I became a junior member of our industry in 1974 some 100 years on from when the mass production of bikes first began.
Since then progress of the bike and the industry has plodded along at a straight line moving slowly upwards.
We had the occasional great leap forward thanks to the pneumatic tyre, the derailleur gear and the quick release hub, plus the advent of aluminium parts, but not much else.
In the mid 1970's the industry switched to a geometric curve of innovation thanks in part to unemployed American aerospace engineers.
But how far are we along this curve in 2017; still at the shallow beginning of the curve or entering the steep slopes? And how much further can we go?
In 50 years time will the air quality be so bad all cycling will be done in people's velodromes overlooked by photos of old time cyclists riders pedaling up mountains now covered in manmade haze?
Will there be shops or wholesalers as we know them today... how exactly will the industry be structured...will it be a manufacturer to end user supply line?
Are today's leading brands going to adapt or will they fade into history?
And what is there left to invent...a truly puncture proof tube (that wouldn't good for business), a universally comfortable saddle or maybe a heartrate monitor that will tell you how many beats you have left?
