Outdoors

As with most technology, advancements in engineering often turn equipment, especially outdoor equipment, obsolete. Moreover, such ‘endangered species’ of equipment are often abandoned by majorities of producers and consumers alike.

For instance: the transition from silks and wools to synthetics in mountaineering. All but the old timers and a few traditionalists have made this transition, leaving the producers of such clothing switching production toward different markets and, often times, the new synthetics.

With such potential transitions being quite common in the outdoor recreation industry, is there a possibility of such a condition befalling hardtail mountain bikes? Right now, there seems to be a sort of revival in old school designs, but, when that fad fades, might there be an opportunity for cheaper dual suspension bikes and the like to take over? It has been said in passing conversation, so it is a question that pops into my mind every now and again.

I think that there will always be a substantial enough corner in the market for hardtails, but I could be wrong. They are nice for commuting and low-level trails, but I would upgrade to a full-suspension in a heartbeat given the right price. Am I alone in thinking that way?