MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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5/28/2025 4:10pm Edited Date/Time 5/28/2025 4:22pm
sspomer wrote:
yes. i deleted because they asked.edit - further clarification - it's embargoed material that some brand, shop or media "hero" is putting on the internet. if...

yes. i deleted because they asked.

edit - further clarification - it's embargoed material that some brand, shop or media "hero" is putting on the internet. if shimano doesn't their images on vital and asks for it to be removed, i'll oblige. i would do this for any brand in the same situation. i don't control other websites the material may land on.

if it was spotted out in the wild or posted on a site in error to be freely seen, well that's an entirely different situation.

But I was told you never deleted anything on this very forum a week or two ago

This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. Vital playing by the...

This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. 

Vital playing by the rules means they get access to product early, so we get great reviews and also fosters good will in these forums where a lot of industry people come and contribute. 

Why jeopardize the best MTB tech forum there is so we can see shots of a product 5 days early?

Also note the leaks from the factory via weight weenies didn't get deleted? 

Because I asked a good faith question about if it was made financially worth their while to delete users' posts on their platform (definitely more of a grey area than Vital posting) for these very valid reasons and was given a condescending answer that it never happens. 

As I said in my original post, I don't blame them at all for deleting them given that it would be impossible to make it in the biz without being on the good side of big players. I just felt like I was being told not to believe my lying eyes.

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13
boozed
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5/28/2025 4:13pm Edited Date/Time 5/28/2025 5:19pm
JCL wrote:

Hey guys, I just came across this. Not a new product but an ingenious way to get handlebars perfectly aligned. 

 

"Ingenious" is over-egging it more than a little bit but either way he says "...you're relying on your eyesight and everyone has a dominant eye..." and "...you're still relying on your eyes and one eye's going to take over from the other..."

Who on earth does it that way without closing one eye?!

Edit: Whoops, this wasn't intended to be as dismissive as it ended up being.  It's certainly a neat way to minimise the faff if you need to be sure that it's just so and you're committed to using a string.

4
1
brash
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AU
5/28/2025 4:21pm

have 15 beers in the garage night before ride

bars 15 degrees out of alignment

dealwithit.gif

17
Digit Bikes
Posts
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Location
Irvine, CA, USA
5/28/2025 4:58pm
brash wrote:

have 15 beers in the garage night before ride

bars 15 degrees out of alignment

dealwithit.gif

Best get 23 friends over to help or it'll take 24 days to get it right.

2
5/28/2025 5:20pm

But I was told you never deleted anything on this very forum a week or two ago

This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. Vital playing by the...

This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. 

Vital playing by the rules means they get access to product early, so we get great reviews and also fosters good will in these forums where a lot of industry people come and contribute. 

Why jeopardize the best MTB tech forum there is so we can see shots of a product 5 days early?

Also note the leaks from the factory via weight weenies didn't get deleted? 

Because I asked a good faith question about if it was made financially worth their while to delete users' posts on their platform (definitely more of...

Because I asked a good faith question about if it was made financially worth their while to delete users' posts on their platform (definitely more of a grey area than Vital posting) for these very valid reasons and was given a condescending answer that it never happens. 

As I said in my original post, I don't blame them at all for deleting them given that it would be impossible to make it in the biz without being on the good side of big players. I just felt like I was being told not to believe my lying eyes.

You're just assuming it's 100% financially motivated - this might be a concept you struggle to grasp but it is entirely possible for Vital to be proactive and delete posts like that purely on their own accord or because they understand the issue with them

 

Oh.......now I see why you got a condescending response

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boozed
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5/28/2025 5:32pm Edited Date/Time 5/28/2025 5:33pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793

Probably inspired by shark skin, which is highly hydrodynamic.

Edit: more seriously, I wonder why manufacturers of aero bikes haven't experimented very much publically with anything but smooth shiny surfaces.

3
sspomer
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5/28/2025 5:46pm
Etney wrote:

Sooo - Did shimano get mad about the leaked pics since the post is gone? Not like its not already posted on several other forums

sspomer wrote:
yes. i deleted because they asked.edit - further clarification - it's embargoed material that some brand, shop or media "hero" is putting on the internet. if...

yes. i deleted because they asked.

edit - further clarification - it's embargoed material that some brand, shop or media "hero" is putting on the internet. if shimano doesn't their images on vital and asks for it to be removed, i'll oblige. i would do this for any brand in the same situation. i don't control other websites the material may land on.

if it was spotted out in the wild or posted on a site in error to be freely seen, well that's an entirely different situation.

