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1x isn't cool anymore: now that 1x has trickled down to Wal Mart bikes, hipsters embarrassed at how "non-pro" their 1x bikes are. NW chainrings flood the market
Road bikes rediscovered: after 10 years of all-road, tires begin shrinking again and cyclists rediscover speed. "Road conversions" become a thing, in which gravel frames are outfitted with 700x32-35mm slicks, fenders, and 2x gearing - essentially sport touring bikes
Return of custom steel: with the vintage market completely dead and bloated we see a resurgence in custom frame building with the return to road, since most major and minor brands are not producing anything hipster enough to meet the new counter-trend. Surly Pacers and Soma Smoothies will see a temporary uptick in sales
Silver component revenge: demand for silver parts increases dramatically. All major component manufacturers begin offering their line in silver ASAP. SRAM is the first brand to adjust, but keep their modernist lines, creating a neo-retro aesthetic with high-polish Gieger contortions
Rim brake, rediscovered: the return narrow road tires brings the demand for comfort from cyclists more used to gravel. This will manifest as an intolerance for stiff disc forks. Some bikes will be retrofitted with compliant caliper brake forks while retaining disc in the rear
Second wave of center-pull: due to the influence of gravel, new road riders will expect clearance for larger tires than standard road calipers can clear. Thanks to Jan heine and others, they will choose centerpull, preferably with post mounts directly on the frame for added strength.
Bonus trends to watch:
• "high trail" road
• Rivendell makes surprise recovery
• boutique 1" threadless/26.0 builds "for compliance"
• tanwall officially lame again
• ebike sales stagnate, "the new fatbike"
• subdued metallic paint and end of pastel/neon
