Best of 2023

We've rated some 400 of the best - and worst - products in 2023. But which are our hottest picks of the year? Here's our 23 for '23...

01 Shoes Shimano RX6

The RX6 (£160), available for men and women, are excellent shoes for gravel riding, rough-stuff touring, day-to-day winter riding and more. They've proven comfortable, practical and versatile - and easy to clean after muddy winter rides. The sole's pattern of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane - a tough, abrasion-resistant plastic) lugs worked well on a variety of surfaces, including more grip than we expected on mud, yet they remain stiff and supportive enough when cycling. The single BOA dial and a Velcro strap over the forefoot also offer quick and easy on-the-fly adjustability.

02 Jacket Castelli Emergency 2

At £180, it's an investment but, from the construction to wet-weather performance, Castelli's Emergency 2 jacket (men's and women's versions) oozes quality. It boasts a fully-taped waterproof shell (10,000mm rating) that's easily stashed into a jersey pocket and an elasticated hem that keeps the jacket snug around hips and cuffs. A waterproof full zip is easy to pull down on climbs, and there's also a mesh vent below a flap at the top of the back.

03 Saddle Scratch M5 AGX Tirox

The Scratch M5 unisex saddle (£103.99) for adventure, gravel and cyclocross riders is designed for stability and vibration-absorbing compliance. The central area of the shell allows the saddle's highly elastic padding to deform significantly, so it feels like a cut-out without a complete opening. In use, it offers most of the pressure-relieving benefits, but with greater support, no firm edges and no unwanted spray. It's the most comfy and supportive saddle we've used for cyclo-cross. It's also easy to clean.

04 Bike Ridley Grifn 105 Di2