Gear of the year 2018: top picks from Aoife Glass The kit that's made the difference this year Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Whatsapp Share on Reddit Email to a friend By Aoife Glass January 2, 2019 at 12:01 am Aoife’s favourite pieces of bike tech and kit from 2018 vraious Immensely playful and fun to ride, the Joplin is still a favourite Oliver Woodman / Immediate Media Co The Intrigue felt at home on a wide range of trails Reuben Krabbe / Liv A full-face helmet that feels as comfy and light as a trail shell? Pretty much! Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co MIPS is an increasingly common sight in helmet design, thankfully Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co The wide face opening gives what feels like a much wider field of view Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co These MT500 Spray trousers from Endura aren’t waterproof, but they are effectively water resistant Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co Mountain bike trousers, I love you! Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co This compact Karcher washer is great for getting the worst of the muck off Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co When not in use, the hose coils up neatly inside the box Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co The new Shimano 105 R7000 shifters have a similar shape to the pricer Ultegra models Laura Dow / LauraDow.com As a pale, sun-sensitive redhead, I’m happy to find more protective products like these arm screens Machines for Freedom Stand by for a full review of the Specialized saddle in the new year Specialized Made from a stretchy, reflective material, these water-resistant shoe covers provide full reflectivity Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co The stretchy bright pink panel up the back conceals the zip Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co Some of the reflective coating on the fabric has worn away on where it’s rubbed against something Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co