Giant’s unveiling of its latest Propel model touts a lighter, stiffer frame. Yet the real intrigue lies in why manufacturers continue to adhere to three-year development cycles, prompting a reexamination of the pace of innovation in cycling.

At the Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard rides a ‘prototype’ aero bike that’s anything but experimental. Featuring nuanced tweaks like aero chain catchers and taped up seatposts, he’s leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of speed.