2026: What’s In, What’s Out
Cycling in South Africa is heading into 2026 with a fascinating mix of momentum, disruption and fresh possibility.
From the explosive growth of gravel and adventure riding to a renewed focus on safer urban riding, the landscape is shifting faster than most riders can keep up. eBikes continue to surge, events are evolving and brands are betting big on tech that promises smarter, more connected riding experiences. Here’s our list of what to expect on the busier-than-ever South African biking scene, in 2026.
What’s out for 2026
- Strava, so many riders don’t bother any more
- Racing XCO or XCC without a dropper post
- Red Bull Rampage, enough already guys, it’s just too dangerous and judged contests are gister
- Throwing toys because a bike shop charges for labour
- Daytime road rides without bike lights
- Two-finger braking on mountain bikes, V-brakes are long gone, bru
- Aggressive trail riding without knee pads
- Short dropper posts on trail bikes
- Headset cable routing
- Exorbitant race entry fees
- Noisy bikes: a little lube, cable wrap and frame tape are affordable ways to keep your machine rolling like a Pro’s bike
- Not trimming MTB bars to fit you; they are supplied wide so everyone can trim them down for optimum fit. You’ll ride better!
- Badly maintained trails: get involved with your trails by donating or volunteering for build days
What’s in for 2026
- World Cup XCC races are insanely exciting
- Saffas on World Cup XC podiums, it’s going to be a regular thing
- Wacky gravel bikes, anything goes
- The inaugural Garden Route Giro, this 6-day gravel stage race is set to be a banger
- Women on bikes
- Internal frame storage
- Frame wraps, bikes are expensive and there’s no better way to protect your investment than a frame wrap
- A lower fork service, it’s one of the best performance ‘enhancers’ on the market
- Hatherly – he’s now a four-time World Champ
- Tadej – more records will fall, afterall, he’s an alien
- Tour de France Femme, it’s way more exciting than the men’s race
- Erlangsen, rumour has it the guy is training like an Olympian. Podium run at Hardline hey boyjie?
- Candice, Tyler and Luke – after a season of highs and lows they’ll enter 2026 fired up
- Kim Le Court!
- Fun on bikes – that’s why we ride!
- Massive solo rolls OR group rides – JUST RIDE!
- Suspension on gravel bikes
- Watch Shimano….
- 32″ wheels on marathon bikes are coming, oh boy
- Commuting by bike
- Flared bars on road bikes
- Hybrid bikes give way to smaller quivers. As the design gap between genres continues to narrow, riders who historically owned four bikes may only need three, riders with three bikes may now only need two, etc etc
- Respecting concussions for what they are: an actual brain injury that needs treatment
- Short cranks
- Kids: getting them off their phones or gaming addictions and onto bikes
- More high-spec alloy framed bike options
- Hydration packs
- More on-bike storage systems for all the stuff we carry
- Grassroots and schools racing. This is where Champions are built!
- Entering mass participation events that raise funds for charity and then riding them socially
- More families riding together – no other participation sport transcends generations like biking?
- Stopping when furry friends and wildlife are on the trail
- Gravity racing is thriving in the Western Cape with the youth categories making up the majority of entrants
| Images: Max Sullivan, Troy Davies, Eric Palmer, Chris Taylor |