But I was told you never deleted anything on this very forum a week or two ago

i never said never 🤷‍♂️

Screen Shot 2025-05-28 at 6.44.19 PM.png?VersionId=2Xjr82b8tzEK0L GV94UTJoJs
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thresh
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5/28/2025 5:59pm Edited Date/Time 5/28/2025 6:00pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793

I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one:

 

27
sspomer
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5/28/2025 6:17pm

i just want to make one last comment re: deleting pics, community etc then i'll be quiet.

over the last few years, i've become very aware of how much of a privilege it is to be a part of a community that is supported by some of the best brands in our game. but the key word here is community...YOU all are the community. without you and your sleuthing, your knowledge, your stoke for the sport and its equipment, or your informed opinions, vital wouldn't be very special. with that said, if all vital does is bow down to brands at the expense of hosing all of you, you wouldn't stick around.

vital has an incredible balance of both exceptional, respectable folk here and those willing to help us keep our lights on so we can have a "here" to discuss the nuances of the latest fastener, knob shape, shimstack, chainline, gearbox, wheel size or whatever will pop up tomorrow. i'd say most of the time, the discussions here probably make brand folk wince because they're so honest and thoughtful (and probably accurate). but i know they respect the talks here, too. 

i guess all that to say thanks for being such a great group of mountain bikers.

82
chriskief
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5/28/2025 6:21pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793

Is the mesh for optimal air resistance?

1
1
slimshady
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5/28/2025 6:48pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793
chriskief wrote:

Is the mesh for optimal air resistance?

Ribbed for her pleasure!

11
5/28/2025 7:59pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793
thresh wrote:
I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one: 

I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one:

 

I have one of their kits from AliX, it's actually incredibly good quality and it was like $15 or something. But yeah that's hilarious to see it at a world cup.

11
Evil96
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5/28/2025 9:26pm

I was surprised a few years ago spotting Risk branded titanium bolts on World Cup dh bikes, those are AliExpress brands too

6
5/28/2025 9:37pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793
thresh wrote:
I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one: 

I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one:

 

I have one of their kits from AliX, it's actually incredibly good quality and it was like $15 or something. But yeah that's hilarious to see...

I have one of their kits from AliX, it's actually incredibly good quality and it was like $15 or something. But yeah that's hilarious to see it at a world cup.

There are a few brands reselling that same kit - maybe a team sponsor? They're pretty decent though and I've got one in the drawers too.

If I was on a team half my toolbox would be ali express gear - anything thats consumable or easily lost I'm not paying big money for. Certain tools need to be decent, but for the rest of them I would rather always have a brand new EZmtb tool ready to go than a worn out "genuine" one that doesn't do the job any better

6
krabo83
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AT
5/28/2025 10:07pm
sspomer wrote:
so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to...

so no one is too scarred from #deleteGate, here are pit bits photos from loudenvielle today. they even include some shimano brakes with what appears to be a prototype aero mesh.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/pit-bits-2025-world-cup-downhill-loudenvielle-france

20250528 UCI EDRDH WC Loudenvielle SR36793

funny that they are using the new brakes but not the wireless drivetrain.

1
lickmycrinkle
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5/28/2025 11:21pm
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

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5/28/2025 11:45pm
thresh wrote:
I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one: 

I find it really amusing this team uses Aliexpress special EZMTB bleeding kit instead of a SRAM official one:

 

What's funny is that they're actually using the official bleeding edge hose with it still. The EZMTB bleed kit is GOATed anyway, I'd definitely use it over the official kit lol

4
5/28/2025 11:56pm
I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

Yes but is most likely just the other torx bolt for the reservoir lid 

15
boozed
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5/29/2025 12:33am
I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

Sure that's not Beats By Dr. Dre?

17
5/29/2025 12:36am
I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

Enhance!!!

6
5/29/2025 4:19am
boozed wrote:
Probably inspired by shark skin, which is highly hydrodynamic.Edit: more seriously, I wonder why manufacturers of aero bikes haven't experimented very much publically with anything but...

Probably inspired by shark skin, which is highly hydrodynamic.

