MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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TimBud
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544
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2/29/2012
Location
GB
1/10/2024 8:03am Edited Date/Time 1/10/2024 8:04am
Primoz wrote:

Why would they get rid of it? It's probably he next best thing just after spool valves, which are patented by Multimatic...

Not sure, but most of the comments I've seen on here have been overly negative about it. The tuner's all seem to dislike it and prefer the options of standard valving and shim stacks...

Not had any personal issues with it, but thought Fox's post was interesting non the less.

gbcoke
Posts
102
Joined
1/6/2016
Location
USA
1/10/2024 8:04am
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

Genius is already with the new integral shock.

That's probably the new Ransom.

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All-MTN-MTB
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126
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Location
Boulder, CO, USA
1/10/2024 8:43am
Primoz wrote:

Why would they get rid of it? It's probably he next best thing just after spool valves, which are patented by Multimatic...

TimBud wrote:
Not sure, but most of the comments I've seen on here have been overly negative about it. The tuner's all seem to dislike it and prefer...

Not sure, but most of the comments I've seen on here have been overly negative about it. The tuner's all seem to dislike it and prefer the options of standard valving and shim stacks...

Not had any personal issues with it, but thought Fox's post was interesting non the less.

My guess is the hate has to do with people needing to learn a new system rather than Fox producing a poor product.

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monarchmason
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323
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5/24/2022
Location
Nevada City, CA, USA
1/10/2024 8:49am
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

Probably. Has no holes for cable routing. Scott loves that headset garbage. 

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1
Edthorne
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293
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4/17/2020
Location
CA
1/10/2024 9:23am
nsp234 wrote:
Hmmm..... These Scotts ain't getting prettier 

Hmmm.....

These Scotts ain't getting prettier Sad

I'm not a fan of the whole internal shock thing, but putting that out of mind, this is a pretty good looking frame. 

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9
noodlenosteeze
Posts
219
Joined
1/12/2023
Location
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
1/10/2024 9:32am
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

The look of the 2018-2023 Ransom Generation has always been the favorite for me. It's simple, and in review and test riding just works. If that's the new frame design I'd be quite sad because that is real ugly looking. 

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1
Primoz
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Location
SI
1/10/2024 9:50am
Primoz wrote:

Why would they get rid of it? It's probably he next best thing just after spool valves, which are patented by Multimatic...

TimBud wrote:
Not sure, but most of the comments I've seen on here have been overly negative about it. The tuner's all seem to dislike it and prefer...

Not sure, but most of the comments I've seen on here have been overly negative about it. The tuner's all seem to dislike it and prefer the options of standard valving and shim stacks...

Not had any personal issues with it, but thought Fox's post was interesting non the less.

I would guess it's harder to tune, has less flexibility in that regard and maybe requires a different approach to achieve the desired results? Tuning a spool valve damper is a pain in the ass if you want to change the behaviour of the damper in a significant way as you need a new cup. Which likely means a wire erosion manufacturing process. Which is likely jolly expensive. But everybody running them in the fields they are used in rave about them. 

1
1/10/2024 10:03am
nsp234 wrote:
Hmmm..... These Scotts ain't getting prettier 

Hmmm.....

These Scotts ain't getting prettier Sad

Except the Gambler. Still one of the best looking dh bikes out there.

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1/10/2024 10:18am

Looks are subjective - to some the next Ransom will be ugly, to some it will be beautiful. Saw the prototype’s pics - to me it looks… light, race-ready and stealthy! Time will tell if a shock inside the frame will work great for more gravity-oriented disciplines. I consider putting away the drivetrain from mud and everything (gearbox!!!) more important, but am not fond of the gearbox’s drag everyone’s talking about! Now that Pinion put out their motor with integrated gearbox, they’ve got my attention! Smile

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noodlenosteeze
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Location
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
1/10/2024 10:21am
Looks are subjective - to some the next Ransom will be ugly, to some it will be beautiful. Saw the prototype’s pics - to me it...

Looks are subjective - to some the next Ransom will be ugly, to some it will be beautiful. Saw the prototype’s pics - to me it looks… light, race-ready and stealthy! Time will tell if a shock inside the frame will work great for more gravity-oriented disciplines. I consider putting away the drivetrain from mud and everything (gearbox!!!) more important, but am not fond of the gearbox’s drag everyone’s talking about! Now that Pinion put out their motor with integrated gearbox, they’ve got my attention! Smile

It better be stealthy - so I won't have to see it in person. Wink

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monarchmason
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Nevada City, CA, USA
1/10/2024 12:21pm
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

Its also safe to say this is just a Bold Unplugged but with aesthetics to a Scott since Scott owns Bold. https://www.boldcycles.com/us/en/product/bold-unplugged-ultimate-bike

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samdaman1
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47
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Location
GB
1/10/2024 12:46pm
nsp234 wrote:
Hmmm..... These Scotts ain't getting prettier 

Hmmm.....

