MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

Related:
4/10/2024 8:53am

We recorded some chats with FOX engineers while we were at FOX. There is some overview of the Grip line, along with a deeper dive into X2. But the best part is a 30-minute chat with Sergio Avanto (Manager of Product Performance), talking about his long career working in Supercross. 

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/vital-podcast-grip-damper-breakdown-f…

 

11
sspomer
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Boise, ID, USA
Fantasy
4/10/2024 9:29am
You see, we all want to avoid launching our new products at Sea Otter and being lost in the noise, so we all launch our new...

You see, we all want to avoid launching our new products at Sea Otter and being lost in the noise, so we all launch our new products the week before......wait a minute....

i think we had 14 new bikes/products go live on the homepage yesterday and the week isn't over yet. not sure why that whole "launch on tuesday" thing is so real.

11
marzbomber888
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Vancouver, WA, USA
4/10/2024 9:30am
Just spent the morning calling every Forbidden dealer in the US. No one has any frame sets on hand to sell, all special order 2+ months...

Just spent the morning calling every Forbidden dealer in the US. No one has any frame sets on hand to sell, all special order 2+ months out. Couple complete bikes here and there but the value is laughably bad on the complete bikes. Most dealers also want payment in full for a 2+ month special order. Terrible launch imo. Every dealer that had allocations had already presold them over a month ago while the bike was still under embargo. So basically unless you knew someone in the industry before launch, you aren't getting a dread v2 until June.

Bro you made the same post on the Facebook group and looked like a fool there too.  Stop bitching. Go to your local forbidden dealer and order one 

17
4/10/2024 9:36am

Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time to drop in a new damper and bushings.

4
samdaman1
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GB
4/10/2024 9:47am

DVO have launched a new Diamond, which is basically just an updated 36mm Onyx (slightly updated CSU but with the same lowers, and supposedly more accurately machined bushings and dropouts for less binding, etc) with the newer D1 damper and SL air spring. Travel is 140mm-160mm and I'd assume that it is still adjustable with spacers similarly to the previous model, but could be wrong. 

5
4/10/2024 10:00am
Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time...

Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time to drop in a new damper and bushings.

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back.

Also, a ton of shit launching this week = job security @sspomer Laughing

10
4/10/2024 10:05am
Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time...

Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time to drop in a new damper and bushings.

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back. Also, a ton of shit launching this week =...

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back.

Also, a ton of shit launching this week = job security @sspomer Laughing

Appreciate this!

1
4/10/2024 10:21am
Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time...

Does anyone know when just dampers will be available from Fox? My fork is due for a big service so it would be a great time to drop in a new damper and bushings.

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back. Also, a ton of shit launching this week =...

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back.

Also, a ton of shit launching this week = job security @sspomer Laughing

Appreciate this!

Per FOX's response - "Grip dampers will be available separately to the aftermarket this summer." 

12
4/10/2024 10:26am

Update to the DHX?

15
4/10/2024 10:27am
Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back. Also, a ton of shit launching this week =...

Just shot an email to our contact @ FOX. Will report back if they hit me back.

Also, a ton of shit launching this week = job security @sspomer Laughing

Appreciate this!

Per FOX's response - "Grip dampers will be available separately to the aftermarket this summer." 

You won’t get the new bushings though. 

11
4/10/2024 10:29am

Appreciate this!

Per FOX's response - "Grip dampers will be available separately to the aftermarket this summer." 

You won’t get the new bushings though. 

You could likely request them from your nearest service center if you send in the fork for a full service. I'm just speculating of course.

4/10/2024 10:39am

Honestly feel bad factory riders have to run that awful gold fork. Looks terrible on 95% of bikes. 

25
1
TimBud
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GB
4/10/2024 10:44am

Honestly feel bad factory riders have to run that awful gold fork. Looks terrible on 95% of bikes. 

If I got paid to run them and/or was given them for free I’d stifle my voice.

Certainly won’t be purchasing them to use, buy i’m tempted to buy them and put them in the stash for when they become collectible 

11
owl-x
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Shell Beach, CA, USA
4/10/2024 10:54am

“Tacky” isn’t just for dirt anymore. The gold on gold is objectively bad. That the dampers fit existing forks is great—an admittedly low bar but that’s what mtb manufacturers have done to us. I’ll put one in a fork and pretend I can tell what’s going on for sure. But if it were only offered in the gold/gold, I’d be rattle canning that thing immediately. No more needs to be said. 

8
Dave_Camp
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USA
4/10/2024 11:41am Edited Date/Time 4/10/2024 11:42am

You could likely request them from your nearest service center if you send in the fork for a full service. I'm just speculating of course.

I'd compare difficulty of installing fork bushings to that of machining and building an engine block.  Sure the local dealer says they can do it.  But I would only trust the factory that does it day in day out.  It takes LOTS of special tools and gauges to do it right.

 

Get the damper, service the fork.  Don't worry about bushings.

