While at BikeRadar we sometimes get hints, suggestions and inside information of what’s to come back, we actually don’t know each secret the bike business has in retailer for us.
But this hasn’t stopped us from hypothesising as to what we would possibly see in 2022.
These are the most important road biking and gravel driving tech trends that we assume will dominate the yr forward.
From disc brakes dominating the Grand Tours to Shimano 105 Di2, by way of aero gravel bikes and the growing standardisation of tubeless tyres.
Read on as we gaze deep into the crystal ball to foretell what’s on the horizon in 2022. And for extra tech predictions, take heed to the newest episode of the BikeRadar podcast, the place Tom Marvin, Sam Challis, Alex Evans and extra of the workforce talk about their predictions for each road driving and mountain biking.
Every Grand Tour shall be gained on disc brakes
Jack Luke, deputy editor
My tech prediction for 2022 is that each Grand Tour shall be gained on road disc brakes and no notable rim-brake bikes shall be launched subsequent yr.
The team-issue Pinarello Dogma F was one of many solely road bikes launched final yr to nonetheless function a rim-brake possibility, however Team Ineos made the announcement in September that it might change to discs for most occasions in 2022.
As a end result, this would be the first yr that each WorldTour workforce rides on disc brakes in some capability.
Unless there’s a last-minute change of coronary heart from one of many huge groups, this implies it’s nearly a certainty that each single Grand Tour shall be gained on disc brakes.
![Tadej Pogačar riding a rim brake Colnago V3Rs at the 2021 Tour de France Tadej Pogačar riding a rim brake Colnago V3Rs at the 2021 Tour de France](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/01/Tadej-Pogacar-–-2021-Tour-de-France-5bd0a13.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
In all honesty, that is hardly a seismic second on this planet of biking tech – notable, sure, however disc brakes have already confirmed themselves time and once more. Comparing the deserves and downsides of every at this stage is tiresome at greatest.
However, for rim brake aficionados comparable to myself, this positively means that rim brake road bikes are going the best way of the Dodo.
I count on the provision of rim brake elements and wheelsets will proceed for a few years to come back – in any case, SRAM Red eTap AXS and Shimano’s new Dura-Ace groupsets are each obtainable with rim brake choices.
But if you need a top-end bike geared up with rim brakes off the shelf, act quickly.
13 speeds for road
Sam Challis, technical editor
![Campagnolo Ekar groupset Cassette on bike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2020/12/Campagnolo-Ekar-review-16-adc81ac.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
2021 noticed all three of the large road groupset manufacturers add extra sprockets to their cassettes.
SRAM bumped Rival as much as 12-speed and gave it the digital AXS remedy and Shimano made its long-awaited transfer to 12-speed for Dura-Ace and Ultegra. Meanwhile, Campagnolo leapfrogged them each by introducing its 13-speed Ekar gravel groupset.
Yet my predicted tech development for 2022 is extra of the identical.
And why shouldn’t that be the case? There’s been the argument that we don’t want any extra gears on road bikes for many years – Henri Desgrange stated something greater than a fixed-gear was dishonest, the sadist – but when additional sprockets may be accommodated with no main disruptions to bike requirements or drivetrain efficiency, carry them on, I say.
You both get extra gearing vary with the identical jumps in between, or smoother development for the identical vary. So lengthy because the sprockets are saved to a smart measurement, there’s no draw back, or no motive for it to not occur.
With the discharge of Ekar, Campagnolo launched its N3W freehub customary. It has the identical spline sample as Campag’s pre-existing freehub, however is 4.4mm stubbier, so a 10t sprocket and tiny 9t sprocket can mission off the tip of it inside a regular freehub spacing.
![Campagnolo Ekar groupset N3W freehub](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2020/12/Campagnolo-Ekar-review-20-74738b2.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
This opens up all types of gearing prospects, and Campagnolo says it is going to base its future designs across the N3W customary.
What’s extra, the Italian model has been the primary to include an additional sprocket on its groupsets for the reason that transfer to 9-speed, and its present 12-speed groupsets have been matched by each essential rivals now. With Ekar setting the usual, all proof suggests road 13-speed will occur in 2022 for Campagnolo.
And whereas Shimano would possibly historically take some time to behave to the newest trends, I don’t assume the Japanese model is completed including speeds to its groupsets simply but both. But I’ll depart it to my colleague, Simon von Bromley, to delve a bit deeper into that.
SRAM appears prefer it would possibly buck my development for 2022, having solely simply pushed its third-tier road groupset to 12-speed. But provided that it’s extensively thought of probably the most forward-thinking of the three groupset makers, I wouldn’t rule out a shock sooner or later both. I stay up for seeing how the yr unfolds.
Shimano 105 Di2? Yes please!
Simon von Bromley, senior technical author
![Pinarello Dogma F with Dura-Ace R9200-5 Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 rear derailleur](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/08/Pinarello-Dogma-F-with-Dura-Ace-R9200-5-963aa4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
As Sam has already talked about, 2021 noticed Shimano finally announce and launch the brand new 12-speed Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2 groupsets (even when availability of the latter may be very skinny on the bottom), and that’s been pretty for these with numerous cash to spend.
