What's the single greatest cycling invention in the world?

[James Drake]

A classic Tuesday afternoon discussion / argument has broken out in the PistonHeads office. What is, in your opinion, the single greatest invention in the world of modern cycling?

We're talking about the more recent and clever stuff, so don't say something like "wheels" or "metal tubing"!

Currently we've concluded that disc brakes are very good (especially on mountain bikes), Carbon frame technology has pushed the boundaries of lightweight vs strength and stiffness and SPD / Clipless pedals are pretty special when you think how much of a faff toe straps were!

What do people think - what's the single best invention in modern cycling?

[James Drake]

From a mountain biking perspective I'd also like to add dropper seat posts too - they dramatically increased how much I enjoy riding... And that's probably a fairly good way to define how good something is I'd have thought?

[James Drake]

Banana Boy said:

If you ask this question in a couple of years time I wonder how many people might say 'electronic/wireless gearshift'? Or even 'Gates Carbon Belt Drive'?! (I love the belt drive concept and would love to have a touch and feel of a bike running it!)

I suspect that electric gears will trickle down - having used them briefly on a road bike I'm sold!

[James Drake]

yellowjack said:

So for me, personally? The greatest development in modern cycling is frame material, geometry and lower weight. All three are combined in the core component of a bike, it's frame, and make the most difference to me as a rider.

Actually geometry is a good shout - and perhaps even more applicable to MTB. It is crazy to look at home much our understanding of geometry has changed in even the last 5 years - head angles and top tube length particularly.

JD

[James Drake]

With regards to Strava, I see what people are saying. Is it also a bit to do with the fact that Strava is giving tangible evidence of when an upgrade or new bit of tech is making a difference to performance?