These Scotts ain't getting prettier Sad

Or any less annoying for mechanics. The new ransom features 6 bar suspension (loads of bearings), a hidden shock (self-explanatory), and headset routing (also self-explanatory). It might also have internal routing for on the fly suspension adjustments, but the move towards wireless stuff might make this unnecessary. Its a shame really as they're bikes seem to ride amazingly, and Ben Walker is an amazing engineer, and all of his self-built gamblers are very very cool

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matmattmatthew
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Location
Fresh Prince of Bel Air, MD, USA
1/10/2024 2:09pm
MTBrent wrote:
The distance between the main rocker pivot and the rocker-seatstay pivot looks pretty short, similar to other HP/idler Horst-ish layout bikes (Shore, Hope HB 916, etc.). ...

A new focus for Optic - coming in February

The distance between the main rocker pivot and the rocker-seatstay pivot looks pretty short, similar to other HP/idler Horst-ish layout bikes (Shore, Hope HB 916, etc.).  So, looking like a HP/idler Optic on its way.  (Can't remember if that was "confirmed" somewhere along the way)

It was. Someone threw these up a few pages ago. I am quite excited about this.  

It was. Someone threw these up a few pages ago. I am quite excited about this.

 

IMG 6014.jpeg?VersionId=bwYhmtgGrjuNGp89uOmq0DDrDeL

What’s up with that lower shock mount? Reversible for different length shocks?? Probably wouldn’t make sense if the Sight is also high pivot.  Different shock kinematics?  

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shreda
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Location
GB
1/10/2024 2:14pm
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

gbcoke wrote:

Genius is already with the new integral shock.

That's probably the new Ransom.

Yep… Looks exactly like this one:

https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/pit-bits-loudenvielle-enduro-w…

 

Gambler next? 😉

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Uncle Cliffy
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Medford, OR, USA
1/10/2024 2:33pm
What’s up with that lower shock mount? Reversible for different length shocks?? Probably wouldn’t make sense if the Sight is also high pivot.  Different shock kinematics...

What’s up with that lower shock mount? Reversible for different length shocks?? Probably wouldn’t make sense if the Sight is also high pivot.  Different shock kinematics?  

Both the Sight and Optic are supposed to be mullet capable. I think they are calling it MX configuration. I’m guessing a different lower mount to make that happen because the dropouts don’t look like they do anything.

4
1/10/2024 6:31pm
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

The look of the 2018-2023 Ransom Generation has always been the favorite for me. It's simple, and in review and test riding just works. If that's...

The look of the 2018-2023 Ransom Generation has always been the favorite for me. It's simple, and in review and test riding just works. If that's the new frame design I'd be quite sad because that is real ugly looking. 

I've ridden most bikes that are easily available and it was one of the worst ive ever ridden.

1
9
ERGue
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1/24/2014
Location
Sedro Woolley, WA, USA
1/10/2024 7:26pm
TimBud wrote:

Yeah no shit. What’s interesting is that if they’re using vvc on their offroad stuff, it’s here to stay.

Yeah good point usually tech/innovation for mtb is borrowed from auto and moto racing. Cool to see it go the other way. 

 

1
kuzlich
Posts
35
Joined
11/3/2011
Location
Lisichansk, UA
1/11/2024 1:26am

More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

c0f4f5 full.jpg?VersionId=DAUfGgkZWjMAtckstmq

0f4e3f full.jpg?VersionId=XatzJIzJ20VR9kQk.

178f88 full.jpg?VersionId=f4Jh17cySriD6.DLXSaDOL

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1
Yoda
Posts
152
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9/24/2021
Location
IT
Fantasy
1/11/2024 1:42am
jamesma wrote:
New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius* *Correction: Ransom

New password-protected video uploaded to PB. Maybe the new Scott Genius*

*Correction: Ransom

image-20240110102954-2

The look of the 2018-2023 Ransom Generation has always been the favorite for me. It's simple, and in review and test riding just works. If that's...

The look of the 2018-2023 Ransom Generation has always been the favorite for me. It's simple, and in review and test riding just works. If that's the new frame design I'd be quite sad because that is real ugly looking. 

I've ridden most bikes that are easily available and it was one of the worst ive ever ridden.

