As the 2024 season kicks off with the first race in Adelaide, Australia, we are beginning to see teams testing and utilizing new and interesting cycling tech. As aerodynamics becomes more prominent in our sport, manufacturers release more products with innovative new designs, and some riders taking matters into their own hands. In this article, we will run through new bike tech, including helmets, skinsuits, and frames.
New 2024 Cycling Helmets
We have already seen two new designs used in racing this season. These originate from two major brands, and both adhere to a similar trend. Teams sponsored by Kask and Poc are taking advantage of new technology.
Filippo Ganna shared a picture on Instagram on the 1st of January from the INEOS Grenadiers Majorca training camp. While the picture highlighted the new kit design for 2024, what truly stood out was the Kask aero helmet.
The new Kask aero helmet has already secured its first victory! Ridden to success by Jhonatan Narváez at the Down Under Classic. INEOS Grenadiers are currently the only Kask-sponsored team to have been seen with this helmet.
Secondly, one rider from the EF Education-EasyPost squad was spotted at the Santos Tour Down Under with a new helmet. Both helmets mentioned share a similar design feature in the way they cover the rider’s ears. Could this be the latest revolution in helmet aerodynamics?
However, the new Poc aero helmet looks very familiar. When compared to the Ekoï Aerodinamica, notably worn by Lotto Dstny, Cofidis, and Israel – Premier Tech, the only significant difference is the black side panel covering the ears.
Although, it must be said that if you remove the ear covers, it looks very similar to a helmet used over 10 years ago. Below is a photo of David Millar wearing an aero helmet from Giro in 2011. If this were released again today, would anyone question it, or would it be labelled as a step forward in aerodynamics?
Luke Plapp’s Time Trial Setup
During the Australian national time trial championships, Luke Plapp was seen wearing a Bioracer skinsuit, the same model used during his time at INEOS. The skinsuit had been re-branded to Alé, Team Jayco AlUla’s clothing sponsor. This comes as a surprise since selected riders from the team had been spotted using Vorteq skinsuits throughout 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Plapp was wearing Bioracer overshoes with a coloured over logo.
Furthermore, Plapp utilized the newly released Aerobar Four by Sync Ergonomics, “a complete 3D Printed Titanium Aerobar solution,” as stated by the brand. Additionally, he was using either an unreleased or customized aero chainring.
Using a TT skin suit for Road Races
Interestingly, at the Australian national road race championships, he wore the same Bioracer TT skinsuit, but with short arms. However, since being crowned the champion, at the Tour Down Under, he has been seen using an Alé TT skinsuit. You might be wondering how he manages this without pockets. Cleverly, he uses his pin-on numbers to store his gels! Also, he continued to use the same Bioracer overshoes during one stage of the Tour Down Under.
the number so that it can be used as a pocket.
Unreleased Bike Frames
In December, a picture of what appeared to be a new Trek Emonda was posted on Weight Weenies, a cycling forum. Aside from the slender frame, indicating a design tailored for climbing, it also featured the IsoFlow Technology. This technology was introduced in the most recent Trek Madone. Could this be a new Madone model that combines elements of aerodynamics with lightweight? This aligns with the most recent trend observed in bikes, for example, the S-Works Tarmac and Giant Propel. For additional details, you can explore our more in-depth article on the new Trek.
Recently, Kasper Asgreen was seen with what appears to be a new Specialized off-road/gravel bike. In the picture below, he is using a bike that bears some resemblance to the Specialized Diverge, but it is equipped with a slammed Roval Rapide Cockpit.
Comparing frame designs, it seems to most closely resemble that of the Diverge, not the Roubaix or Crux. This is evident from the position of the top tube and fork bag mount bolts. What adds to the intrigue and leads us to believe it might be a new frame is the unusually low mounting of the cockpit to the steerer tube.
The Specialized Diverge typically employs the Future Shock system, which doesn’t require a top cap to tension the headset but utilizes an oversized upper headset bearing. This design makes it challenging to achieve a low handlebar position. While there are some Future Shock delete kits available, they don’t seem to replicate the same effect observed on the bike ridden by Asgreen. So, the question arises: could this be an unreleased frame, or is it just a heavily modified setup? Asgreen is known for testing new Specialized equipment, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Unreleased Trek Road Cycling Shoes
Spotted at the Santos Tour Down Under were some new Trek-branded shoes that have not yet been released. These shoes bear a striking resemblance to the S-Works Ares Road Shoes. Featuring a sock-like structure with the BOA system attached to an outer cage.
Notably, these shoes are not branded as Bontrager, one of Trek’s in-house brands well-known for producing a range of wheels, accessories, and shoes. This raises the question of whether Trek is taking ownership and possibly moving away from the Bontrager branding.
We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us, there are sure to be many more exciting tech developments! Check out our other articles here. And to keep up to date by following our Instagram @in__the__draft__.
Written by
Guy Tucker
A freelance writer with a number of years’ experience writing on all things cycling. After competing internationally as a triathlete, he then moved onto cycling, working his way up the French amateur ranks. Guy has recently decided to step away from racing and focus on writing, as well as having fun on two wheels. The years spent heavily involved in sport have given him great insight and valuable knowledge, which is demonstrated in his work.
