Our picks for the best bikes and cycling accessories this fall will have you spinning in comfort and style.
Salsa
Blackthorn 145 C Deore 12
With 145mm of rear travel and a 160-mm fork, this carbon-frame 29er can handle serious terrain, but that doesn’t mean it’s a pig on the climbs. In fact, the Split Pivot suspension not only sucks up big hits, it also engages for efficient pedaling on the up. Add in an ultra-reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and you have a mountain bike that’s ready for big rides out in the rough stuff, and it flows like a dream when the singletrack gets good. Plus, on-bike cargo mounts hold two water bottles, a repair kit, and tube, simplifying your ride. Best of all, it rings in at a reasonable price for such a serious ride. $3,999; salsacycles.com
ENGWE
L20 2.0
This foldable 20-inch fat-tire e-bike is ideal for those who want to take their ride to go—it fits right in the back of your vehicle and pops out to roam campgrounds, gravel roads in the backcountry, or commuter trails when you work away from home. The powerful 750W motor, built-in lights, and a rear rack make it practical, but what really surprised us was just how well the bike performed for a folding rig—even when we challenged it on rough roads. $799; engwe-bikes.com
Pivot
Shuttle AM
Here’s something to drool over. Pivot’s brand new all-mountain electric mountain bike blends carbon finesse with Bosch power for a machine that can tackle big rides with aplomb. The 150mm of rear travel and 160-mm fork, the Fox Live Valve Neo (developed with Pivot) that reads the trail to add or subtract stiffness, and Bosch’s Performance Line CX and CX-R systems with 100Nm of torque and 750 watts of peak output give this bike serious guts and a smooth ride no matter where you venture with it. It’s the e-bike for those who are really ready to throw down to explore everywhere in the deep reaches of the Blue Ridge. $8,499–$14,499; pivotcycles.com
Sweet Protection
Strayer 2Vi Mips
This serious all-mountain lid combines Sweet’s new 2Vi tech, which provides strength at a light weight, with MIPS, which mitigates concussions, to ensure your noggin stays safe if you go down. The fit system makes it easy to dial in no matter your skull shape, and don’t be fooled by the stormtrooper feel: There’s enough ventilation to keep a cool head, even on demanding climbs. $300; sweetprotection.com
Craft
ADV Bike Subz LS Jersey
This comfy piece combines the warmth of wool, a sleek fit, just enough compression, and Scandinavian style for a jersey that’s ideal for riding into the cold days of fall and beyond. And the wool-poly blend in this Swedish masterpiece stays warm even when wet. While it may look minimalist, four back pockets will hold all the stuff you need on a long ride. $155; craftsports.us
Flylow
Davis Anorak
This featherweight windbreaker is an easy way to be prepared for anything—just stash it in your pack or a big pocket for when the weather heads south. Ripstop construction means it’s far stronger than it looks and a PFC-free DWR finish holds off the worst of a light squall. $120; flylowgear.com
Wild Rye
Frankie Women’s Bike Short
Women-operated mountain bike brand Wild Rye continues to understand what women want in the saddle. With a high-rise waist, 12-inch inseam, and stretchy yet durable fabric, the Frankie offers up comfort and performance on the trail with a good dash of style. Bonus: Inclusive sizing ensures everyone can find the perfect fit. $139; wild-rye.com
Smith
Shift Mag
These high-performance photochromic shades adjust as the light changes during your ride—no matter if that’s because the sun’s going down or you just burst out into a bright meadow from the dark of deep woods. And the wide lens and a stable, lightweight frame combine to make you forget you are even wearing them. Plus, magnetic lens swapping technology makes it simple to switch between the photochromic lenses and a clear option (included) when the sun goes down. $337; smithoptics.com
