Pioneering innovations, revolutionary concepts or simply new products - this year, manufacturers are once again vying for the attention of customers. On a tour of Eurobike and with a view of the 2018 novelties one thing is certain: the flood of new inventions continues to be huge. In any case, there can be no talk of a lull in the mountain bike sector.
The pleasing thing about the 2018 generation is that there is a certain consistency in the market. Many of the trends shown in the previous year have become established or even standard. Take Boost, for example: the 148 mm wide hub dimension was used occasionally in 2017 bikes, but is now widespread in the 2018 models.
There are currently many trends running in parallel. Nobody knows which of them will prevail. In the current issue of BIKE 10/2017, we shed light on the developments in the components and accessories market and explain the current trends. In the end, it's up to you as the customer to decide which will prevail and which will disappear into oblivion. 865 BIKE users have already given us tips and cast their vote in our survey.
The result: With the single drive, one innovation is far and away in the lead. The "modern" race geometry and telescopic seatposts integrated into the frame follow in close succession. This is followed - also closely followed - by convertible bikes for the two wheel sizes 29-inch and 27.5+, plus-size tyres from 2.6 inches, electrically controlled suspension and gear components as well as individually adjustable frame and suspension geometry.
Together with BIKE readers, we tested how the most important trends feel on the trail. The report will appear in the next issue. BIKE 11/2017, on newsstands from 4 October.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
