When I started this blog nearly 5 years ago, fixies and singlespeeds were the next big thing. A couple of years later it was the line of Coasting bikes that used Shimano's automatic shifting system.
Now I'm reading that there are a half-dozen or more trends happening simultaneously in the bike world.
Browsing the list supplied by Bicycling magazine's Loren Mooney to the Associated Press (“Where bikes are heading, a look at the trends”), I don't see anything particularly revolutionary. Most are bike styles that have been around in this country or elsewhere for years but are now gaining popularity.
Utility bikes: Good for commuting or errand running, they have old-school looks but new generation components. Some come with belt drives instead of chains. The Civia, above, that I shot at the Seattle International Bicycle Expo has wooden fenders and a spring attached to the fork that prevents the front wheel from turning when you're loading the basket. They look like something you'd see in Amsterdam.
Fitness bikes: This is new to me. I've seen them around, but thought they were hybrids. Nope. Mooney describes them: “An evolution from the hybrid bike — a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike, which was 'too cumbersome for true fitness riding.' ” Examples are Jamis Allegro or Specialized Sirrus (at left).
Pedal-assist electric bikes: Ever since a neighbor let me ride one of these — it was an OptiBike — while he took a cigarette break, I haven't been able to understand how this is a bicycle.
Eco design bikes: These are designed and manufactured with an eye toward their impact on the environment. Mooney mentions the Trek BelleVille and Trek Atwood. According to the website, the BelleVille frame, pedals, chainguards, racks, stem and handlebar are made of recyclable steel; tires are sustainable harvest rubber, and front and rear lights are generator powered. That's great. Why can't all bikes be made that way? I think CalfeeDesign's bamboo bike would be in this category too.
Folding bikes: Apparently the ride of these bicycles is continually improving. Montague Bicycles, for instance, makes a full-size bike — SwissBikeTX — that folds in half in about 10 seconds. I've never owned one, but I was sold on BikeFriday several years ago when I witnessed someone ride one on the 300-plus-mile Ride Around Washington bike tour.
Xtracycle: I'm glad to see this make the list, although it's not a bike but an accessory. The Xtracycle kit extends a bike 15 inches so you can carry camping gear, groceries, people, or things like stepladders that you might need for your job. It's available on a built-out bike, Surly's Big Dummy.
Aerodynamic road bikes: Lightweight and aerodynamic, these bikes come at a high price. AP mentions the Ridley Noah, which Robbie McEwen says is the fastest bike he's ever ridden. That might be worth $5,000 to a pro racer.
As for me, I think I'll probably skip these trends. I have a road bike, a mountain bike, and a trailer to carry lots of gear. As long as they're rolling, they'll meet most of my needs.
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