Week two of the Grand Bikemagic Reader Awards-othon – if you missed the first part, which explained what on earth was going on and what it’s got to do with you, catch up and then get back to us…

Up to speed? Right, on with the show. This week we’re looking for nominations to go on the shortlist for a bunch of gear-related awards. Browse the categories, have a ponder then splurge your brains on the forum.

And if you didn’t have your say on the Bike categories, fear not – that thread‘s still open.

Garment of the year

Superb shoes, just perfect jackets, sweet shorts, great gloves or heavenly helmets – we’re looking for the wearable item that’s stood out from the rest. If it goes between your skin and the outside world, it’s eligible for this award. Probably – we’ll argue about the eligibility of chamois cream later.

Best upgrade

There’s a lot of stuff that you can bolt to your bike, but which bits really make a difference? Nominate the forks, tyres, wheels, cranks, grips or whatever it is that’s moved your ride up a level.

Innovation

In the march of technology there’s the main troop hanging in there in the middle and a few stragglers struggling to keep up. But never mind them – we’re looking for the pace-setters up the front. Which bit of technology looks set to succeed? Time to split the greatness from the gimmickry.

Bike manufacturer of the year

We’ve already had your suggestions for actual bikes, but this is broader – which manufacturer has most consistently got its bikes sorted? It could be a big brand that’s got all the bases covered with good bikes, or a small brand making a real difference in its niche. The choice is yours…

Kit manufacturer of the year

As above, but for manufacturers of components, accessories or clothing. It might be breadth of competence or for just a handful of stand-out products, but which brands stand out from the rest?

Plenty of food for thought there. Chew it over, allow it to digest and then post the results on the forum…