 

20
2
Dave113
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Location
Lafayette, CO, USA
4/10/2024 11:58am

You could likely request them from your nearest service center if you send in the fork for a full service. I'm just speculating of course.

Dave_Camp wrote:
I'd compare difficulty of installing fork bushings to that of machining and building an engine block.  Sure the local dealer says they can do it.  But...

I'd compare difficulty of installing fork bushings to that of machining and building an engine block.  Sure the local dealer says they can do it.  But I would only trust the factory that does it day in day out.  It takes LOTS of special tools and gauges to do it right.

 

Get the damper, service the fork.  Don't worry about bushings.

 

Fox replaced my lowers rather than bother to replace the bushings. Did it for free out of warranty too. 

6
Suns_PSD
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Austin, TX, USA
4/10/2024 12:05pm
lloyd506 wrote:
Bike weight claims should be backed up with a picture. V1 Druid with ext coil and dd tires in medium was almost 36 lbs with pedals...

Bike weight claims should be backed up with a picture. V1 Druid with ext coil and dd tires in medium was almost 36 lbs with pedals and a tube/tool attached  

 

Right when you say 'just be honest' is the moment that bike brands lose tons of deals based on a catalog weight. Transition gets crap for being heavy, yet their frames are at most .5# heavier than similar brands. They just appear to be more honest really.

Hence why the standard is to mount lightweight tires, no sealant or tubes, no pedals, no tools, nothing in the frame box if so equipped. But no one can ride a bike that lightweight.

And of course, long droppers, 38mm forks & coil shocks also add significant weight but are generally advantages to performance.

4
dwhere
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dirty, DE, USA
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4/10/2024 12:44pm

Honestly feel bad factory riders have to run that awful gold fork. Looks terrible on 95% of bikes. 

i have an entirely all black bike, that i've gotten bored with. I'm sorry, i might have to do it. 

2
RockHugger
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Denver, CO, USA
4/10/2024 12:50pm Edited Date/Time 4/10/2024 2:34pm

Asked my Ibis dealer when I could demo a Ripmo (they sold their V2s fleet and have none today) and they told me "we've built them." I asked when I could ride one, and they said "not yet, but soon". So it sounds like Ibis dealers have the new Ripmo and I'm hoping it's a mere days away...

12
Javigutz
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Beverly Hills, CA, USA
4/10/2024 1:23pm

Early may (best scenario) I´m going to post a picture of a Dreadnought v2 on a scale... (size 3 w/ fox 38, dt EX511, DH tires mullet set up, XT/XTR group, alloy title handlebar and saint SPD pedals.

2
4/10/2024 1:27pm
owl-x wrote:
“Tacky” isn’t just for dirt anymore. The gold on gold is objectively bad. That the dampers fit existing forks is great—an admittedly low bar but that’s...

“Tacky” isn’t just for dirt anymore. The gold on gold is objectively bad. That the dampers fit existing forks is great—an admittedly low bar but that’s what mtb manufacturers have done to us. I’ll put one in a fork and pretend I can tell what’s going on for sure. But if it were only offered in the gold/gold, I’d be rattle canning that thing immediately. No more needs to be said. 

I am honestly surprised the dampers fit existing forks. That has not been the way with fox as of late. 
 

i have a Raaw Madonna frame on its way to me currently and needed a fork for it. I knew fox and RS both have new dampers on the way and I actually went ZEB for this exact reason. Assuming i wouldn’t be able to swap a new damper in the 38, and would be able to on the zeb. Oh well. We’ll see how the new RS damper is soon enough. 

2
jalopyj
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Concord, CA, USA
Fantasy
4/10/2024 3:48pm
We recorded some chats with FOX engineers while we were at FOX. There is some overview of the Grip line, along with a deeper dive into...

We recorded some chats with FOX engineers while we were at FOX. There is some overview of the Grip line, along with a deeper dive into X2. But the best part is a 30-minute chat with Sergio Avanto (Manager of Product Performance), talking about his long career working in Supercross. 

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/vital-podcast-grip-damper-breakdown-f…

 

Insightful interview...

Interesting to see Fox lean into improved damping control vs. air spring improvements. Seems like they're taking a page from EXT/Ohlins in managing suspension control through proper damping.

Was thinking about swapping my Fox 36 for a RXF 36, but I may just try giving the new damper a try first. 

13
PJ205
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Somewhere In, CA, USA
Fantasy
4/10/2024 3:48pm
TimBud wrote:
If I got paid to run them and/or was given them for free I’d stifle my voice. Certainly won’t be purchasing them to use, buy i’m...

If I got paid to run them and/or was given them for free I’d stifle my voice.

Certainly won’t be purchasing them to use, buy i’m tempted to buy them and put them in the stash for when they become collectible 

I'm not a professional/talented rider or anyone special by any means, but I am one of the people who was invited to the launch and ended up leaving with a Podium Gold fork. Nothing on my bike matches anymore and it looks hilariously bad with all of the random colors on it, but I don't even care; function over fashion.

