rends happen. Usually, they show up in an industry that hungers for innovation, make a few waves, and then fade into the background to be replaced by new trends.

 

But, when taken together and analyzed, they may hint at where the industry is headed in general, offering a glimpse of what the future may hold.

 

So, even if you’re not exactly in the market for a new bike right now, we’re pretty sure you’ll appreciate a little projection to help unravel cycling’s horizon. 

 

Electronics

 

Purists may still scoff at electronic bikes, but there’s no denying that they are showing up all over the place these days. Don’t expect that to stop anytime soon. In fact, if anything, we should expect to see a further widening of e-bike offerings as manufacturers look to take fresh technologies into gravel and other niche riding styles.

 

This electronic revolution is happening everywhere, even on bikes that rely upon pure pedal power. Electronic features are becoming a big selling point for high-end and even mid-range bikes, which means it’s only a matter of time before they become an industry standard. 

 

For example, Shimano’s new semi-wireless Dura-Ace and Ultegra drivetrain groups are helping to bring wireless shifting into the mainstream, which happens to align perfectly with another pervasive bicycle trend: integration.

 

Simplicity

 

2021 was the first year that manufacturers truly embraced integrated wiring, offering a slew of bikes and handlebar systems that kept all of the unsightly wires protected on the inside. While traditionalists may prefer to dismiss integration as a fad, it’s probably not something they’d want to bet upon. This is probably a trend that is here to stay.

 

Integration itself doesn’t present much of an advantage for most riders. Yes, not having cables sticking out of your bike means there is less for it to get caught up on, but that’s not really a big consideration to anyone who isn’t riding through a thicket of branches.

 

The big value here – and the reason this trend has staying power – is looks. Integration streamlines the way a bike looks in a way that is very hard to dislike. And when coupled with the rise of onboard electronics (as discussed above), it’s easy to see how the two trends support each other to invite a coming generation of high-tech riding machines.

 

Tires

 

Of course, we can’t go further into where these trends are leading without first considering where the rubber meets the road, or perhaps the trail, as the case may be. We’ve been seeing tires get wider on both road and off-road bikes for some time now, but it seems like the cyclocross market has finally gotten the memo. Cyclocross bikes are now showing up with wider forks, making room for wider tires with plenty of clearance.

 

For this development, you can thank the almost universal prevalence of disc brakes, which have been quietly taking over for decades. Not only do they allow for greater clearances, but – you guessed it – they also fit in perfectly with the streamlined, minimal aesthetic mentioned above.

 

But that’s just part of the story. The other part is the growth of the tubeless tire market.

 

More and more road bikes are rolling out of the factory on tubeless rims, ultimately cementing tubeless as the industry standard it was always destined to be.

 

While, at first glance, this might not seem to be related to the streamlined electronic bike of the future, the importance of innertubes sunsetting should not be understated. Innertubes have been around for almost as long as bikes themselves, and their predominance has virtually stifled innovation in this arena.

 

Removing tubes from the tire equation is not merely a less-visible form of streamlining, but it’s also a way of opening the door to more innovative ways of balancing traction and comfort for the future.

 

Conclusion

 

Taken separately, each of these emergent and ongoing trends can simply be seen as ways for manufacturers to sell more bikes. And they are certainly that. But bike sales follow trends set by consumers, not manufacturers. That means that they speak of a greater truth, a desire for something that does not already exist in the market.

 

Our money is on the streamlined electronic bicycle of the future. How about you?