Gravel grinds, bikepacking missions, and of course mountain biking; this category covers what gets you further, faster, and more comfortably in the saddle. From framesets to helmets to the small stuff that keeps your ride dialled, here’s what we’re running this season.
Our editors have been hard at work, testing these bike essentials to find the gear that’s comfortable, reliable, and ready for everything from long gravel rides to smashing berms and catching air.
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Batch Bicycles GB.2 Gravel Bike
The GB.2 blurs the line between road and gravel bikes, built around a geometry that favors versatility over specialization. Wider tire clearance and a slightly relaxed frame angle make it comfortable on rough terrain without sacrificing speed on pavement.
At its core, this is a 10-speed gravel bike with a carbon fork that helps take the edge off rougher terrain. Add in 27.5″ wheels and 42mm gravel tires, and you’ve got a setup that feels equally at home on pavement as it does on gravel.
One of the biggest strengths is versatility. There are mounts for racks, fenders, frame bags, and extra bottles, making it easy to set the bike up for commuting during the week or full-on bikepacking adventures when the weekend hits and responsibility gets blurry. The integrated shifters in the brake levers keep things clean and intuitive, while mechanical disc brakes provide dependable stopping power without overcomplicating maintenance. Drop bars keep the road-bike feel alive, but the geometry leans toward comfort rather than aggression, which means longer rides don’t punish you for your life choices.
Overall, the GB.2 is a simple, capable, no-drama gravel bike that encourages you to take the long way home and then keep going a little further just because you can.
Garmin Edge 850
The Garmin Edge 850 is much more than a bike computer; it’s a smart riding companion that helps you track performance, navigate new routes, and stay connected while you’re on the bike.
Mounted neatly on your handlebars, the Edge 850 puts all your key ride data front and center. The fully customizable touchscreen display allows you to prioritize the information that matters most. My preferred setup includes current speed, elevation gain, ride time, and distance traveled, making it easy to monitor progress at a glance.
Built-in GPS provides accurate tracking and turn-by-turn navigation, while the altimeter helps you keep tabs on climbing stats. The unit can also suggest new routes, making it a great tool for exploring unfamiliar roads and trails.
When paired with your smartphone, the Edge 850 becomes even more powerful. You can receive notifications, control your music, check weather conditions, sync rides directly to your Strava account, and, of course, sync all your ride info to the Garmin Connect app. Garmin’s contactless payment feature is also handy when you need a quick coffee stop, or maybe a cheeky pint, without carrying a wallet.
Additional features, such as rider-to-rider connectivity and a built-in electronic bell, round out an impressive package. Whether you’re training, exploring, or commuting, the Edge 850 is packed with features that make every ride better.
POC Kortal Race MIPS MTB Helmet
The POC Kortal Race MIPS MTB Helmet is a high-end mountain bike helmet built for serious trail riding, but it’s versatile enough to handle everything from enduro laps to all-day e-bike missions.
At the core is MIPS Integra rotational impact protection, designed to reduce rotational forces in angled crashes, which are one of the most common types of impacts in real-world riding. It also includes a RECCO reflector for searchability in emergencies and a Twiceme NFC Medical ID, which can store critical medical information for first responders. In other words, it’s packed with tech that you hope you never need but are glad exists.
The design is also extremely thoughtful for actual riding conditions. The visor is adjustable and detachable and can be lifted high enough to park goggles securely when climbing or transitioning terrain. Rear ventilation is shaped so sunglasses can be stored safely, and importantly, none of the vents get blocked by a goggle strap, so airflow stays consistent even on hard efforts. Comfort and cooling are strong points, with large, well-placed vents that keep air moving when the climbs get spicy. It’s also certified to the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike helmet standard, one of the highest safety ratings for cycling helmets.
Overall, the Kortal Race feels like a modern, fully loaded trail helmet: protective, highly functional, and engineered for riders who expect both performance and real-world safety from their gear.
POC Motion Bike Pants (Men’s and Women’s)
The POC Motion Bike Pants are the kind of riding pants you’ll reach for when dressing for a bike ride. Lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly tough, they’re built with abrasion-resistant stretch fabric that moves naturally on the bike while standing up to the occasional brush with trailside rocks and branches.
