It’s no surprise that my riding has evolved over the years. I recently conducted a deep clean of my garage, which included editing tubs of random parts, pieces, tools, and spares from over the years. As I dug through the layers like a grimy-handed archaeologist I could easily track the evolution of my cycling (and god-knows how many standards). At the top of these tubs I could see a fairly recent progression into MTB trails, preceeded by gravel components, sitting atop an all-road phase, predated by track and commuting fixie parts, and mixed throughout the dig were 20 years of evolving road bike parts.
The thing that stood out to me during the clear-out was the amount of stuff we go through as cyclists. Yes – that’s surely the mark of a good hobby – but when it’s laid bare in front of you it does become apparent just how many things we acquire in this sport.
It also highlighted to me the items that don’t live in these tardis-like boxes. The items that have been carefully collected, upgraded, repaired, restored, and re-bought. The items that are hard to do without, the items that serve both function and aesthetics, the items that bring a little joy.
This isn’t a list of items to go out and buy tomorrow, but they do represent the items that put a smile on my face, make my life a little easier, and perhaps give a little bit of insight into how I identify as a rider these days. These are not just my favourite items from 2024, but some of my favourite cycling-related items of all time (bikes aside …).
Zefal Z-Micro 25 g saddle bag
I hate stuff in my pockets when I’m riding, and I equally detest carrying too much on the bike. I love a minimal setup – which may have come from optimising my backcountry snow camping setup over the last two decades. In that case it’s been a lighter solo tent, smaller bag and pad, and an intentionally small backpack (the smaller the pack, the less you can carry!). The key has been to edit to the point just before being uncomfortable, leaving me with a light and nimble setup.
The small bag approach is how I tackle my cycling kit too. Over the years I’ve been keeping an eye out for a minimal saddle pack, and Zefal’s Z-Micro slim profile offering fit the bill so perfectly I adopted it across a number of my bikes.
The saddle pack sits fairly wide, but tucks unobtrusively out of the way hard up against the bottom of the saddle. The height is no taller than a rolled tube, but because of the extra width I have no problem fitting in a micro tube and boot, CO2 canister and pump head, Stans darts, small compression bandage (because: Australian danger noodles), tyre lever, valve core remover, and a valve extender.
Aside from a SWAT mini tool under my bidon cage and a pump in my pocket I’m comfortable with this ‘get out of jail free’ kit. I don’t think I’d trust the micro tubes full time, but as a bail-out for my tubeless setup it’s gotten me home from the middle of nowhere before.
The bag itself is spray and water resistant thanks to its water repellent tarpaulin and neoprene construction. I tend to keep the contents in a small zip-lock bag which means even on the wettest rides the gear inside stays dry.
Price: US$30 / €28 / £24
Silca HIRO locking Presta chuck
I finally replaced my very old, and (occasionally) trusty pump during a sale a few years back with a Silca Pista Plus floor pump. It has a really sturdy base and barrel, and the wooden Ash handle is a nice touch.
As a fully serviceable pump it’ll outlast my own cycling obsession, and while I couldn’t be happier with the pump itself I quite strongly disliked the pump head it came with (a classic Silca press-on chuck). Most likely user error, but I broke off more than one valve stem carefully removing it, and the chuck had an annoying tendency to spontaneously eject itself if it wasn’t seated just so.
I was starting to regret my purchase until I upgraded to the Silca HIRO pump head attachment. The one-handed operation makes it a joy to use, and unlike other chucks the lollypop-style locking mechanism only needs a scant 10 mm of valve stem to grab onto. This means that the Presta seal doesn’t have to push as far down, and the likelihood of snapping the valve core is basically eliminated. It was definitely a little tight fit out of the box, but the gasket is adjustable, allowing you to ease the grip on the valve head. Like the individual pump components themselves, the gasket can be replaced which will extend its life into the future, and again will ensure this pump outlives my riding life.
Price: US$100 / €95 / £80
Nepros screwdriver set
I was fortunate enough to be gifted this incredible set of tools from my colleagues. It’s one of those purchases that would be difficult to otherwise justify. False idols and all that, but oh how I worship these material objects.
