Performance, comfort, versatility: these three words sum up the most promising new road bike trends for 2019, according to Bicycles Quilicot. Let's take a look at the current trends...
Adventure bikes: long live the open road!
They used to be called "cyclocross" bikes, then they flirted with the idea of "gravel bikes". Today, we're talking about adventure bikes ( or "open road" bikes), which are bikes with performance mechanics typical of a road bike, but on a more versatile platform. These two-wheeled all-rounders offer impeccable riding on gravel roads, dirt tracks, or forest trails, as well as perfectly adequate performance on asphalt. Many adventure bikes also accommodate tire widths of up to 38mm, making them suitable for winter riding.
These models, dubbed "bike SUVs," are perfect for cyclists looking for a ride that does a bit of everything, and does it well! Among the growing range of adventure bikes, the Specialized Diverge series stands out by offering several models with quality components accessible to all budgets ($1,100 to $10,000+).
Never too many miles with an endurance bike
For the past two years, the trend has been towards endurance bikes — high-performance road bikes with features that improve their flexibility and shock absorption on the road. A cyclist can thus tackle 100, 200, or 300-kilometer rides without compromising comfort. It's no longer about stopping a ride due to minor aches... you only stop when your legs are "shot," and not before!
In 2019, our attention turns to the Specialized Future Shock , which offers a unique patented suspension system at the stem. In short, the cyclist finds themselves "suspended" above a bike that absorbs vibrations and road imperfections. The compromise between comfort and performance, which we had grown accustomed to, is now a thing of the past!
More precise braking and wider tires thanks to disc brakes
Previously reserved for high-end road bikes, disc brakes are now included on almost all road bike models. Their advantages? Superior braking performance and reduced wheel friction. In other words, you brake better, and you damage your wheels less.
That's not all! By doing away with a caliper braking system, it literally opens up space for wider tires. The result: more comfort (a wider tire better absorbs road hazards), without any loss of performance. It's also easier than ever to switch between tire sets, depending on your needs. What if we fitted our trusty road bike with 35mm studded tires for riding in the city during the cold season?
Road bikes that are always more aerodynamic
Performance enthusiasts will be well served this year by a new and increasingly comprehensive wave of aerodynamic road bikes, led by the Specialized Venge (pictured), the TimeMachine Road from BMC , and the S3 or S5 from Cervélo .
These bikes stand out for their performance-optimized mold, recognizable by their streamlined frame with internal cabling. Beyond a lighter weight, this aerodynamic focus leads to another pleasant consequence: a clean, irreproachable aesthetic. They are "good" and they are "beautiful"; everything is there to satisfy us as cyclists!
See also: