I’m fortunate to be able to test out and review gear, and if I told my 15-year-old self that this was my job, he’d most likely call bullshit, but here I am writing a list of my favorite things from 2025. From very specific MTB gear to all-road bikes and handheld computers, here are some of the most impactful things and moments from 2025.
As I dive into writing about all the great things that happened in the bike industry this year, a lot of things keep popping up, so I’ll break this into a few parts to cover it all. Here is part one, where I’ll talk about my favorite pedals, tires, and brakes that have all made a lasting impression over the last year. Some new, some old, but all fantastic.
Let’s drop in.
David Bontrager
Clipless Pedals
I’ve been exclusively a clipless pedal rider for the better part of the last two years, but still switch back to flats from time to time – to make sure I’ve still got it. But with so many rad clip pedals dropping this year, it’s had me gravitating back towards the cleats and bindings of security and performance.
I’ll dive into more flat pedals in another part, because I do see massive benefit to each option despite my proclivity for clips recently. I talk more about the balance in the article linked below, iyec.
OneUp Components Clip Pedal
Deven McCoy
OneUp Components dropped the mic with the Clip Pedal earlier this year. Although OneUp had some kinks to smooth out with some weird binding release issues (my pedals were unaffected), I was totally stoked on these new offerings, and they got me back onto clips after a few months of flat pedal riding over the winter. I even bought a couple of sets while mine were back at the OneUp HQ getting their TLC. As someone who gets sent review samples of products to test, the fact that I went and spent my own money to buy the same thing I already own should speak volumes.
Shimano XTR M9220 Pedals
Deven McCoy
Shimano has made waves in 2025. With a smattering of new Di2 groupsets for both gravel and mountain bikes, the new XTR M9220 pedals were sleepers for many, but not me. I’ve been really impressed with the new form factor of these new trail/enduro pedals, but the new SPD-cleat also deserves a mention here.
As with everything Shimano dropped in 2025, the new XTR pedals are clearly the result of extensive engineering and thought. Nothing about them seems to compromise or leave a rider wanting for more. Sure, they aren’t super light, super slim, or super revolutionary, but they occupy a space that was missing in the Shimano pedal lineup, a position just below the Saint DH pedals, but not quite as streamlined as the XTR trail pedals.
Tires
Schwalbe Albert Radial
Deven McCoy
Shocking, I know, but after feeling the suppleness of the Albert radial tires, I was sold. They’ve been stellar in almost every way, and where they have fallen short is purely because I’m hard-headed and sticking with a tire pressure that’s ideal for a non-radial tire. When the pressures are dialed, the Albert radial is an excellent all-around tire that I’ve significantly enjoyed on laps at the bike park and on zesty trail rides, and I see the radial casing as one of the most significant modern advancements in MTB tech.
Schwalbe Magic Mary (Non-Radial)
Deven McCoy
On the other hand, I’ve also been rekindling my love for the Magic Mary over the last few months, and it will always and forever rank in my top three best MTB tires of all time. I currently have a set of Magic Mary soft compound tires on a 130mm travel trail bike, which some might see as a bit of overkill, but I’ll debate you on that until the cows come home. Even without a radial casing, the Magic Mary is one of the most versatile tires I’ve ever ridden (but I also don’t mind making compromises).
Brakes
Hayes Dominion A4
Deven McCoy
Before 2025, I had only ridden Domions on occasion, and with many riders swearing by the Hayes Dominion, I was eager to get a set and spend more time with them. After a few months with them installed, I totally understood the hype. Excellent modulation, an easy bleed procedure, very ergonomic levers, and stopping power that was easy to regulate and deliver, the Hayes are probably the most impressive set of brakes I’ve ridden all year.
Shimano M9220 & M8220 Brakes
Deven McCoy
Aside from the Dominions, I’ve spent the most time with the new Shimano brakes, and the redesigned lever and reservoir actuation make for some absurdly positive impressions. Although I did need to fiddle with bleed and pad adjustment at first, once they started feeling good, they just kept getting better.
The bleed procedure is super familiar, the feel at the lever is consistent, and the bite point is classic Shimano. Even if the lever is redesigned and more ergonomic, the brakes are still Shimano, so they keep working. Ride, after ride, after ride. Both the M8220 and M9220 are super similar, and if you blindfolded me and told me to tell the difference, I probably couldn’t.