Bicycle technology doesn't stand still

Like none, really. The history of the bicycle, in a form very similar to the modern one, spans over a century, and while the basic design principles have remained unchanged, bicycles have continually evolved over that time, categorizing them into dozens of families and subtypes. Interestingly, this process hasn't been linear, as there have been long periods of slow refinement of existing solutions. In between, there are leaps and bounds, when a true revolution occurs within a dozen or even a few years. So what are the most important inventions in bicycle technology's history? It's a great topic for discussion, so I've compiled a list of innovations that I believe have changed the face of cycling. When creating this list, I considered bicycles in a form similar to those we have today, that is, with the same-sized wheels, chain drive, and pneumatic tires. I also excluded the effects of slow evolution and refinement, such as modern drop-bars or frame geometry (a topic for a separate post), as well as niche solutions, such as titanium frames. I focused on innovations that became widespread relatively quickly and significantly changed the cycling experience. I invite you to read and discuss!

Electronic shifting

Truly advanced cycling technology. The idea emerged in the early 1990s, pioneered by SunTour, and later by the French company Mavic, now known primarily for its wheel production. In 1999, Mavic's first wireless groupset appeared. It worked so-so and remained a curiosity until 2009, when Shimano introduced the fully functional Di2 solution, and from that point on, I'd expect a revolution. Electronic derailleurs offer the ability to change gears without changing position, a huge leap forward. Add to that the simplicity and ease of use. This is crucial in extreme temperatures and under extreme fatigue. Furthermore, they offer reliability regardless of conditions and automatic front derailleur correction. I wonder when we'll see budget-friendly electronic groupsets.

29" and 27.5" wheels

A new level of mountain biking. Larger wheels made mountain biking more accessible. Niners are more forgiving, less sensitive to bumps, and faster. A simple trick gave bikes priced at 3,000 PLN more capabilities than top-of-the-line 26-inch wheel models (while also dramatically reducing the value of the latter). Of course, nothing comes for free—weight increases and maneuverability decreases. However, within a few years, new geometry and materials minimized these problems, and even without them, the advantages would have outweighed the disadvantages. No more large frames on small wheels!

Disc brakes

While I think the trend of packing disc brakes on every bike is a bad one (good V-brakes are sufficient for cross-country ), MTB cycling would be in a completely different place without them. Resistance to weather, overheating, wheel alignment – ​​in short, much greater reliability than rim brakes. And much better performance, especially on descents. On the road, they allowed for the wider use of carbon rims. Few developments have changed the design and capabilities of bicycles more than disc brakes.

Suspension

It's something that transformed not only bicycles but also trails. Suspension expanded off-road capabilities like nothing before or since, making mountain biking a truly spectacular sport and giving downhill riding a new face. Without suspension, mountain biking wouldn't have strayed far from cyclocross, and it's possible it wouldn't have gained the popularity it has today. It enabled more confident and faster trail riding and gave full control over the bike in extreme terrain, not to mention landings after several meters of fall. Furthermore, affordable suspension on trekking bikes contributed to the popularization of cycling tourism, and the increased comfort encouraged a wider audience to embrace everyday riding. Cycling technology for everyone.

Multi-chamber rims

It wasn't a particularly eye-catching change (at least not until aerodynamic rims arrived), but it was so effective! Suddenly, it turned out that wheels could be truly armored. This not only increased wheel reliability and stiffness, but also opened the door to extreme disciplines and off-road riding. Most importantly, even inexpensive modern rims are relatively impact-resistant compared to flat, open-profile rims. A simple and effective solution. You can learn more about wheel lacing in this post .

Handle shifters

A new quality of road riding. The ability to shift gears without taking your hands off the handlebars is a true revolution, not just for racers. This makes shifting gears a natural experience, allowing you to change gears more smoothly and at almost any time. Combined with a new approach to ergonomics, over the course of a decade, a comfortable upper grip has been developed, allowing you to ride for dozens of kilometers in a comfortable position with full control over gears and brakes.

Mountain bikes

Gary Fisher and his friends' idea of ​​cycling off-road was brilliant in its simplicity. Combined with the lack of restrictions typical of cyclocross, they broke a barrier. Cycling opened up to innovation, gained a lot of freedom, and simply became good fun for everyone. Affordable mountain bikes in the 1990s led to families starting touring en masse. For over a decade, mountain bike marathons have attracted hundreds of competitors, both daily trainees and casual athletes. Mountain biking brings people together and activates them, so it undoubtedly deserves a place on this list.

Aluminum and carbon

The shared place on the list for these materials stems from the very short period of time they gained popularity. In the world of sports, aluminum rapidly replaced steel in the second half of the 1990s. It was much lighter, stiffer, and transformed design. Its reign was short-lived, as just a few years later carbon fiber entered the scene, not only being even lighter but also absorbing vibrations. It remains the undisputed king in almost every aspect of sports cycling. It made a fully equipped production road bike weighing under 7 kg a common sight today. At the same time, aluminum became cheaper and became the standard material for bicycles for everyday use and amateur racing.

Derailleurs

A change that's hard to miss. Initially considered a technological boost (like almost every innovation in cycling), it allowed bicycles to truly unleash their potential. The ability to quickly shift gears allowed for high speeds while simultaneously adapting the gear ratio to the terrain as needed. This made racing more spectacular, and drivetrain technology began its long evolution. More importantly, however, it was a huge convenience for amateurs, and cycling was moving away from a "sport for real men" and toward transportation and recreation for everyone. In my humble opinion, only one invention can be considered more important.

Freewheel - a truly revolutionary bicycle technology

Despite my (huge) affection for fixed gear , it was the freewheel that, in my opinion, most transformed cycling. Initially adopted as a convenience for the elderly and children (or perhaps women, if you were progressive enough not to resent the fair sex on a bike). No serious cyclist seriously considered the possibility of using a freewheel in sport. Yet, things turned out differently. The freewheel has become a permanent fixture in almost every corner of cycling. Even the most conservatives had to acknowledge its convenience and the ability to install derailleurs shortly thereafter. Crucially, however, it was the freewheel that made cycling truly accessible to amateurs and contributed to the mass popularity of this mode of transportation. This is the foundation of the cycling revolution!

Almost equally important - bicycle technology is a topic for long discussion

Creating this list wasn't easy. I changed the setup and the innovations I included several times. At the last minute, the lever-operated dropper post was scrapped (I once heard it described as the biggest breakthrough in recent years) to make way for multi-wall rims. Tubeless tires would certainly be next, allowing for incredibly low pressure and achieving incredible traction and reliability. Power measurement, which opened up new training possibilities, also deserves a mention. I sincerely hope that in 50 years this list will look completely different, and that bicycles will still surprise us. I also invite you to discuss and create your own lists. Bicycle technology continues to surprise, and bicycles themselves are becoming increasingly diverse . What, in your opinion, was the most important?