MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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9/25/2024 10:49pm
Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. How many bikes do you guys own? If I...

Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…

Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. 

How many bikes do you guys own? If I only had one, I could understand leaving tools and stuff in there. Reality is I’d rather have all my trail necessities in one pack and not spread around the quiver. Less tools and tubes to buy as well. 🤷‍♂️

 I’ll concede being able to stuff a windbreaker in there would be pretty clutch, but I’m usually able to stuff it in the pack I use. (Fernhill Flow Finder in case anyone was curious.)

 

I’ve got two bikes. A 130/140 bike built up light for moving fast and a 150/160 for getting rowdy. At this point I have essentially identical tool kits in each bike so I don’t have to think about switching stuff back and forth and forgetting or losing something. 

7
mickey
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9/26/2024 5:29am

The only thing i use the in-frame storage for on my Fuel EX is adding weights to play with sprung/unsprung mass ratio.  Tools and stuff in there are too dang loud.   In-frame storage is the new mid-fat tire.   

1
16
9/26/2024 5:40am

Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came with. Maybe you just drop a few allen keys in there idk.

9
jonkranked
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9/26/2024 6:19am
Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. How many bikes do you guys own? If I...

Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…

Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. 

How many bikes do you guys own? If I only had one, I could understand leaving tools and stuff in there. Reality is I’d rather have all my trail necessities in one pack and not spread around the quiver. Less tools and tubes to buy as well. 🤷‍♂️

 I’ll concede being able to stuff a windbreaker in there would be pretty clutch, but I’m usually able to stuff it in the pack I use. (Fernhill Flow Finder in case anyone was curious.)

 

I’ve got two bikes. A 130/140 bike built up light for moving fast and a 150/160 for getting rowdy. At this point I have essentially identical...

I’ve got two bikes. A 130/140 bike built up light for moving fast and a 150/160 for getting rowdy. At this point I have essentially identical tool kits in each bike so I don’t have to think about switching stuff back and forth and forgetting or losing something. 

i own several bikes, my solution has been an EDC lite on all but my primary trail bike which has the full EDC.  i just swap the tool carrier between them, and I really love the fact that oneup sells the carriers individually. i even have one in my DH bike.

5
9/26/2024 7:41am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 7:46am
image 58

New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP 

 

28
pinkrobe
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9/26/2024 7:47am
Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. How many bikes do you guys own? If I...

Frame storage tech rumors and innovation…

Decent majority of us have never had it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. 

How many bikes do you guys own? If I only had one, I could understand leaving tools and stuff in there. Reality is I’d rather have all my trail necessities in one pack and not spread around the quiver. Less tools and tubes to buy as well. 🤷‍♂️

 I’ll concede being able to stuff a windbreaker in there would be pretty clutch, but I’m usually able to stuff it in the pack I use. (Fernhill Flow Finder in case anyone was curious.)

 

Trail, park/shuttle, gravel, fat. Trail + park/shuttle bikes use all the same size and type of parts so I can use the same hydration pack without thinking about it. Gravel bike needs a different tube, so that stays on the bike in the under-DT storage thingy, but I've recently traded in bottles for a light hydration pack, as it's so much more convenient. Fat bike gets its own setup, but the extras are more for self-extraction and survival than for repair.

I don't own any bikes with frame storage, although I can see how it would be handy for tubes/levers. I've been on team backpack since the early '90s, primarily for the ability to carry water and food, and occasionally a DSLR, guiding gear, trail tools, etc. In-frame storage doesn't help with a 1kg lens!

2
David9180
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Lisbon, PT
9/26/2024 7:59am
tarekfahmy wrote:
New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP  
image 58

New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP 

 

You can see all that from this photo? 😄

I don’t see a CS pivot so most likely it still is VP just with a different configuration. 
IMG 4771.png?VersionId=s0yuxRhzoAW

2
2
radarr
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9/26/2024 7:59am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 8:00am
tarekfahmy wrote:
New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP  
image 58

New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP 

 

Brought up the shadows a bit:

1000017517 3.png?VersionId=E.MgagDiX1fOh7ZUGR4P8g

 

3
9/26/2024 8:06am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 8:06am
Other than a multi tool, I've not used anything else in the last 5 years on trail and ive ridden All over Alexandra, Queenstown, wanaka, nelson...

