Paul’s Top Picks of 2024
It's time to bring this year to a close, and for that, here are my top moments, places, and gears of 2024 to share with you all. Let me just preface all this by saying how epic this year has been. New friends, new bikes, and a lot of kilometers later, it's been a tough but awesome twelve months, thanks to each and every one of you readers.
Omnium Mini-Max $3280
During the spring, a friend and I decided to get a Cargo-Bike in Tokyo. And to be fair, it was the best decision ever. As an ex-messenger, it's sometimes difficult to imagine my life without access to a cargo bike, and for Tokyo, we needed something nimble, not too big, and available in Asia. Thanks to Circles, we got our hands on a Mini-Max, and it's been rolling every day since! Hopefully, more cargo content is coming next year!
Harman Phoenix 200 $14
So I've shot around 280 rolls of film this year, and Harman Phoenix is by far my highlight of 2024. It's grainy, clearly imperfect, and sometimes gives away really weird results. So why? Well, Phoenix gives me that extra touch of the unknown when I'm shooting, and I love it! I'm hooked on that feeling of having no idea if my shot will turn out normal or completely off-balance with weird yellow/green tones. If you're looking for an exciting analog experience, I highly recommend it. See my full review, here.
MKS Sylvan Track NEXT $70
When I went to pick up the No.22 Little Wing, I went out and purchased a new set of pedals, straps, and cages. Based on Nickolas' recommendation, I opted for the "NEXT" model of my usual MKS Sylvan Track. Weighing in at 25g lighter and equipped with Triple Sealed Cartridge Bearings, I assumed I wouldn't notice a difference. However, I was so wrong! These are a game-changer, and I wish I had known about them sooner. We often discuss having the smoothest drivetrain: hubs, cog, chainring, chain, bottom bracket, but we frequently overlook pedals! Although pricier than the standard version, this upgrade is a 100% worth it in my opinion. And now, I know I'll never buy the regular version again.
NYLAARN Sunglasses $170
You can read my initial review of the Nylaarn sunglasses here. Over the past year, they’ve become a constant companion, traveling with me everywhere. While they’re a bit oversized for my head, they are perfect for cycling. I’m not a huge fan of the aero-Oakley style, so these were exactly what I needed. And even after a year of heavy use, they’re still going strong, absolutely zero issues whatsoever.
Love Letter Turbo $33
I went to a bunch of events this year, but, nothing quite like the release party of Love Letter Turbo. From the rides to the hangouts, everything was great, and even if an event has the best program possible; it’s participants ultimately determines if it’s going to be a success or not. And what a great time we had! A lot of you during that weekend were readers or listeners of Slow Spin Society, and meeting so many people following what I do and seeing everyone connect was just one of the best moments of the year. Really looking forward to the second edition of Love Letter Turbo in April 2025!
Dungeons and Daddies
I do listen to a lot of podcasts, but Dungeons and Daddies is one of my favorites, and it's always been a reliable source of laughter when I'm on long solo trips. In fact, I listened to the first season twice, and I wouldn't mind going for a third run! Dungeons and Daddies (Not a BDSM Podcast) is a DnD show following four dads, transported into a world of magic and fantasy, as they search for their lost sons. The storytelling is absolutely amazing, and so is the performance of the "dads." Give it a try on your next bikepacking trip.
Path Backyard
Path Backyard opened this year in south Tokyo, and they've been incredibly helpful every time I needed assistance in Japan. Taiga and Kaito are both in their mid-twenties and have a fresh and very open approach to cycling. Not only that, but they offer a “Frame repair service” where they will do everything you can think of for your steel frame. Realignment, adding disc mounts, crafting a new fork, if that's what you want, they can make it happen. They also organize regular group rides and events, such as the Rustout crit, which I covered this summer.
Macroblank
I think without good tunes, I couldn't manage all the hours of writing I do for SSS without going absolutely insane. Macroblank has been the main provider of said tunes this year, and I decided to go with them rather than any other of the thousands "Music channels" available on YouTube. But Why? First, the mixes are genuinely good, and with a great choice in genres. But why I decided to stick with Macroblank is also because I know they've been here long enough for it not to be AI music.
I personally use AI on a daily basis to check my grammar or write boring emails explaining that the government has got my taxes wrong again this year. But music is where I draw the line! I love human music and so should you!
No. 22 Little Wing $4299
I keep talking about it, and the Little Wing is really the main highlight of my year, not just because of the bike itself. But having a company recognize my work and give me this kind of opportunity was a huge step for me. I'll release my six-month review in January, but in the meantime, you can check out all of the content I've done with No.22 right here. ➡️ No. 22 Bicycle Compagny
Hope these will give you some ideas for next year, and as this is the last write-up of 2024, I guess I can only tell you that I’m super excited for what’s to come in next!
See you in 2025!
