Guthrie's Top Picks of 2021
2021 was a year of ups and downs for all of us, but at least we had our bicycles to get through it. Here at Guthrie's, it was a busy year but we never missed a chance to go ride ourselves! We wanted to share some insider secrets on the best gear from 2021. Here's some of our favorite bikes and products from the past year. We stand behind (and ride on) all these products.
Bikes
We are lucky to carry some of the best brands in the business and to be able to ride the latest and greatest models. We know it's hard to keep up with the technology but fortunately, we were able to ride a bunch and are happy to keep you up to speed. Here are our top 5 bike picks:
Pivot Switchblade
As the name implies, this bike is ready for anything you throw at it. Since its redesign in 2020, the Switchblade has proven itself as a do-it-all trail master. It climbs like a dream and stays smooth and planted on the downs. Not to mention it has some of the best color schemes in the game.
The Switchblade has the right amount of suspension (142mm rear, 160 front) to be equally capable on climbs and decents. It comes as a 29er but is capable of running a 27.5+ setup.
Trek Rail
Do you love mountain biking but hate the climbs? Have you sometimes wanted to ride longer but just don't have the legs for it? Well, the Trek Rail might be your solution. This is a long-travel electric mountain bike built for ripping all kinds of trails. It has the same tech as Trek's analog trail bikes, but features a Bosch drive system to give you a boost when you need it. One of our favorite things about this bike is its versatility, and the Rail comes in carbon or aluminum, as well as multiple build packages.
Santa Cruz Blur
If going fast is your thing and you live for those uphill KOM's on Strava, then the Blur might be for you. Even if that doesn't describe you, I bet you'll still love this bike. This long-awaited redesign of the Blur did not disappoint. Using a new Superlight suspension design, the Blur maximizes traction and sensitivity on both climbs and descents, while producing more efficient forward-drive compared to its predecessor. Hop on this thing and you might go so fast that you'll quite literally become a "blur" on the trail.
Trek Allant+ 7S
This may be the only non-mountain bike on our list, but it is no slouch. When it comes to getting you where you need to go, look no further than the Allant+ 7S. This is a fast, stylish e-bike with road-smoothing benefits like wide tires and a suspension fork. Its Bosch performance motor will propel you at speeds up to 28 mph, and it even comes with a rack to carry all of your stuff!
Pivot Trail 429
If you didn't get the hint from the last bike, Pivot killed it with their 2021 lineup, and the Trail 429 is no exception. With a 130mm fork and 120mm of rear travel, this bike blurs the line between cross-country race machine and trail smasher. However, upon riding it you wouldn't dare label it as an XC bike, the Trail 429 deserves a class of its own. It is incredibly nimble and responsive but still has the chops to handle laps in the bike park. It's no wonder this bike is among our favorites.
Products
Bikes are cool, but it's the gear you use that really makes or breaks a ride. Here are some of our favorite products from 2021 (and all time).
Kuat NV Base 2.0
If there was a Cadillac of hitch-mounted bike racks, this would be it. The Kuat NV Base 2.0 is sleek, sturdy, and sets the standard for how cars should carry bikes. Features like the foot-assisted pivot system, integrated cable locks, and adjustable tire cradles are just the cherry on top when it comes to usability. It is pricey ($749) but you really do get what you pay for with this quality hitch rack. If you have e-bikes, don't risk using any other rack.
Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer
Wouldn't you love to ride from the comfort of your own home? How about from the comfort of your own bike too? The Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer makes this possible. With best-in-class design and unmatched compatibility, the KICKR really does provide the ultimate indoor cycling experience. By hooking your bike's drivetrain directly onto the trainer, you benefit from reduced noise and a more realistic feel compared to a traditional trainer. You can even pair it with accessories like the KICKR CLIMB Grade Simulator or the HEADWIND Smart Fan for a truly immersive ride. Not a fan of indoor riding? Try syncing a Wahoo Kickr with the popular cycling app Zwift and its a whole new game.
MTX Red Label Brake Pads
If there's one thing you want to perform well on your bike, it's the brakes. Most bikes nowadays have hydraulic disc brakes, which require brake pads to operate. MTX makes some of the best money can buy with their Red Label brake pads. These pads feature a dense ceramic material that bites down hard on your rotors with minimal noise. This translates to excellent stopping power and modulation to ensure you get the most out of your brakes. In fact, MTX is so confident in these brake pads that they even come with a 30 day guarantee.
Fox Speedframe Helmets
If there's an accessory more important than brake pads, it's probably one that protects your noggin. Thanks to Fox you can do this in style with their Speedframe mountain bike helmet. This helmet is oriented towards trail riders and offers plenty of coverage and protection. It features a 3-position visor, an open-face design for maximum visibility, and a MIPS liner for impact protection.
Five Ten Freerider Pro
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more capable flat pedal mountain bike shoe than the Freerider Pro. This shoe has been a staple in Five Ten's lineup for years, and for good reason. Features like the pedal-gripping Stealth rubber and impact resistant toe box make this shoe perfect for even the gnarliest of terrain. Pair this with a cushioned sole and water-resistant lining and you've got a shoe ready for anything you throw at it.
- Devin Keefe and the Guthrie's crew
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