MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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6/22/2025 6:44am
miiks081 wrote:
Haven't seen this posted anywhere. From a Japanese site.Hello, this is Kayaba Corporation.Introducing the new suspension we've developed for e-Bikes.Rough roads, wet roots, rock-strewn trails, no...

Haven't seen this posted anywhere. From a Japanese site.

KYBebike.png?VersionId=eXsH9wIJ76jcC46Oxdk.E9itHello, this is Kayaba Corporation.

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!


 

Goupil wrote:
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...

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

E-bikes and relatively low power lightweight electric motorcycles will be the main transportation method for large parts of the world.  Imagine replacing every 2 stroke engine in a Vietnamese city with something clean.  Once the tech is affordable enough it would mean a massive improvement in air quality and noise.  So what’s a niche or recreational market in some places can be the norm in others.


 

33
seanfisseli
Posts
582
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Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
6/22/2025 9:48am Edited Date/Time 6/22/2025 9:48am
miiks081 wrote:
Haven't seen this posted anywhere. From a Japanese site.Hello, this is Kayaba Corporation.Introducing the new suspension we've developed for e-Bikes.Rough roads, wet roots, rock-strewn trails, no...

Haven't seen this posted anywhere. From a Japanese site.

KYBebike.png?VersionId=eXsH9wIJ76jcC46Oxdk.E9itHello, this is Kayaba Corporation.

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!


 

Goupil wrote:
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...

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

It’s also a marketing opportunity for them. They use existing resource and leverage partnerships for some kind of increased revenue stream and they reach a new audience who now has name recognition of the brand. Also agree with bulletbass that it’s a long game as well.

4
6/23/2025 2:56am Edited Date/Time 6/23/2025 2:58am

I think we going to have air shock from fast 

 

1000089448 2.png?VersionId=

 

2
1
Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE IT
6/23/2025 3:27am
I think we going to have air shock from fast   

I think we going to have air shock from fast 

 

1000089448 2.png?VersionId=

 

I believe that’s a Formula Nebbia 

6
monarchmason
Posts
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Location
Nevada City, CA US
6/23/2025 7:34am
The modified one is shown in Blue

The modified one is shown in Blue

Screenshot 2025-06-21 183706.png?VersionId=K PVKogGxq4ph9yrc

Is this saying there is more or less pedal kickback with this modification?

6/23/2025 8:03am
The modified one is shown in Blue

The modified one is shown in Blue

Screenshot 2025-06-21 183706.png?VersionId=K PVKogGxq4ph9yrc

Is this saying there is more or less pedal kickback with this modification?

Less pedal kick with mod but less pedal efficiency, it will bob a lot

2
TEAMROBOT
Posts
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Fantasy
6/23/2025 10:29am Edited Date/Time 6/23/2025 12:12pm

Question for the Boxxer people: does this look normal, or is Luca Shaw running some sort of added chamber on the top of his spring side stanchion?

Picture comes from a bike check post on Luca's Canyon Sender from the other site. Looks like it could be an added volume cap for the positive air chamber, like the MRP Noken or Ratio Flux Cap we tested on Vital.

7
6/23/2025 11:55am
TEAMROBOT wrote:
Question for the Boxxer people: does this look normal, or is Luca Shaw running some sort of added chamber on the top of his spring side...

Question for the Boxxer people: does this look normal, or is Luca Shaw running some sort of added chamber on the top of his spring side stanchion?

Picture comes from a bike check post on Luca's Canyon Sender from the other site. Looks like it could be an added volume cap for the positive air chamber, like the MRP Noken or Ratio Flux Cap we tested on Vital.

And 200 psi… 

TEAMROBOT
Posts
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Fantasy
6/23/2025 12:16pm
ripsomat wrote:

And 200 psi… 

Is that low or high for the new fork?

6/23/2025 12:44pm
ripsomat wrote:

And 200 psi… 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Is that low or high for the new fork?

Sounds in the ballpark for the new fork - they run way higher pressures due to the smaller chamber diameter and large negative spring. An average dude would be in the 170psi bracket so someone like Luca could easily be at 200, especially if that has a larger positive chamber

And no, that doesn't look like a normal rockshox part

2
Primoz
Posts
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Location
SI
6/23/2025 1:01pm

So unlike the Zeb the Boxxer has a cartridge?

2
6/23/2025 1:21pm
Primoz wrote:

So unlike the Zeb the Boxxer has a cartridge?

Correct.

2
6/23/2025 6:42pm Edited Date/Time 6/23/2025 9:35pm
ripsomat wrote:

And 200 psi… 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Is that low or high for the new fork?

Sounds in the ballpark for the new fork - they run way higher pressures due to the smaller chamber diameter and large negative spring. An average...

