Gadgets and Gear
Bike Shop Favorites in 2026
For the 2026 Ride Guide, we reached out to Wisconsin bike shops to get the dirt on the best new and all-around favorite gadgets and gear. It is our pleasure to share what mechanics and employees really loved. FYI – Almost everyone who responded to our survey raved about Trek’s Air Rush Electric Pump, so we had to include it as the feature photo!
Chris, Smith’s Bike Shop, La Crosse
Trek’s new Air Rush Electric Pump
We’re really excited about Trek’s new Air Rush Electric Pump. It fits in the palm of your hand and replaces both mini pumps and CO2/applicators. It will pump up to 4 tires and set them to exact PSI, a feature which isn’t available with other options. It’s also rechargeable! We now take it when we travel with our bikes instead of bringing a full-sized pump along.
Custom Kit from Borah Teamwear
Smith’s Bike Shop has been ordering custom shop kits from Borah Teamwear for over a decade. Borah is locally made down the road from us, in Coon Valley, WI. At our 130th Anniversary celebration in 2025, we counted up to 9 different, unique designs. In addition to great designs, the kit is always top notch and the customer service is exemplary!
Amos, 2 Rivers Bicycle and Outdoor, Fort Atkinson
Lezyne Flow SL Cage
As a shop, we have largely embraced side-pull bottle cages. With frames getting more aero, compact, or crowded by bags, a side-pull bottle cage is becoming more of a necessity than just a nicety. Our favorite is the Lezyne Flow SL Cage.
Trek Air Rush Mini Compressor / Topeak E-booster
While Trek isn’t the only company doing one of these, we love this one. It feels less wasteful than CO2 cartridges and the rider isn’t out of luck if the first try malfunctions. Honorable mention to the Topeak E-booster version.
Alex , Ben’s Cycle, Milwaukee
SRAM Mechanical Eagle Transmission
It’s awesome to see a manufacturer still making a high-quality, kickass mechanical shifting drivetrain, even as the world is moving more and more towards electronic everything, from shifting, to suspension, and e-bikes. One of the things I love about bikes is that they are mechanical, and I’m stoked when a brand innovates but makes stuff attainable for the average rider.
Old Bikes Getting New Life
Honestly, the thing I’m the most stoked about are old bikes getting a new life. Tons of old 90’s steel mountain bikes are being brought back to life in a million wild and innovative ways: drop bars, baskets, and every possible drivetrain configuration. And people are doing it for a fraction of the cost of most new bikes.
Jessie, Hostel Shoppe, Stevens Point
The Catrike All Road Recumbent
This is a great new trike with full suspension for riders who want stability, comfort, optional e-assist, and lots of color choices. It’s great for paved roads or gravel with cushy-riding Schwalbe Big Apple tires and really soaks up bumps with the full suspension.
The Topeak Modula Java Bottle Cage
This is my new favorite bottle cage. It can hold a large coffee mug, iced coffee, or an oversized water bottle. It adapts in both height and width for all types of beverage holders and is very sturdy! I use it to carry beverages on the back of my trike, but it works great on bikes too.
Want to check out the 2026 Ride Guide magazine? View it online here or pick up a copy at a shop!
Want to receive the 2027 Ride Guide? Share a recurring or one-time gift of $50+ by February 2027!
Looking for the best new equipment and accessories for your next ride?
Visit a local bike shop and talk to the experts!