'I'll confess I sighed inwardly' – is a new wheel size really what cycling needs right now?

A new wheel size, reportedly 700D, has emerged as a topic of discussion within the cycling industry, prompting a somewhat exasperated reaction from *Cycling Weekly*. The proposal, still in its nascent stages, suggests a potential addition to the already diverse array of wheel standards, raising questions about its necessity and practical implications for both manufacturers and consumers. The article's author openly admitted to an "inward sigh" at the prospect, highlighting a palpable industry fatigue with the proliferation of new specifications.

This development arrives at a time when the cycling market is already navigating a labyrinth of existing wheel sizes – 700C, 650B, 29er, 27.5, not to mention various axle standards and bottom bracket designs. The introduction of yet another "standard" risks further fragmenting the market, increasing production costs for manufacturers, and creating compatibility headaches for consumers. It also runs counter to efforts to make cycling more accessible, as a wider array of parts inevitably translates to greater expense and complexity for the average rider and bike shop alike.

Frankly, the industry's penchant for inventing new "solutions" to problems few knew existed is wearing thin. One might suggest a moratorium on innovation until we've mastered the art of backward compatibility.