The idea that bike tech has it all figured out can be comforting, but isn't there an argument to be made for rethinking the basics? If we’re only making tiny tweaks, how do we even know if they’re leading to meaningful improvements? With varying conditions from puddles to torrential downpours, could there actually be an optimal angle for valve extenders that’s just waiting to be discovered? And what about those materials—are we really riding on the cutting edge or just the same old rubber?