MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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Digit Bikes
Posts
186
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9/22/2021
Location
Irvine, CA, USA
2/13/2025 2:21pm

You joke, but mfers talking bout this...

I see your size-specific chainstay lengths and raise you – size-specific wheelsizes! 24" XS, 26" S, 27.5" M, 29" L, and 32" XL.

Liteville did this, around 2015.

p4pb11963734%5B1%5D
17
2/13/2025 2:32pm
b.ay wrote:

Reminds me of the Jade X 

Let's hope thats the only thing it has in common with that POS.

1
Onawalk
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CA
2/13/2025 7:04pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2025 7:07pm

For those that never leave this thread.....

Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it was

Weren't there some who were adamant that there couldn't/wouldn't be a mechanical transmission, anywho

https://bikerumor.com/patent-patrol-sram-mechanical-transmissions-are-coming-soon-with-both-nx-and-sx-transmission-derailleurs/

https://bikerumor.com/shimano-patents-point-to-all-new-xtr-di2-xt-di2-d…

3
dolface
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USA
2/13/2025 7:14pm
Onawalk wrote:
For those that never leave this thread.....Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it wasWeren't there some who were adamant that...

For those that never leave this thread.....

Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it was

Weren't there some who were adamant that there couldn't/wouldn't be a mechanical transmission, anywho

https://bikerumor.com/patent-patrol-sram-mechanical-transmissions-are-coming-soon-with-both-nx-and-sx-transmission-derailleurs/

https://bikerumor.com/shimano-patents-point-to-all-new-xtr-di2-xt-di2-d…

Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are such poor quality that I feel like it'll turn people off (and misses the market segment that wants high-quality mechanical shifting, or pushes them to Shimano).

12
Onawalk
Posts
344
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Location
CA
2/13/2025 7:25pm
Onawalk wrote:
For those that never leave this thread.....Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it wasWeren't there some who were adamant that...

For those that never leave this thread.....

Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it was

Weren't there some who were adamant that there couldn't/wouldn't be a mechanical transmission, anywho

https://bikerumor.com/patent-patrol-sram-mechanical-transmissions-are-coming-soon-with-both-nx-and-sx-transmission-derailleurs/

https://bikerumor.com/shimano-patents-point-to-all-new-xtr-di2-xt-di2-d…

dolface wrote:
Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are...

Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are such poor quality that I feel like it'll turn people off (and misses the market segment that wants high-quality mechanical shifting, or pushes them to Shimano).

it'll come, They needed to get the high end consumer to early adopt, and buy into the world of 1's and 0's, cause that would cover the investment costs.  

Then the GX beepboop came out to gather up the rest of the money.

I'd wager we see an XO lvl mechanical transmission groupset come out in early 26

1
2/13/2025 7:25pm
dolface wrote:
Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are...

Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are such poor quality that I feel like it'll turn people off (and misses the market segment that wants high-quality mechanical shifting, or pushes them to Shimano).

Seems like they're focused on huge market of low price OE offerings, not stuff for us. 

4
dolface
Posts
1714
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Location
USA
2/13/2025 7:31pm
Onawalk wrote:
Amazing,Everytime I feel a little concerned about the price I pay for a mtb widget of some sort, I go check out things in the road...

Amazing,

Everytime I feel a little concerned about the price I pay for a mtb widget of some sort, I go check out things in the road world.....

https://bikerumor.com/kogel-speed-kolossos-oversized-cage-upgrade-reshaped-for-more-stiffness-less-drag/

It starts at $500, and goes up from there.......I love this

Most roadies think those are hilarious too...

3
Onawalk
Posts
344
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Location
CA
2/13/2025 7:35pm
Onawalk wrote:
For those that never leave this thread.....Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it wasWeren't there some who were adamant that...

For those that never leave this thread.....

Hoping this wasn't bitten from Wheelbased, apologies, and I'll pull it if it was

Weren't there some who were adamant that there couldn't/wouldn't be a mechanical transmission, anywho

https://bikerumor.com/patent-patrol-sram-mechanical-transmissions-are-coming-soon-with-both-nx-and-sx-transmission-derailleurs/

https://bikerumor.com/shimano-patents-point-to-all-new-xtr-di2-xt-di2-d…

dolface wrote:
Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are...

Perhaps I'm naive (or just spend too much time here) but not having an X0-level mechanical Transmission ofering seems like a miss; existing NX/SX bits are such poor quality that I feel like it'll turn people off (and misses the market segment that wants high-quality mechanical shifting, or pushes them to Shimano).

Also

Norco's 2025 "Shore Series" Optic C2 MX comes with an interesting drive train spec.  A week or so ago it was listed as SRAM 1000 (I friggin dig this bike!)

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/optic/25-optic-C2-mx/

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/sight/25-sight-C1-MX-150/      (note the GX der, but different crank)

1
Onawalk
Posts
344
Joined
7/5/2021
Location
CA
2/13/2025 7:38pm
Onawalk wrote:
Amazing,Everytime I feel a little concerned about the price I pay for a mtb widget of some sort, I go check out things in the road...

