Five road bike tech trends spotted at Opening Weekend
The Spring Classics are underway, and Opening Weekend was a thrilling spectacle, with Mathieu van der Poel and Demi Vollering claiming emphatic wins at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Matthew Brennan triumphing at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. The atmosphere at the races was electric, with fans, cycling royalty, and mechanics alike preparing for the start. We were on the ground, camera and notepad in hand, eager to uncover the latest tech and trends.
Despite no new Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset in sight, there was a flurry of experimentation behind the scenes, with common themes emerging across teams. The split between Shimano and SRAM components was even, with Cofidis as the lone team using Campagnolo groupsets. Drivetrain specifications varied further.
One-by setups were prevalent due to the punchy parcours, with SRAM-sponsored teams like Lidl-Trek, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Unibet Rose Rockets opting for mullet configurations. These setups featured SRAM Red AXS front ends, Red AXS XPLR cassettes, and direct-mount rear derailleurs, allowing for the use of the brand's aero-optimized 54T chainring.
Chain guides were standard, with Wolf Tooth dominating chain keeper duties. Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates XRG rode a Y1Rs with a Shimano Dura-Ace 1x setup, including a Carbon-Ti ring and a K-Edge chain keeper.
Butyl inner tubes, though humble, played a role, used on forks to hold timing transponders.
Race profile stickers varied, from glossy decals to handwritten paper and fabric adhesives. Stem lengths were notably long, with 120mm being the minimum. Most riders opted for 130mm, while others went as far as 145mm.
Handlebar configurations were diverse, with both traditional stem-and-bar clamps and integrated one-piece arrangements. Lidl-Trek riders, including Kragh Andersen, favored the fully integrated RSL setup.
Bike weights were a focus, with the Classics-spec race rigs averaging around 7.5kg. The lightest bike belonged to Tom Pidcock's 7.18kg Pinarello Dogma F, while Cole Kessler's Factor One of Modern Adventure Pro Cycling was the heaviest at 8.39kg, equipped with SRAM Force AXS.
Mixed-and-matched components were common, with Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals leading the charge. These were also seen on SRAM crankarms. Look Keo Blade Ceramic Ti and Time XPro SL pedals were on display, but the latter was exclusive to SRAM-sponsored teams.
Bahrain Victorious paired Shimano cranksets with Chinese Elilee carbon cranks (with power meters) and their Dura-Ace groupsets.
Mathieu van der Poel's triumph at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on a two-by Shimano Dura-Ace Di2-equipped bike showcased the enduring appeal of 24 gears for race situations. His 56-44T, 11-34T gearing setup proved ideal for the challenging Flanders landscape.
Several clear trends emerged from the bikes of major WorldTour teams:
The Single Chainring Revolution: Chainring standards varied due to the flat and rolling parcours with steep bergs. The common 54T chainring was paired with 55/40T and 56/44T combinations.
Crank Length Debate: 172.5mm, 165mm, and 175mm crank lengths were popular, with 167.5mm also seen. Classics riders seemed unbothered by shorter crank length debates.
3D-Printed Computer Mounts and Weight-Saving Hacks: Custom 3D-printed computer mounts and cradles were spotted, with UAE Team Emirates XRG using a Wahoo cradle and Carbon-Ti direct-mount hangers. Lidl-Trek and Uno-X also utilized 3D-printed components.
Prototype Tyres, Wheels, and Frames: Specialized-sponsored teams showcased an unreleased 32mm 'Cotton' tyre with a silicon-like treatment. Mathieu van der Poel rode a custom Canyon Aeroad with prototype Shimano Dura-Ace wheels, featuring carbon spokes and new hubs.
30mm Tyres Rule Supreme: Tyre widths were experimental, with 28mm being the minimum. 30mm was the most popular, with brands like Pirelli, Vittoria, and Michelin catering to this width. The widest option was the unreleased 32mm Specialized Cotton TLR tyre.
