Which MTB trends do you want to end in 2025?

34 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

Doneyparker Arizona // 2023
Dec 22, 2024

Frames without derailleur shift cable ports

6 reply

TK34 Minnesota // 2018
Dec 22, 2024

I don't care whether someone rides eMTB, but I do care about someone recklessly buzzing through me and then act like I'm ruining his Strava KOM. Beyond that, I don't care if they keep pushing electronic components, but I don't need more things in my life to plug in every night.

6 reply

robert okker Netherlands // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

No derailleur shift cable ports and headset routing of cables.
Those 2 are just utter stupid

6 reply

NicoRog France // 2024
Dec 23, 2024

Headset cables routing (for LBS and I...), price increase insane rate

5 reply

dimebagdarrel California // 2019
Dec 23, 2024

$8000+ bikes( and yes that is e-bikes also). The bike companies should take a look at what is happening(GT, Rocky Mountain etc.). If only doctors and lawyers can afford to buy bikes then there will be only a handful of companies left. Your choice will be a $700 Huffy or a $22,000 Crestline. Also, showing all kinds of reviews for completely awesome bikes that are not available in the USA( Rotwild, Kellys and many more)

4 reply

Grandeooof California // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

Disposable mountain bikes, now that geometry has leveled out and standards (for the most part), more frames should be a long term purchase with the ability to maintain and repair built in. By looking at buy and sell pages it is very easy to see the brands guilty of these “disposable” frames by the number of rear triangle only and front triangle only due to crash replacements available. Some manufacturers (raaw, Geometron, banshee) have been at this for awhile and kudos to them. BTW the disposable ones usually have the most frequent releases of “updates”.

4 reply

CycleKrieg Minnesota // 2017
Dec 23, 2024

Headset routing.

4 reply

highland.hippie Queensland // 2021
Dec 23, 2024

This!

I can't believe someone could make a list like this in 2024, and NOT include internal headset routing. The epitome of the "feature" that NO-ONE asked for.

2 reply

El Jefe Colorado // 2016
Dec 23, 2024

Any and all references to “sending it.”

3 reply

Matt Rehn Arizona // 2014
Dec 22, 2024

Heavier bikes

3 reply

Matt Dunn Colorado // 2022
Dec 23, 2024

I would like headtube internal cable routing to die for sure!

3 reply

Jackietreehorn California // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

Infernal internal cable routing. Give me a stud and zip tie for everything, ok maybe not dropper posts but everything else.

3 reply

davidwooderson Texas // 2022
Dec 22, 2024

It's all good, let's ride!

3 reply

Aaron Couch 2013
Dec 24, 2024

Unpopular opinion here: I'd like to see the idea of "trends" go. Want a more welcoming and inclusive cycling community? Let people ride how and what they want.

3 reply

halott Florida // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

When riders "roost" using their back tire to skid sideways and throw dirt on turns, thereby eroding the trail or creating big skids on the surface screwing it up. Fun for the rider but messes up the trail.

3 reply

TK34 Minnesota // 2018
Dec 24, 2024

Agree. That's a good one.

0 reply

Svteam 2015
3 weeks ago

Headset cable routing

2 reply

canterburynh New Hampshire // 2018
Dec 24, 2024

Headset routing, won't buy a bike with it.

2 reply

evolutioncounsellingandwellness Portugal // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

Short chainstays are an antiquated trend. With bikes getting longer and slacker, the rear center needs to lengthen to balance out the long front. Modern bikes are starting to have too little weight on the front wheel. Also, chainstays should scale with bike frame size.

2 reply

cooper_918 Arkansas // 2024
3 weeks ago

Long chain stays are the new trend. There’s very few options now for tall riders who prefer short chainstays unfortunately, yet people are still complaining about short chainstays.

0 reply

landonarkens Wisconsin // 2019
Dec 22, 2024

Bike industry layoffs

1 reply

Claude Bike Italy // 2019
Dec 22, 2024

+1 for short chainstays
Also, low handlebars (see Dakota Norton)

0 reply

ed734 New Mexico // 2019
3 weeks ago

Bikes with bad or extreme chain lines. I want to be able to set up a bike that has all available gears ‘good’. Give me a light weight 12-48 nine speed cassette with 12 speed spacing and really accurate cable derailleur and shifter …and dishless rear wheel. Perfect!

0 reply

mattgersib Nebraska // 2021
3 weeks ago

Cable/hose routing through the head tube.

0 reply

Chris Ellis New Mexico // 2016
Dec 22, 2024

Chris. Class 1 emtbs should be allowed on all trails. Remember, it's not the bike but the rider who causes issues. Plus, type 1 bikes cannot accelerate so they won't damage the tread any more than the shredders

0 reply

RemyMac Colorado // 2022
3 weeks ago

I actually don't mind any of the trends. I think it is cool to test the market and see what people like. It bothers me when trends are forced such as trying to force everyone into an electric drivetrain by eliminating the cable routing.

On a personal level, I don't like short chain stays even as a shorter rider, but I'm definitely in a minority obviously as there are very few choices out there if one my height wants a chain stay at 450mm or so.

0 reply

GeoJim Idaho // 2016
3 weeks ago

I ride a pedal assist ebike because I’m 72 and not as fit as i used to-be but still like to mountain bike. Closing all mountain trails to me is very frustrating so stop it!

0 reply

Retsudb Nevada // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

I ride vintage b'cuz I'm vintage...66 years young. I'm amazed at the tech, keep it coming. Just get out & ride!!

0 reply

DGuise Australian Capital Territory // 2021
Dec 23, 2024

I'm 83 and have ridden di2 for the last 6 yrs (10000km) as manual shifters are designed to wreck right thumbs. Have just handed my CF XC hardtail to daughter and have already done 200km this month on my new E-SUV dual sus. Cant call it an mtb as it has mudguards!

1 reply

Kosta K 2024
3 weeks ago

Single piece stem / handlebar combos, and cable routing through headsets!!!

0 reply

Varaxis New York // 2010
Dec 22, 2024

Single-sided lock-on grips - they don't lock on as securely as two clamps. After one slip, they throttle for the rest of their lifetime. Not as cheap to replace (25+ vs <15 for only a grip module), not to mention the extra waste. Not compatible with accessories like Counterpunch and in-bar storage systems.

0 reply

PartyPace13 North Carolina // 2021
Dec 23, 2024

Also don’t work with pogies for the cold AF riding.

0 reply

bpmaiden 2021
3 weeks ago

Some bikes and components were never made to endure the beating they get from typical mountain biking. I think if such products were banned, everyone (except cheapo manufacturers and merchants) would benefit. Bikes would get better without getting more expensive because there would no longer be a market for deceptive products and absolute junk. Mountain biking has risks, but we shouldn't have to hear about cyclists getting injured when their inadequate equipment breaks. Daredevils and weekend riders alike need safe bikes. Let's not have a penalty for people who can't tell the difference between good equipment and bad.

0 reply

[email protected] Minnesota // 2024
Dec 22, 2024

Anti eMTB bias, some people absolutely need the help, and if you have to ride 8+ miles to go to where you like to ride and 8+ back it's a lifesaver.

-1 reply

Tagged: survey, gear

First published December 22, 2024 @ 3:46:00

Featured Articles

34 Comments