But with that out of the best way, I’m now most excited in regards to the prospect of a brand new Shimano 105 groupset in 2022.
A brand new 105 groupset has sometimes been introduced round a yr or so after the discharge of a brand new Ultegra groupset, so I’m hopeful 2022 would be the yr Shimano’s great-value, workhorse road groupset sees an analogous refresh.
What would possibly we count on? Well, on the very least I’d hope it makes the bounce to 12-speed, however what I’d actually like to see is a transfer to digital shifting.
SRAM has made enormous strides lately by bringing its eTap wi-fi drivetrain tech to cheaper price factors, most notably with the discharge of Rival eTap AXS, the corporate’s third-tier groupset and thus its tough equal to 105.
![Felt FR Advanced 105 Disc - 05 The Felt FR Advanced 105 Disc road bike is equipped with a Shimano 105 drivetrain](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Felt-FR-Advanced-105-Disc-05-54ddf49.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
If Shimano needs to stay aggressive within the cheaper finish of the road bike market, the corporate wants to tug one thing huge out of its hat.
Of course, as with SRAM Rival eTap AXS, I’m positive a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset would include a weight penalty over its pricier siblings, however – you already know me – I don’t actually care about that.
And yet one more very particular level. I’d additionally wish to see Shimano add in touch level adjustment to its 105 hydraulic shifters.
As it stands, you don’t have the power to regulate the quantity of brake lever journey with 105 shifters, as you’ll be able to with Ultegra or Dura-Ace. It’s a really small factor, however come on, Shimano, why did you’re taking that away from us anyway?
If this was to occur, it could possibly be the factor that finally convinces me to go electrical on my private bikes.
At the second, the cost-to-performance ratio of digital gearing simply doesn’t justify itself, in my view. Yes, it makes bikes look cleaner and “beep-whizz” shifting may be very cool, however it doesn’t make you any sooner.
Bring that price right down to one thing extra affordable, although, and I simply could be satisfied to cough up my very own cash.
The ball‘s in your court, Shimano. Don’t let me down.
The evolution of gravel bikes
Warren Rossiter, senior road technical editor
![2021 new Specialized Crux gravel bike S-Worx Crux Jack Luke BikeRadar riding shots-13 2021 new Specialized Crux gravel bike S-Worx Crux Jack Luke BikeRadar riding shots-13](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/10/2021-new-Specialized-Crux-gravel-bike-S-Worx-Crux-Jack-Luke-BikeRadar-riding-shots-13-4d693d5.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
Personally, I’m trying ahead to seeing gravel bikes evolving into extra than simply the nebulous style it’s at present outlined as. The newest development in direction of gravel bikes as quick, aggressive machines is an efficient factor.
Now, don’t get me improper. I’ve obtained nothing however respect for riders who wish to load up their lives on their bike and head off into the wilds on bikepacking adventures, and so want a motorbike with a large number of fixtures and fittings.
But, frankly, that’s not for me. There are too many nice resorts, pubs and heat locations to relaxation after an extended day within the saddle, versus crawling underneath the canvas.
That means I like my gravel bikes to be stripped down, shorn of extra weight and constructed for quick enjoyable. Fortunately, that was mirrored final yr within the launch of quick, light-weight bikes constructed for enjoyable days out fairly than transcontinental endeavours.
The development began by 3T and Cervélo has gathered tempo with the brand new Specialized Crux, Cannondale SuperSix Evo SE, Wilier Rave and just a few extra apart from becoming a member of this rising and evolving species of drop-bar off-roader. That’s one thing I wish to proceed in 2022.
![Cannondale SuperSix Evo SE Cannondale SuperSix Evo SE](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/08/Cannondale-SuperSix-Evo-CX_SE_FotoJet-4-d45c998.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Right now, with regards to shopping for a gravel bike, the class is so broad that it’s complicated. It’s like being requested to decide on a road bike and being provided every thing between a Trek Madone aero bike and a Dawes Galaxy touring bike.
Or, for mountain bikers, being requested your opinion on whether or not to purchase a Trek Supercaliber as ridden by cross-country star Jolanda Neff, or Greg Minnaar’s Santa Cruz V10 downhill sled – they merely aren’t the identical factor.
I do know sub-genres in bikes can get slightly overwhelming however, if one biking self-discipline wants it, then it’s gravel.
As slightly additional development, I’m additionally trying ahead to 2022 finally offering all of the issues we had been promised in 2021. Yes, I’m speaking about you, 12-speed Ultegra Di2.
Give me the tubeless compatibility I would like
Felix Smith, video supervisor
![Felix Smith riding the Cannondale Synapse endurance road bike with mudguards and lights Felix Smith riding the Cannondale Synapse endurance road bike with mudguards and lights](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/03/Felix-Smith-c7ad54b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
All I need for 2022 is to have the ability to use any tubeless tyre I need on my tubeless wheels.
If you’ve obtained a comparatively new wheelset to benefit from all the advantages of the very best tubeless road tyres, then compatibility isn’t the place it must be.
In some circumstances, tyres are just too tight to suit; in others, there’s a danger of a tyre blowing off.