The slim waist adjustment tabs make it easy to fine-tune the fit, while the tapered lower legs and snug ankle cuffs keep excess fabric away from your chain. Two zippered thigh pockets provide secure storage for essentials without getting in the way while pedalling. Despite their streamlined fit, there’s plenty of room through the knees to comfortably wear knee pads underneath, making them an excellent choice for trail, enduro, or all-day mountain bike adventures.
Comfortable enough for long climbs and durable enough for aggressive descents, these are an easy recommendation for riders looking for a premium warm-weather riding pant.
POC Ultra Saddle Bag 7L
Best bike saddle bag
On the Bike 2026 | SBC SKIER Summer Guide
On the Bike 2026 | SBC SKIER Summer Guide
The POC Ultra Saddle Bag 7L is a surprisingly spacious storage solution for cyclists who want to leave the backpack at home. Securely attaching to both the seatpost and saddle rails, it remains impressively stable on rough roads and trails thanks to strategically placed rigid panels that help minimize bag sway while riding. The waterproof construction keeps clothing, tools, and other essentials dry when the weather turns, making it an excellent companion for bikepacking adventures and long-distance rides.
With up to seven litres of carrying capacity, there’s plenty of room for extra layers, food, or overnight gear. If you’re packing lighter, the roll-top closure compresses the bag into a smaller, more streamlined profile to eliminate unnecessary bulk. Reflective detailing enhances visibility in low-light conditions, rounding out a thoughtfully designed saddle bag that’s equally at home on gravel rides, endurance road adventures, and multi-day bikepacking trips.
Dakine Slayer D30 Gloves
Built for riders who want protection without sacrificing bar feel, the Dakine Slayer Pro D30 Gloves bring serious impact protection into a lightweight, flexible package. The standout feature is the D30 GHOST™ knuckle protection, which uses a low-profile, breathable design to help shield your hands from impacts with branches, rocks, and unexpected trail encounters without feeling bulky.
A recycled 4-way stretch shell keeps the fit comfortable and mobile, while the reinforced rPET AX MATERIALS palm and DK IMPACT padding add protection in high-wear and high-impact areas without compromising grip or control. Silicone grip details help keep your hands locked in on the bars, while touchscreen compatibility and a microfleece thumb wipe add everyday convenience. Polygiene® Odor Control technology is a welcome addition for anyone who regularly forgets to wash their riding gloves (which, let’s be honest, is most of us), helping keep them fresher between rides.
Smith Syncline Photochromic Sunglasses
The most important questions about riding glasses are simple: can you see the trail clearly, and will they stay on your face when things get rough? The Smith Syncline sunglasses are designed around both, combining a goggle-inspired field of view with the lightweight feel and breathability of traditional sunglasses.
The large shield lens provides excellent coverage without feeling bulky, while Smith’s photochromic ChromaPop™ lens technology automatically adjusts tint as light conditions change, similar to transition lenses. Whether you’re riding through shaded forest, exposed alpine terrain, or moving between sun and cloud, the lens adapts while enhancing contrast and bringing out details in the trail.
A great pair of riding glasses is only as good as its fit, and the Syncline delivers with adjustable Megol nose pads and temple grips that keep them locked in place through rough terrain, drops, and high-speed descents. Add in built-in venting, helmet compatibility, and an included clear lens for lower-light conditions, and these are built for riders who want reliable vision from first lap to last.
Smith Forefront 3 Helmet
Nobody wants to think about crashing, but every mountain biker knows it’s part of the game. The Smith Forefront 3 is built for riders who want serious protection without feeling like they’re wearing a bulky helmet every time they pedal uphill.
With extended coverage, a full KOROYD® impact protection system, and the Mips® Air Node Safety System, the Forefront 3 is designed to help protect your head when the trail gets unpredictable. The best part is that Smith manages to pack all that protection into a lightweight, breathable design that still feels comfortable on all-day rides.
The 20 vents and AirEvac™ ventilation system help keep airflow moving on long climbs and reduce fogging when paired with Smith eyewear. The BOA® 360 Fit System makes dialing in the perfect fit simple, while the adjustable visor and built-in sunglasses and goggle storage add the kind of small details you appreciate every time you ride.
If you want to check out more gear to get ready for the summer, hit one of the links below!