Sounds in the ballpark for the new fork - they run way higher pressures due to the smaller chamber diameter and large negative spring. An average dude would be in the 170psi bracket so someone like Luca could easily be at 200, especially if that has a larger positive chamber

And no, that doesn't look like a normal rockshox part

Agreed, adding volume to reduce the ramp up. I was 180-185psi ish. No spacers or 1 spacer.  About 180lb when I had that fork. Luca being lighter weight but 10x faster could easy be 180-220psi.

(Edit: from PB “Luca is running 200 psi in his Boxxer fork with zero tokens in it, and the rebound is set to 10 clicks from the closed position.”)


That fork has crazy progression but very soft initial stroke because large neg chamber. I tried to make the neg chamber smaller which let me use less air to get sag and that reduced the ramp but then it was topping out super hard. 

2
lickmycrinkle
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6/24/2025 12:42am

11am central 🦊🙃

8
Jakub_G
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Location
SK
6/24/2025 1:42am
Agreed, adding volume to reduce the ramp up. I was 180-185psi ish. No spacers or 1 spacer.  About 180lb when I had that fork. Luca being...

Agreed, adding volume to reduce the ramp up. I was 180-185psi ish. No spacers or 1 spacer.  About 180lb when I had that fork. Luca being lighter weight but 10x faster could easy be 180-220psi.

(Edit: from PB “Luca is running 200 psi in his Boxxer fork with zero tokens in it, and the rebound is set to 10 clicks from the closed position.”)


That fork has crazy progression but very soft initial stroke because large neg chamber. I tried to make the neg chamber smaller which let me use less air to get sag and that reduced the ramp but then it was topping out super hard. 

When you reduce neg. Volume on fork with EQ ports the fork should top out less or even not reach full extension.  Something else must have been the issue there, your thinking was absolutely correct.

3
Suns_PSD
Posts
371
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Location
Austin, TX US
6/24/2025 4:38am Edited Date/Time 6/24/2025 4:43am
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...

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.

MJN wrote:
The ride characteristics flex stay bikes give is subjective. Not everyone likes them which is clearly your point of view, but you don’t speak for everyone. I...

The ride characteristics flex stay bikes give is subjective. Not everyone likes them which is clearly your point of view, but you don’t speak for everyone. 

I have the flex stay Stumpjumper and an Evo. They both have their pros and cons. If I am riding a flow trail or something that’s not too rowdy, the flex stay feels awesome as you get so much energy back for what you put in. On the other hand it gets overwhelmed quickly in chunk and that’s where the Evo does better and if I had one, an Enduro would do better again. 

Both are good bikes but have different use cases. I find myself picking the flex stay Stumpjumper more often as I enjoy the energetic feeling it provides. 

This.

 

Flex stay bikes feel really fast on flow trails, when you perfectly land on the downslope of something they shoot you forward and if you pump they give it all back.

 

But in the chattery crap I ride (CTX) flex stays really suck as they are harsh and don't track well; unable to cope with the very rapid wheel movements required in quick succession. No amount of suspension adjustment can change this, imo.

13
bensmith1
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Gisborne, VIC AU
6/24/2025 6:12am
IMG 5762 0.jpeg?VersionId=XS92Art3fwZIjV
14
sprungmass
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Calgary, AB CA
6/24/2025 6:39am

11am central 🦊🙃

Aw looks like someone messed up the time zones

Screenshot 2025-06-24 073812

 

7
6/24/2025 7:04am
bensmith1 wrote:
IMG 5762 0.jpeg?VersionId=XS92Art3fwZIjV

Needs Radial Tyres instead of maxxis for maximum hype and aura imo. 

9
6/24/2025 7:17am
bensmith1 wrote:
IMG 5762 0.jpeg?VersionId=XS92Art3fwZIjV

Needs Radial Tyres instead of maxxis for maximum hype and aura imo. 

Spring 2026, going to be obsolete by then !!
3
6/24/2025 7:21am
Screenshot 2025-06-24 at 8.20.54%E2%80%AFAM
6/24/2025 7:21am

MSRP 2k

2
6/24/2025 7:22am
Screenshot 2025-06-24 at 8.22.19%E2%80%AFAM
dwhere
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Fantasy
6/24/2025 7:30am Edited Date/Time 6/24/2025 8:29am
thegromit wrote:
Screenshot 2025-06-24 at 8.20.54%E2%80%AFAM

anyone know if its only 170? I guess i could wait 30 mins 

1
1
ballz
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Ouagadougou EH
6/24/2025 7:39am

Why would anyone pick the Podium over the 9.1? Mass assembled in Asia with yet-to-be-seen quality control, crap damper, same old air spring, yet nearly as heavy as the coil sprung 9.1, same MSRP?

6
4
6/24/2025 7:40am
thegromit wrote:
Screenshot 2025-06-24 at 8.20.54%E2%80%AFAM
dwhere wrote:

anyone know if its only 170? I guess i could wait 30 mins 

There is a 160 version as well

1
6/24/2025 7:42am

FYI- there going to be about 5x 170 and 5x 160 in stock and available in the us so go to your LBS and buy one now if you want one.

1
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