I used a set of the brand new, and very good, ENVE Foundation 45 wheels on my Cannondale Synapse long-term check bike final yr and, as the edges are hookless, was restricted to these tyres confirmed as suitable by ENVE.
ENVE has examined a reasonably extensive collection of tyres however I need a global customary.
This is an enormous matter in itself, and one we’ve lined intimately in our explainer on hookless rims, however it’s one thing I’d wish to see tidied up in 2022.
![Cannondale Synapse Disc Ultegra Cannondale Synapse Disc Ultegra endurance road bike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/01/Cannondale-Synapse-Disc-Ultegra-dacc763.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
Not too way back, road rims used to have an inner width of 13-15mm, and tyres bigger than 25mm had been handled with suspicion by riders with even modest efficiency ambitions.
The newest crop of road tubeless wheels have inner widths from 18mm to a whopping 25mm, as seen on Zipp’s new 303 Firecrest. Now, that’s fairly near what you’d have seen on mountain bike wheels within the not too distant previous.
Not solely has this been a major change however it’s additionally come about at a fierce tempo, and I haven’t even touched on hookless rims.
As a end result, the present ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) is now out of step with a few of the newest merchandise available on the market; it’s the identical for the International Organization for Standardization, which is the worldwide physique key to setting these requirements into stone.
We want a globally agreed customary masking each rims and tyres and, critically, how they work together.
My overarching level right here isn’t essentially a brand new development, however extra of a present development establishing itself as a brand new customary. I simply wish to have all of the tyre choices obtainable to me, with out sacrificing security for us, the riders.
Electric bikes are going nowhere
Stan Portus, digital author
![Pure Electric Flux One - 10 Male cyclist in black riding the Pure Electric Flux One eBike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/Pure-Electric-Flux-One-10-c764d56.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
My most anticipated tech development is easy – electrical bikes are going nowhere and shall be extra prevalent than ever in 2022.
To put the expansion of ebikes into perspective, battery-powered bikes now account for 17 per cent of the European bike market, up from 4.2 per cent in 2012.
In truth, in 2020, the ebike market was up 23 per cent yr on yr. Now, in fact, 2020 was a wierd yr and a lot of the biking business boomed.
But if the present ebike development continues, we can count on to see 10 million electrical bikes offered per yr by 2030. That’s over six million extra bikes per yr than in 2019.
![Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL 06 Male cyclist in a red and blue top riding the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL eBike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/01/Specialized-S-Works-Turbo-Creo-SL-06-2b9d4d3.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
If that appears on the market, then contemplate this: Rad Power Bikes, stated to be the biggest ebike firm in North America, just lately obtained a $154 million funding. And that adopted scorching on the heels of a $150 million funding in February 2021.
Clearly, persons are keen to take a position an enormous amount of cash on this rising part of the bike market. However, greater than something, these investments inform us one thing else about how the electrical bike market is ready to broaden.
While we’ve seen no scarcity of high-end, money-no-object electrical bikes being launched – bikes such because the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Neo, Wilier Triestina Cento10 Hybrid and Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL – the decrease finish of the mark is the place we’re going to see the motion.
After all, cheaper and usually extra sensible electrical bikes will present extra individuals with a comparatively reasonably priced (and inexperienced) technique of getting round.
Yes, electrical bikes are altering how we experience out on the road and the paths, however simple and accessible transportation is the place the long run lies.
Ever-wider tyres for gravel
Robyn Furtado, videographer
![Canyon Grizl-9 Canyon Grizl-9](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/05/Canyon-Grizl-9-6aefb33.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
My prediction is a continuation of a latest development, however it’s one I hope runs via 2022 – wider tyres and the clearances to accommodate them.
On gravel bikes of outdated, tyres would usually come stocked with 35mm to 40mm tyres, however the newest development in gravel is for wider rubber.
Modern frames at the moment are providing clearances for as much as 50mm tyres, with a brand new customary of between 40-45mm showing on many new gravel bikes.
In 2021, we noticed new releases, such because the bikepacking-friendly Canyon Grizl, include 45mm tyres as inventory, and even super-racy bikes such because the Wilier Rave coming with 42mm tyres out of the field.
![Canyon Grizl Man and woman riding Canyon Grizl AL bike in mountains](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/10/Canyon_Grizl_AL_1_Credit_Canyon_Marco_Freudenreich-f3663ec.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
The reputation of wider tyres, and the broader rims that come hand in hand with them, means extra frames and forks are being constructed with clearance to accommodate that rubber – particularly should you’re anticipating to experience in muddy terrain.
In 2022, I wish to see extra bikes providing extra cavernous clearances and wider rubber.
The advantages are easy. Wider tyres supply extra traction and extra consolation, a bigger contact space makes it grippier, and the next quantity provides you added squidge over the path chatter. Wider tyres may also cut back the possibilities of punctures, and in some circumstances, they even roll sooner than narrower tyres.
Having the power to run wider tyres on a gravel bike permits you to go additional and push the boundaries of your machine – one thing that displays how I wish to experience – and I hope this yr we’ll see larger tyres than ever.
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