Couldn't disagree more. Rented an aluminum ransom which was sublime on steep tech and jumped well, yet was extremely efficient when pedaling. Great frame, if owning I'd have dumped the scott lockout crap.

4
1
jsray
Posts
225
Joined
5/20/2017
Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
Fantasy
1/11/2024 4:48am
MTBrent wrote:
The distance between the main rocker pivot and the rocker-seatstay pivot looks pretty short, similar to other HP/idler Horst-ish layout bikes (Shore, Hope HB 916, etc.). ...

A new focus for Optic - coming in February

The distance between the main rocker pivot and the rocker-seatstay pivot looks pretty short, similar to other HP/idler Horst-ish layout bikes (Shore, Hope HB 916, etc.).  So, looking like a HP/idler Optic on its way.  (Can't remember if that was "confirmed" somewhere along the way)

It was. Someone threw these up a few pages ago. I am quite excited about this.  

It was. Someone threw these up a few pages ago. I am quite excited about this.

 

IMG 6014.jpeg?VersionId=bwYhmtgGrjuNGp89uOmq0DDrDeL

What’s up with that lower shock mount? Reversible for different length shocks?? Probably wouldn’t make sense if the Sight is also high pivot.  Different shock kinematics...

What’s up with that lower shock mount? Reversible for different length shocks?? Probably wouldn’t make sense if the Sight is also high pivot.  Different shock kinematics?  

I’m going to guess it’s probably a progressive/linear “flip chip”. 

jsray
Posts
225
Joined
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Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
Fantasy
1/11/2024 4:50am

Grease nip for linkage?

IMG 1588.jpeg?VersionId=QHxENxihSPfnWQ43SjyiEtfBH9zfd

4
Primoz
Posts
4676
Joined
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Location
SI
1/11/2024 5:01am

Pin to mount the shock cover to.

22
1/11/2024 7:15am
kuzlich wrote:
More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

c0f4f5 full.jpg?VersionId=DAUfGgkZWjMAtckstmq

0f4e3f full.jpg?VersionId=XatzJIzJ20VR9kQk.

178f88 full.jpg?VersionId=f4Jh17cySriD6.DLXSaDOL

Easily the most e-bike looking, non-e-bike yet. That alone would have me passing on it. Hidden shock, headset cable routing, push towards electronic drivetrains, and (I'm assuming) ridiculous mrsp would make this the hardest possible no if I were looking for a new bike. 

17
1/11/2024 8:13am
jsray wrote:
From Jacks youchoob. Not sure what YT would be hiding other than a rear shock. Still, something to talk about on a Monday.

From Jacks youchoob. Not sure what YT would be hiding other than a rear shock. Still, something to talk about on a Monday.

IMG 1578.jpeg?VersionId=U LVb8dtMds6oVXHKlou.nyLL

My best guess is a proto of an even smaller waterbottle 🤔

9
Evil96
Posts
874
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8/21/2014
Location
Portogruaro, VE, IT
1/11/2024 11:14am
kuzlich wrote:
More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

c0f4f5 full.jpg?VersionId=DAUfGgkZWjMAtckstmq

0f4e3f full.jpg?VersionId=XatzJIzJ20VR9kQk.

178f88 full.jpg?VersionId=f4Jh17cySriD6.DLXSaDOL

am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to axs, stupid ugly plastic headset and spacer with the cable tourism, shock hidden in the frame, so you get what you get, and of course the stupid remote to do something with it as it's in the frame, so if you wanna customize this bike it's gonna be a ultra pain in the arse, if not impossible to do so, some of the worst bikes in the game

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9
Kusa
Posts
296
Joined
6/25/2010
Location
CH
1/11/2024 11:17am
Evil96 wrote:
am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to...

am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to axs, stupid ugly plastic headset and spacer with the cable tourism, shock hidden in the frame, so you get what you get, and of course the stupid remote to do something with it as it's in the frame, so if you wanna customize this bike it's gonna be a ultra pain in the arse, if not impossible to do so, some of the worst bikes in the game

Bold = Scott

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3
jsray
Posts
225
Joined
5/20/2017
Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
Fantasy
1/11/2024 2:01pm

Evil website has a pretty significant sale right now. Their bikes will be 4 years old this year.

10
boozed
Posts
720
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6/11/2019
Location
AU
1/11/2024 4:05pm
kuzlich wrote:
More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

c0f4f5 full.jpg?VersionId=DAUfGgkZWjMAtckstmq

0f4e3f full.jpg?VersionId=XatzJIzJ20VR9kQk.

