MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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metadave
Posts
1244
Joined
2/15/2016
Location
Revelstoke, BC CA
6/18/2025 10:26pm
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

1llumA wrote:

Flexstay are just Faux-Crab

Flex-crab?

2
6/18/2025 10:43pm
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

1llumA wrote:

Flexstay are just Faux-Crab

metadave wrote:

Flex-crab?

That would be a lobster 

11
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1365
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
6/18/2025 10:48pm

That would be a lobster 

Flex crab = Lobster is pretty airtight logic. Tough to argue that one.

14
gonza.s.m.
Posts
65
Joined
6/7/2013
Location
dallas, TX US
6/19/2025 12:29am
sspomer wrote:
not 32" but prototype giant XC bike from VDS pits today

not 32" but prototype giant XC bike from VDS pits today

IMG 1254
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

It’s what the market wants, and Giant delivers.
Giant kept the Maestro system for years, but not many people appreciated it. Nowadays, people value looks and weight more than actual performance.
Eventually, Giant dropped the Maestro and offered a very lightweight frameset, but the market didn’t like that either.
People wanted dual bottle cages and a horizontal shock on top, just like all the trendy brands... now Giant gives them exactly that.
Let’s see what the excuse is this time.
You’ll see ; now people will complain that all bikes look the same... but when Giant tried to be different, they didn’t want it.
Mad world. 😂

2
boozed
Posts
650
Joined
6/11/2019
Location
AU
6/19/2025 3:25am

That would be a lobster 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Flex crab = Lobster is pretty airtight logic. Tough to argue that one.

Bloody hell everything is going to be a decapod crustacean before this is over, isn't it?

5
6/19/2025 4:01am
boozed wrote:

Bloody hell everything is going to be a decapod crustacean before this is over, isn't it?

Yes.

6
yahmon
Posts
55
Joined
9/18/2018
Location
Burlington, VT US
6/19/2025 4:20am
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

1llumA wrote:

Flexstay are just Faux-Crab

metadave wrote:

Flex-crab?

Crab stickIMG 2636

7
6/19/2025 4:32am
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

1llumA wrote:

Flexstay are just Faux-Crab

Imitation Crab aka Alaskan Pollock

2
AndrewLee
Posts
11
Joined
11/4/2021
Location
Apple Valley, CA US
6/19/2025 4:44am
Finkill wrote:
Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new...

Interesting that they have gone with the horizontal shock like every other brand, the liv xc bike is flex stay and vertical shock, assumed the new anthem would be the same. Can't see the rear dropout area, but the production bike has to be a flex stay doesn't it?

Can we call this general layout XC crab or something? 

Primoz wrote:

It's the lightest layout... And it gives the option to carry 2 water bottles. 

sprungmass wrote:
2022+ XC bike starter pack*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay*Top tube mounted shock*Two bottle cage mounts*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etcBlueprint:

2022+ XC bike starter pack

*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay
*Top tube mounted shock
*Two bottle cage mounts
*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etc

Blueprint:

BP

Transition? How dare you lump the spur in with the rest of those rigs 

3
6/19/2025 7:42am
Evil96 wrote:
that's stupid from fox, we've already seen all this pictures anyway in public channels, with proper articles, so now it became a secret again? i don't...

that's stupid from fox, we've already seen all this pictures anyway in public channels, with proper articles, so now it became a secret again? i don't get it

It's not that it becomes a secret again! It's that the folks at Vital do it out of courtesy. It's a mutual respect thing. When someone...

It's not that it becomes a secret again! It's that the folks at Vital do it out of courtesy. It's a mutual respect thing. When someone at Fox is taking spy shots and posting them here, that could be anything from an over excited employee, to corporate espionage. 

Mutual respect? This is just the soft power that brands exercise over media outlets that rely on freebies/free rentals for testing and review. If Fox had any respect for Vital, they would let the photos stay. I'm sure Fox wouldn't retaliate over a few leaked photos weeks before release, but if Vital consistently disobeyed such a large brand, you would start to see more Pinkbike exclusives. The idea this is out of respect is very naive... It's just about maintaining the relationship between boss and employee. 