Over the years I’ve slowly been upgrading my handtools – like my Kirschen chisels (their skew set is just … *chefs kiss*), handplanes, various measuring and marking tools, and hand saws. The beauty of each of these upgrades or restorations is not only in the joy they bring when using them today, but the fact that they are truly heirloom items – something that this Nepros set definitely is too.
The weight of these drivers in your hand is something to behold, and their purchase on screws really is quite exceptional. Aesthetically I believe you’ll be hard-pressed to find a nicer set of screwdrivers, and I genuinely do get a little thrill whenever the opportunity arises to use them.
It’s also one of the few sets of tools in my workshop that my wife knows exactly where they are, and happily uses them herself because she also finds them beautiful. As long as they don’t get used as a paint can jimmy I’m more than happy to share the joy they bring.
Price: US$305 / €290 / £230 (full set, individuals available, too)
Swiftwick socks
I try not to obsess about simple things like socks, but holy smokes I just love nothing more than a fresh pair of Swiftwicks. In a sea of options these expertly spun tubes of cotton provide just the right amount of weight and comfort, just the right amount of arch compression, and just the right amount of breathability. I’m also yet to have a pair slip down during a ride.
Clean shaven, in whatever my favourite kit at the time is, blue skies overhead, and the crackling promise of a warm day ahead and I just feel pro putting these things on. Equally, if I’m wearing my best ‘going out shorts’ then these socks are so perfect paired with some crisp white kicks.
I usually try to keep an unopened pair tucked away at the back of my sock drawer for special occasions, be that on the bike, or general dadding. Plain black, or plain white, these are an absolute staple.
Socks shouldn’t make someone this happy, but hey.
Price: US$23 / €22 / £18
Small jar of valve core removers
Clearly I’m showing my age when I get excited for requests of items I have In Stock. Dead batteries in your toy? I’ve got you. Small lamp in the oven blown? Sorted. Need a little replacement felt thingy for your chair because the existing felt thingy for your chair has gone MIA? Leave it with me. I am a real grown-up, because I have stock. It’s a strange thing to be proud of, but I love having stock of the types of things that previously would have necessitated a trip to the shops. Superglue and rubber bands and bike tyres in various sizes and USB cords and a secret stash of fresh Sharpies have never made me feel so proud.
Likewise with my small jar of valve core removers. The amount of times I ended up resorting to a pair of needle-nose pliers after giving up rummaging through the bottom of my toolbox, searching through my saddle packs, and digging through the third drawer (yech) only to discover yet another one had been lost somewhere along the line. Now they are in stock, and I always know where to find them.
Price: Often free with some valves, wheels, or bikes. Just add a bunch to your order next time you are at your LBS (local bike shop) and keep an eye out for a small jar in your recycling.
Strava Beacon
What a wild and rocky road being a user of Strava can be at times. I think I’ve dipped in and out of their premium subscription half a dozen times in the last few years. Annoyed by a UX/pricing/feature change, pulled back in by routes, segment competition, and additional analytics.
One of the constants for me (that I believe has sometimes lived within the premium subscription, but currently is free) is the Stava Beacon feature. It’s a small piece of mind for my family, being able to track my whereabouts and ensure that I’m still on the way home – whether it’s on the Mean Streets of Melbourne, or out for a solo trails session somewhere-or-other. Occasionally it results in the kids meeting me down the street as I roll home (oh how I wish that surprise would happen more often).
I also find it really handy when holding a group ride with pick up points along the way. No worrying about trying to pull out your phone to punch out multiple text messages while navigating the ride – just drop the beacon link in the group chat and you’re set as everyone can track where you are in real time.
And finally, it’s been handy as a de facto (ok, cheap) dot-watcher for the odd time when I go for a big ride somewhere, allowing friends and family to keep track of my progress.
Price: free (but don’t tell Strava I’d pay for this … again)
This is the eighth instalment of our Favourite Things series, which will run into December. You can find all entries in the series here.
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