178f88 full.jpg?VersionId=f4Jh17cySriD6.DLXSaDOL

Evil96 wrote:
am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to...

am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to axs, stupid ugly plastic headset and spacer with the cable tourism, shock hidden in the frame, so you get what you get, and of course the stupid remote to do something with it as it's in the frame, so if you wanna customize this bike it's gonna be a ultra pain in the arse, if not impossible to do so, some of the worst bikes in the game

So we've established that it's not a bike for users of this forum.  What proportion of riders do all of these perceived inflexibilities realistically affect, though?

It's a shame they've gone this way.  I still love my previous gen Genius, Twinloc included.

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2
FullSend
Posts
196
Joined
7/14/2021
Location
DE
1/12/2024 3:31am Edited Date/Time 1/13/2024 2:35am
kuzlich wrote:
More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

More photos of new Ransom. 3 colors, 2 sets on axs, 1 on standard cables.

c0f4f5 full.jpg?VersionId=DAUfGgkZWjMAtckstmq

0f4e3f full.jpg?VersionId=XatzJIzJ20VR9kQk.

178f88 full.jpg?VersionId=f4Jh17cySriD6.DLXSaDOL

Evil96 wrote:
am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to...

am i the only one thinking this bike is stupid af? it's probably like the bold, so the chainstay does not have holes forcing you to axs, stupid ugly plastic headset and spacer with the cable tourism, shock hidden in the frame, so you get what you get, and of course the stupid remote to do something with it as it's in the frame, so if you wanna customize this bike it's gonna be a ultra pain in the arse, if not impossible to do so, some of the worst bikes in the game

That's sort of the frustrating part with Scott. They generally make great bikes. They put a great deal of effort into research and development and as a result you get a super polished bike that just plainly performs great. But then, with their bikes you also have to deal with annoying stuff like headset cable routing and shocks that are hidden in the frame.

Goes to show that they are a company that maybe values engineering a bit too much for their own good. Take the headset routing as an example. From an engineering standpoint it makes a ton of sense. Forgoing the cable ports in the headtube/downtube junction area makes the engineers life much easier. Because where cable ports are normally located is basically the single worst place on the entire frame to have holes in. Comparing the current and the old version of the Scott Spark RC: In the headtube/toptube junction area the current version is 20% stiffer while saving 60g of weight in that area alone - just because they got rid of the cable ports.

In engineering terms, on paper, that's a HUGE win. But wheter the customer actually benefits from any of this, is an entirely separate question. At the end of the day, all that matters to Scott is getting some bullet points for their sales presentation and marketing material out of the entire exercise. And because mtb riders can so easily be hyped up by a bunch of marketing lingo, that's a huge win for them in a financial sense.

For as long as consumers let themselves be tricked and get excited by marketing buzzwords, the bike industry will happily come up with more nonsensical pseudo-innovation to sell.

10
notthatbryan
Posts
435
Joined
3/8/2023
Location
Acworth, GA, USA
1/12/2024 3:45am
FullSend wrote:
That's sort of the frustrating part with Scott. They generally make great bikes. They put a great deal of effort into research and development and as...

That's sort of the frustrating part with Scott. They generally make great bikes. They put a great deal of effort into research and development and as a result you get a super polished bike that just plainly performs great. But then, with their bikes you also have to deal with annoying stuff like headset cable routing and shocks that are hidden in the frame.

Goes to show that they are a company that maybe values engineering a bit too much for their own good. Take the headset routing as an example. From an engineering standpoint it makes a ton of sense. Forgoing the cable ports in the headtube/downtube junction area makes the engineers life much easier. Because where cable ports are normally located is basically the single worst place on the entire frame to have holes in. Comparing the current and the old version of the Scott Spark RC: In the headtube/toptube junction area the current version is 20% stiffer while saving 60g of weight in that area alone - just because they got rid of the cable ports.

In engineering terms, on paper, that's a HUGE win. But wheter the customer actually benefits from any of this, is an entirely separate question. At the end of the day, all that matters to Scott is getting some bullet points for their sales presentation and marketing material out of the entire exercise. And because mtb riders can so easily be hyped up by a bunch of marketing lingo, that's a huge win for them in a financial sense.

For as long as consumers let themselves be tricked and get excited by marketing buzzwords, the bike industry will happily come up with more nonsensical pseudo-innovation to sell.

The one way I could see to run cables similar to headset routing without the drawbacks of going through the headset bearings would be to use oversized headset cups similar to those used for reach adjustment.

Put the ports just behind the headset bearings but not through the headset. Routing wouldn't be any worse than "standard" internal routing, but the ports on the sides of the head / down tube could be eliminated. 

 

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