That said, remember to support creators reviewing gear they pay for themselves. 

5
10
6/19/2025 8:01am

Anybody got the enhance feature for the etching on that brake caliper?

1
6/19/2025 8:08am

My search skills suck. Can anyone find the article(s) with Specialized's 3D printed lugs, carbon tubed, Stumpjumper prototype? It might have been the Turbo Levo SL prototype. Canyon also had one too. 

1
airwreck
Posts
105
Joined
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Location
Wailuku, HI US
6/19/2025 8:31am Edited Date/Time 6/19/2025 8:32am
Simcik wrote:
After 20+ years, will we see a Minion DHF 2? 

After 20+ years, will we see a Minion DHF 2? 


photo

Or updated Mobster.

2
Slavid666
Posts
133
Joined
5/3/2024
Location
Santa Rosa, CA US
6/19/2025 8:50am
My search skills suck. Can anyone find the article(s) with Specialized's 3D printed lugs, carbon tubed, Stumpjumper prototype? It might have been the Turbo Levo SL...

My search skills suck. Can anyone find the article(s) with Specialized's 3D printed lugs, carbon tubed, Stumpjumper prototype? It might have been the Turbo Levo SL prototype. Canyon also had one too. 

Visiting Specialized s Auburn Innovation Center.

 

I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link Smile but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team to Auburn.  

 

11
ballz
Posts
473
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Location
Ouagadougou EH
6/19/2025 9:01am
Primoz wrote:
I'm on something similar t Outliers and have over a year of experience.I'm running 165 mm cranks and ground clearance to me is a non-issue, not...

I'm on something similar t Outliers and have over a year of experience.

I'm running 165 mm cranks and ground clearance to me is a non-issue, not compared to classic OneUps. Comparing the two there is a few mm difference on the outside (which is most prone to snagging), obviously more towards the cranks (this does depend on the design of the pedal as well though...) Where ground clearance was an issue was on 170 mm cranks with AliExpress parts which I used to make a proof of concept where the drop was 25 mm if I remember correctly. I was snagging things on the outside of berms with my feet level!

Rotating and stepping on the wrong side, that is really dependant on how the bearings work and run (and I am interested in how the Outliers work in this regard). I/we haven't had this issue, except in one case where it really was an issue. And it is very annoying when it happens.

What I've found is that it's either a non-issue or extreme hate for the bulge, some people just can't handle it. I think everybody COULD get used to it, but the mind is a fickle mistress.

As for stability, I personally notice it, a LOT. A few friends also trying this concept out said they notice more power when pedalling, but I can't comment on that, I didn't notice it.

Not sure how clips would work or if it had the same benefits (stability and less chance of being thrown off), but it could be made if you could get your hands on a mechanism. I'd suspect this is something one of the bigger players would have to do, unless you could buy a mechanism off the shelf (any ideas who was making Nukeproof pedals? Tongue ). Regarding cranks with bearings inside, I already mentioned what I think. Maybe it's a bit easier with eBikes as ISIS is realy prevalent there, but for classic bikes, I think it's a no-go.

ballz wrote:
Yeah, I agree with all this. I've had the Outliers for two months and although I didn't do a lot of riding in the dirt, I...

Yeah, I agree with all this. I've had the Outliers for two months and although I didn't do a lot of riding in the dirt, I have been quite happy with them so far. I like the grip, the extra stability and the increased effective stack height. I only stepped on the wrong side twice or thrice so far, and it wasn't the end of the world - I could get a few pedal strokes in before correcting. If you have a habit of spinning your pedals when placing feet on them, that could be a problem. When you strike rocks, the Outliers float over them with more ease thanks to their shape, but their thinness makes be a bit nervous about their long-term durability. Their bearings are not super-fast spinners, but I attribute that to break in period and cold temps.

As for the pedaling, I think that there is some effect on the pedaling given the varying distance of your feet from the spindle, but I am not in a good enough shape to appreciate that, yet.

