09 November 2014

Catching up with tech advances in cycling

Who says a bicycle never changes

Did anyone else complete the 2014 Cyclingnews Reader Poll? Sure I know all the riders, sure I know all the races, and most certainly I have my opinions on who and what are the best. But then the tech questions appeared before my eyes. Uh-oh I don't know all these, I realized in shame.  There have been a lot of new technological equipment changes and advances in the bicycle industry over the past year(s). I need to catch up.

Advances are so numerous, the Cycling News poll devoted two pages to best new tech advance and best new product. I copied the two pages onto an email to myself, titled it "Learn" and sent it off to myself as a message to get-with-it. Today it has become my Sunday homework, and now, yours.

What is the Best New Product?
  • Speedplay SYZR pedal
  • Schwalbe ProCore tubeless tire system
  • Garmin Edge 1000
  • Shimano XTR Di2 electronic mountain bike transmission
  • GoPro Hero 4
  • Giro Synthe aero road helmet
  • Fabric ALM saddle
  • Zwift virtual group ride indoor training system
  • Campagnolo Record/Super Record road group
  • SRAM Force CX1 1x11 cyclo-cross bike transmission
  • Don't know (this is NOT an option, you will know once you read the reviews below) 

Take the time to read up on each of these new products and you will know a lot about recent developments in our sport. I have selected some of the best written reviews by leading tech reporters from varying sources found across the web (actually my favorite reviewers are Logan VonBokel, James Huang and Ben Delaney but I have ventured to offer a variety). In order of new products listed on the Cyclingnews Reader Poll, please read:



The fact that I had to dig past every major online sales site to find a review of the new GoPro Hero 4 might indicate who is making a gazillion bucks on the newest product released.  If you read Logan VonBokel's review of the new Shimano XTR Di2 you will read how he thinks it is "The best group." Now that it is winter in Colorado, I think the Zwift Indoor Trainer would come in very handy.

What is the best new tech advancement?
  • Full-suspension fat bikes
  • BioShift automatic shifting
  • Focus RAT quick-release thru-axle system
  • Inexpensive power meters
  • Direct-mount road brakes
  • Canyon MRSC magnetic suspension system
  • Automatically adjusting safety lights
  • Schwalbe ProCore tubeless tire system
  • Advanced aluminium frames  
  • 3D printing
  • Don't know (this is NOT an option, you will know once you read the reviews below)

Next take the time to read up on each of these tech advancements. Again I have selected some of the best written reviews by leading tech reporters from varying sources found across the web. In order of new tech updates listed on the Cyclingnews Reader Poll, please read:

What this homework exercise has taught me is that bikes do indeed change and advances are continuously made as man is forever trying to improve. It also makes me realize there is an endless amount of gear to spend my money upon and an old bike is any bike older that three years. Mostly this quick review of tech advances in the bike industry for 2014 has taught me that I should have been a gear tech reviewer. Could you imagine the pure happiness of package after package of this goodness arriving at the doorstep of your office, or being flown out to new tech press announcements? I would love my job.

Look how happy these people look to be riding a bike indoors? That might be the biggest advancement ever in cycling.


Somehow I ended up not linking to any Cycling News tech reviews, for a full list of their reviews, please read: cyclingnews.com/tech

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