MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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cstone28
Posts
32
Joined
10/31/2023
Location
N/A, ON CA
1/9/2025 5:55pm
juliusk wrote:
Could this be a maxxis radial casing of some sort? Heard a lot about something new from maxxis in the b-practice (mostly Dak being tricked by...

Could this be a maxxis radial casing of some sort? Heard a lot about something new from maxxis in the b-practice (mostly Dak being tricked by Jason into talking about it)

There must be more brands than schwalbe working on this technology for sure

IMG 5999 0

The angular line in the sidewall from the tread to the rim, isn't that the hallmark of a bias ply, as in the ply is cut on the bias?

Not to say this isn't a radial tire but that would be what I would think would be a give away. 

1
MrDuck
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Location
CA
1/9/2025 9:59pm
dolface wrote:
Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting...

Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting points for it (which requires changing tube lengths etc.)?

I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and an idea I'd use one of the rear ends with a "homemade" front triangle. I mean sort of "home design, mate made" because my welds look more like pop corn than anything I'd ride. 

The biggest limitation I see is main pivot placement. A high pivot would be fairly easy, but the broken frames I have both have a pivot close to the BB. So the main pivot would need to be moved about 20mm up to accomodate a gearbox. Could sort of "tilt" it and call it high pivot! Smile  

Depending on the frame I think it's doable on some, but you're either making a front triangle, or modifying it with just as much expertise needed, if not more. 

4
Primoz
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4541
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8/1/2009
Location
SI
1/9/2025 10:13pm

Yeah, integrating a gearbox is mostly a question of do the original pivots clear or do you need a complete new rear end to handle the change in kinematics. 

As for silver rims, yes please. 

1
1/9/2025 11:14pm
Some thoughts regarding that USD-fork-rumor: back when Fox decided against their USD-proto entering series production, they explained they couldn’t make it stiff enough without making it...

Some thoughts regarding that USD-fork-rumor: back when Fox decided against their USD-proto entering series production, they explained they couldn’t make it stiff enough without making it extra heavy with the current-for-that-time tech available. But that was, I think, the time when they were raving about having the stiffest dh-fork on the market - a feat that ended up being not so perfect as some needed flex proved to be beneficial to the riding feel. Since then they’ve incorporated some into their forks, production technologies have made incredible leaps since, so putting 2+2, my bet is on Fox trying to USD-fy their 40 for the second time! Smile

sethimus wrote:

if a small company like intend can do it, fox can do it. just don't expect the same level of detail from a mass produced product

Primoz wrote:
It's not a question of doing, it's a question of selling it. What's the first thing people think when they see a Dorado? I bet it's...

It's not a question of doing, it's a question of selling it. What's the first thing people think when they see a Dorado? I bet it's something along the lines of "that has to be flexy". Visual perception has a lot to do with how we buy products, even if it doesn't make any sense. 

It's more a matter of how one thinks - now, for example, when I see a Dorado (which is often as i own one :D ), my first thought is "shit, that's gonna work beautifully!" (which it does - under yours truelly and under every person i've met that owns a Dorado). 

As for selling it, if it's indeed Fox, no worries then - we're talking the company with probably the best marketing department! :D

If they are indeed putting out a USD fork, they'll think of strong points for it that Manitou hasn't thought about in all the decades they've been making the Dorado! :D 

1/9/2025 11:17pm
dolface wrote:
Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting...

Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting points for it (which requires changing tube lengths etc.)?

MrDuck wrote:
I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and...

I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and an idea I'd use one of the rear ends with a "homemade" front triangle. I mean sort of "home design, mate made" because my welds look more like pop corn than anything I'd ride. 

The biggest limitation I see is main pivot placement. A high pivot would be fairly easy, but the broken frames I have both have a pivot close to the BB. So the main pivot would need to be moved about 20mm up to accomodate a gearbox. Could sort of "tilt" it and call it high pivot! Smile  

Depending on the frame I think it's doable on some, but you're either making a front triangle, or modifying it with just as much expertise needed, if not more. 

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon mentioning them, what happened to them? 

Primoz
Posts
4541
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Location
SI
1/10/2025 12:00am

They are working on it and they have a patent on it. 

1/10/2025 12:40am
dolface wrote:
Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting...

Possibly naive question; how hard is it to adapt an existing frame design to accommodate a gearbox?  Are there other considerations besides creating space and mounting points for it (which requires changing tube lengths etc.)?

MrDuck wrote:
I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and...

