Note: This post is filed by Grannygear from SoCal. Here is “Granny’s Best of 2008″:

Riding bikes is more than just about stuff. But sometimes a good product or addition to your bag of tricks is so good that it makes every ride that much better. I thought I would highlight a few products that made the top of my list this past year.

1.Good shoes - After having used rather inexpensive but decent shoes over the years, I had to finally replace my old slippers with some new ones. I tried some house brand internet specials first. The cost was appealing, but they fit terribly. Remember the old joke about a Volvo car looking like the box the car came in? Well, I might as well have worn the shoe box as these babies. So much for cheap shoes. So, I went down to the local bike shop and tried some of the Specialized Body Geometry shoes. Oh! So that is how a shoe should feel! They have continued to be a comfortable shoe with only one complaint. The buckle can be a bit cranky, especially if it is grimy and you have cold fingers. Getting it to release can be way harder than it should be. $120.00 bucks or so for the not quite top of the line Comp shoe (2008 shoe), new models may be slighty different in price or features.

2.The right hydration pack – I bought two packs this year, one being the larger Deuter pack and it is a great item, but the Camelbak Octane XC has been the killer app for under half day rides and after work stuff. I am learning the art of packing less and the Octane allows for some tools, 70oz of water, a nice cargo strap on the back for jackets, etc, and the very cool little wings with zippered pouches. It rides like it is not there and carries what I need.

3. Baggy shorts – I fell in love with baggies this last year. I love the pockets and the loose, comfy fit. But some are more comfy than others when the ride gets into multiple hours. The Specialized Demo short is the one I reach for most often. I like the long legs that hit just over the top of the knee cap and the slimmer fit than most. The chamois is quite comfy and the short material is stretchy, but not floppy. I would like more clothing I buy to be this good.

4. GPS mapping software – This year I discovered the fun of tracking a ride with a GPS unit and then downloading it to a computer and displaying the results with customized mapping software. I use Topofusion, a free download with upgrade options for extra cost, this program was developed by a bike nut and explorer minded fellow and is very easy to learn and use. It is nice to be gadget free, but to be able to track your ride, elevation gain, etc, and then lay it out over a map to see it in all its glory is very cool. Add to that the excellent feature of being able to share ride files between other folks with GPS units and you have a winner.

5. Tires – I have run through a few tires this year, but the ones that I like the best so far are the Specialized Captain Control 2.2s. All around excellent performers, I have not found anything that they do not do well. I have one mounted on the front of the Lev with a Eskar 2.3 S on the rear. I think it will stay there a while.

There were other cool things, but these made my top five for 2008. 2009 may find another top five, but until then these will roll into the new year making each ride a little better.

Grannygear