Other than a multi tool, I've not used anything else in the last 5 years on trail and ive ridden All over Alexandra, Queenstown, wanaka, nelson and other places throughout new zealand
DD tyres at min, proper Rims/hubs with proper Pressures. No pissing about with EXO/+ etc

Id rather have that extra weight as tyres etc than tools and crap inside my frame that now cost extra to make because theres a damn big hole in it.

I've always lived by the saying "if you think about what could happen, it probably will" 

How much does '(tube, tools, pump, links, zip ties, etc) ' weigh vs just running proper equipment built for what its being used for?

 

Hmm, not sure why you assume I’m “not running proper equipment.” My bike is built for riding in legit terrain where shit can go sideways. Thankfully...

Hmm, not sure why you assume I’m “not running proper equipment.” My bike is built for riding in legit terrain where shit can go sideways. Thankfully, it rarely ever does - exactly because I “run proper equipment” - but if/when shit does happen I want at least a fighting chance of riding my bike out of the woods. I’ll take the minimal weight penalty of some bits and pieces rather than hiking out. 

I would consider my tool kit pretty minimal, here's the breakdown:One Up EDC pump - 114gMultitool - 60gTire plugs - 20g29" tube - 200gZip ties -...

I would consider my tool kit pretty minimal, here's the breakdown:

One Up EDC pump - 114g

Multitool - 60g

Tire plugs - 20g

29" tube - 200g

Zip ties - 6g

Chain links + quick link - 8g

UDH hanger - 28g

CO2 cartridge - 70g

Sawyer mini filter + bag - 105g

TOTAL: 611g

Roughly 1.3 lbs. all in. That gives me enough tools to fix all but the biggest mechanicals along with an endless supply of water. I'd be carrying this stuff with me regardless, so the fact that it can live inside my bike full time is a huge bonus for me. I understand people have different priorities, but I personally wouldn't buy a bike without frame storage. I also place a high value on being able to service my bike and components which is why I don't have (or want) any electronics on my bike and why I wouldn't buy a bike with routing through the headset. 

The EDC pump is a game changer and I even lost one I bought 2nd hand one time and OneUp gave me 50% off a new one! I just switch it between bikes. Inside my size L 5010 I also have 2 small Pedros tire levers, a Tubolito and am still able to get 1L of water in there. I don't carry the EDC pump on my park bike, so have the Specialized SWAT multitool that goes on frame mounts there. 

Frame storage is a common sense feature that appeals to average riders (and a certain amount of "core" riders on this forum). Also, if a brand is up against a wall in terms of innovating their meat bikes, adding frame storage is a good way to show "progress". If you don't like it, just don't use it? (and try any number of interesting bikes where it's a glaring omission...Norco Sight, Alloy Rocky Altitude, etc.) 

Can anyone shed any light on how removing a huge chunk of metal or carbon and replacing it with a plastic door adds weight? The Specialized Epic and the Canyon Lux Trail both have frame storage.

4
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AndehM
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9/26/2024 8:12am
Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came...

Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came with. Maybe you just drop a few allen keys in there idk.

Oh jeez, why didn't I think of that?🙄

Seriously, no - stuff went in the neoprene pouches.  Not talking about a lot either, just a CO2 with head & a Leatherman Micra, plus some zip ties and bandaids.  Lightweight tube in the other pouch.  Horrendous knocking until all the hard stuff was wrapped in multiple layers of shop towels and the pouches were packed so full with more of paper towels until they literally couldn't move inside the frame.  I'm sure a big boxy carbon downtube wasn't helping the noise.  At that point, how is that more convenient?  If I actually had to use any of that stuff, I'd spend a minute or so unpacking it all, then more having to carefully repack it all after.  It's not like there's no tradeoffs for these hatches either - a big hunk of plastic & metal from the hatch itself adds weight, plus the downtube has to be built up thicker & heavier to compensate for a big hole in it.  I'd rather just have mounting bosses on the bottom of the top tube like a lot of brands have, EDC multitool + plugger + pliers in steerer tube, pump + CO2 on a bracket next to the water bottle, and spare tube in a dry bag with zip ties & bandaids on the top tube bosses.  

