With another year drawing to a close – in this case, a particularly challenging year – it's time to once again take a look back at some of the most interesting bicycle-related products that were announced over the past 365 days.
As usual, some disclaimers apply. First of all, given the surging popularity of ebikes, we've given them their own separate list. That means there are no electric bicycles or related products included in this roundup.
Secondly, we're not claiming that the things being recapped here are necessarily the "best" cycling innovations from the past year. Instead, they're products that we think took a particularly unique approach to serving their purpose, and are therefore commendable for their ingenuity.
Additionally, a number of them were the subject of crowdfunding projects, which might or not might not actually reach the production phase. So … with all that in mind, check out our picks!
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![The Superstrata Terra and Ion are currently on Indiegogo]()
July 13, 2020Strength may indeed be one of the selling points of carbon fiber bicycles, but many riders still worry about breaking the things. That's where the Superstrata bike comes in, as its frame is 3D printed from one continuous piece of carbon fiber. -
![The MotionIQ system, with its fork- and shock-mounted sensing units]()
February 05, 2020Setting the preload, rebound and compression on a full-suspension mountain bike can be a daunting task. The MotionIQ system is designed to help, though, by assessing users' rides in order to determine the best settings. -
![The Newton-Rider helmet is presently on Indiegogo]()
October 16, 2020Some people refuse to wear bike helmets because they find the things to be big, heavy and gawky-looking. The Danish-made Newton-Rider helmet is a bit different, in that it's sleek, thin, and made of semi-soft materials. -
![Choka's functioning AGHATA prototype in tire-inflating action]()
October 01, 2020When it comes to portable bicycle tire-inflating devices, hand pumps require a lot of effort, while CO2 cartridges are single-use only. The aluminum Choka bike frame offers an alternative, by doubling as a compressed air tank. -
![Along with their other selling features, REM Pedals are claimed to provide more float than clipless models, allowing riders to more freely move their foot relative to the pedal]()
February 06, 2020Although many cyclists like the retention offered by "clipless" pedals, there's something to be said for the ease-of-use and wide platform offered by flats. Hustle Bike Labs has tried to combine the best features of both, with its magnetic REM Pedal. -
![The Daysaver is presently on Kickstarter]()
September 23, 2020Regardless of whether they ever use them or not, cyclists certainly do like their multitools. The things can be heavy and bulky, though, which is why the Swiss-designed Daysaver was created – it combines nine tools in a single hex wrench. -
![The D1x Trail shifter module is mounted on the drive-side chainstay]()
February 10, 2020Electronically-shiftable bicycle drivetrains such as Di2 and eTap are becoming increasingly popular, but they're definitely pricey. Archer Components' D1x Trail offers a cheaper alternative, by adding electronic shifting to existing rear derailleurs. -
![The Lobster Lock, fully deployed]()
June 08, 2020It can be a hassle, removing your bike lock from its frame mount (or from your bag) every time you want to use it. The Lobster Lock is different, though, in that it stays attached to your bike at all times – even when the lock is in use. -
![The PedalPorteur (pictured here with its "Bagsket" being installed) is presently on Kickstarter]()
August 27, 2020Rear racks are certainly handy for carrying cargo on your bike, but they're not always long enough, wide enough, or just handy enough. The PedalPorteur was created to address those shortcomings, with a transformable design. -
![The BrakeAce device replaces the bike's existing brake adapter]()
July 06, 2020If you're a mountain biker who wants to go fast yet maintain control, then you shouldn't overuse your brakes. The BrakeAce was designed with that in mind, as it's a power meter that monitors your brake usage throughout each ride.
