Trevor's Favorite MTB Things of 2025

As the years go on, I’ve had the opportunity to test and ride an absurd amount of bikes, components, and gear. That constant rotation has refined my palate. Some things stick around, some get passed along, and a select few genuinely blow me away with how much they elevate the ride experience.

These aren’t necessarily brand new 2025 products, but they’re the ones that made the biggest impact on my season. They changed my setup, boosted my confidence, and made every pedal stroke a little better.

1. Forbidden Druid V2 — High Pivot Dreams

First up is my one and only current steed, the Forbidden Druid V2. I wrote a full bike check on this thing, but here’s the short version: this is a “do it all” setup that somehow feels like cheating physics. I run two wheelsets depending on the ride, a lighter 29er trail setup for local laps and a burlier mixed-wheel option for enduro and bike park days.

Mine’s built with the stock 130mm rear travel Rockshox Super Deluxe shock paired with a 160mm Lyrik fork, and of course, SRAM Maven brakes (more on those below). It’s a unique setup that feels perfect for everything from fast XC pedals to steep enduro terrain.

When I first threw a leg over this bike as a shop demo, it instantly clicked. The suspension feel, traction, and calmness in rough terrain. I knew that I had to do a dream build. And now that dream is reality. The Druid keeps surprising me with how much it can handle. It pedals efficiently like a shorter travel trail bike yet descends like something much bigger. The high-pivot platform isn’t just hype; it’s real traction and composure that make you feel faster and more confident everywhere.

2. Trail One Hell's Gate Grip — Comfort Meets Control

I’m completely ruined for other grips. Once I started running the Trail One Hell's Gate grips, there was no going back.

They’re a 32mm diameter grip made from a uniquely soft rubber compound that only gets tackier as it breaks in. That extra thickness lets me relax my hands and forearms on long, rough descents. Arm pump is basically gone. I feel comfortable riding these grips with or without gloves which is something that I cannot say for all or even most grips on the market. 

As someone who’s constantly testing bikes, it’s actually a relief to have one less variable in the setup equation. My grips are dialed, period. They’re a perfect example of how a small component can make a massive difference in how your bike feels. If grips are your first connection point to the bike, these make that connection buttery smooth.

3. Garmin Forerunner 965 — Data Without the Downer

I resisted this one for way too long. For years, everyone at the shop gave me grief for being the only one without a Garmin watch. I finally caved, picked up the Forerunner 965, and honestly, it’s changed how I track and manage everything from rides to recovery.

I’d tried a Whoop before, but it always left me frustrated. It didn’t really do anything on your wrist, and its recovery algorithm seemed to exist just to make you feel guilty for not sleeping enough. Garmin is a totally different story.

With the Forerunner 965, I can log rides, runs, and workouts, track sleep, calories, monitor heart rate and VO₂ max, and it syncs seamlessly with Strava. The battery life is stellar, easily a week or more per charge, and the interface actually feels designed for people who ride, run, and live active lives. I recently found how useful it's GPS feature. It allowed me to navigate unknown confusing trails in the Arizona desert. With this watch there is not much need for a computer display on your bike anymore. 

Pro tip: swap the silicone band for a velcro strap (I found mine on Amazon after Jeff’s suggestion). It’s more breathable, more adjustable, and doesn’t chafe your wrist when you’re sweating mid-ride.

4. USWE Rush 8 Vest — Comfort That Hugs Back

I’ve been a long-time fan of USWE packs, mostly for their legendary “No Dancing Monkey” harness system that keeps things rock solid. But the new USWE Rush 8 Vest takes it to another level of comfort and function.

I’ve only been using it for a few months, but it’s easily become my go-to riding pack. Traditional packs tend to pull down on your shoulders when loaded up, especially if you’re carrying tools, water, and snacks. The Rush 8 fixes that by wrapping your torso like a hug and distributing weight across your midsection and upper back instead of your traps.

It’s loaded with smart storage too: two front strap pockets for ride snacks, gels, or a GoPro, and a main compartment with a dedicated hydration sleeve and extra space for layers or spares. The design gives you full range of motion while feeling more balanced than any other pack I’ve tried. If you’ve ever finished a ride with sore shoulders, this vest is your new best friend. I am able to load the pack with 2 liters of water, snacks for a huge day out + some room for a bit of gear and spares if needed. 

5. SRAM Maven Brakes — Ultimate Power, Properly Dialed

I’ve been running SRAM Maven brakes for about two years now, and my appreciation for them only grows. When I spec’d them on the Druid, everything clicked.

They’re unapologetically powerful, arguably the most powerful brakes on the market, but that power only shines when they’re set up perfectly. We even made a video on Maven setup and bleeding because the details matter here. A perfect bleed, free-moving pistons, and the right rotor size are key.

I’ve been running 180mm rotors front and rear, occasionally bumping to 200mm for park days and sintered pads across the board. I don’t want crazy bite and these give consistent power down the whole run. With most brakes, that setup would cook in minutes, but the Mavens thrive with a bit of heat. They’re designed to handle it. Once dialed, the power is smooth, predictable, and confidence inspiring. These brakes let you ride harder, brake later, and stay in control.

6. Trail One Shed Wheelset — Built to Smash, Priced to Survive

The last piece on my list is one that I’ve spent a lot of time thrashing, the Trail One Shed Wheelset.

I’ve been testing these all year on everything from pro enduro races to Whistler Bike Park laps, and they’ve taken every hit without flinching. Built in-house with DT Swiss 350 DEG hubs, DT Comp spokes, and a downhill-rated rim featuring a shallow bed and thick 4mm lip, these wheels strike the perfect balance between compliance and strength.

That rim profile helps prevent pinch flats and rim dings even at low pressures while still offering a great ride feel. The wheels are available in both full 29" and MX configurations and are hand built right here in-house by yours truly, which means every detail is done right.

They’re the downhill setup on my Druid but have also survived weeks of park abuse on a Revel Ritual without skipping a beat. The price point is shockingly reasonable for what you get, true lifetime-level durability without the boutique price tag.

Final Thoughts

2025 has been a year of refining, not reinventing. These are the products that didn’t just impress me once, they earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation. Whether it’s the dreamlike composure of the Forbidden Druid, the comfort of the Hellsgate grips, or the bombproof confidence of the Shed wheels, each of these made my rides smoother, faster, and a lot more fun.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: chasing that perfect ride experience, one piece of dialed gear at a time.