Predictions for MADE 2026

As we're gearing up for this year's MADE, the topic of trends came up. What kind of bikes are we expecting to see, what accessories will be popular, whose brainwaves have aligned and made similar things? While we aren't trying to chase trends, I'd be lying to say I don't look at media and need to stay up on clever designs, how people are riding bikes, and what we can look forward to for next year. I mean, I could just drop all the cool stuff we'll have for our booth, but you'll just need to be there ;)

Here are some predictions from the staff:

The Attack of the 32ers

The most obvious one is the new 32" wheel "standard". In my opinion, 32" makes a lot of sense if you are tall. We've written about this in the past (holy guacamole this post is from 2014). Basically, it makes sense to scale your bike's wheel size up as the frame size gets larger. You can generally maintain good balance and handling characteristics. But there are three characteristics to consider with these large wheels: bottom bracket drop, wheel flop, and physical space. I'm interested in seeing how independent builders account for all of these!

Several sources of recent 32ers have reported that these are exceptional gravel bikes. They go straight exceptionally well. And that's what you want from a racing bike. You want to go (mostly) straight and not think about it, coincidentally, also good for touring bikes. They are good at this because the bottom bracket has a drop of 100+mm. Which when you look at a similarly clearanced grav bike like our Chessie, is over 3cm lower. 

It doesn't sound like much but you are sitting inside the bike more, your weight is lower, and the bike wants to stay significantly more upright. And the only way to make it more playful for MTB use (which I think is the most appropriate use for rollover) is to slacken the front end to artificially induce more wheel flop which will make the combo of short rear end plus super lack front end handle very oddly when you're sitting so low in the frame. 

And then for smaller frames there physically isn't enough room for the wheels to exist, so there are all sorts of concessions with fit and handling which could be alleviated by even using a 29er or 650b wheel.

I think you get my drift that 32 will def be there. Phew, bring it back Igor...don't let the old man in....

Hybrids are Back Baby!

Let it be known I posted this meme 114 weeks ago.

We can call em whatever we want, but I think a hybrids are great bikes and satisfy a lot of what someone typically needs a bike for - commuting, jetting around town, riding to the park...you know, normal stuff. But Big Bike needs to sell you a bike with flat bars for control, disc brakes, wide gearing, and 45mm tires. Guess what? I think you know.

Fashion: Legionnaire Hats, Goatees, and Low Socks

Scott is encouraged that people are more interested in their skin health. There's no question is climate is changing, and we need to make sure we keep ourselves safe however we can. I had a cancerous mole removed a couple years back, so cover up and wear sunscreen!

Ammon says these will be the trends of this year. I've already seen low socks in my kid's school, so that jives. On the facial hair side, goatees are a great way to balance round or diamond-shaped faces and strengthen a chin. However, frequent maintenance to keep the edges neat. I feel like for the amount of effort for a goatee requires a beard might be a more effective facial hair. I tried a goatee once and I felt like a software programmer. I'm also jealous that Ammon can grow facial hair like none other. 

Racks n Bags

Remember when people used racks on touring bikes? VO remembers. Ammon thinks racks are going to be the stand out accessory this year. I mean, so much versatility with virtually no weight penalty. I get it, that maybe the bag will snag on rocks or branches or something, but those situations are determined by where you ride. Otherwise, racks and panniers are just so practical. 

Piggy-backing on this: cargo bikes. I think more practical cargo bikes that aren't long tail or long platform are going to be popular. They are a lot easier to live with than something with a 3 foot long platform, especially if you live in tight quarters or an area that isn't as convenient to ride through like Copenhagen.

Integration of Systems

Derek thinks he's going to see more integration of systems, both for e-bikes but also for components and drivetrains. It seems like no matter the type of bike, wires, cables, accessories are more integrated and proprietary than ever. Which in some ways makes sense. You want the clean lines of a big-tube road or gravel bike, but you don't want the bulky look of an ebike motor and battery.

Or with the case of racks, more integrated, custom rack and lighting designs. I've always been a huge proponent that if you're happy with your current bike, the biggest upgrade is lighting and subsequently racks. They are both so incredibly practical and when designed together, they can be rock solid without interfering with bags.

VO Turns 20!

Can you believe it?? This summer Velo Orange has been around for 20 years. And to celebrate, we're going to have a party at Company in Portland during the MADE Show on August 22nd at 6pm! See you there!