Can't disagree more with the statement that they are good for mopeds only.

I just received my 2nd order of Pendulums. Outlier updated them a bit since the first batch - they have new sealed bearings that spin better and should require less frequent maintenance, and the body has been reshaped a little for better self-leveling. Pins are now M4 with smooth tip. I never had problems with stepping on the wrong side in my hundreds miles on them, but these updates may be very welcome by some. They sent me replacement bearings not only for the new order but also for the original 1st set, free of charge. Bottom line - they seem to be doing things the right way.

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6/19/2025 9:08am
My search skills suck. Can anyone find the article(s) with Specialized's 3D printed lugs, carbon tubed, Stumpjumper prototype? It might have been the Turbo Levo SL...

My search skills suck. Can anyone find the article(s) with Specialized's 3D printed lugs, carbon tubed, Stumpjumper prototype? It might have been the Turbo Levo SL prototype. Canyon also had one too. 

Slavid666 wrote:
 I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link :) but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team...

Visiting Specialized s Auburn Innovation Center.

 

I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link Smile but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team to Auburn.  

 

God, it’s a work of art! I wanna know how they machined that BB lug

2
sspomer
Posts
6046
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Location
Boise, ID US
6/19/2025 9:11am

scott XC bike for VDS #lowBars #No32er - their PR deets below

Screen Shot 2025-06-19 at 10.08.46 AM

For SCOTT-SRAM's Bjorn Riley, his World Cup race bike comes with a very special setup featuring RockShox Flight Attendant Suspension System, SRAM XX T-Type Eagle AXS Drivetrain, all-new SRAM Motive brakes, Syncros Fraser iC SL combo and the Syncros Tofino saddle. Talk about a tricked out bike, this rig ticks all the boxes.

Spec Highlights:
Frame: SCOTT SPARK RC CARBON HMX SL 
Fork: ROCKSHOX SID ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT, 120MM TRAVEL, 44MM OFFSET
Rear Shock: ROCKSHOX SIDLuxe ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT CUSTOM 
Remote: SRAM AXS POD ULTIMATE CONTROLLER
Handlebar: SYNCROS FRASER IC SL WC
-40° / 80MM / 690MM 
Seatpost: ROCKSHOX REVERB AXS 100MM, TITANIUM BOLTS
Saddle: SYNCROS TOFINO V SL CUT OUT SADDLE
Grips: SYNCROS FOAM
Pedals: HT COMPONENTS LEOPARD M2T
Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX SL EAGLE TRANSMISSION AXS/ 12SPEED
Shifter: SRAM AXS POD ROCKER CONTROLLER
Crank Set: SRAM XX SL EAGLE AXS TRANSMISSION POWERMETER CRANKSET, 170MM/ 36T CHAINRING 
Chain: SRAM XX SL EAGLE TRANSMISSION FLATTOP CHAIN  
Cassette: SRAM XX SL CS-1299 EAGLE TRANSMISSION / 10-52T
Brakes: SRAM MOTIVE ULTIMATE
Wheels: SYNCROS CARBON WHEELS
Tires: FRONT MAXXIS ASPEN 29x2.40WT 150TPI EXO/TR / REAR MAXXIS ASPEN ST 29x2.40WT 150TPI EXO/TR

5
Big Bird
Posts
2281
Joined
2/1/2011
Location
Oceano, CA US
6/19/2025 9:55am
yahmon wrote:
Crab stick

Crab stickIMG 2636

Imitation crab is called surimi.

6
6/19/2025 9:58am
Slavid666 wrote:
 I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link :) but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team...

Visiting Specialized s Auburn Innovation Center.

 

I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link Smile but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team to Auburn.  

 

Awesome! 

Can you find the Canyon one too? I think that was an ebike prototype. 