I am EXTREMELY grateful that I was even given the opportunity to go to Scotts Valley to check out all of the impressive new and upcoming products from Fox, Race Face and Marzocchi, and take home some cool new products that I am happily putting to use. It's exciting to swap out some of my favorite parts that I've been riding for almost a couple of years now with well-thought out new products that perform differently, while simultaneously freshening up my enduro bike right before bike park season here in California.

Because of my specific job and the department that I work in, I've been able to see and learn about a ton of really cool new products from a ton of different companies well in advance and it always makes me laugh to read all of the absurdly negative comments from people who have never even seen some of this stuff in person or have any idea how much thought, time and effort that the companies have put into research and development before they're released. If I were an engineer for any bike-related company, I'd probably never visit any sort of forum or comment section solely to maintain sanity.

image-20240410154312-1

20
3
FaahkEet
Posts
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Location
Falls Church, VA, USA
4/10/2024 3:55pm

The fork sort of matches some of the cat at least. 

69
4/10/2024 4:22pm
Losifer wrote:
Gen 6 Knolly Fugitive: https://knollybikes.com/en-ca/products/fugitive-140?variant=40906299310178 $5799 for the XT/ Fox Factory build down to $4599 for the Deore/ Marzocchi build, with frame/ Fox Float X Factory...

Gen 6 Knolly Fugitive:

https://knollybikes.com/en-ca/products/fugitive-140?variant=40906299310…

$5799 for the XT/ Fox Factory build down to $4599 for the Deore/ Marzocchi build, with frame/ Fox Float X Factory at $2499

Also 10% off for the first 50 sold (49 now, cuz I bought a frame)

3
jalopyj
Posts
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Location
Concord, CA, USA
Fantasy
4/10/2024 4:23pm
PJ205 wrote:
I'm not a professional/talented rider or anyone special by any means, but I am one of the people who was invited to the launch and ended...

I'm not a professional/talented rider or anyone special by any means, but I am one of the people who was invited to the launch and ended up leaving with a Podium Gold fork. Nothing on my bike matches anymore and it looks hilariously bad with all of the random colors on it, but I don't even care; function over fashion.

I am EXTREMELY grateful that I was even given the opportunity to go to Scotts Valley to check out all of the impressive new and upcoming products from Fox, Race Face and Marzocchi, and take home some cool new products that I am happily putting to use. It's exciting to swap out some of my favorite parts that I've been riding for almost a couple of years now with well-thought out new products that perform differently, while simultaneously freshening up my enduro bike right before bike park season here in California.

Because of my specific job and the department that I work in, I've been able to see and learn about a ton of really cool new products from a ton of different companies well in advance and it always makes me laugh to read all of the absurdly negative comments from people who have never even seen some of this stuff in person or have any idea how much thought, time and effort that the companies have put into research and development before they're released. If I were an engineer for any bike-related company, I'd probably never visit any sort of forum or comment section solely to maintain sanity.

image-20240410154312-1

What is this "specific job" and do you have any job openings?

1
brash
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AU
4/10/2024 4:23pm

Good to see we can throw another shade of gold in the fork/dropper/X2 kashima colour gamut. Never seen the holy trinity match.

3
boozed
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AU
4/10/2024 5:37pm Edited Date/Time 4/10/2024 5:39pm
brash wrote:

Good to see we can throw another shade of gold in the fork/dropper/X2 kashima colour gamut. Never seen the holy trinity match.

Throw in some Burgtec "Kash Bronze" components and you're golden.

6
rludes025
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78
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12/8/2011
Location
Nowhere, OK, USA
4/10/2024 5:44pm
owl-x wrote:
“Tacky” isn’t just for dirt anymore. The gold on gold is objectively bad. That the dampers fit existing forks is great—an admittedly low bar but that’s...

“Tacky” isn’t just for dirt anymore. The gold on gold is objectively bad. That the dampers fit existing forks is great—an admittedly low bar but that’s what mtb manufacturers have done to us. I’ll put one in a fork and pretend I can tell what’s going on for sure. But if it were only offered in the gold/gold, I’d be rattle canning that thing immediately. No more needs to be said. 

I am honestly surprised the dampers fit existing forks. That has not been the way with fox as of late.    i have a Raaw Madonna...

I am honestly surprised the dampers fit existing forks. That has not been the way with fox as of late. 
 

i have a Raaw Madonna frame on its way to me currently and needed a fork for it. I knew fox and RS both have new dampers on the way and I actually went ZEB for this exact reason. Assuming i wouldn’t be able to swap a new damper in the 38, and would be able to on the zeb. Oh well. We’ll see how the new RS damper is soon enough. 

Huh? Fox has generally been good about about backwards compatibility.

4
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