I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and an idea I'd use one of the rear ends with a "homemade" front triangle. I mean sort of "home design, mate made" because my welds look more like pop corn than anything I'd ride. 

The biggest limitation I see is main pivot placement. A high pivot would be fairly easy, but the broken frames I have both have a pivot close to the BB. So the main pivot would need to be moved about 20mm up to accomodate a gearbox. Could sort of "tilt" it and call it high pivot! Smile  

Depending on the frame I think it's doable on some, but you're either making a front triangle, or modifying it with just as much expertise needed, if not more. 

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon...

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon mentioning them, what happened to them? 

Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be any week now for the Fasterossa to go on sale!

4
Cougar797
Posts
100
Joined
7/25/2012
Location
Bentonville, AR US
1/10/2025 6:32am
MrDuck wrote:
I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and...

I've actually put a lot of thought into it since I have a few frames with broken front triangles, pretty good idea what I want and an idea I'd use one of the rear ends with a "homemade" front triangle. I mean sort of "home design, mate made" because my welds look more like pop corn than anything I'd ride. 

The biggest limitation I see is main pivot placement. A high pivot would be fairly easy, but the broken frames I have both have a pivot close to the BB. So the main pivot would need to be moved about 20mm up to accomodate a gearbox. Could sort of "tilt" it and call it high pivot! Smile  

Depending on the frame I think it's doable on some, but you're either making a front triangle, or modifying it with just as much expertise needed, if not more. 

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon...

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon mentioning them, what happened to them? 

Lacanuck24 wrote:
Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be...

Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be any week now for the Fasterossa to go on sale!

It kind of sounds like they may all be spoken for already too. People have been messaging him to get in line and it sounds like he may not even have to post them for sale. They may already be gone before they get in.

2
jonkranked
Posts
1185
Joined
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Location
Norristown, PA US
1/10/2025 7:41am
You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon...

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon mentioning them, what happened to them? 

Lacanuck24 wrote:
Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be...

Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be any week now for the Fasterossa to go on sale!

Cougar797 wrote:
It kind of sounds like they may all be spoken for already too. People have been messaging him to get in line and it sounds like...

It kind of sounds like they may all be spoken for already too. People have been messaging him to get in line and it sounds like he may not even have to post them for sale. They may already be gone before they get in.

Given the state of the industry that's not a bad problem to have

1
overbiked
Posts
53
Joined
10/23/2024
Location
Park City, UT US
1/10/2025 7:42am
You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon...

You might be onto something - a front triangle with several different main pivot locations a la Vampire Bikes proto would be a great option. Upon mentioning them, what happened to them? 

Lacanuck24 wrote:
Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be...

Vampire is close to launching. Chris Canfield was at the factory a few months back doing QC before putting the bikes on a boat. Should be any week now for the Fasterossa to go on sale!

Cougar797 wrote:
It kind of sounds like they may all be spoken for already too. People have been messaging him to get in line and it sounds like...

It kind of sounds like they may all be spoken for already too. People have been messaging him to get in line and it sounds like he may not even have to post them for sale. They may already be gone before they get in.

I've been following the vampire stuff very closely since launch, even got my name down for a frame a while back. Not sure if I'll go through with it, as I'm very happy with my current bike I built recently. The most up to date information can be found on the vampire mtbr forum, from what is available it'll be a pretty awesome bike, and frames just got to Chris in Utah last week.

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/vampire.1222986/page-2?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest

And on the topic of silver wheelsets, I've been hoping Crankbrothers will release the silver wheelset that is currently OEM only to the end consumer. They look incredible on that YT Jeffsy model.

1
1/10/2025 8:06am

I also suspect that SRAM told bike manufacturers that UDH was going to be required for future drivetrains (Transmission) even though the general public wasn't told. 

Simcik wrote:
Maybe some but not all. I was PM at Canfield Bikes when UDH was announced and that detail was not started. I suspected there was more...

Maybe some but not all. I was PM at Canfield Bikes when UDH was announced and that detail was not started. I suspected there was more to the story than selling $15 retail derailleur hangers.

Uhm SRAM started telling brands early in the 2019 that UDH was going to be a thing and new drivetrain developments would use udh

2
1/10/2025 8:13am

I also suspect that SRAM told bike manufacturers that UDH was going to be required for future drivetrains (Transmission) even though the general public wasn't told. 

Simcik wrote:
Maybe some but not all. I was PM at Canfield Bikes when UDH was announced and that detail was not started. I suspected there was more...

