This episode is our year-end bike awards show—but not the polished, press-release version.We’re running through the categories that actually mattered this year, based on what was ridden, broken, overhyped, underrated, and learned the hard way. No spec-sheet worship. No brand-safe takes.Eligibility:Anything discussed had to be released this year or meaningfully come into popularity this year.Categories covered:• Bike of the Year• Ride of the Year• Component / Tech of the Year• Brand of the Year• Most Overhyped• Most Underrated• Best Value• Best Looking Bike• Disappointment of the Year• Trend of the Year• What Actually Mattered This YearSome picks are obvious.Some are going to piss people off.A few have nothing to do with gear at all.This isn’t about crowning winners.It’s about pressure-testing the things we all argue about and figuring out what actually moved the needle on the trail this year.If you’ve got strong opinions, you’re in the right place.