What piece of cycling kit/gear is not essential but has enhanced your experience enough not to ever go back?

Tubeless tyres and dropper posts have changed mountain biking for the better, as has properly controlled suspension.

On the road STI shifting was a game changer, taken for granted now but the ability to change gear without moving your hands from the bars impacts so many aspect of safe, fast riding.

Aero tech filtering down to ‘normal bikes’, nothing wrong with free watts!
 
Freehub wheels instead of screw-on freewheels - much, much stronger wheels as a result.
Cartridge bottom brackets.
Better brakes (hydro, in whatever flavour - Magura or disc)
LED lighting - brighter and with much longer battery life.

Not much else to be honest.
 
SPD's & a Camelbak were utter gamechangers for me bitd. Both enabled faster, more efficient cycling.
These days I'd be inclined to mention Hot chain-waxing or the advances in breathable clothing & chamois technology.
 
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