MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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3/21/2025 5:35am

Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how unique and beneficial is the directional drilling in aluminum rims?

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dwhere
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3/21/2025 6:12am
sspomer wrote:
Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how...

Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how unique and beneficial is the directional drilling in aluminum rims?

I'm honestly not good enough to tell the difference in feel. But I have never had to put a spoke wrench to my Convergence rims. That's good enough for me. 

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jonkranked
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3/21/2025 6:17am
Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how...

Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how unique and beneficial is the directional drilling in aluminum rims?

it's really the same idea as what WeAreOne / PeFarDone is doing.  it's less about the rim material; the goal is to have the surrounding area of the spoke hole more perpendicular to the direction of the spoke. the benefit of it is that the tension loading where the head of the nipple interfaces with the rim is distributed more evenly around this contact area. 

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Carraig042
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3/21/2025 6:58am
Isn't kickstarter supposed to be for new, innovative products or companies? I don't think a middle of the road alloy wheelset from an existing company fits...

Isn't kickstarter supposed to be for new, innovative products or companies? I don't think a middle of the road alloy wheelset from an existing company fits that description. 

I think that was the original idea with Kickstarter. It also gives these smaller companies the ability to gain capital without having outside investors and possibly loans.

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3/21/2025 7:18am
Mwood wrote:
Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all...

Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all those who celebrate the relentless innovation we all don't really need!

chriskief wrote:
So we're likely to see...- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with...

So we're likely to see...

- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2
- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor
- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with Bosch
- Wireless XTR + updated brakes, maybe XT as well
- Mechanical SRAM Transmission

What else?

I believe there's a new enduro coming with ubb suspension and a new Santa Cruz bullet Bosch.

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Suns_PSD
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3/21/2025 8:08am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2025 8:08am
Isn't kickstarter supposed to be for new, innovative products or companies? I don't think a middle of the road alloy wheelset from an existing company fits...

Isn't kickstarter supposed to be for new, innovative products or companies? I don't think a middle of the road alloy wheelset from an existing company fits that description. 

Carraig042 wrote:
I think that was the original idea with Kickstarter. It also gives these smaller companies the ability to gain capital without having outside investors and possibly...

I think that was the original idea with Kickstarter. It also gives these smaller companies the ability to gain capital without having outside investors and possibly loans.

It's so stupid.

 

Pay 10% back of retail all up front, with no guarantee that you'll receive a functional product or even anything at all.  What a deal! LMFAO

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1llumA
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3/21/2025 8:10am
sspomer wrote:
Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how...

Can anyone drop some knowledge on the directional spoke drilling?  I think we're all familiar with what WAO is doing with their Convergence line, but how unique and beneficial is the directional drilling in aluminum rims?

Quite a few Chinese DtC carbon rim makers like EIE, Farsport, Light Bicycle do directional spoke drilling will have a sticker on the rim bed indicating it.

In alloy rims, they often recommend nipple washer to be used which does the same thing as directional spoke drilling.

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Primoz
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3/21/2025 8:16am

In DT's case the (PHR) washer is there to disperse the load. Without it the nipple would overload the aluminium in the small contact region it would have, deform the contact edge and slowly work it's way through the rim. The same can be achieved with eyelets. 

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jonkranked
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3/21/2025 8:54am
Primoz wrote:
In DT's case the (PHR) washer is there to disperse the load. Without it the nipple would overload the aluminium in the small contact region it...

In DT's case the (PHR) washer is there to disperse the load. Without it the nipple would overload the aluminium in the small contact region it would have, deform the contact edge and slowly work it's way through the rim. The same can be achieved with eyelets. 

doesn't DT only require washers on alloy rims without eyelets? my understanding is that washers and eyelets perform essentially the same function eg dispersing the load

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TEAMROBOT
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3/21/2025 9:00am
jonkranked wrote:

doesn't DT only require washers on alloy rims without eyelets? my understanding is that washers and eyelets perform essentially the same function eg dispersing the load

Yes, I think that's why he added "The same can be achieved with eyelets." So basically, if I'm understanding this correctly, eyelets are heavier and more convenient washers for cheaper alloy rims, and washers are lighter but more inconvenient eyelets for premium alloy rims.

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jonkranked
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3/21/2025 9:10am
TEAMROBOT wrote:
Yes, I think that's why he added "The same can be achieved with eyelets." So basically, if I'm understanding this correctly, eyelets are heavier and more...