Amazing,

Everytime I feel a little concerned about the price I pay for a mtb widget of some sort, I go check out things in the road world.....

https://bikerumor.com/kogel-speed-kolossos-oversized-cage-upgrade-reshaped-for-more-stiffness-less-drag/

It starts at $500, and goes up from there.......I love this

dolface wrote:

Most roadies think those are hilarious too...

thats fair,

but when you peruse the prices of even mid/high range road bikes, I feel way better about what I'm getting.....

3
1
Scontoni
Posts
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Location
Christmas Island Shire of Christmas Island, CX
2/13/2025 7:50pm
Onawalk wrote:
AlsoNorco's 2025 "Shore Series" Optic C2 MX comes with an interesting drive train spec.  A week or so ago it was listed as SRAM 1000 (I...

Also

Norco's 2025 "Shore Series" Optic C2 MX comes with an interesting drive train spec.  A week or so ago it was listed as SRAM 1000 (I friggin dig this bike!)

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/optic/25-optic-C2-mx/

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/sight/25-sight-C1-MX-150/      (note the GX der, but different crank)

Onawalk
Posts
344
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Location
CA
2/13/2025 7:53pm
Onawalk wrote:
AlsoNorco's 2025 "Shore Series" Optic C2 MX comes with an interesting drive train spec.  A week or so ago it was listed as SRAM 1000 (I...

Also

Norco's 2025 "Shore Series" Optic C2 MX comes with an interesting drive train spec.  A week or so ago it was listed as SRAM 1000 (I friggin dig this bike!)

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/optic/25-optic-C2-mx/

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/sight/25-sight-C1-MX-150/      (note the GX der, but different crank)

Scontoni wrote:

There you go, entry level beepboops on a $9k CAD bike, spectacular

8
kperras
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CA
2/13/2025 8:05pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2025 8:06pm
w4s wrote:
you of all people should know to never say never.(edited with a non-ripped photo...and here's a link to that story! -gordo)https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/BCDs-Carbon-29er-Downhill-Bike-from-2007,3771/BCDs-Carbon-29er-DH-Bike-from-2007,36005/sspomer,2 

you of all people should know to never say never.

(edited with a non-ripped photo...and here's a link to that story! -gordo)

https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/BCDs-Carbon-29er-Downhill-Bike…

original_bike.JPG

 

The thing about 29ers is frame designers are still dealing with fitment issues, 20 years on. This is why we've seen all these various chainline, axle, hub standards proliferate, not mention endless conversations around geometry. Paul Aston seems to be fine with 475mm rear centers but any good (technical) trail that I've ridden around the world plain doesn't work with titanic sized wheelbases.  

Last but not least, and understandably this the same argument some have with ebikes and we can see how many of those are on the trails now, I don't need bigger wheels to make things easier. The pendulum swung far enough with 29x3 and we all saw how that worked out for MTB (Desert touring setups disregard this comment).

6
3
sethimus
Posts
954
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Location
CH
2/13/2025 10:18pm
Rick26 wrote:

What a strange launch from Trek as this new generation of Rail is up on Trek EU websites since +- 5 months now.

 

this, just did a sanity check 

4
Primoz
Posts
4677
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Location
SI
2/13/2025 10:22pm
sspomer wrote:

no way will 32 be for anything except XC or gravel, right? please? pretty please? make it stop?

ebruner wrote:
I can't imagine what toe overlap would be like for a 32" gravel bike.  My giant revolt with 48c tires is already precarious enough.  Come to...

I can't imagine what toe overlap would be like for a 32" gravel bike.  My giant revolt with 48c tires is already precarious enough.  Come to think of it, do you end up with toe overlap on a 32" xc bike with a 68 degree hta with reaches under 450-470?  

What stem length are you running on the Giant? 

2/14/2025 6:16am
w4s wrote:
you of all people should know to never say never.(edited with a non-ripped photo...and here's a link to that story! -gordo)https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/BCDs-Carbon-29er-Downhill-Bike-from-2007,3771/BCDs-Carbon-29er-DH-Bike-from-2007,36005/sspomer,2 

you of all people should know to never say never.

(edited with a non-ripped photo...and here's a link to that story! -gordo)

https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/BCDs-Carbon-29er-Downhill-Bike…

original_bike.JPG

 

kperras wrote:
The thing about 29ers is frame designers are still dealing with fitment issues, 20 years on. This is why we've seen all these various chainline, axle...

The thing about 29ers is frame designers are still dealing with fitment issues, 20 years on. This is why we've seen all these various chainline, axle, hub standards proliferate, not mention endless conversations around geometry. Paul Aston seems to be fine with 475mm rear centers but any good (technical) trail that I've ridden around the world plain doesn't work with titanic sized wheelbases.  

