Bike technology continues to grow, expanding into new areas and pushing the boundaries of cycling even further. The bicycle industry isn’t resting on its laurels. Just when you think there might be a temporary stagnation, something new becomes the latest trend, creating development and progress.
The gravel bike revolution isn’t over yet, but a new bike trend is currently in the spotlight. All-road bikes represent bikes that are becoming increasingly versatile and can be disguised as road bikes one day and gravel bikes the next. With brands pushing tire clearance to the max, it’s becoming difficult to tell what’s an all-road bike and what’s a gravel bike. However, this is not the end, and many other developments continue to move the industry forward.
Here are the top 5 current trends you should know about.
all road bike
While not necessarily new, all-road bikes are something that many brands are currently focusing on. Essentially all-road bikes occupy the gray, undefined area between road and gravel bikes. The latest generation of all-road bikes like the ENVE Fray, BMC Roadmachine, and Parlee’s Ouray are all blurring the line between what we think of as a road bike and a gravel bike.
This modern all-road bike was not developed for the rigors of WorldTour racing, nor was it optimized in every way to be as efficient as possible at 50km/h. Instead, it’s made for recreational cyclists who like to explore off the pavement from time to time.
In the case of BMC, all-road bikes are encroaching on gravel bike territory, as they have clearance for up to 40mm tires. One of the great things about the 2024 all-road bike is that it’s designed from the ground up for a more relaxed endurance fit. In the case of the ENVE Fray, the frame is designed around a higher headtube, allowing riders to adopt a firmer (and more aesthetically pleasing) riding position.
In 2024, all-road bikes will be something of a shocker. It’s a bike that can handle a variety of adventures and terrains. Can an all-road bike be as capable on rough or loose surfaces as a dedicated gravel bike? No. Can it be as fast on twisty pavement as a full-fledged stationary bike? No. . But you can enjoy both terrains on the same bike. For the average rider, the allroad category has never been more appealing.
Gravel suspension is not dead yet
In the short history of gravel bikes, there’s one thing that has regularly divided opinion among enthusiasts of the field. It’s the suspension. Many riders think this is too close to mountain biking and adds cost and complexity where it’s not needed. Others prefer the added compliance, grip, and control of a rigid gravel bike.
No matter which camp you belong to, one thing is true. Gravel suspension penetration has always been relatively low, especially from his OEM perspective. However, as we head into 2024, new energy appears to be being invested in the gravel suspension market. Earlier this year Fox released a radically updated version of its 32 Taper cast suspension fork that moves the structural arch behind the stanchions and uses the brand’s FIT4 closed system damper to provide 50mm of front wheel travel. Did.
Also joining the gravel suspension crowd in 2024 is Cane Creek, which released its first gravel fork ahead of the Sea Otter. The Invert CS and Invert SL are claimed by the brand to be “the world’s first gravel forks,” which is a bold statement considering the options that have been released over the years.
This trend will continue for years to come as fresh brands join the gravel suspension party, but it won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular
A relatively new and emerging area of cycling that is gaining momentum is the cargo bike market. These bikes can be used in place of cars for short trips within cities where there are plenty of places to load and store things, and are usually connected to a pedal-assist electric motor.
What was once a niche in the cycling world seems to be going mainstream, with more brands than ever focusing on practical bike design. Specialized and Trek have both tapped into the cargo bike hype, pushing the genre into the mainstream. Meanwhile, brands like Tern are pushing the boundaries of cargo bikes with off-road capable bikes that can provide up to 300 km of pedal assistance.
As the cargo bike market expands, so do the available solutions. Cargo bikes don’t necessarily have to be huge, long bikes that take up space and are unwieldy. Instead, there are plenty of options that have the same footprint as a regular bike, albeit with the extra tubes and mounting racks that are trademarks of cargo bikes.
This new breed of cargo bikes will help bring cargo bikes to more people than ever before, allowing even riders with limited storage space at home to find the cargo bike that’s right for them. . With more and more people actively wanting to travel by car, cargo bikes offer the perfect solution and are only growing in popularity.
Recycled materials are becoming mainstream
With the theme of environmental awareness, the use of recycled materials seems to be attracting attention in the cycling world. First, Schwalbe has launched an inner tube recycling program aimed at reusing old tires and inner tubes instead of sending them to landfill. Schwalbe claims this process saves him 80% of the energy it would take to make the same product from new using recycled inner tubes without compromising quality.
igus bikes are also leading the recycled materials revolution. This brand has managed to create bikes made from 92% recycled materials, and one of his bikes on offer is made from recycled fishing nets. igus bicycles are targeted at the urban rental market, where bicycles are used and abused without much maintenance. The frame, wheels, drivetrain, and even wheel bearings are made from recycled plastic. The only non-recycled plastic used in the manufacture of the bike is the cable for the brakes, the brakes themselves, and the fasteners.
Far East brands offer excellent value
In this day and age, avoiding cycling components from Chinese brands is extremely outdated. The idea of not buying from Chinese companies highlights a misunderstanding of the bicycle market and supply chain. Most components are manufactured in the Far East, with Taiwan being the carbon fiber bicycle manufacturing capital of the world. Generally all but ultra-premium bike parts manufactured in the Far East and bearing the logo of a well-known brand.
There are more and more Far Eastern brands offering quality products, such as LTwoo, Elitewheels and Trigon. This often eliminates additional branding and distribution costs, resulting in significant savings for consumers compared to established Western brands.
You should still be careful and do your research when purchasing parts from brands you have never heard of. Good signs of a trusted brand are a reputable warranty policy and an active and contactable customer service team.
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