Here are 11 of the most significant technological developments and innovations in cycling over the past 2 years, from 2022-2024:
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Wireless electronic shifting
The latest wireless electronic groupsets from Shimano and SRAM have made setup and customization easier than ever. Shifters communicate wirelessly with derailleurs, eliminating the need to route shift cables through frames. Customizable button functions and shift modes can be configured via smartphone apps. -
Integrated cockpits
More bikes are being designed with integrated bar/stem combos that route brake hoses and any shift wires internally for an extremely clean front end. This improves aerodynamics and gives bikes a sleek, high-tech look. -
Disc brakes as the new standard
Disc brakes have become ubiquitous on road, gravel, and mountain bikes in the past few years. Their superior stopping power, modulation, and all-weather performance have made rim brakes nearly obsolete on performance-oriented bikes. -
Tubeless tire technology
Road tubeless has finally reached maturity, with a wide range of wheel and tire options now available. Tubeless allows lower pressures for improved comfort and traction, while reducing flats. The latest tubeless road tires roll as fast as the best clinchers. -
Wide-range 1x drivetrains
On gravel and mountain bikes, simplified 1x drivetrains with wide-range cassettes have largely replaced front derailleurs. 12-speed groups from Shimano and SRAM offer gear ranges previously only possible with double chainrings. -
Suspension for gravel
Advances in short-travel suspension forks and stems are bringing a new level of capability and comfort to gravel bikes on rough terrain. The Fox 32 AX fork and RedShift ShockStop stem are leading examples. -
Smart bike trainers and e-racing
The popularity of indoor cycling exploded during the pandemic. The latest smart trainers offer highly realistic road feel, while virtual platforms like Zwift have made e-racing a new cycling discipline. Riders can precisely structure their training and compete with others around the world. -
Aero sensors
Devices like the Notio Konect and Velocomp AeroPod directly measure a cyclist's CdA (aerodynamic drag coefficient) in real-world riding conditions. This allows riders to optimize their position and equipment without expensive wind tunnel testing. -
3D-printed saddles
Specialized and Fizik have released 3D-printed saddles that can be customized to a rider's anatomy and sit bone width. Intricate lattice structures only possible through 3D printing provide targeted flexibility and support zones. -
Lightweight e-road bikes
The latest e-road bikes from brands like Specialized and Trek closely resemble traditional road bikes in weight and appearance. With motors and batteries integrated into the frame, these bikes provide subtle assistance up to 28 mph while still feeling agile and natural to ride. -
Gravel suspension seatposts
The Cane Creek eeSilk, Redshift ShockStop, and others are short-travel suspension seatposts designed to take the edge off rough gravel roads. They reduce fatigue by isolating the rider from high-frequency vibrations and impacts.
In summary, the past two years have seen rapid advancements in
electronic shifting, all-road capabilities, aerodynamics, indoor
training, and comfort through smart use of new materials and
manufacturing techniques. These innovations are making cycling more
enjoyable and accessible for riders of all types.