Last but not least, and understandably this the same argument some have with ebikes and we can see how many of those are on the trails now, I don't need bigger wheels to make things easier. The pendulum swung far enough with 29x3 and we all saw how that worked out for MTB (Desert touring setups disregard this comment).

We get messages at least once a month from someone in the desert Southwest who's pissed that we no longer make the Chronicle. 

I could never get along with plus tires. If I ran the pressures low enough to get a benefit in traction then the tire would fold and roll like crazy even in mellow corners. With enough pressure to provide cornering support, I was getting bounced all over the trail. For me, plus tires offered only downsides. I'm glad they were a relatively short lived fad in our fad obsessed industry. 

25
1
2/14/2025 10:45am

Floating/dynamic idler? 

4
2/14/2025 11:08am
airwreck wrote:

Nobody saw Cascades instagram post yesterday?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGCEWu1Sy7m/

 

Almost looks like they're going to sell an entire rear end to convert an existing frame to high pivot(?) Looks like a green carbon frame + Cascade high pivot rear end. 

9
AJW1
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Location
Bracknell, GB
2/14/2025 11:10am

All three of the components are in the same CNC'd style, including the bit that is either the entire chainstay, or a lower link in a VPP or similar lower link set-up.

My guess is a high pivot conversion for Santa Cruz. You can just about see the frame in the pic, there was a Megatower in that minty greeny colour at some point.... but also a recent Stumpy, which goes against my lower link theory.

4
AJW1
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Location
Bracknell, GB
2/14/2025 11:15am
AJW1 wrote:
All three of the components are in the same CNC'd style, including the bit that is either the entire chainstay, or a lower link in a...

All three of the components are in the same CNC'd style, including the bit that is either the entire chainstay, or a lower link in a VPP or similar lower link set-up.

My guess is a high pivot conversion for Santa Cruz. You can just about see the frame in the pic, there was a Megatower in that minty greeny colour at some point.... but also a recent Stumpy, which goes against my lower link theory.

to quote myself, that green is the current stumpy 15, and the Megatower I was remembering is not the current version. Would like to change my vote to a new chainstay (with possible moving parts) and idler to make a stumpy a high pivot .... and possibly a 6 bar rather than 4 bar?

4
2/14/2025 11:17am

Looks like the Stumpy 15 green carbon frame. And it looks like the idler will move as suspension cycles. 

6
2/14/2025 11:44am
AJW1 wrote:
All three of the components are in the same CNC'd style, including the bit that is either the entire chainstay, or a lower link in a...

All three of the components are in the same CNC'd style, including the bit that is either the entire chainstay, or a lower link in a VPP or similar lower link set-up.

My guess is a high pivot conversion for Santa Cruz. You can just about see the frame in the pic, there was a Megatower in that minty greeny colour at some point.... but also a recent Stumpy, which goes against my lower link theory.

AJW1 wrote:
to quote myself, that green is the current stumpy 15, and the Megatower I was remembering is not the current version. Would like to change my...

to quote myself, that green is the current stumpy 15, and the Megatower I was remembering is not the current version. Would like to change my vote to a new chainstay (with possible moving parts) and idler to make a stumpy a high pivot .... and possibly a 6 bar rather than 4 bar?

Good eye, def looks to match this, also if it were for a SC, I think you'd see the shock/tunnel.

Gallery Image

6
sprungmass
Posts
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Location
Calgary, AB, CA
2/14/2025 12:22pm

They have so much space behind the seat tube to install all that hardware. Looks like a fun project.

image 198
24
2/14/2025 12:23pm

I see your size-specific chainstay lengths and raise you – size-specific wheelsizes! 24" XS, 26" S, 27.5" M, 29" L, and 32" XL.

ex-ballz wrote:

Bring 27.5 back for the 1SD around the mean.

But what about the mullets? won't somebody think About the MULLETS??

2
2/14/2025 12:28pm
29 wrote:
if you want a laugh, here’s the bronco ebike. Apparently the motocross-style saddle is awesome for exploring long trails where you can make the most of...

if you want a laugh, here’s the bronco ebike. Apparently the motocross-style saddle is awesome for exploring long trails where you can make the most of the 60 mile range. just in case you want your balls to fall off.


 


 

modern mountain biking is coming to an end

2
2/14/2025 12:33pm Edited Date/Time 2/14/2025 12:36pm
sspomer wrote:

no way will 32 be for anything except XC or gravel, right? please? pretty please? make it stop?

Massive wheels are fun as hell. My 29+ rigid Surly Krampus with ~30.5" outer tire diameter is just a stupid monster truck/klunker, I absolutely love it. I'm 6'2", was always on board for 29" wheels, and definitely would try a 32" XC bike. Obviously they're not going to work well for shorter folks, does that even need to be reiterated to the people getting up in arms about it?

3
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