A Year of Reflection and Discovery: Alex Hunt's 2025 Favorites
In a world that often feels stagnant, cycling is a constant reminder of growth and change. This year, as I reflect on my favorite things, I'm reminded of the ebb and flow of my cycling journey. It's a tale of two halves, and a journey of self-discovery.
The Power of Perspective
Imagine a year where your cycling world shifts, and you find yourself on a path of exploration. That's exactly what happened to me in 2025. A year ago, I shared my favorite things, little knowing that both the cycling industry and my own perspective would evolve so dramatically.
The first half of the year was all about numbers and solo rides. My XC bike, sadly, became a permanent loaner to some thieves, leaving me with my road bike. I let the power meter dictate my fun, chasing those numerical gains. But here's where it gets controversial: I began to question if this was truly fun. Was I missing out on the joy of cycling?
And so, in the second half, I made a conscious shift. I started thinking about the bigger picture: what did a sustainable cycling future look like for me? What brought me true happiness on the bike? It was time to embrace a little more of that type one fun.
Finding Balance: Performance Meets Pleasure
So, my favorite things this year reflect this newfound balance. It's about merging performance with pleasure, progress with play. Here are the products that brought a smile to my face in 2025:
SRAM Force E1: The Mid-Tier Revolution
When SRAM unveiled the E1-generation Red groupset, my excitement wasn't solely about Red. I was more intrigued by what this meant for Force and Rival. SRAM has a reputation for quickly bringing new tech to its mid-tier offerings, and I suspected the Force E1 would be a game-changer.
And I was right! The Force E1 delivers on the promise of top-tier performance at a more accessible price point. It's a testament to SRAM's commitment to innovation and their understanding of what cyclists truly want.
And This Is the Part Most People Miss...
In a world where we often get caught up in the latest and greatest, it's easy to overlook the simple joys. My favorite things this year are a reminder that sometimes, it's the familiar terrain, the dirt under our tires, and the freedom to leave the power meter at home that bring the most satisfaction.
So, as we reflect on 2025, I encourage you to think about your own cycling journey. What brings you true joy on the bike? And are you ready to embrace a little more type one fun?
Let's keep the conversation going! What are your favorite things in cycling? And how do you strike the balance between performance and pleasure?