1
3
veefour
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9/26/2024 8:13am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 8:14am
The EDC pump is a game changer and I even lost one I bought 2nd hand one time and OneUp gave me 50% off a new...

The EDC pump is a game changer and I even lost one I bought 2nd hand one time and OneUp gave me 50% off a new one! I just switch it between bikes. Inside my size L 5010 I also have 2 small Pedros tire levers, a Tubolito and am still able to get 1L of water in there. I don't carry the EDC pump on my park bike, so have the Specialized SWAT multitool that goes on frame mounts there. 

Frame storage is a common sense feature that appeals to average riders (and a certain amount of "core" riders on this forum). Also, if a brand is up against a wall in terms of innovating their meat bikes, adding frame storage is a good way to show "progress". If you don't like it, just don't use it? (and try any number of interesting bikes where it's a glaring omission...Norco Sight, Alloy Rocky Altitude, etc.) 

Can anyone shed any light on how removing a huge chunk of metal or carbon and replacing it with a plastic door adds weight? The Specialized Epic and the Canyon Lux Trail both have frame storage.

Removing that large chunk of metal/carbon significantly weakens the frame, so it has to be reinforced around the opening.

6
cmaac
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Tahoe, CA, USA
9/26/2024 8:26am

Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

IMG 1643.jpeg?VersionId=ZpM9itQD3.JtMgd0HD4h2taJvYyXI
6
Jotegr
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9/26/2024 9:04am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 11:05am

Releasing electric versions of the current sight is a no brainer. 

6
cmaac
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9/26/2024 9:15am

Can we see a pivot near the axle on this SC e bike?

IMG 1659
3
veefour
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9/26/2024 9:27am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 9:28am
tarekfahmy wrote:
New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP  
image 58

New Santa Cruz Ebike Bosch Without VPP 

 

I don't know how correct the information is, but I've read elsewhere that the new SC ebike will use the new Bosch motor being released in a few days (discussed briefly on the last page). Apparently they've moved away from VPP and the new bike is 4 bar.

3
jsray
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9/26/2024 9:29am
cmaac wrote:
Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

IMG 1643.jpeg?VersionId=ZpM9itQD3.JtMgd0HD4h2taJvYyXI

sight SL maybe? current sight and range e-bikes are pretty heavy

2
Mwood
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Bay Area, CA, USA
9/26/2024 9:41am
Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came...

Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came with. Maybe you just drop a few allen keys in there idk.

AndehM wrote:
Oh jeez, why didn't I think of that?🙄Seriously, no - stuff went in the neoprene pouches.  Not talking about a lot either, just a CO2 with...

Oh jeez, why didn't I think of that?🙄

Seriously, no - stuff went in the neoprene pouches.  Not talking about a lot either, just a CO2 with head & a Leatherman Micra, plus some zip ties and bandaids.  Lightweight tube in the other pouch.  Horrendous knocking until all the hard stuff was wrapped in multiple layers of shop towels and the pouches were packed so full with more of paper towels until they literally couldn't move inside the frame.  I'm sure a big boxy carbon downtube wasn't helping the noise.  At that point, how is that more convenient?  If I actually had to use any of that stuff, I'd spend a minute or so unpacking it all, then more having to carefully repack it all after.  It's not like there's no tradeoffs for these hatches either - a big hunk of plastic & metal from the hatch itself adds weight, plus the downtube has to be built up thicker & heavier to compensate for a big hole in it.  I'd rather just have mounting bosses on the bottom of the top tube like a lot of brands have, EDC multitool + plugger + pliers in steerer tube, pump + CO2 on a bracket next to the water bottle, and spare tube in a dry bag with zip ties & bandaids on the top tube bosses.  

2 beer koozies on the tool roll in the frame quiets it all down and leaves your properly prepared for parking lot beers. 
Different horses for different courses—no one cares where you carry stuff until you're stranded, and then once again, it doesn't matter as long as you have it. The engineering to get carbon frames with the tool storage is huge and very impressive, so it is definitely not a 'cheap' attribute. 