Yes, I think that's why he added "The same can be achieved with eyelets." So basically, if I'm understanding this correctly, eyelets are heavier and more convenient washers for cheaper alloy rims, and washers are lighter but more inconvenient eyelets for premium alloy rims.

man, i really need to stop skimming sometimes.  Durr.gif  

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oghunt
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3/21/2025 9:15am
Mwood wrote:
Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all...

Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all those who celebrate the relentless innovation we all don't really need!

chriskief wrote:
So we're likely to see...- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with...

So we're likely to see...

- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2
- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor
- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with Bosch
- Wireless XTR + updated brakes, maybe XT as well
- Mechanical SRAM Transmission

What else?

New SRAM mineral oil brake lineup and new AXS post

4
chriskief
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3/21/2025 9:32am
samnation wrote:

I believe there's a new enduro coming with ubb suspension and a new Santa Cruz bullet Bosch.

Perhaps a 170mm version of the Vala?

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B Rabbit
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3/21/2025 10:21am
samnation wrote:

I believe there's a new enduro coming with ubb suspension and a new Santa Cruz bullet Bosch.

Really? I’ve heard nothing about the Enduro, can we ask where you heard this from? It’s well well over due, but I had assumed it would be the end of the year/next year release at this point as there had been no news on it. 

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Primoz
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3/21/2025 10:22am
jonkranked wrote:

doesn't DT only require washers on alloy rims without eyelets? my understanding is that washers and eyelets perform essentially the same function eg dispersing the load

TEAMROBOT wrote:
Yes, I think that's why he added "The same can be achieved with eyelets." So basically, if I'm understanding this correctly, eyelets are heavier and more...

Yes, I think that's why he added "The same can be achieved with eyelets." So basically, if I'm understanding this correctly, eyelets are heavier and more convenient washers for cheaper alloy rims, and washers are lighter but more inconvenient eyelets for premium alloy rims.

Yes. 

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Masjo
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3/21/2025 10:42am

I didn't know where else to post this but it kept bothering me and was wondering if anyone else has encountered it (and it's Tech/Rumour adjacent). There is a new YouTube ad for Slack that focusses on Ari Bikes, but one of the first shots of in the ad shows a GT bike in a workstand. 

AriSlack

Tin foil hat enaged: Ari bikes revives GT? 

Tin foil hat removed: I'm pretty sure this is just a stock video from The Pros Closet or something as I think the bike opposite the GT is also not an Ari (Propain?)

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jonkranked
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3/21/2025 10:59am
So if the 34sl has the speed holes, we can assume the 36 with the speed holes is also an SL? Hopefully this means fox do...

So if the 34sl has the speed holes, we can assume the 36 with the speed holes is also an SL? Hopefully this means fox do a beefed up 36 that can go to 180, and even more hopefully, rockshox come out with an update that makes the Lyrik follow suit. It's plenty stiff enough for 170-180 on a normal bike.

i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before the 38 was launched. over the last few years fox seems to be trying to reduce the amount of overlap between their forks. 

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TEAMROBOT
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3/21/2025 11:01am
jonkranked wrote:
i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before...

i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before the 38 was launched. over the last few years fox seems to be trying to reduce the amount of overlap between their forks. 

I agree. Rockshox is doing the same.

1
chriskief
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3/21/2025 11:05am
jonkranked wrote:
i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before...

i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before the 38 was launched. over the last few years fox seems to be trying to reduce the amount of overlap between their forks. 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

I agree. Rockshox is doing the same.

What about that other new Fox single crown that was rumored a while back?

Something more aggressive than the 38? Perhaps aimed at the Crestline crowd?

2
3/21/2025 11:07am
So if the 34sl has the speed holes, we can assume the 36 with the speed holes is also an SL? Hopefully this means fox do...

So if the 34sl has the speed holes, we can assume the 36 with the speed holes is also an SL? Hopefully this means fox do a beefed up 36 that can go to 180, and even more hopefully, rockshox come out with an update that makes the Lyrik follow suit. It's plenty stiff enough for 170-180 on a normal bike.

jonkranked wrote:
i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before...

i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before the 38 was launched. over the last few years fox seems to be trying to reduce the amount of overlap between their forks. 

Which is a shame, because overlap is what's best for consumers. I'm a big lad and probably need a 38, but smaller people really don't need the stiffness and extra weight.

