And just like that we are a quarter way into the XIX century, but let's focus on this passing year for now. Everyone is looking into their "best of", which prompted me to take a look into mine.
Best new gear
This one is easy - it's my "new" road bike that I described here in more detail. The bike is not exactly new - it's a rebuilt old frame with some new components. The best part of it, apart of the ride quality of the classic steel frame, is that technically it's a cyclocross bike with cantilever brake pivots. This means I can fit in up to 35mm wide tires and that makes it supremely comfortable on the road. It's also my lightest bike ever, at 8.5kg (or 18.7lbs).
Best ride
Following on the same theme, I took my new bike on a road trip and I think I can claim it to be my best ride of 2025. Typically, it happens that those longest, most epic rides are remembered as the best. It's not always the case, but often so. My ride around the Lake Champlain was still a highlight of 2025. I decided to change the tune a bit and made it an ultralight "credit card tour", packing pretty much just bare minimum and sleeping in motels. The second day was clearly the highlight of the trip with picture-perfect weather and stunning views over the lake from the New York State side.
Best gear mod
As much as I like riding my bikes, I like the gear side of them too. Once a while I decide to change something, adjust, or just try something new. This year I can nominate two things, ex aequo: Simworks Ramble bars on my Stooge and my homemade handlebar bag support.
Ramble bars are funky. They are basically MTB bars albeit much more swept back. I have been using Tumbleweed Persuader bars on my Stooge Scrambler and they are generally very comfortable. Wide for good control, but swept back a good amount to ease the strain on wrists. Ramble bar feels quite different. The hands position stays roughly in the same place as before, but wrists are now rotated ~45deg more or so. This still allows for good control in rough terrain but gives the bike a more ATB-like feeling. And looks really cool too.
I usually like to keep a small handlebar bag on my bikes and often I find these to be somewhat problematic. Once loaded, they like to lean on brake and shift housings too much or sag under the stem. If only there was a way to keep them straight upright on the bars...
I came up with a very simple, effective, and lightweight solution. I got these Velo Orange hinged water bottle cage clamps ($17) and replaced the M5 bolts with longer ones. Next, I cut two equal pieces of stainless steel industrial gas tubing, threaded them, and installed them over the extended screws. Some Loctite to keep them in place, then adjust the position on handlebars, and there it is - my own handlebar bag support that works surprisingly well. Keeps the bag off the housing and reduces swaying even in a very rough terrain. If you want to make your own, you will a few extra tools: hacksaw, power drill, a 4.2mm drill bit (#19) and a M5 tap.
We shall see what 2026 will bring...