 

9
9/26/2024 10:09am
Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came...

Don't you people have your tools in bags in the frame storage? I have zero rattle in there if I use the bags the frame came with. Maybe you just drop a few allen keys in there idk.

I completely agree with this. I had the Stumpjumper Evo for 4 seasons, which allowed me to retire my hip pack since then. Had a tube jammed down near the BB, in the SWAT bag: Lezyne pump, plugs, tire lever/chain breaker combo, water treatment tablets, and a pack of emergency Haribo. Still had room to stuff a rain jacket if I needed to. Multitool is attached to the bottle cage. 

Fast forward to this summer, tested multiple bikes without in-frame storage and I couldn't wrap my head around it. Bought a Megatower and have it set up the same way. In both bikes, I only experienced rattle when I had an otherwise empty SWAT bag with just a pump in it. 

Maybe this becomes less ideal if you have more than one bike, but I'd just have more than one bike with in-frame storage. The weight penalty of in-frame storage is something I have no problem with...

5
Rick26
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., BC, CA
9/26/2024 10:40am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 10:41am
cmaac wrote:
Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

IMG 1643.jpeg?VersionId=ZpM9itQD3.JtMgd0HD4h2taJvYyXI
jsray wrote:

sight SL maybe? current sight and range e-bikes are pretty heavy

No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released a Sight/Range VLT...maybe they're moving away from 60lbs carbon eMTBs ?

Another angle of the new SC, I believe you can see a pivot, but still not fully clear.

VPP.png?VersionId=DN5ZBco86Ew8iXc2MmU
13
mtbthe603
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Bellingham, WA, USA
9/26/2024 11:07am

I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still nice to have with you such as a small pump or CO2, chain breaker, quick link, bacon strips, extra battery, emergency snack, tube, tire lever, etc. I prefer to run edc lite or similar steerer tool or use one of those water bottle cages with the multitool attachment thing.

Back to rumors... seems like you frame storage fans will really love what's coming soon from transition

4
jsray
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9/26/2024 11:20am Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 11:21am
cmaac wrote:
Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

Looks like a vertical shock orientation high pivot ebike coming from Norco

IMG 1643.jpeg?VersionId=ZpM9itQD3.JtMgd0HD4h2taJvYyXI
jsray wrote:

sight SL maybe? current sight and range e-bikes are pretty heavy

Rick26 wrote:
No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released...

No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released a Sight/Range VLT...maybe they're moving away from 60lbs carbon eMTBs ?

Another angle of the new SC, I believe you can see a pivot, but still not fully clear.

VPP.png?VersionId=DN5ZBco86Ew8iXc2MmU

edit** Seems odd they would have 2 versions of HP full power ebikes

Jotegr
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9/26/2024 11:35am
jsray wrote:

sight SL maybe? current sight and range e-bikes are pretty heavy

Rick26 wrote:
No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released...

No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released a Sight/Range VLT...maybe they're moving away from 60lbs carbon eMTBs ?

Another angle of the new SC, I believe you can see a pivot, but still not fully clear.

VPP.png?VersionId=DN5ZBco86Ew8iXc2MmU
jsray wrote:

edit** Seems odd they would have 2 versions of HP full power ebikes

Sight is going to be a dedicated platform rather than shared with the range. I'd have to think the current sight is going to get cut. 

louiesquared
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9/26/2024 11:43am
mtbthe603 wrote:
I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still...

I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still nice to have with you such as a small pump or CO2, chain breaker, quick link, bacon strips, extra battery, emergency snack, tube, tire lever, etc. I prefer to run edc lite or similar steerer tool or use one of those water bottle cages with the multitool attachment thing.

Back to rumors... seems like you frame storage fans will really love what's coming soon from transition

If you're using a multitool on every ride you need to improve your maintenance routine.

13
4
AgrAde
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., BV
9/26/2024 12:34pm

I think I use my multi tool once or twice a season... What are you using it for on every ride? I'm genuinely curious.

