Here Are Six Ways That Humans and Technology Will Progress in The Year 2022

Even if technological progress sped up during the pandemic, we intend to take it to the next level this year. This can only be accomplished by developing digital experiences that surpass all others in terms of user immersion, availability, security, and ease of use.

When it comes to bicycles, technology has trumped all else. Each year brings a slew of new bicycles and components that promise significant improvements in speed and endurance. There are always a lot of creative new items being presented to the market, but not all of them will be successful (R.I.P., Trust fork). So, what is it that will make the difference in your journey? Here are the emerging technologies I find most intriguing and believe will be widely adopted in 2022.

Mountain bikes with a high point of pivot

Over twenty years have passed since the first high-pivot suspension system was introduced. I recently finished writing a lengthy post that explains how high-pivots work and why they've become popular again. By moving the axle further back, the suspension is better able to absorb bumps in the road. This is a simplification of a difficult topic made possible by high-pivots. The 2018 downhill World Cups were dominated by riders on Commencal's high-pivot Supreme DH bike, which prompted a high-pivot arms race among manufacturers. Commencal dominated the downhill world cup circuit in 2018.

However, we require high-pivot bicycles to travel along standard hiking paths. High-pivot trail bikes were first made available to the general public by niche manufacturers like Forbidden and Deviate. However, it took some time for the industry's top players to take note.

Several new high-pivot bicycles will be available to riders in 2022, including the Cannondale Jekyll, Norco Shore, Devinci Spartan, and GT Force. Several more major manufacturers will soon debut their own high-pivot bicycles, I've learned through talking to people in the bicycle industry. Due of this, I'm going to make a strong prediction: 2022 will be a turning point.

Wireless electrical device constellations

Semi-wireless versions of their Dura-Ace and Ultegra groups signal Shimano's entry into the wireless drivetrain industry. Conversely, wireless drivetrains like SRAM's eTap and AXS have been available for some time. Are wireless drivetrains the future for The Pro's Closet? Gambling against it is a losing proposition.

The future, it appears, lies in wireless technology. Contrarily, automated shifting software is just the proverbial icing on the cake. SRAM has been at the forefront of the wireless revolution (haha) in mountain bike components with its Reverb AXS dropper post and Flight Attendant suspension control system. Looking forward to putting these to the test on my own bike. Using its most recent wireless patents, Shimano is also hard at work developing its own wireless dropper and other components. Remember that Shimano has tight ties to Fox, the creator of the Live Valve electronic suspension system.

There's a chance that 2019 will see the debut of exciting new bicycle innovations like electronic shifting, dropper seatposts, and suspensions. These conveniences would join those now available, such as lights, keys (to disable your bicycle while it is parked), and brakes. Wow, this is a great age to be alive.

Tubeless tires for the road

Tubeless tires are standard on my specialty road wheels.

Even now, I'm a firm believer that tubeless tires are the way to go for any bicycle, but especially a road bike. Nonetheless, the majority of dedicated roadies disagree with this assessment. With the 2019 revisions to the international ISO rim and ETRTO tire standards, which make tubeless systems robust and simple to install, I predict that inner tubes will soon be sent to the trash can of history. There are still some kinks to iron out, but ever since those adjustments were made, I've seen a vast enhancement.

These days, tubeless rims are standard on all but the most basic new road bikes. Top-tier models of wheels from manufacturers like Zipp, ENVE, DT Swiss, and Reynolds are already equipped to run tubeless. Additionally, Continental has just introduced what I think is the best road tire ever made, and it fits these wheels perfectly. The tire is formally known as the GP5000 S TR. As both tubeless components and their benefits become more widely known, 2017 could be a breakthrough year for the general adoption of tubeless road tires.

Drivetrains with a 1x gear ratio have uniformly spaced teeth

You should be aware that I have an unhealthy fascination with one-by drivetrains, which I am forbidden to discuss in any technical work I do. In 2022, I don't think we'll see an influx of 1x road bikes, but we will see a lot more bikes with SRAM's new XPLR drivetrain designed specifically for gravel roads. Both Campagnolo's Ekar and Shimano's 1x are available now, so you can choose whichever one you like. The distance between the highest gears produced by the two approaches varies by one tooth. To get roadies to accept a 1x system, this is a huge step forward. If I want to compete, Shimano needs to produce a GRX model with a 1x12 gear ratio. Maybe I shouldn't have written off so soon the pleasant all-female future of my daydreams.

Gravel forks are suspended

Along with the XPLR powertrain, SRAM has also announced the availability of the RockShox Rudy gravel suspension fork. Fox will also introduce a new AX gravel fork with improved features. Suspension forks have grown commonplace on gravel bikes in recent years. Bicycles featuring suspension forks, such as the Cannondale Topstone Lefty, Lauf True Grit, Niner MCR RDO, and Bombtrack Hook ADV, have seen a surge in popularity recently. These days, gravel suspension is where it's at, and I can't be the only one hoping for an improvement to their gravel forks in the near future.

Maintaining a consistent field of view

Star Trek's in-universe BITS database. Taking a Hike: a Photographic Essay

The SWAT door, a handy down tube pocket for riders to store spares, tools, and food, made its debut on the 2016 Stumpjumper. This was the first step. Therefore, Trek introduced its own variation on the BITS system. As of 2022, both the Orbea Rallon and the Giant Trance will feature in-frame storage courtesy of Giant and Orbea. If you've never ridden a bike with built-in storage, all you need to know is that you're missing out. When additional companies figure out how to make frames with hidden storage space, the level of competition could rise.

Specifically, Supre Drive was recognized for their contributions.

I guess I'll just have to get used to tearing my derailleur off every time I take a poor path through a rock garden until the promise of gearbox mountain bike drivetrains is completely realized. The Lal Bikes Supre Drive, which first caught our attention a couple of months ago, has a rear derailleur that is divided in two and tucked away in the bike's triangle, where it is out of the way and protected from damage. While it hasn't gone into mass production just yet, if it takes off, it might radically change how mountain bikes are made. Lal Bikes' partnership with a "big brand" will undoubtedly be of interest to a great many designers in 2022.

Though I've seen many cycling fads come and go (anyone remember plus tires? ), I'm convinced that all of the technologies we've covered here will continue to be popular and have a significant impact on bicycle design for years to come. Naturally, I might be totally off base here. Please comment with your comments on this list and let me know if I've forgotten any cutting-edge bicycle innovations.