I expect it to unfold gradually.

First, will be those of us who are eager to use our bitcoin buying from merchants who want to accept it. 

Then, more merchants will start accepting it, which will lead to discounts for bitcoin, which will attract new spenders. 

The thing is... even it it is easy and cheap... that doesn't mean people will want to spend something they don't understand. Those that hold it likely want to hold it because it is the problem they actually have. Fiat works for spending but sucks for savings. Yeah, people are dumb and don't realize why they need bitcoin but that's the point.

I think most bitcoiners skip over the problem step. Most people don't see the problem space. You can't sell a solution to a problem that is invisible. 

kepford

bitcoin

When might we see the mass adoption?

stack_harder

I’m going to say that within 5 years it’ll be possible, but inconvenient and expensive, to make almost all of your purchases with bitcoin. 

Meaning that there are available merchants in your area or reasonable shipping options, but most merchants don’t accept bitcoin yet. 