Let's take a look at some of the latest Spring Classic bike trends, hacks, and tweaks that you can try to make your rides safer, faster, and more fun.
TYRES: GETTING BEEFIER
Nothing scandalous here. It seems like the standard has moved a bit upwards though, as most Spring Classic riders opt for 28-32mm tires. We've heard of a few riders running wider tyres in the front and narrower tyres in the back, but let's see if this trend sticks.
BRAKES: DISCS, DISCS, DISCS
Like it or not, disc brakes are the preferred choice at the Spring Classics. Yes, they are slightly heavier, but with tires and wheels getting wider each year, rim brakes are often out of the question. Plus, disc brakes are better suited to handle those infamous weather conditions.
HANDLEBARS: BACK TO BASICS
It gets juicier here. Many Spring Classic riders switch their aero handlebars for round ones, which are supposed to be more compliant and comfortable on cobbles. But it's still very personal. Mathieu van der Poel, for example, rode stock aero handlebars from Canyon at the 2022 Paris-Roubaix. And now? At the latest Milan - San Remo race? Check that out and go figure.
BAR TAPES: SKINNY IS BACK
We've got some good news for cycling purists: double-wrapping is on the decline. Only a handful of riders still double-wrap their handlebars. Probably thanks to all the carbon parts and more compliant carbon frames, which are better at isolating riders from bumps and vibrations. Mathieu van der Poel is in the minority club who still double-wraps. But then again, he’s one of the few who rides a stock aero bike in cobbled races.
FRAMES: FROM SUPER FAST TO SUPER COMFY
You won't see a wider array of bike frames than at the Spring Classics. From TT to endurance, to borderline gravel frames. From light and aero Canyon AEROADS's to sturdier and slacker Specialized Roubaixs or Cannondale Synapses. It's very individual, and will probably stay that way.
SEAT POSTS: BEHOLD, DROPPERS!
What? A dropper post in a Spring Classics article? You can thank Matej Mohoric, who won Milan-San Remo in 2022 with a 60mm dropper and probably ended the stigma of using dropper posts in road racing for good. Droppers allow riders to lower their centre of gravity during descents and tight turns. It's true that droppers are heavier and can only be used in non-aero frames, but we don't see why they shouldn't become more popular. Mohoric plans to use a dropper again at the 2023 Spring Classics, so let’s see who else shows up with a dropper.
DRIVETRAINS: 1X ON THE RISE
Considering the flatter profiles and short climbs of the Spring Classics, 1x groupsets are a reasonable choice. Add a chain-guide and you have a lightweight and reliable solution that we expect more riders will embrace in the near future.
