With
the Eurobike cycle show in Germany at the end of August, the Interbike show in
Las Vegas mid-September, and the UK’s very own Cycle Show at the NEC next week,
we’re getting a good idea of what next year’s bike market is going to look
like.
In
road bikes there are a couple of very obvious trends coming on stream:
hydraulic braking; and quicker frames with lighter weights and increased
aerodynamic efficiency. We’ve looked at SRAM’s range of hydraulic brakes — both
disc and rim — here before, but in the international bike trade it’s probably
no surprise to discover that Shimano is taking control in 2015. The Japanese
giant’s electronic Di2 groupset-only R785 hydraulic disc brake is the most
popular option — appearing on a huge range of 2015 models — but its new R685
hydraulic discs, which are compatible with old-school mechanical groupsets have
had a very positive first year, too, and their influence on the market can only
grow wider.
When
it comes to which road brands have adopted the idea of disc brakes with most
gusto, Cannondale looks to be leading the way. Seven models in the Synapse
range of sportive-style bikes alone come with disc stoppers, either hydraulic
or cable operated. For example, the entry model — the Synapse Tiagra
Disc 6 — comes with an aluminium
frame, Shimano Tiagra 10-speed gears and Promax Render mechanical disc brakes
for £845*. Meanwhile, the Synapse
HM SRAM Red Disc has a cutting-edge high-modulus carbon frame, SRAM Red 22
gears and matching hydraulic disc brakes, for £4,495*.
One
thing that can be easily forgotten when talking about bikes with disc brakes is
that they need complementary wheels fitted with disc brake rotors, too. To that
end, it’s a significant step to see wheel specialist Mavic releasing a disc
version of its entry-level favourite, Aksium wheelset. For people wanting a bit
more refinement and less weight, Mavic also has a disc brake-compatible Kysrium
Pro wheelset coming out in 2015.
Light and aero
With
the road bike-buying general public tending to be guided mostly by what the pros
use, you’d think manufacturers would be constantly trying to reduce the weight
of their products. However, with cycle sport’s international governing body, the
UCI having a strict 6.8kg (14.99lb) minimum weight limit for complete race
bikes, and with that limit being easily achieved these days, the ‘pro
influence’ has actually rather hampered development when it comes to bike
weights.
So
it’s probably not coincidentally that at the same time that the UCI has
suggested it will relax or reconsider that 6.8kg limit, some of the most famous
race bike brands have brought out new, ultra-lightweight frames. The most
exciting for us — particularly as we have them in stock already here at All
Terrain Cycles — is the brand new Emonda from Trek.
Another
speed-influenced trend that has gained more ground is the promotion of
aerodynamic efficiency. So you’ll see more bikes in 2015 with bottom
bracket-mounted rear brakes, even more bikes with internal cable routing, and
some quite exciting carbon frame shapes. Comfort hasn’t been forgotten either.
Time has revealed a new-for-2015 ‘Aktiv’, which uses an internal
automotive-inspired mass damper to help absorb road vibrations.
If
you want to see next year’s bikes now — including ATC brands such as Trek,
Giant, Raleigh and Cube — then this year’s Cycle Show will be taking place at
the NEC in Birmingham on September 26-28. Adult tickets cost £13 in advance and
children under 14 can enter for £1.
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