At what point is ‘progressive’ too long, or low, or slack?
The point at which a biek is too long, low or slack for a gievn individual.
Will we now start to see some more balanced geometries appear?
More balanced than what? This question doesn’t make sense? There are a range of geometries available – from steep and short to Geometron, plenty of “balanced ones” in the middle for people to learn what’s right for them and choose accordingly.
Might the Next Big Thing be ‘shorter and more sprightly geometry through tighter head angles for less wallow, bigger ground clearance for rocks, and a shorter reach for easier reactions at speed’?
I see this comment fairly frequently. Can you think of any other major MTB evolutionary trends which have previously reverted? Suspension? Disc brakes? Wheel size? Stiffer forks?
I think some brands have perhaps gone too low on the BB, but it’s far from a universal thing. I do expect shorter travel 29ers to become (even) more popular though.