Cycling technology is constantly evolving, resulting in more modern developments. Here’s a list of 10 innovations that have given world cycling a whole new, uncharted face!
Mountain biking has never been more affordable than after the introduction of 29″ and 27.5″ wheels! Thanks to them, MTB enthusiasts can practice their favorite sport without worrying about the condition of their bike. This is because the Niners are characterized by much less sensitivity to bumps and are generally more durable.
It would not be an abuse to say that of all innovations, it is the freewheel that has contributed most to the development of bicycle technology. Its incredible convenience combined with affordability made cycling an activity accessible to amateurs – and, as a result, popularized the sport on a global scale.
Derailleurs have become so essential that a bicycle devoid of this innovation today seems a downright curio idea. With the option to quickly change the gearing, riders can develop high speeds and adjust the gearing to the terrain on the fly. This is a convenience not only for professional cyclists, but especially for amateurs.
Materials that gained popularity at about the same time. Today, carbon is the undisputed leader in almost every field of professional cycling. Aluminum, on the other hand, is the preferred material in everyday bicycles.
An innovation that gave road riding a whole new quality. The huge success of the handlebars is best demonstrated by the fact that the ability to change gears without taking your hands off the handlebars now seems as obvious as the presence of derailleurs themselves.
Without suspension, MTB cycling would probably not have gained the popularity it has today. It is the shock absorbers that have expanded the range of off-road possibilities the most, giving almost complete control over the bike in the most extreme conditions. The sense of control, in turn, is essential to confidence – a key element of mountain biking.
We’ve already mentioned MTB bikes in connection with several other innovations, but they too have played an important role in the development of bicycle technology. The idea of Gary Fisher and company to take cycling off-road turned out to be an absolute hit – mountain biking created a whole new dimension of bicycle sports.
I think everyone will agree with the statement that wheels are a fundamental part of a bicycle. Multi-chamber rims, which have definitely increased their reliability, should therefore without a doubt be included in the list of the most important innovations!
Disc brakes are an invention without which cycling would certainly not be able to reach today’s level. Greater efficiency on descents, high resistance to adverse weather conditions and overheating – these are just some of the advantages of having them.
The most advanced technology of all the innovations mentioned so far. What do electronic derailleurs offer the user? First of all, the ability to change gears without changing position and without having to use force, so the cycling enthusiast can focus solely on the ride itself.
main photo: unsplash.com/Tobias Bjerknes
