As I discussed yesterday, I’ll quickly be trying to assemble a type of gravel bike issues, so I figured I would as effectively learn up on the traits to see how old-fashioned it’ll be by the point I’m executed:
By the best way, when did all the pieces turn into a “area?”
2025 has given us a number of adjustments within the gravel bike area.
I assume 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 notice that is ironic coming from somebody who makes use of manner, manner too many phrases every day, however I’d nonetheless like us to revert to the outdated manner of referring to issues:
- “Use Case” = Use
- “Value Level” = Value
- “Type Issue” = Form
- “Gravel Bike Area” = Gravel Bike
And so forth.
Really, you possibly can reduce that final one down much more:
This could help 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 top of Clearance Mania might lastly be in sight, we’re simply getting suspension as a substitute:
I used to be notably 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 shocked 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 assume quickly it will likely be unapologetically Chinese language:
Really, 2026 going to be the 12 months of the Horse, I seemed it up.
Little doubt they’re proper, although. Simply contemplate the worth (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 don’t know. When Cannondale began out they have been like nothing else. (Nicely, apart from Klein.) Now what are they? Plastic bikes positive appear to be a shedding sport for corporations that commerce on their names, particularly if the Chinese language corporations’ bikes are higher, like some individuals say they’re:
I’m not an engineer so I don’t know if that Hambini man is true or not, however I’m a contrarian so I do take pleasure in him.
Plus, in line with the gravel pattern article, the Cannondale has a “useless” drivetrain as well:
Nicely not less than 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.
