Hot new cycling trends to hop on
2 Minute Read
Summary
- Bike-packing combines adventure touring with lightweight gear for multi-day trips on remote routes.
- Gravel bikes feature hydraulic disc brakes and upright geometry for off-road and commuter use.
- Off-road hybrids with debris-free chain guides and luggage racks suit mountain valleys and urban commutes.
Is there anything more satisfying than riding a bike in the sun, the wind in your hair and the road straight ahead of you? Yes, there is. It's getting ahead of the latest trends and making them your own.
From new riding styles and gear innovations to shifts in how and where people cycle, the sport continues to evolve. Riders are finding fresh ways to improve comfort, performance and enjoyment on two wheels, whether they’re commuting, training or riding for fun.
Here’s a look at some of the cycling trends gaining momentum and what they mean for riders today.
Bike-packing
It's not that there's anything wrong with backpacking, but this may be the summer to tackle Ontario's incredible bike trails, which zig-zag from the Quebec border through Algonquin Park and along our rivers and lakeshores.
Along with all the essentials –think panniers, maps, water, snacks, layers, a spare tire and your CAA Everyday Membership (we do roadside Bike Assist* calls, after all) –there are also bikes perfectly designed for your bike-packing pleasure. Look for one with lower gear ratios, multiple gear mounts, and a durable yet lightweight frame.
While you're kitting up, consider some wearable tech: there are fitness trackers that auto-sync with third-party apps and have a wide range of downloadable maps, built-in GPS, altimeter (yes, that hill really is that big), and a vast array of sensors. Make sure you've also downloaded the CAA Mobile App so you can have your Membership number on your phone if you need it to find a great place to eat or shop that comes with CAA Membership savings.
Hit the (gravel) road
Remember when mountain bikes came out a million years ago, and we all raced to get one? They're still great, but off-road hybrids have evolved with new tech, like hydraulic disk brakes, a more upright frame style and a chain bracket that keeps debris clear. The result? A gravel bike, perfect for off-roading up and down mountain valleys. Some even come with luggage racks for bike-packing or commuting.
There's a card for that
Are you one of the 1.2 million Ontario residents who cycle rather than drive daily? It's good for you and great for the environment. Choosing a lifestyle that isn't car-centric has plenty of rewards –particularly if you have a CAA Everyday Membership. Designed for people who choose to walk, run, scooter or cycle, CAA Everyday gets you great benefits, like savings on insurance, dining, attraction tickets, sporting events and more. And if you pop a tire or break a chain? CAA Bike Assist is built into the Membership.* Plus, if you need help with a tune-up, assemblies or repairs, there is CAA Mobile Bike Service.
*Bike Assist offers one call a year within 10km.