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jonkranked
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3/21/2025 11:11am
chriskief wrote:

What about that other new Fox single crown that was rumored a while back?

Something more aggressive than the 38? Perhaps aimed at the Crestline crowd?

could be ebike only? might make sense to offer it with 1.8 steerer only.  IIRC those are only offered as OEM only currently. 

1
3/21/2025 11:14am Edited Date/Time 3/22/2025 5:38pm
Masjo wrote:
I didn't know where else to post this but it kept bothering me and was wondering if anyone else has encountered it (and it's Tech/Rumour adjacent)...

I didn't know where else to post this but it kept bothering me and was wondering if anyone else has encountered it (and it's Tech/Rumour adjacent). There is a new YouTube ad for Slack that focusses on Ari Bikes, but one of the first shots of in the ad shows a GT bike in a workstand. 

AriSlack

Tin foil hat enaged: Ari bikes revives GT? 

Tin foil hat removed: I'm pretty sure this is just a stock video from The Pros Closet or something as I think the bike opposite the GT is also not an Ari (Propain?)

Fun theory, but I think not. That does look like Ari HQ, plus the hanging banners feature their mission statements, and aside from the GT, those are all Aris/Fezzaris. But, that's a pretty old GT (2019). Could've been one of Joey Foresta's bikes from his early days at Fezzari, before he got his own. Rachel Strait also went from GT to Ari.

2
ballz
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3/21/2025 11:24am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2025 11:35am
jonkranked wrote:
i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before...

i wouldn't hold my breath for the 36 to go longer travel than 160.  they used to offer it up to 180, but that was before the 38 was launched. over the last few years fox seems to be trying to reduce the amount of overlap between their forks. 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

I agree. Rockshox is doing the same.

On top, 29 only. The previous generation had different-length legs (I am assuming to accommodate both wheel sizes with maximum parts overlap), the new 36 seems to be going back to same length legs.

1
3/21/2025 11:32am
Masjo wrote:
I didn't know where else to post this but it kept bothering me and was wondering if anyone else has encountered it (and it's Tech/Rumour adjacent)...

I didn't know where else to post this but it kept bothering me and was wondering if anyone else has encountered it (and it's Tech/Rumour adjacent). There is a new YouTube ad for Slack that focusses on Ari Bikes, but one of the first shots of in the ad shows a GT bike in a workstand. 

AriSlack

Tin foil hat enaged: Ari bikes revives GT? 

Tin foil hat removed: I'm pretty sure this is just a stock video from The Pros Closet or something as I think the bike opposite the GT is also not an Ari (Propain?)

That photo is Ari's service area lol.

2
3/21/2025 12:26pm Edited Date/Time 3/21/2025 12:30pm

1000000285 1Godziek running motives on his new bike.

 

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Glory831Guy
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3/21/2025 1:08pm
Mwood wrote:
Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all...

Word from a lot of media is that the next 30~ days are going to be busy on this thread. Happy spring/sea otter season to all those who celebrate the relentless innovation we all don't really need!

chriskief wrote:
So we're likely to see...- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with...

So we're likely to see...

- Fox 34 / 36 + Float X2 / DH X2
- Specialized Levo w/ 100nm+ motor
- 2 new Yeti ebikes likely with Bosch
- Wireless XTR + updated brakes, maybe XT as well
- Mechanical SRAM Transmission

What else?

samnation wrote:

I believe there's a new enduro coming with ubb suspension and a new Santa Cruz bullet Bosch.

New Scott Gambler? Spesh Demo/Enduro? Jekyll, Spartan, Chainsaw, Slayer getting any love? Is Giant releasing new eebs?

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bikelurker
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3/21/2025 1:20pm
samnation wrote:
Godziek running motives on his new bike. 

1000000285 1Godziek running motives on his new bike.

 

Specialized should ask themselves the Motive behind that bike setup. 

3
TimBud
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3/21/2025 1:40pm
Which is a shame, because overlap is what's best for consumers. I'm a big lad and probably need a 38, but smaller people really don't need...

Which is a shame, because overlap is what's best for consumers. I'm a big lad and probably need a 38, but smaller people really don't need the stiffness and extra weight.

I’m a smaller person (173cm, 75kg) and love the stiffness of my 38 and do not care about the “extra” weight. I hated the flex of the current gen 36.

Please don’t tell me what you think I need 😉

 

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