Edit: more seriously, I wonder why manufacturers of aero bikes haven't experimented very much publically with anything but smooth shiny surfaces.

There have been some road bike brand that tried trip wire and dimpled surface but at the end of the day, even road cycling airflow is mostly turbulent as the speed are too low for it to transition to laminar airflow where such tricks like dimpled surface or trip wire do help.

Zipp still use dimpled surface on their NSW series of wheels. Some helmet manufacturer have used in the past trip wire and dimpled surface mostly on TT helmet but rider head move too often for them to be effective. 

6
Mafflin
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5/29/2025 4:37am
I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

That's just a bolt that holds the lid from the other side.

3
2
5/29/2025 5:54am
JCL wrote:

Hey guys, I just came across this. Not a new product but an ingenious way to get handlebars perfectly aligned. 

 

veefour wrote:

Fair play to him, simple, cheap and ingenious.

I’m just waiting for the 60 euro patent pending version hand crafted in the Dolomite region.

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5/29/2025 7:41am Edited Date/Time 5/29/2025 12:43pm
I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.
Untitled-1 1

I already heard it from a horse with a mouth inside specialized, but that looks an awful lot like a Brembo logo.

Looks like the more prominent shape/indent is a second cap bolt but just to the right of it is the logo:

Screenshot 2025-05-29 at 8.39.39%E2%80%AFAM

 

Brembo.gif?VersionId=7I8j1QFkB87YHKxdBRDDQmXA5hrXR
44
dwhere
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5/29/2025 7:46am
JCL wrote:

Hey guys, I just came across this. Not a new product but an ingenious way to get handlebars perfectly aligned. 

 

veefour wrote:

Fair play to him, simple, cheap and ingenious.

I’m just waiting for the 60 euro patent pending version hand crafted in the Dolomite region.

Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than aligning the stem with the tire. 

image 340
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ebruner
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Tustin, CA, USA
5/29/2025 7:53am
veefour wrote:

Fair play to him, simple, cheap and ingenious.

I’m just waiting for the 60 euro patent pending version hand crafted in the Dolomite region.

dwhere wrote:
Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than...

Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than aligning the stem with the tire. 

image 340

Seriously, this is the way.  

6
banj
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5/29/2025 8:11am

I’m just waiting for the 60 euro patent pending version hand crafted in the Dolomite region.

dwhere wrote:
Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than...

Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than aligning the stem with the tire. 

image 340
ebruner wrote:

Seriously, this is the way.  

Me too, but I do it with no gap between crown and handlebar.

5
seanfisseli
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
5/29/2025 8:55am
veefour wrote:

Fair play to him, simple, cheap and ingenious.

I’m just waiting for the 60 euro patent pending version hand crafted in the Dolomite region.

dwhere wrote:
Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than...

Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than aligning the stem with the tire. 

image 340

This is also similar to how I match lever angles.

2
5/29/2025 9:35am
This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. Vital playing by the...

This exact issue was addressed 3 months ago when the Fox Podium got leaked here and Sspomer deleted the post and explained why. 

Vital playing by the rules means they get access to product early, so we get great reviews and also fosters good will in these forums where a lot of industry people come and contribute. 

Why jeopardize the best MTB tech forum there is so we can see shots of a product 5 days early?

Also note the leaks from the factory via weight weenies didn't get deleted? 

Because I asked a good faith question about if it was made financially worth their while to delete users' posts on their platform (definitely more of...

Because I asked a good faith question about if it was made financially worth their while to delete users' posts on their platform (definitely more of a grey area than Vital posting) for these very valid reasons and was given a condescending answer that it never happens. 

As I said in my original post, I don't blame them at all for deleting them given that it would be impossible to make it in the biz without being on the good side of big players. I just felt like I was being told not to believe my lying eyes.

You're just assuming it's 100% financially motivated - this might be a concept you struggle to grasp but it is entirely possible for Vital to be...

You're just assuming it's 100% financially motivated - this might be a concept you struggle to grasp but it is entirely possible for Vital to be proactive and delete posts like that purely on their own accord or because they understand the issue with them

 

Oh.......now I see why you got a condescending response

Except I am not assuming that, I am in fact acknowledging the opposite, that there are other reasons to delete posts. I am saying that they should get some appreciation from brands for doing so given that people are posting widely available images that the companies did a mediocre job keeping under wraps in a forum titled tech rumors. I am on Vital's side in this.

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