What is the most annoying trend in Gravel and Road bikes circa 2023? The integrated front end. Certainly, the front end is incredibly clean, particularly with the advent of wireless electronic shifting. However, internalizing brake housings through the handlebar and often, the stem and fork steerer tube, add a huge amount of time and complexity building the bike. Headset bearing replacement just got a lot more complex. Will this trend continue beyond 2023?
The Most Annoying Trend in Gravel & Road Bikes Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription.
In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew conveys a few gripes about the current trend to internalize brake housings through the handlebar, stem, headset, and so on.
Additional Photos
Note, there is nothing inherently wrong with the bikes in this gallery from the 2023 Sea Otter, but give thought to the additional time and costs related to headset bearing replacement, etc.
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Links of Interest:
- Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Guidelines
- Tailwind Nutrition (JOM’s choice of on-the-bike hydration)
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
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