnie Romance was selling corn-based plastic water bottles made by MountainFlow on the Ultradynamico shop, I thought I’d give them a go. A year and some on, not only have the bottles lasted, but they’re great! The first few uses impart a taste to the water, but it dissipates over time. Though there isn’t much more to say about a bottle, it’s nice to see Ronnie and Tenzin dedicate a portion of their growing alt-cycling empire to a sustainable means of consuming water. And rumor has it they’ll be releasing a larger version of these bottles in the coming months…

Appalachia

Constantly referenced in the background of most of my writing, my move to lower Appalachia has been one of the best decisions of my life. Personal motivations aside, this small, largely misunderstood region has always drawn me in. Floridians like me come up to places like Western North Carolina to get away from the swamps and bogs. The summer heat and the hot winter winds. It’s a magical place they say is older than time.

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Though I moved to Asheville not long after it weathered one of the most devastating storms in its history, I grow happier that I did so with each passing day. Things are complex here, and the area is not without its issues. But, more often than not, I find myself asking if I died and went to heaven when on an afternoon stroll or a weekend outing. It’s beautiful, it’s blue, and I’m more than glad to call it home.

The Broadside Podcast

As a Floridian, the South has always entranced my imagination. Part of why I started sharing my life on the bike was centered on the idea that if I showed people what it was like from the saddle, the area, often overlooked for cycling’s numerous benefits, could further proliferate. My goal to uplift the South through bikes is more of a big-picture concept that I’m committed to dedicating my life to. It’s something I think about every day. Within that idea is my desire to learn more about the area in which I live.

I recently stumbled upon the Broadside podcast from WUNC radio and have become even more enamored with this place. It’s a high-quality, journalistically sound storytelling podcast that does a good job of painting the critical picture of history, specifically here in Western North Carolina. From episodes that detail the unique history of the state’s flag and its often-overlooked details to a fun history of the etymology of the word “pop,” it’s an insightful listen that I like to throw on during short rides and commutes. I highly recommend it, even if you’re not from or living in the area.

Cane Creek eeWings

Made in Taiwan / $1,200 USD at Cane Creek

Some cycling components gain a sense of mysticism. Be it their high price, lack of availability, or make and material, items such as Cane Creek’s eeWings tend to achieve a larger-than-life status. Given my penchant for more attainable, moderately priced cycling goods, the $1,200 USD set of titanium cranks never really appealed to me. I didn’t see the point of a crank that delivered the same function of something that could be bought for a fraction of the price.

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However, after getting my hands on a set, I can report that I’ve been proven wrong. Though they’re by no means necessary, the eeWings deliver on the mythical status they’ve incidentally assumed. With the stiffness of carbon cranks and the give and supple spirit of aluminum alloy, these welded titanium cranks are somehow the best of both worlds. Meeting and canoodling with the team at Cane Creek here in North Carolina has only added to my appreciation for their products as I’ve been able to see how this small, exceptional component manufacturer operates. While I wish there was something to be done about their price, making these things extraordinarily high quality cranks is not cheap. So, if you’re in the market for some “forever” cranks, look no further.

King Cages

Made in USA / $29 USD at King Cage

I’ve tried many cages in my time as a cyclist, and while there is no shortage of praise for products coming from Ron Andrews at King Cage, I’ll happily add to the list of people who won’t go without them. From cheap cages I found in the sale rack at my local bike shop to innovative carbon cage designs, I’ve tried quite a few different means of water bottle attachment.

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None, however, have struck the balance of aesthetics and performance quite like the King Cages. Sleek, minimal, lightweight, and grippy as all get out, I’ve never had a bottle so much as move when using a King Cage. Though they’re not cheap, I won’t be the first or the last to tell you that your hard-earned money is well spent on any product from King Cage.

Friction Shifting

I’ve spoken endlessly about my love for friction shifting. From ease of changing components and wheelsets to a sense of intentionality when it comes to every shift, friction shifting isn’t for everyone, but it’s certainly for me. It feels like a skill to be able to know when to shift, and it engages you in a more “locked-in” form of riding that is all the more necessary here in the mountains. Fixed-gear riders attribute their lack of gear and sometimes brakes to being one with the bike, and that’s how friction shifting makes me feel.

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I have to know the clicks and ticks that reverberate through the tubes in order to differentiate between some foreign object that has latched on after a muddy section and being between gears. It makes every ride more fun, and I couldn’t speak more highly of its benefits. With over 10,000 miles on a bar-end friction shifter, I’ve recently received and installed the Growtac Friction Brifters and have been completely blown away by their use and function. I’ll save the thoughts for my upcoming review, but for me, friction shifting truly provides an analog solution to a growing market of increasingly expensive and unnecessarily complex tools that accomplish the same task.

La Sportiva Bushido Trail Running Shoes

Made in Italy / $155 USD at La Sportiva

Since moving, I’ve had the pleasure of becoming something of a dog dad. With an Achilles injury dating back to 2017, however, I’m not too keen on a lot of explosive lateral movements out of fear of re-tearing or injuring my sole healthy Achilles. But, on days where Ernie needs a big day up one of our local lumps, I’m partial to the La Sportiva Bushido. Part of this is down to the sticky rubber available on most La Sportiva offerings. Mountain athletes like Anton Krupicka have spoken extensively about how the company’s line of shoes have changed their ability and capacity on technical terrain.

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Though I’m nowhere near that level, the Bushidos offer a level of grip that is unparalleled by any other trail-oriented shoe I’ve tried. From the secure, controlled fit and lower “skeletal” system provided by the laces to the rubber on the bottom, they’re the perfect choice for faster, technical descents on the rocky, rooty trails here in Appalachia.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these products, please support your local bike shop and buy from them when possible. If you can’t, or they’re only obtainable online, we’ve provided links to manufacturers and stores where they are currently available; some of these retailers offer a modest referral fee, which helps support this platform. This has no bearing on the review or selection.

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