As we pedal our way into the new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had at Now Bikes in 2023. Our shop has been buzzing with excitement, and our passionate staff have put together a few of their favorite things from 2023. From conquering challenging trails to cruising city streets, we've embraced every aspect of the two-wheeled lifestyle. In this article, join us as we share the highlights and our personal favorites from the past year—gear, gadgets, and unforgettable rides that have made 2023 an unforgettable chapter in the Now Bikes story. Get ready to be inspired, discover new must-haves, and relive the joy of cycling with us!
Reynolds BlackLabel ATR Wheels
The Reynolds BlackLabel ATR wheels with Industry9 hubs are my surprise pick for 2023. I say surprise because these wheels are meant to be a budget-friendly carbon wheel option, but the performance is that of other high-end carbon wheels I’ve ridden. The I9 hubs offer lightning fast engagement, and the wider rim profile allows for all sorts of tire options to fit any modern gravel bike.
-Jeff Hagen
Jumbo Visma's Three-peat
2023 was a real treat for anyone following the pro tour. Not only did Team Jumbo Visma defend their Tour de France title, but they went ahead and won the Giro and the Vuelta as well, completing the Grand Tour sweep. The evolution and drama of that team made for some incredible stages to tune into this season.
-Mike Johnson
Group Rides
A big highlight of the year was the group rides out of our St. Paul shop and seeing how many new faces showed up each week. It was great to have such amazing turnouts again. After a few years of weird turnout due to the pandemic, it was special to see the rides return to their old form.
-Sam Morgen
Escape From Alcatraz
My favorite thing from 2023 was participating in the famous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Jumping into San Francisco Bay under the shadow of Alcatraz followed by riding Golden Gate State Park and wrapping up with a run that includes the iconic Sand Ladder is potentially a once in a lifetime experience. For anyone that’s considered taking the plunge I can’t recommend the experience enough. Go do it!
-Mike Bieber
Riding the Range
If you’ve met me then you know how much I love e-mountain bikes. But this year it’s not about the bike itself, but rather the places my bike took me. And of all the places I rode, the wealth of trail systems along the iron range takes the cake.Riding Tioga & Red Head and staying at the Rapids Hotel was a dream birthday weekend trip that I’ll never forget, and was one of the top highlights of my year.
-Rich Sherman
Brewery Hopping On Bike
Brewery hopping on bike just hits different, and that’s what I loved getting up to in 2023. I’m a big fan of metal bikes and have been ripping around on my Surly, but my dream bar crawler would be the Otso Fenrir Ti.
-Jorden Morey
Pivot Trail 429
Riders always say your favorite bike is the one you ride. This past year, I have to say the Pivot Trail 429 exceeded my expectations. This bike made all my rides more enjoyable. Local rides on Friday nights, day trips to Cuyuna, and the annual trip to Bentonville were all amazing.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this trail bike climbed, and it is equally at home on chunky and downhill trails. Thank you Pivot for making a do it all trail bike and holding customer and employee Demos in Minnesota.
-Jeremi Smith
Electric Gravel Bikes
In the 2023 bike season, I rode almost exclusively my Pinarello and Cannondale e-gravel bikes. The ability to stretch my rides longer at the push of a button is getting me out on my bike more and more. Sometimes life takes priority over riding, but my e-bikes allow me to continue doing the same rides I love, even when I can’t get out every week.
-Paul Himmelman