Cycling is a sport that is constantly evolving and innovating, with new technologies and trends emerging every year. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most exciting and impactful cycling tech innovations that are expected to shape the road cycling scene in 2024.
1. Wireless Electronic Groupsets
Wireless electronic groupsets have been around for a few years, but they are becoming more popular and affordable in 2024. Wireless groupsets offer several advantages over traditional wired ones, such as lighter weight, easier installation, cleaner aesthetics, and improved shifting performance. Some of the leading brands in this category are SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo, who have all released or updated their wireless groupsets in 2024.
2. Generative AI Cycling Design
Generative AI design is a process that uses artificial intelligence to create new and optimal Cycling designs for various products, such as frames, wheels, helmets, and clothing. Generative AI design can explore millions of possible combinations and variations and select the best ones based on predefined criteria, such as aerodynamics, stiffness, comfort, and style. Some of the examples of generative AI design in cycling are Specialised Aethos frame, Zipp 454 NSW wheelset, and Rapha Pro Team Aero jersey.
3. Smart Helmets
Smart helmets are helmets that have integrated features and functions that enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience of cyclists. Some of the common features of smart helmets are LED lights, speakers, microphones, cameras, sensors, and GPS. These features allow cyclists to communicate, navigate, record, monitor, and control various aspects of their ride without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the handlebars. Some of the notable smart helmets in 2024 are the LIVALL BH51M Neo, Lumos Matrix, and Coros SafeSound.
4. Tubeless Tires
Tubeless tires are tires that do not require inner tubes and instead seal directly to the rim with the help of a liquid sealant. Tubeless tires have several benefits over tubed tires, such as lower rolling resistance, better puncture protection, lower weight, and more comfort. Tubeless tires will become more widespread and accepted in road cycling in 2024, with more brands offering tubeless-ready rims and tires and more cyclists opting for tubeless setups.
5. Power Meters
Power meters are devices that measure the amount of power that a Cycling produces while pedaling. Power meters are useful tools for training, racing, and improving performance, as they provide objective and accurate feedback on the cyclist’s effort and output. Power meters will become more accessible and affordable in 2024, with more options and models available from different manufacturers, such as Garmin, Stages, Quarq, 4iiii, and Favero.
6. Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are bikes that are designed to handle both paved and unpaved roads, with features such as wider tires, disc brakes, relaxed geometry, and versatile gearing. Gravel bikes will become more popular and mainstream in 2024, as they will offer more fun, adventure, and freedom for cyclists who want to explore new routes and terrain without compromising on speed and efficiency. Some of the best gravel bikes in 2024 are Canyon Grail, Specialized Diverge, and Trek Checkpoint.
7. Smart Trainers
Smart trainers are trainers that can connect to various apps and platforms, such as Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Rouvy, and simulate realistic riding conditions, such as gradient, resistance, and inertia. Smart trainers will become more advanced and immersive in 2024, with features such as steering, tilting, and rocking that mimic the natural movements and sensations of outdoor riding. Some of the most innovative smart trainers in 2024 are Wahoo KICKR Bike, Tacx Neo Bike Smart, and Elite Sterzo Smart.
8. Aero Road Bikes
Aero road bikes are bikes that are designed to reduce drag and increase speed, with features such as integrated components, hidden cables, truncated airfoils, and deep-section wheels. Aero road bikes will become more refined and balanced in 2024, with improvements in weight, stiffness, comfort, and handling, making them more suitable for a wider range of riders and scenarios. Some of the top aero road bikes in 2024 are the Cervelo S5, Giant Propel, and BMC Timemachine Road.
9. Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are glasses that have integrated features and functions that enhance the vision, information, and entertainment of cyclists. Some of the common features of smart glasses are a heads-up display, a camera, voice control, a touchpad, and Bluetooth. These features allow cyclists to see important data, such as speed, cadence, heart rate, and navigation, as well as take photos, videos, calls, and music, without distracting them from the road. Some of the leading smart glasses in 2024 are Everysight Raptor, Solos AirGo, and Rokid Vision 2.
10. E-Bikes
E-bikes are bikes that have an electric motor that assists the cyclist’s pedaling, making it easier and faster to ride. E-bikes will become more sophisticated and mainstream in 2024, with more options and models available for different types of riders and purposes, such as commuting, touring, racing, and mountain biking. E-bikes have also become more integrated and discreet, with batteries and motors hidden in the frame and controls and displays blended in the cockpit. Some of the best e-bikes in 2024 are the Specialized Turbo Creo SL, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Neo, and the Orbea Gain.
Conclusion
These are some of the most exciting and impactful cycling tech innovations that are expected to shape the road cycling scene in 2024. Of course, there are many more innovations and trends that are worth mentioning, but we hope this list gives you a glimpse of what the future of cycling looks like. What are your thoughts on these innovations? Which ones are you most interested in or excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
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