As I discussed yesterday, I’ll quickly be trying to assemble a kind of gravel bike issues, so I figured I would as nicely learn up on the tendencies to see how old-fashioned it’ll be by the point I’m carried out:
By the way in which, when did every little thing change into a “area?”
2025 has given us a number of modifications within the gravel bike area.
I suppose within the digital age we are able to afford to squander phrases since we don’t have to fret about typesetting and paper and stuff, and I understand that is ironic coming from somebody who makes use of manner, manner too many phrases each day, however I’d nonetheless like us to revert to the outdated manner of referring to issues:
“Use Case” = Use
“Worth Level” = Worth
“Kind Issue” = Form
“Gravel Bike Area” = Gravel Bike
And so forth.
Truly, you possibly can lower that final one down much more:
This is able to will let you begin your article like this: “Bikes modified in 2025.”
See how simple that’s?
Anyway, at first the pattern forecast is kind of promising:
Thank goodness! If I learn one other gravel bike evaluate that claims the [insert stupid name here] wants extra clearance I’m going to puke:
Sadly my pleasure was short-lived, as a result of whereas the tip of Clearance Mania could lastly be in sight, we’re simply getting suspension as a substitute:
I used to be significantly amused by the photograph caption:
I’m not saying your subsequent gravel bike goes to be a mountain bike with some drop bars added, however I wouldn’t be stunned to see extra suspension forks in 2026.
Sorry, yeah, your subsequent gravel bike is completely going to be a mountain bike:
I imply your present gravel bike is already a mountain bike, so why would your subsequent one be any completely different?
Additionally, your present mountain bike is already Chinese language, however I suppose quickly will probably be unapologetically Chinese language:
Truly, 2026 going to be the Yr of the Horse, I regarded it up.
Little question they’re proper, although. Simply think about the value (level!) of this bike:
[$7,499]
Versus this bike:
[$3,899]
Is the title “Cannondale” price $3,600? Who even owns Cannondale now? Dorel? Pon? BlackRock? I do not know. When Cannondale began out they had been like nothing else. (Nicely, aside from Klein.) Now what are they? Plastic bikes positive seem to be a dropping sport for firms that commerce on their names, particularly if the Chinese language firms’ bikes are higher, like some folks say they’re:
I’m not an engineer so I do not know if that Hambini man is correct or not, however I’m a contrarian so I do get pleasure from him.
Plus, in accordance with the gravel pattern article, the Cannondale has a “useless” drivetrain as well:
Nicely a minimum of it’s one much less battery to cost.
Somebody ought to actually invent a derailleur that doesn’t require a ba–
By no means thoughts.
