Anne-Marije Rook's 2024 Gear of the Year: from the best brakes on the market to great earbuds and a statement t-shirt

In 2024, I fell back in love with road riding and witnessed women’s sports make history time and again

Anne-Marije Rook at the Mondraker press camp
(Image credit: Josh Becker / Mondraker)

As I sat down to name my favourite products for 2024, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the journeys they’ve been a part of. This year has been filled with memorable rides: from a 120-mile epic, where climbing Mt. Ventoux was just the midpoint, to a trek across Morocco. There were also plenty of adventures had at home, from a spontaneous solo bikepacking overnighter to a rare chance to pedal up one of Portland’s busiest roads, temporarily transformed into a serene, car-free zone after a winter storm. And, of course, a couple of idyllic Pacific Northwest days capped off with a quick dip into a mountain lake.

For years, gravel and adventure riding have been my mainstay, but in 2024, I rediscovered my love for the road: the rhythm of the miles ticking by, the reward of a climb conquered, the changing scenery, and the simplicity of rolling out without debating tyre choices or packing extra gear for self-sufficiency in remote areas. There’s a special allure to the straightforwardness of road cycling that I’d lost touch with, in part, due to a few too many bad encounters with cars while riding.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Anne-Marije Rook
North American Editor

Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.

Originally from the Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon, she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a journalist for two decades, including 12 years in cycling.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.