Two recent upgrades that I think have made significant changes to my riding experience.
One: the grips
ODI Elite Pro v2.1 were recommended and on a whim I bought some. The promises are reduced fatigue, they really do make a difference.
Two: the pedals
DMR Vault Pedals are large, super grippy, and I think have improved my riding. The super solid feeling is amazing. The Deity’s I had been using were really good, but the Vaults give me more consistent good contact – that is less foot wriggling to get good grip.
However, I have recently been feeling quite remarkable calf fatigue, it could be related to these pedals, it could also, and far more likely, be related to my lack of riding. I will continue to monitor calf fatigue on the downhills.