6/19/2025 11:27am
sspomer wrote:
scott XC bike for VDS #lowBars #No32er - their PR deets belowFor SCOTT-SRAM's Bjorn Riley, his World Cup race bike comes with a very special setup...

scott XC bike for VDS #lowBars #No32er - their PR deets below

Screen Shot 2025-06-19 at 10.08.46 AM

For SCOTT-SRAM's Bjorn Riley, his World Cup race bike comes with a very special setup featuring RockShox Flight Attendant Suspension System, SRAM XX T-Type Eagle AXS Drivetrain, all-new SRAM Motive brakes, Syncros Fraser iC SL combo and the Syncros Tofino saddle. Talk about a tricked out bike, this rig ticks all the boxes.

Spec Highlights:
Frame: SCOTT SPARK RC CARBON HMX SL 
Fork: ROCKSHOX SID ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT, 120MM TRAVEL, 44MM OFFSET
Rear Shock: ROCKSHOX SIDLuxe ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT CUSTOM 
Remote: SRAM AXS POD ULTIMATE CONTROLLER
Handlebar: SYNCROS FRASER IC SL WC
-40° / 80MM / 690MM 
Seatpost: ROCKSHOX REVERB AXS 100MM, TITANIUM BOLTS
Saddle: SYNCROS TOFINO V SL CUT OUT SADDLE
Grips: SYNCROS FOAM
Pedals: HT COMPONENTS LEOPARD M2T
Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX SL EAGLE TRANSMISSION AXS/ 12SPEED
Shifter: SRAM AXS POD ROCKER CONTROLLER
Crank Set: SRAM XX SL EAGLE AXS TRANSMISSION POWERMETER CRANKSET, 170MM/ 36T CHAINRING 
Chain: SRAM XX SL EAGLE TRANSMISSION FLATTOP CHAIN  
Cassette: SRAM XX SL CS-1299 EAGLE TRANSMISSION / 10-52T
Brakes: SRAM MOTIVE ULTIMATE
Wheels: SYNCROS CARBON WHEELS
Tires: FRONT MAXXIS ASPEN 29x2.40WT 150TPI EXO/TR / REAR MAXXIS ASPEN ST 29x2.40WT 150TPI EXO/TR

It’s so hot in Europe that the stem has melted!

7
yzedf
Posts
241
Joined
1/27/2015
Location
Hebron, CT US
6/19/2025 11:48am

Anybody got the enhance feature for the etching on that brake caliper?

IMG 4907 0
15
metadave
Posts
1244
Joined
2/15/2016
Location
Revelstoke, BC CA
6/19/2025 12:02pm

That would be a lobster 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Flex crab = Lobster is pretty airtight logic. Tough to argue that one.

boozed wrote:

Bloody hell everything is going to be a decapod crustacean before this is over, isn't it?

1000002135
4
1
Slavid666
Posts
133
Joined
5/3/2024
Location
Santa Rosa, CA US
6/19/2025 12:26pm Edited Date/Time 6/19/2025 12:28pm
Slavid666 wrote:
 I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link :) but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team...

Visiting Specialized s Auburn Innovation Center.

 

I don't want to upset the vital overloards and post the direct link Smile but its from the interview of spec moving their MTB Product team to Auburn.  

 

Awesome! 

Can you find the Canyon one too? I think that was an ebike prototype. 

Just dont tell my wife, she thinks I have CRS, little does she know its only related to house chores...

First Ride: 2022 Canyon Spectral:ON CFR - Pinkbike

4
6/19/2025 2:10pm
Slavid666 wrote:
Just dont tell my wife, she thinks I have CRS, little does she know its only related to house chores...

Just dont tell my wife, she thinks I have CRS, little does she know its only related to house chores...

First Ride: 2022 Canyon Spectral:ON CFR - Pinkbike

Its beautiful! I want  more lugged bikes to come out. 

I want to make my own, but I know I won't glue it correctly and I'll still try sending it and crash. 

