Lazyass

What do you think? Any new fangled wonder material for frames? How many speeds will it be up to? I wonder if suspension will be given another go.

1994



2014

Lanceoldstrong

I predict a progression of electric road bike drive trains to a state of perfected and widely accepted automatic shifting.
Riders will be able to manually shift the systems anytime they wish, but this will not need to be done often.
Racers will sometimes do the manual shift to power out of a corner, attack on climb, or start a sprint.

The non-electric, manual shift drive train will be relegated to the collections of retro-grouches.

Bunyanderman

Sub 6.8kg weight limit.

Bacciagalupe

I don't think the differences will be that significant.

Materials science has its limits. Bikes will get a little bit lighter. They might switch to another frame material. The gains will be marginal.

Electronic shifting and disc brakes will become more common. They won't replace mechanical and rim brakes, but they will a routine offering.

If you think about it, we've seen major changes in the past 5-10 years. That doesn't mean the next 10 years will be the same way. There's only so much you can change on a bicycle that actually makes a difference.

Oh, and one thing that won't change is the language used by the marketers.

datlas 

One thing is for sure, my motor will have fewer watts. Sniff.

Jiggle

142mm rear spacing.

Acquaspin

I think the mechanics and design will be similar. Bicycle is a really old machine but still remains one of the most efficient. I think there will be a lot of change in materials use and production processes.

I think some kind of recyclable polymer to make frames and other parts. Some form of 3D recycling/manufacturing machine for production. I think custom frames to each person made to order in hours. I think some kind of CVT, endless gears to cover all terrains and efforts.

I think there will be changes in safety, the full body version of the insta helmet (already exists but can't remember the name of the product) that goes off with accelerometers.

Changes in fabrics, a one piece suit that regulates temperature, protects from UV, wicks moisture, and works anywhere from 30-100 degrees. Something like a second skin. (Chamois would be an available option for the old schoolers in 2040).

I think everything but pedaling will be electronic. Support for fitness/training info, navigation, video, music, communication, braking, shifting, etc. I think batteries by then will have increased capacity 100 fold and decreased weight 10 fold.

I just believe that technology development as we know it is exponential and as we move along towards the future, the time brackets of similar or equal progress get shorter and shorter. Progress obtained in a 10 year period during the 1800s was equivalent to a 5 year period in the 1900s and will probably be done in less than a year in 2020.

Dunno, maybe by then bikes will be air born, and Bostonians could go for coffee in NY central park on their sunday ride. And the idea of a "century" would be a joke.

rpenmanparker 

Recyclable polymer for durable goods makes no sense. It is not worth the development cost.

StanSeven

If that's the same rider, it looks like they lost 3" seat to bar drop over twenty years.

So maybe something to help flexibility in us old guys

Acquaspin

Similar comments made by metal industry workers back in the day when plastics were in its conceptual form.

Bandera

Completely custom machines at the high end w/ Cad 3D design & mfg producing bikes that fit every parameter to an individual rider.
The end of factory production runs of a range of frame sizes, bar widths, crankarm lengths etc. in favor of unique machines tailored to each rider.

-Bandera

hairnet

Steel frames and friction shifters.

RJM

Heads up displays integrated into cycling glasses will be commonplace amongst sport riders as will electronic automatic shifting groups that can be set up to allow the rider to input a designated training program prior to riding.

Retro aluminum will be en vogue.

tubeless will take over from clinchers and tubular.


There will be at least two big doping scandals in professional riding.

Ridelots24

pedaling will be optional.....

catgita

Finer pitch chains that don't last very long, custom saddles, electronic wires integrated into the frame, 2w dynamos on most bikes to power electronics and lights when not racing, steel spoke wheels, the demise of front shifters for racing, mainstream electronic shifters that plug and play with no cables or wires to reduce labor and skill in building a bike, bikes are still built in factories.

The number one thing you will see: advertisers pushing technologies that are driven by public perception, not practical testing, and magazines that form their opinions based on their advertisers wishes.

Elvo

We will find out that timtak is right and he will win the nobel prize in physics

Campag4life

Good one Elvo.
I predict small but powerful electric motors and lighter batteries integrated into roadbikes for supplemental power. I know this can be done currently but much cruder. I believe electric supplemental power will become more common because it will be lighter and more integrated.
Clearly auto shifting will be here in 20 years and refined and be an option over manual shifting. I still believe there will be a market for retro bikes just like there is today only the bikes we have today will be the retro bikes.

zymphad

Bikes made of Graphene. Continuous variable shifting with wireless controls. Integrated power meters. And airless tires will be standard.

Each bike will come with a voucher for a liposuction and gastric bypass to jump start your power/weight.

Team Sarcasm

I don't think bikes will change very much, but accessories will.

I think safety is going to be a big thing.

This would be awesome on a bike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH6oQbckCms

Imagine a frame that you flip a switch and the logos light up or something (for night commuting). That would be pretty slick.

But I think things like integrated lights/camera in handle bars, and even frames with integrated lights in the seat posts and forks, and seat stays, lighter and stronger tires, and many more electric components.

With an aging population, there will be many more accidents due to older drivers not seeing cyclist. By helping drivers we will help ourselves. Unfortunately the lights and cameras will have to be tailored to the sleek WW stealthy bullcrap that is becoming more and more popular.

zymphad

Oh also next evolution is cyclists won't be wearing chamoise or riding with slippery moist crotches.

Team Sarcasm

Air conditioned saddles? MY BALLS WILL BE SO HAPPY!!!!!!

la rosa 

this ^^^^^

StanSeven

I predict there will still be an A&S forum where they say get a lawyer and sue

StanSeven

That's due to the discovery of new undie material

Jiggle

1x14 drive trains.