Last year, IFEMA added the first edition of Unibike to its calendar of sector fairs, an event dedicated exclusively to the world of cycling and its different disciplines. Last weekend, the second edition of the event was held, this time with an international scope and the direct participation of more than 500 brands.
Given the importance of the event and the presence of the main manufacturers, at Tuvalum we decided to attend to learn firsthand about the latest market developments, discover technological advances in road bikes and mountain bikes, and reconnect with friends and professionals in the industry.
Among the most outstanding presentations, at the Sram booth you could see live the operation of the new Sram RED eTap wireless shifter, designed for road bikes and triathlon. This innovative system, inspired by the paddle shifters of Formula One cars, eliminates the mechanical limitations of wiring and improves the precision of gear changes.
Each manufacturer presented their most representative models, along with the bets they have planned for the coming season. In addition, mountain bikes were also in the spotlight, with new suspension technologies, optimized geometries, and lighter, more resistant components.
The trends and advances that will shape the future of cycling are already underway. Below, we share our conclusions about the highlights of the International Bicycle Fair.
26" bikes are dead
In the mountain bike segment, the first major conclusion that Unibike left is that bicycles with 26-inch wheels
have been left in the past. This trend had already been evident for some time, but at the expo it was completely confirmed. It is increasingly difficult to find 26” mountain bikes on the market, even second-hand. And while some cyclists still prefer them, the main manufacturers have taken a definitive step towards larger wheels.At the Unibike exhibitors, finding a mountain bike model with 26” wheels was almost an impossible mission. The industry is betting on larger formats, although that does not necessarily mean they are always the best option for every cyclist.
Welcome to the era of the ‘semi-fat bikes’
Not only have 26” wheels disappeared, but even 27.5” ones are starting to lose prominence. Most manufacturers showcased their flagship mountain bike models with 29-inch wheels, consolidating this size as the new standard.
But the most striking thing was the growing presence of semi-fat or mid-fat bikes, bikes that are positioned halfway between 27.5” and 29”. This peculiar wheel size, technically known as 650B, used to be a rarity, but more and more brands are adopting it in their new models.
Wheels are getting bigger and wider
The trend in mountain bikes seems clear: the wheels are getting wider and bigger. And this winter, we will see an increase in the presence of fat bikes riding along trails and paths.
But it’s not just the wheels that are growing, the frames are too. If a few years ago the industry was betting on light and minimalist designs, now manufacturers are opting for thicker and more robust frame tubes , maintaining lightweight and resistant materials. The design now seeks a more imposing and aggressive aesthetic.
This evolution is not exclusive to just a couple of manufacturers, but was a clear trend at Unibike, where many brands presented large mountain bikes, some even with electric motors, confirming the rise of assisted cycling.
In conclusion, the second edition of the International Bicycle Fair, Unibike, served to confirm that the mountain bikes of the future will be bigger, bulkier, and technologically advanced. And while the world of MTB moves in this direction, road bike enthusiasts are watching closely to see which trends might also be transferred to their discipline.