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I waiting for that gearbox conversion to make our predictions true.
I had the same thought.. I guess they are putting extra weight near the BB while getting around a potential patent issue..
That was something I was always peeved about. But at least they made one small enough for my wife. Not that I can afford this one, but at least one would fit me (and not her this time).
If the new Demo weighs 41.5 pounds complete, does anyone know how the $6500 frame/crank/chainring combo weighs?
I saw it listed at 12 something pounds.
I skimmed through (both) service manuals, and there is...........a lot. 🧐 I'm still not sure about a couple of things-
How is the BB bearings preloaded/adjusted? And is it just me or is the DS crank hanging waaaaay out from the BB bearing? I guess if they've gone back to a steel spindle it might be ok, but I would still be nervous about a worn BB scoring the spindle and causing a failure
No room, the unnecessary linkage is in the way
I predict they will sell every one they make.
I recognize that's not an apples to apples frame weight because most frame weights don't include a dedicated crank and chainring.
An 83mm Saint crank and chainring is 931 grams (FC-M825, 36T, 170mm) and a matching 83mm BB is 96 grams, which is 1027 grams total.
So a comparable frame weight with a shock would be 10.5 pounds, which isn't light, but it isn't terrible either. It's closer to 11 pounds if you were to build up a normal frame with a super light crank and chainring.
The last carbon Demo had a tendency to crack, guessing they've beefed this one up... a lot.
And dh racers aren't looking for the lightest bike anymore/if ever.
Saw this in the background of an Instagram
story, must be the new tall boy going away from VPP
Yup I agree, I also predict the goal of this is to sell more Levos though. And maybe be a sneaky test bed for future products - but either way, no one makes money selling DH bikes so there has to be a bigger picture for making a bike like this
True, but that doesn't mean it will inherently stay that way.
I had the exact same thought.
interesting demo mule: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXZqJ-TFEYI/?img_index=6
That is correct. Should be out soon
Guys, imagine specialized replaces the two chains with 1 shiftable chain in the front housing for the enduro.
Classified hub, dh groupset, front shifting, that would be buck wild
Do you really want to shift across the whole cassette in the rear to get to one lighter or heavier gear every time? Do you really want a 1:2 or even higher planetary drivetrain adding drag in the lightest gears where you would spend the most time?
No, but specialized could :insert goldblum meme:
Here's a look at one of said service manuals for those who enjoy self-flagellation...
I just got word that Scott is about to release the next generation of the Spark RC. Feel free to wildly speculate what wheel size it's running on...
You think you've read how to rebuild the assembly...but then it keeps going....and going....and going......
As long as the shock comes out without touching it, that part can be an SEP (someone elses problem)
Kind of hilarious that the marketing line is that "you don't have to deal with the complications of a normal idler" - like this isn't the world's most complicated bike 😂
I think the highgear thing is cool but the design of the frame around the bottom bracket seems a bit awkward. Even with the frame protection I don’t like those thin-ish carbon edges. The fully open linkage area is also a concern - yes mud can get in and out, but in UK winter conditions all of those interior surfaces are going to get wrecked by any fine dirt and sand that gets left in there. Not to mention it's going to be a pain to get in and clean it all out.
Engineers at Scott must be going insane after finding out Specialized has beaten them at making the most complicated MTB to service, the next Gambler will have 32 pivots in retaliation
Making way for a TQ system to slot into there ?
Honda's deraileur-in-a-box patent has recently expired https://patents.google.com/patent/US7503862B2/en.
I had another look at DW's "adjacent drive assembly" patent that looks similar to the specialized and have seen that there are fillings that have been withdrawn and amended with different claims. The latest is pending with the US and has been withdrawn from the Europe patent application process, probably because it's difficult to make a unique claim when so many bikes with gearboxes and jack shaft arrangements have been on the market.
TQ is developing a new motor, a bit smaller/lighter than the current one but with 100 Nm if I am correct.
I should be out next summer not before. So it could be the reason.
It is a shame for Santa to go away from the VPP system ... :-(
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