Source: Eurobike

Despite the lingering challenges from previous difficult years, the bicycle industry remains optimistic about the future. While there may not be an explosion of innovations, the steady advancement and enhancement of bicycle technology is evident. For those who take a closer look rather than getting caught up in excitement, many promising innovations and trends can be discovered at the Eurobike trade fair from 3 to 7 July, 2024, in Frankfurt.

MTBs get lighter

The ongoing trend of lighter bikes continues: Bulls introduces an EMTB weighing just 18 kilograms. The Sonic Evo AM SX is a carbon full-suspension bike with SRAM AXS shifting and a Bosch SX motor. Its counterpart, the Sonic Evo SX Dakar, is designed as a sporty everyday version, featuring a hardtail frame, mudguards, and a rack.

The KTM Scarp Exonic, lacking a motor, caters to powerful athletes. This race-ready carbon full-suspension bike weighs just over 10 kilograms without pedals.

Allroad-compatible SUV bikes

Many pedelecs struggle off paved roads, making SUV e-bikes with wider tires and sturdier frames popular. Kalkhoff has developed a full suspension frame for the new Entice 7+, creating a comfortable, sporty SUV bike with a permissible total weight of 170 kilograms.

Gravel bikes diversify

Gravel bikes have become significant sellers, especially among younger riders who appreciate their versatility. Gravel bikes are evolving into two main types: fast race bikes with narrower tires for all-road use and robust bikepacking bikes for touring. Differing mainly in tire volume, frames, and forks, these bikes are showcased at the DT Swiss booth with a colorful Ridley gravel racer and a bikepacker, both featuring new GRC carbon wheels.

Accessory trends reflect these bikes’ versatility, such as the SKS Infinity Universal rack system, easily attached and detached from sports bikes without frame threads.

Road bike appeal

High-end road bikes are becoming prestige items, benefiting from gravel bike influences. Wider tires and rims enhance comfort, grip, and stability, allowing these bikes to handle dirt roads. Improved integration of lightweight design, stiffness, and aerodynamics is seen in bikes like the new Liv Langma, designed for female racers. Manufacturers like Zipp and DT Swiss also focus on optimized aerodynamics with harmonized wheel-tire systems.

Efforts to lower prices to around 1500 euros aim to attract newcomers and young riders to the sport.

Compact and off-road cargo bikes

Cargo bikes continue to gain interest, but their size can be unwieldy. Manufacturers are now creating more compact models, like Riese & Müller’s new Carrie, which are lighter, more agile, and easier to handle. These bikes are designed to transport children or loads more efficiently and fit better in urban environments.

Additionally, there is a growing niche for off-road transport needs. CaGo’s off-road version of the CS series and Tern’s all-terrain adventure cargo bike Orox, with its strong Bosch motor and dual-battery system, exemplify this trend.

Electric shifting

Electronics are increasingly integrated into sporty derailleurs. Shimano’s electric GRX Gravel Group uses Di2 technology, offering a 2×11 speed range. Pinion’s MGU motor gearbox unit, including the new Auto.Shift variant, automatically changes gears based on riding data, with manual override available. This technology is featured in Gudereit’s new e-trekking bikes ET 13.6 and 13.8.

Motor evolution

E-support is now standard, with more than half of all bikes sold in 2023 being pedelecs. Innovations focus on lighter weight, more efficient batteries, and refined control systems. Fazua enhances its Light Assist drive, and Mahle’s new X20 lightweight hub motor offers discreet power development. ZF introduces a compact full-assist drive, the “Bike Eco System.”

Digitalisation and connectivity

Bicycles are becoming more digital, integrating software for individualized functions, data collection, theft protection, and navigation. Bosch emphasizes further connectivity for e-bikes, aiming to make them “intelligent companions.” SRAM’s Red AXS groupset integrates gearshift settings, power measurement, and route planning, creating a connected system with internet resources.

Busch & Müller’s Briq-XL Premium headlamp offers improved light control with digital cornering light, and the B&M Turntec is a new turn signal system already featured on bikes from Scott and Velo de Ville.

Inclusive cycling

The Hase Trigo Up E and HP Velotechnik Delta TX are modern tricycles with e-support, designed for people with disabilities. These bikes feature small wheels, low step-through frames, and mid-mounted motors from Shimano or Bafang, making cycling more accessible and stable, with ample space for luggage.