4
sprungmass
Posts
236
Joined
3/1/2023
Location
Calgary, AB CA
6/19/2025 2:37pm
Primoz wrote:

It's the lightest layout... And it gives the option to carry 2 water bottles. 

sprungmass wrote:
2022+ XC bike starter pack*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay*Top tube mounted shock*Two bottle cage mounts*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etcBlueprint:

2022+ XC bike starter pack

*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay
*Top tube mounted shock
*Two bottle cage mounts
*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etc

Blueprint:

BP
AndrewLee wrote:

Transition? How dare you lump the spur in with the rest of those rigs 

Free content for the red site at the end of the day. They just made a quiz where you guess the XC bike from it's silhouette.

4
2
Big Bird
Posts
2281
Joined
2/1/2011
Location
Oceano, CA US
6/19/2025 5:58pm
Its beautiful! I want  more lugged bikes to come out. I want to make my own, but I know I won't glue it correctly and I'll still...

Its beautiful! I want  more lugged bikes to come out. 

I want to make my own, but I know I won't glue it correctly and I'll still try sending it and crash. 

Me too. Me and epoxy simply do not belong together. I don't know what it is I'm doing wrong, but I've never had epoxy properly set. 

2
ak_trnsplnt
Posts
52
Joined
1/10/2021
Location
Englewood, CO US
6/19/2025 6:35pm
ardor wrote:

I'm here for it. I still am a huge DHF fan and an updated version would be big!

Poleczechy wrote:

Maybe they'll call it the DTF?

Or DNF? 

I’d personally love to see the DFL become the next Maxxis tire to dominate the podium. You know, for irony’s sake. 

4
dolface
Posts
1663
Joined
10/26/2015
Location
CA US
6/19/2025 7:03pm
sprungmass wrote:
2022+ XC bike starter pack*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay*Top tube mounted shock*Two bottle cage mounts*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etcBlueprint:

2022+ XC bike starter pack

*Linkage driven single pivot w/ flex stay
*Top tube mounted shock
*Two bottle cage mounts
*Bring your own logo: Specialized/Cervelo/Pinarello/SantaCruz/Transition/Kona/Trek/Cannondale/Orbea/KTM etc

Blueprint:

BP
AndrewLee wrote:

Transition? How dare you lump the spur in with the rest of those rigs 

sprungmass wrote:

Free content for the red site at the end of the day. They just made a quiz where you guess the XC bike from it's silhouette.

So a flex stay is a basically an undamped spring, right? How is that controlled/adjusted for in the rest of the bike, or is it too small an effect to need compensation?

2
seanfisseli
Posts
562
Joined
4/16/2024
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
6/19/2025 7:13pm Edited Date/Time 6/19/2025 7:14pm
AndrewLee wrote:

Transition? How dare you lump the spur in with the rest of those rigs 

sprungmass wrote:

Free content for the red site at the end of the day. They just made a quiz where you guess the XC bike from it's silhouette.

dolface wrote:
So a flex stay is a basically an undamped spring, right? How is that controlled/adjusted for in the rest of the bike, or is it too...

So a flex stay is a basically an undamped spring, right? How is that controlled/adjusted for in the rest of the bike, or is it too small an effect to need compensation?

I had a flex stay stumpy and an epic Evo. I hate how they feel. They are chattery. The undamped spring has a distinct buzz to it (owned the alloy stumpy before and that felt great!!!) Horrible if you pay attention to your bike/enjoy how good a bike can feel. I get the idea but yeah, putting an undamped spring on that side of the shock does not feel good.

3
1
sprungmass
Posts
236
Joined
3/1/2023
Location
Calgary, AB CA
6/19/2025 10:05pm
dolface wrote:
So a flex stay is a basically an undamped spring, right? How is that controlled/adjusted for in the rest of the bike, or is it too...

So a flex stay is a basically an undamped spring, right? How is that controlled/adjusted for in the rest of the bike, or is it too small an effect to need compensation?

It really depends on the flex stay design. Some stays have more rebound than others. You'll notice newer designs from Cannondale and Rocky Mountain with a thinned out portion to minimize this spring effect. These frames don't need special shock tunes AFAIK. 

I have the flexstay stumpjumper which has a pretty beefy stay so Specialized used a digressive tune on the DPS shock to tame it. I tried a off the shelf Fox Float and the snap back was too much.

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