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Thanks for all the input, fascinating (to me at least) subject and let's move the discussion here: https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/flex-stay-discussion-thread
dammit i hate when someone else gets the last word in the Big Thread 😩
I figured since I kicked it off I should also move it 😀
32" wheel on a Lefty?
https://www.instagram.com/stories/romeandstuff/3659149975738703182/
Yeah and this makes me think about how the upcoming fox podium or other USD forks could easily be shimmed to fit a 32" wheel. The same thing I did to run a 29" wheel on my shiver SC.
Bad news for Di2 curious 11-speed LinkGlide lovers like you. This is a clarification about 12-speed vs. 11-speed XTR rear derailleurs, added to the XTR article after we published it due to questions from readers about 11-speed Linkglide options and clarification at Big Blue. Basically, no you can't use a normal M9250 battery-operated Di2 derailleur on a LinkGlide setup, only the M9260 derailleur that hardwires into e-bikes:
"The M9250 wireless derailleur is available for 12-speed Hyperglide+ drivetrains only, but can be used on normal bikes or e-bikes. However, there are 12 speed Hyperglide+ and Linkglide 11 speed options for e-bike only, but these M9260 derailleurs hard wire to the e-bike drive unit and can only be used with an e-bike, because they don’t have their own battery. There is compatibility between Shimano’s M9260 Di2 EBIKE rear derailleurs and Bosch, Shimano, and TQ drive units, with Shimano expecting expanded compatibility from other drive unit manufacturers in the near future.
So, there are no wireless derailleurs available for 11-speed Linkglide, only hardwire derailleurs for e-bike usage. And bad news for those wanting to hack a Linkglide M9260 Di2 RD onto a normal bike, it is unfortunately not possible to connect the e-bike Linkglide derailleur to the Shimano BT-DN300 battery for road bike Di2 systems. That means Di2 Linkglide is not possible without a compatible e-bike, unless you're ready to go rogue and MacGuyver a wired battery solution and maybe burn your garage/house/apartment down. This is not recommended by Shimano or Vital, or by your landlord, roommates, or romantic partner."
Someone, somewhere just thought, "Challenge accepted."
It is a dumb decision by Shimano, IMO. Instead of finally giving 11speeders a mainstream option, they chose the obscure route of proprietary design and complexity. I can't believe anyone will pick a Shimano-powered ebike just to have access to this RD.
Don't think it is limited to Shimano powered bikes, Avinox seems to support it too if other forums are correct.
Linkglide is so good on my cheat bike. I don't see why Shimano couldn't make their wireless RD's work with 11speed. Seems like a software and not hardware limitation.
They have software for the 11sp eRD, so it must be a business decision.
Rock Shox has a product launch next Wednesday, 6/25. Maybe a USD Fork??
32?!?
Let’s also be a bit realistic: how many riders are going to really benefit hugely from Linkglide vs deore. Got to be a pretty small amount of people.
Now I do wish deore wireless was but cheaper. But hey it will probably end up 25 to 40 percent off online soon enough like nearly everything shimano does.
At the Sunrise BME I saw a black stanchioned fox usd proto so it looks like it probably won’t just be limited to factory versions
I'll use this opportunity to finally come out... as a Canyon Lux Trail owner. I come from enduro and ride a mullet Spectral with a coil. I started getting into big rides too and figured I'd get a second bike for just that. I can run the Lux's suspension a bit softer and run the middle lock position when I want more support, but man I have been genuinely blown away by how good the suspension can feel in the full open position. For context, I call very very rocky Arizona trails home
Haven't seen this posted anywhere. From a Japanese site.
Introducing the new suspension we've developed for e-Bikes.
Rough roads, wet roots, rock-strewn trails, no matter how harsh the environment, Kayaba's new e-Bike suspension gives the rider peace of mind and enables them to ride as they wish.
This product is based on motorcycle suspension technology and has a design optimized for e-Bikes. By precisely controlling friction and damping force, the tires grip the trail firmly and provide high traction performance in all conditions. It uses low-friction oil seals and bushings made in Japan, and the front fork uses the same piston slide structure as a motorcycle to achieve a smooth and stable stroke. In addition, it is equipped with Kayaba's unique valve system (※) to provide optimal damping force according to the speed range (※ Patent number: JP2010-242965).
There is no compromise on handling performance either. The crown shape designed through topology optimization analysis and the large 20mm diameter axle shaft ensure torsional rigidity, achieving direct and stable response to the rider's input.
It also has excellent durability, and the inner and outer tubes are made of lightweight, high-strength 7000 series aluminum. High-quality oil seals and bushings made in Japan, and the same structure as motorcycles, ensure high performance over the long term. In addition, the fork guards provide excellent protection for the inner tubes, allowing you to use it safely even in harsh environments.
The bike also offers a wide range of adjustments to suit each individual rider. The front forks feature a hybrid structure that combines replaceable coil springs and air assist, allowing for precise settings. The bike also features rebound and compression adjustments, and is flexible enough to accommodate both 27.5" and 29" wheels.
[Product Specifications]
~Front Fork~
Compatible wheel size: 27.5 inches / 29 inches
Travel: 160mm
Steerer: 1.5 inches Tapered
Axle: 20 x 110mm Boost
Damper Adjustment: Compression / Rebound
Spring: Coil + Adjustable Air Assist
Fork Offset: 43mm
Outer Tube: 41mm Tapered 7000 Series Aluminum
Inner Tube: 32mm 7000 Series Aluminum
Rear shock:
Total length: 210mm
Stroke: 55mm
Damper adjustment: Low speed/high speed compression/rebound
Spring: Coil, with preload adjustment mechanism
Packed with Kayaba technology, this suspension further expands the possibilities of e-Bikes, taking riding fun and freedom to the next level.
[Exhibition and test ride information]
We will have this product on display and test rides available at the "SHIMANO ENS 2025 #3 IWATAKE" to be held at Hakuba Iwatake from Saturday, June 28th to Sunday, June 29th, 2025. We will
also be giving away original goods as gifts.
Please stop by the Kayaba booth.
Now, with Kayaba.
OFF WE GO!
Bumped into someone who works for a major bike brand. He says their XC 32in bikes are already ready for 2026. They are currently test riding them with modified USD forks. They are waiting for FOX and Rockshox to come out with compatible forks. Maxxis is still getting their 32in tyre range done. Apparently, their taller XC racers are already sold on the new bikes. 32in front and back and also 32in and 29in mullet. Though probably no big wheels on sizes S and XS. He says he expects a lot of 32in stuff to show up at Eurobike.
That was on Instagram a while ago. Their account is kybcorporation
I had a buddy send me a picture of the lower half of a production final USD fox fork. He works at a bike shop. Seems its launching very soon.
3 more sleeps.
Seen this at Bikepark Winterberg on a Santa Cruz V10, never seen a V10 with this setup before.
Looks like a lot of chain slippage.
Shocker! Wasn’t it a „prototype“ just weeks ago 🤣
It may help somewhat, but damn, it’s only making contact with like 3 teeth
The modified one is shown in Blue
That V10 scares me.... odds of it skipping when you lay the power down is absurdly high!
We spent so much time worrying about pedal kickback that we didn't stop to consider pedal kickforward
Damn, yet another automative company getting into bicycles ! Curious as to why, surely MTB is a pretty niche and not very profitable market compared to cars