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Patent pending: How patents steer innovation in cycling

A carbon frame in a resistance test jig
(Image credit: Getty: Octavio Passos / Stringer)

At times, the cycling patent news cycle feels intense and a little relentless. A patent for exciting new components or some cool tech could be the next big thing; conversely, it could lead nowhere. Digging into the patent, understanding and interpreting its complex legal jargon and crafting a story can be tough and may only paint part of the picture.

Reporting on patents is one thing, but we set out to dig deeper, to dive into the world of cycling patents to learn about what they are, how they work and how brands use them to operate and develop their products.

Tom Wieckowski
Tech writer

Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of. 

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.