With peak cycling season now behind us, it's time to reflect on yet another amazing summer adventuring on the roads. We recap some of the biggest cycling trends we saw. Some very surprising, some very cutesy.

This might have been the biggest cycling trend of the summer. Forget about any fancy, scientifically-backed, expensive sports nutrition like gels and bars. How about a good ol' sugar spike instead? Yes, we're talking about that cheap candy store 'crap'. Gummies in the shape of peaches, worms, bears, we'll take them all. These were all the rage this summer. Stash your crappy candy in your jersey pockets, cycling baggies, or even right on your handlebars (not yucky!), wherever, rlly. Good to have on hand for any ride, long or short. 

Hydration is the name of the game in all sports. So it's no surprise that as hydration vests have generally exploded in popularity, cyclists have begun to embrace them too. This summer, we saw a lot of cyclists – especially those riding super long distances – embrace hydration vests. And yes, we're fully aware that water bladders are usually reserved for ultra-runners or hikers. But like, move on over trail runners, we’re coming for your water supply. Also, hot tip: hydration vests are a perfect place to stash candy for easy access. 

Since the '80s, the aesthetic of cycling has been dominated by tight fits, aka spandex. Yes, there is sound science behind this. Aerodynamics absolutely do matter when you're racing in the Tour de France, or trying to overtake that e-biker that just cruised by you on the road (!!!). But this summer, we saw a lot of road cyclists embrace the chiller side of the sport. Breezy rides up steep grades? Why not. You've got this. And your loose tee flapping in the wind behind you signals that your chill 80km Saturday morning bike ride up Cypress Mountain is almost an after-thought. 

But don't overthink it. Cycling t-shirts are as performance ready as your typical jersey: made with technical fabrics that are UPF 50+ sun-protective, quick-drying, and lightweight. Sure, they're more breezy in the wind. But you know what, it's a vibe. And this is one cycling trend we say is only going to get bigger. 

When it comes to cycling kits, you could say that last year was all about floral prints. This year, it was all about going matchy-match with your cycling bestie(s). Whether your cycling bestie is a romantic partner, or just a die hard ride partner, it’s just more fun going out on the roads together in a matching kit. 

If you’re unsure but tempted, you can start small with something like matching cycling socks. But we think the ultimate cycling besties deserve matching jerseys. Because, come on, very cutesy. 

This last cycling trend might be a bit surprising. But there’s a general feeling out there on the roads. Cyclists are stressed. Many are having close calls – run-ins, even, with poor drivers or other unsafe cyclists. As a consequence, we've seen a lot of road cyclists make the switch to... anything but the road, really. From gravel biking, cross cycling, to mountain biking: we saw it all kick up this summer. The irony is that all of these styles of cycling have historically been considered 'hairier' than road cycling. But with today's traffic on the roads? A nice little BMX pump track seems a lot less stressful in comparison. 

So, if you're a dedicated road cyclist looking for a good ride that won’t also unnecessarily raise your cortisol levels, the dirt is calling.