Other innovations showed early promise but never took off' - Cycling tech that almost changed the sport

A look back at cycling technology highlights innovations that initially showed promise but failed to become lasting standards. The article frames the discussion around a BBC poll from 20 years ago in which the bicycle was voted the best invention ever, emphasizing how the industry has kept refining it despite long-established fundamentals. It argues that some designs—like derailleur systems, high-pressure valves, and clipless pedals—became staples, while others did not. One example is Shimano’s Biopace chainrings, launched in 1983 with a non-round shape intended to reduce a “dead spot” at the top of the crank revolution. The piece attributes Biopace’s decline in part to marketing interpretations and claims about optimum cadence around 90 rpm, and notes that non-round rings later returned, including on winning Tour de France setups. The article begins another section with Campagnolo Delta brakes but does not provide further details in the excerpt.