The Best MTB Gear of 2025? (Brakes, Suspension, Apparel and More!)

What is the best MTB gear of 2025? We have tested a lot of gear this year and it has been awesome!! From pants to suspension to brakes and more, what has been our favorite gear of the year? Let's find out!

Watch our video coverage here: https://youtu.be/Ch87V4dhIxI

Best MTB Wheels: RaceFace Era SL

With plenty of engagement via their Vault hubs and a very impressive weight to price ratio, the RaceFace Era SL wheels were my favorite wheels of the year! From XC to 140mm trail bikes, these wheels are an awesome ride!

Best Rear Shock: Fox Neo

Insanely silent and plenty plus, the Neo shock was our favorite rear shock of the year! Perfect for XC, it give you the effieicney for the out of the saddle sprints but instantly opens up when you need it to make the perfect XC shock! https://alnk.to/2QzBra6

Best Saddle: WTB Solana

The WTB Solana saddle has been not only one of our favorite saddles of the year, but surprisingly it most likely is coming to a bike near you! The Solana seems to be the new OEM saddle of choice for bike companies which means you might not need to instantly throw your saddle away on your new bike!

Best Brakes: Sram Motive

With plenty of stopping power but an insane amount of modulation, the SRAM Motive were my favorite brakes of the year! From XC to Enduro, these powerfull brakes pack a strong controlled punch in a lightweight package!

Best Phone Case: Quad Lock 

Ever wanted an easy way to get on the bike navigation? The Quad Lock phone case has been awesome to use and has already taken me to some amazing places!

Best MTB Tires: Maxxis Rekon

With plenty of traction and a good amount of protection, the Maxxis Rekon's were my favorite tires of the year! Fast rolling and very reliable, what more can you want from a XC tire? https://alnk.to/cm0wpcZ

Best Camera: Go Pro Hero 13 Black

Whenever you see any POV on Awesome MTB, it is shot with a GoPro! Best stabilaiztion out of an action camera!

Best Enduro Fork: DVO Onyx 38

What happens when you have been making suspension for decades? You get very good at it! The DVO Onyx 38 is the perfect combo of stiff yet plush making even the rowdiest of trails feel easy! And the Renen collab is the icing on top! Plus the fork is backed by amazing customer service, what is not to love?

Best Dropper Post: Sram Reverb AXS

So many travel options, fast actuations, and no cables, all in a reliable package make the SRAM Reverb AXS our favorite dropper post of 2025! https://alnk.to/2uK5tzA

Best Bike Wash and Chain Lube: Formula 100

Looking for bike wash and chain lube that is not some generic brand that doesn't really work? The Formula 100 bike wash and chain lube actually works and has been some of the best maintenance tech that we have used! For the wash, spray it on and wait 10 minutes than see your shine as bright as the day you bought it! And the chain lube lasts for multiple rides! https://alnk.to/bPgfsQu

Best Eye Wear: Pit Viper 

No matter what crazy activity you are up to, keep your eye's protected with the best eyewear of the year and that is Pit Viper Sunglasses! These are the Skysurfer Extremes but there are so many other cool styles and Pit Viper is an awesome brand ran by rad people! https://alnk.to/cb5LqqE

Best Technical Pants: Ride NF DP5

When the trails get technical and the weather get's cold, our favorite Tech pants have been the Ride NF DP 5 pants! With an awesome stretch and plenty of protection, these pants will keep you protected no matter what conditions you are riding in!

Best Tool: Feedback Sport Torque Wrench

The Feedback Torque wrench has made working on my bike's so much easier and safer! Easy to use and super compact so that you can take it anywhere in the world, this Torque Wrench has been our favorite tool of the year and a necessary item in our tool quiver! https://alnk.to/hDtfPJ6

Best All Day Pants: Curious Creatures Sundog

Looking for an amazing all day riding pants that are perfect for big days of pedaling as well as anywhere you want to go after the ride? Want those pant's from an amazing women owned and run company? Curious Creatures Sundog pant's are for you! With ample strechy and great breathability, look for more from this Montana brand in 2026!

Best Apparel: Anything Yeti

What was my favorite apparel of all year? Suprisingly Yeti Cycles! They make some of the best technical riding gear and have something for everyone! Pant's, shorts, long sleeve jerseys, short sleeve jerseys, jackets and more! All of it has been amazing and we can't recommend it enough! https://alnk.to/5FdJ8hi

Best XC Fork: Cannondale Lefty

You have heard me say it hundreds of times by now, but if you are looking for the most plush XC fork that is equally stiff and supportive when you need it to be, the Cannondale Lefty is the best fork on the market!

Best Helmet: Specialized S-works Prevail 3

Helmet of the year? Specialized S-works Prevail 3. Lightweight, breathes well, nothing complicated and very durable! https://alnk.to/eZJT7ww

Best Riding Pack: High Above Super Natural

Looking for the best hydration pack that is made by a rad company? High Above Super Natural is the best riding bag we have used! Not only does it breath great and stand the test of the trails, the company is also awesome so you can rest assured knowing your money is going to an awesome place!

Best MTB Shoes: Anything Five Ten

Don't let anyone convince you otherwise, Five Ten are the best MTB shoes of all time. Traction is off the charts and the fit's are awesome! Our favorite have been the Freerider Pro's! https://alnk.to/ei4Rc9F