4
bikeparkmemes
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
9/26/2024 12:36pm Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 12:39pm
Rick26 wrote:
No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released...

No this looks like a full power Bosch Gen 5 bike as per Norco's post on IG, but it is still strange as they just released a Sight/Range VLT...maybe they're moving away from 60lbs carbon eMTBs ?

Another angle of the new SC, I believe you can see a pivot, but still not fully clear.

VPP.png?VersionId=DN5ZBco86Ew8iXc2MmU
jsray wrote:

edit** Seems odd they would have 2 versions of HP full power ebikes

Jotegr wrote:

Sight is going to be a dedicated platform rather than shared with the range. I'd have to think the current sight is going to get cut. 

Its going to be the Sight with the Bosch CX motor. 

The current Sight/Range ebikes were made in very small quantities because of the weight issues, should be out of stock soon. 

1
9/26/2024 12:42pm
mtbthe603 wrote:
I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still...

I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still nice to have with you such as a small pump or CO2, chain breaker, quick link, bacon strips, extra battery, emergency snack, tube, tire lever, etc. I prefer to run edc lite or similar steerer tool or use one of those water bottle cages with the multitool attachment thing.

Back to rumors... seems like you frame storage fans will really love what's coming soon from transition

This feels like subtle hint Transition is making a sidecar.

Blink twice if that's true.

2
gbcoke
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9/26/2024 12:44pm

That will be weird as making a mold for a bike that will be in market for less than a year is very much unheard of (though those bikes are hideous imho).

2
1
mtbthe603
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Bellingham, WA, USA
9/26/2024 1:03pm
mtbthe603 wrote:
I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still...

I think frame storage is too annoying to use for multitool storage. It's great for those items you don't need on every ride but are still nice to have with you such as a small pump or CO2, chain breaker, quick link, bacon strips, extra battery, emergency snack, tube, tire lever, etc. I prefer to run edc lite or similar steerer tool or use one of those water bottle cages with the multitool attachment thing.

Back to rumors... seems like you frame storage fans will really love what's coming soon from transition

If you're using a multitool on every ride you need to improve your maintenance routine.

No argument on needing to improve my maintenance routine...a lot of the on trail adjustments I make should totally be things done at home

But it's still pretty often...probably most often is me tossing my multi tool to a buddy that needs it...then things link adjusting things after a crash, checking some bolts, adjusting seat height, adjusting b tension, tightening a spoke, etc

1
Uncle Cliffy
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9/26/2024 1:21pm Edited Date/Time 9/26/2024 1:21pm
gbcoke wrote:
That will be weird as making a mold for a bike that will be in market for less than a year is very much unheard of...

That will be weird as making a mold for a bike that will be in market for less than a year is very much unheard of (though those bikes are hideous imho).

If I had to guess, this would be the new Bosch system giving them a hiccup. Information probably wasn’t made available to them by the time they had the 2024 bikes in production. 

New system uses a completely different battery. 800 MAH for this new Sight, and this bike is supposed to be significantly lighter. Almost 10 pounds lighter than the current model! (Claimed)

3
AndehM
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9/26/2024 1:32pm
gbcoke wrote:
That will be weird as making a mold for a bike that will be in market for less than a year is very much unheard of...

That will be weird as making a mold for a bike that will be in market for less than a year is very much unheard of (though those bikes are hideous imho).

If I had to guess, this would be the new Bosch system giving them a hiccup. Information probably wasn’t made available to them by the time...

If I had to guess, this would be the new Bosch system giving them a hiccup. Information probably wasn’t made available to them by the time they had the 2024 bikes in production. 

New system uses a completely different battery. 800 MAH for this new Sight, and this bike is supposed to be significantly lighter. Almost 10 pounds lighter than the current model! (Claimed)

Were the old Bosch motors + batteries super, super heavy, or was it just Norco's bike design?  I've heard that the new SC with same gen5 will be 22-23kg, and that's with a 600wh battery.  That's 48.5-50 lbs, so the same weight range as the current Heckler EP801 with 720wh battery.  So it doesn't seem like the new one is particularly light.  Maybe the new form factor is problematic too (would explain SC going to 4bar)? 

1
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