Maybe some but not all. I was PM at Canfield Bikes when UDH was announced and that detail was not started. I suspected there was more to the story than selling $15 retail derailleur hangers.

Uhm SRAM started telling brands early in the 2019 that UDH was going to be a thing and new drivetrain developments would use udh

UDH was on the trek Slash gen 5 in early 2019 prototypes.. which means Sram was planning it before that

1
Jakub_G
Posts
352
Joined
8/7/2019
Location
SK
1/10/2025 8:39am
boozed wrote:

That barrel nut mount design can still be found today... on Atherton A-series frames.

Nicolai might want to have word with you.

6
boozed
Posts
656
Joined
6/11/2019
Location
AU
1/10/2025 1:52pm Edited Date/Time 1/10/2025 2:01pm
boozed wrote:

That barrel nut mount design can still be found today... on Atherton A-series frames.

Jakub_G wrote:

Nicolai might want to have word with you.

To be clear, I didn't mean that's the only place it can be found, just that it was interesting in amongst all the Atherton talk.  If I had to guess who else is doing it, Nicolai would probably be top of the list!

1
nicasucksdude
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1/30/2024
Location
Salt Lake City, UT US
1/10/2025 6:41pm

Max Grayston who rides for orbea of him on a “fresh bike” that looks like a proto. Looks like FMD might be on a dh bike!IMG 0923

8
jazza_wil
Posts
86
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5/10/2011
Location
whistler, BC CA
1/10/2025 9:07pm
Max Grayston who rides for orbea of him on a “fresh bike” that looks like a proto. Looks like FMD might be on a dh bike!

Max Grayston who rides for orbea of him on a “fresh bike” that looks like a proto. Looks like FMD might be on a dh bike!IMG 0923

Doesn’t look like it has the big downtube or brace coming up off the lower shock area like Martin’s bike

IMG 0008 0.jpeg?VersionId=i4Mb8a
6
Nicolas M.
Posts
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3/6/2023
Location
Steinheim DE
1/10/2025 11:06pm

Does anyone know what kind of brakes these are? Spottet on Danny Hart’IMG 1685.jpeg?VersionId=NC6TsXeBgOGrn9mGvs story 

2
Scontoni
Posts
26
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7/21/2024
Location
Christmas Island Shire of Christmas Island CX
1/10/2025 11:10pm
Nicolas M. wrote:
Does anyone know what kind of brakes these are? Spottet on Danny Hart’s story 

Does anyone know what kind of brakes these are? Spottet on Danny Hart’IMG 1685.jpeg?VersionId=NC6TsXeBgOGrn9mGvs story 

Hope V4

8
Konda
Posts
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5/28/2023
Location
Kidderminster GB
1/11/2025 1:40am

Definitely hope tech4 

1000035908.png?VersionId=
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Fantaman
Posts
68
Joined
4/24/2013
Location
NL
1/11/2025 10:48am
473584690 616037170881295 6118401834986873705 n 0

Shiny gold forks

36
Big Bird
Posts
2284
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2/1/2011
Location
Oceano, CA US
1/11/2025 12:33pm
Fantaman wrote:
Shiny gold forks
473584690 616037170881295 6118401834986873705 n 0

Shiny gold forks

Ah, so it'e Ohlins with the moto forks! Not Fox? Or did they already have those?

jofish
Posts
265
Joined
8/24/2009
Location
GB
1/11/2025 12:50pm

Looks like there’s an Orbea DH bike ready after all. 

22
1/11/2025 3:20pm Edited Date/Time 1/11/2025 3:21pm
jofish wrote:

Looks like there’s an Orbea DH bike ready after all. 

1000019178.jpg?VersionId=pTYV

Here's a better picture. I downloaded this in September and I have no idea where I got it. I made a whole post about it yesterday but I deleted it because my speculation was based upon the rocker looking like the Wild. This is likely an aluminium mule.

30
2
jofish
Posts
265
Joined
8/24/2009
Location
GB
1/11/2025 4:55pm
Here's a better picture. I downloaded this in September and I have no idea where I got it. I made a whole post about it yesterday...
1000019178.jpg?VersionId=pTYV

Here's a better picture. I downloaded this in September and I have no idea where I got it. I made a whole post about it yesterday but I deleted it because my speculation was based upon the rocker looking like the Wild. This is likely an aluminium mule.

No high pivot, no idler, no flip-chip, no bonded lugs, no belt, no cable tourism, only four bars and a single chain? Will they even be able to ride that thing?

50
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