2024 STAFF STANDOUTS

TRAVIS’S TOP PICKS

Joining The Loam Wolf pack at the beginning of 2024 was huge for me. In 2024, I was able to ride more bikes, test more products, and go on more trips than ever before. Most of all, it meant being able to step away from teaching, and fully pursue a career in mountain bike storytelling.

Looking back on 2024, there are some standouts from the year that I felt compelled to share. From places visited to products and bikes tested, 2024 was real good to me! Here’s a look at some of my favorite mountain bike products and MTB destinations from the past year.

SEDONA, ARIZONA

At the beginning of 2024, I traveled to a media camp in Sedona, just ahead of the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. This would be my first taste of the Arizona red rock and the incredibly technical terrain the area offers, truly discovering the meaning of “Sedona miles.” Aside from the riding, Sedona is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited, with spectacular 360° views from wherever you are. If winters up north have you itching for an escape, consider heading to Sedona.

NORCO SIGHT

With Norco being one of the sponsors of the Sedona media camp, I spent my time there on the new Norco Sight. While a 150mm high-pivot bike wouldn’t be my first choice for Sedona tech, I was impressed with how well the Sight pedaled and climbed. And when the trail pointed down, I was rewarded with supple and smooth suspension that tracked well over the chunk. I hope to get some more time on that bike.

YT DECOY SN

Joining TLW crew this year meant spending time on e-bikes, something I hadn’t previously done. Of all the e-bikes I got to swing a leg over, I had the most fun on the YT Decoy SN. The bike climbed well, and the Fazua drive unit offered enough assistance for the length of rides I could fit into my schedule as a dad. It tackled steep and rough terrain well, but remained agile and playful enough on easier trails. Plain and simple, the Decoy SN is just a great all-rounder eMTB.

TRP TRAIL EVO BRAKES

There is a lot of well-deserved talk about TRP’s DH-R EVO brakes, but don’t sleep on the Trail EVOs. Paired with metallic pads and 203mm rotors, the Trail EVOs had lots of power combined with a good dose of modulation. Since the spotlight is often on the DH-Rs, there is a good chance you can get a set of Trail EVOs for a reasonable price, which is a great bonus too.

SMITH PAYROLL

Smith helmets just fit my head well. So, when they rolled out a new helmet with added tech and features, and an e-bike rating, I was all in! After several months of testing, the Smith Payroll has become my go-to trail helmet, and is going to take some knocking off, metaphorically speaking.

RIDE CONCEPTS LIVEWIRE FLAT PEDAL SHOE

The Livewire shoe dates back to Ride Concept’s beginning, and was revamped for 2024. The shoes were comfortable, with the low profile, skate-style design that I often look for in a trail shoe. They also provided ample support, protection, and grip, to keep me happy on aggressive descents. Ride Concepts use of their High Grip rubber compound and their hexagonal tread pattern locked the Livewires into place—exactly what I was looking for.

PNW LOAM CARBON HANDLEBARS

I’m wrapping up my review of the new PNW Loam Carbon bars, but I can say that they quickly climbed to the top of my handlebar list. The biggest reason is reduced hand and arm fatigue. The 10° back sweep took some time to get used to, but it was worth it in the end. I’ll be looking to fit these to many bikes in the future

OUTDOOR RESEARCH FREEWHEEL KITS

OR was one of our sponsors this year, and I gladly wore the kits they sent our way. For a company that is just dipping their toes into mountain biking, I’d say Outdoor Research did a pretty damn good job. From pants to shorts to jackets, their gear is practical, useful, and not overcomplicated. I’ll still put the Freewheel hip pack as the best hip pack I’ve tested, too, which is no small claim.

RACE FACE ERA WHEELSET

Race Face stirred the waters by stepping away from carbon wheel norms and focusing on lateral compliance with the new Era wheels. While we can debate phrases like “laterally stiff” and “vertically compliant,” the important thing is that the Eras are a hell of a wheelset. Vault hubs, carbon hoops, a robust warranty, and crash replacement for $1600 aren’t too bad…

FOR 2025:

RIDING MOUNTAIN BIKES!

For 2025, I’m stoked to be on my bike more, riding with new people in new places, and having the opportunity to tell those stories!

SUPPORT AND JOIN THE LOAM WOLF PACK

Did you find these highlights helpful? Would you like the chance to review (and keep) products? Are you interested in saving big bucks by getting exclusive Members Only discounts from industry brands all while helping support a small, rider-owned media crew?  We have big plans for our members beyond big discounts and product giveaways! To learn more and help support small, independent media, visit our Member’s Page.