2022 is coming to an end, which means we’re looking towards the cycling tech and tech trends we’re expecting or hoping to see in the new year. It has to be said, some of the things on our wish list at road.cc seem far more likely than others, but that won’t stop us from dreaming!
Lighter, stiffer, more aero, more comfortable…what have we missed? Specialized Tarmac SL8
Oh, and it’ll probably cost more too…
Lorena Wiebes and Fabio Jakobsen have both been spotted using a fully integrated aero handlebar with semi-internal cable routing, which we suspect are Specialized’s new Roval Handlebars.
> Fabio Jakobsen spotted with ‘new Specialized aero handlebars and saddle’
Given what we know about Specialized’s usual frame cycle, a Tarmac SL8 is likely to be coming in time for the Tour de France next year, and we would expect to see this integrated cockpit fitted to it.
With the relaxation of the UCI’s frame regulations and the 3:1 rule, Jamie our video guy thinks that the Specialized Tarmac SL8 is likely to take advantage of this and feature a deeper headtube, thinner seatpost (as already seen on the new Cervélo S5) and beefier bottom bracket.
> Check out the best road bikes 2022
He also predicts a new set of ROVAL wheels with carbon spokes to be launched alongside, in order to bring the Rapide wheelset down to their previous weight of 1410g, retaining their tubeless compatibility.
Likeliness rating: 85%
The same rider to win the Green and Yellow jersey at the Tour de France because Wout…
2023 could be the first year since 1969 that the yellow and green jerseys are won by the same person in the Tour de France. The last cyclist to do this was Eddy Merckx.
The Tour de France 2023 features numerous sprints, medium mountain stages and a shortage of time trial kilometres.
> Check out the bikes ridden to every 2022 Tour de France stage victory, including Vingegaard’s Cervelo & Van Aert’s green machine
With Wout van Aert taking the yellow and green jersey in stage two of the 2022 Tour and a solid effort up Alp D’huez, could 2023 be his year to take home both?
Likeliness rating: 35%
A bike computer that looks like it’s from this decade – please!
A refreshed Wahoo Elemnt Roam and Garmin Edge 1040 were released this year but still have the same form factor as previous generations. Both offer new features but remain similar in appearance to their older models with large bezels.
> Check out the best cycling computers 2022
We think that this is an area where manufacturers can seriously up their game and would like to see bezel-less bike computers with bigger screens in 2023.
Perhaps SRAM/Hammerhead have something up their sleeve for us next year!
> SRAM acquires GPS computer brand Hammerhead
Likeliness rating: 45%