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I would also say they probably wouldn't release the enduro before they release the downhill bike it's based on first
If the rumors of Specialized acquiring Motion Instruments were true, releasing the System 2 suspension DAQ as it was originally intended would be massive. I don't have high hopes of ever seeing it though.
I saw the new demo in the flesh in July. Full carbon, no lugs. Looked very production. I’d wager spring of 26.
Now I’m hearing about a totally different date for diverge. 9th is still possible. Interesting theory about demo, I could see them releasing it before the start of the next DH season, though. Interesting point is that Levo sl came out before new stumpy, so the new primacy is eebs over analog. I could see them putting out a new kenevo or kenevo sl before a demo or enduro…
Also a thought… What if the new enduro and demo are released in a similar manner to the status and status DH? There is a precedent there and more brands are doing enduro/DH hybrids. Maybe the next bike could be a platform like that?
Regarding the DH T-Type derailleur, I'd love to use that with a 9sp cassette on full power ebikes. Smaller derailleur size so less smacking stuff, and lighter cassette for less unsprung mass. I almost never drop below 4th gear (1st being the 52) with a 34t front ring on my Vala.
Look something like this?
Not a fan of the color but maybe it will look better built up
Edit: unfunniest downvoters - please remember that humor exists
Bugger, it isn't even spring of '25 yet!
my local trails (so 90% of my ridiing) are forest rather than rock, and lower speed rather than fast park/DH.
But I still flick up enough marble to golf ball size rocks to be afraid for that lower linkage - or rather, the gaps between it and the frame.
Specialized has had more chatter in not releasing new Enduro and DH than they would have had in releasing them. Keep delaying them it keeps the chatter speculation going.
Chatter on new designs releasing just makes people avoid buying the current models because they are waiting for the new ones to come out. The more they prolong releasing new bikes, the more other brands will scoop up that market share from the previous brand loyalists who didn't want to wait 6 years to buy their next enduro bike.
Should also consider that Spec. might be having a hard time packaging the design into a product that doesn’t break and hits design parameters (weight, travel, suspension characteristics, and/or motor compatibility)
Considering they will probably sell a bunch when they are released they probably want to avoid a Rocky Mountain ETSX ( the explod-o-matic) situation.
This!!! At this point I'm waiting more to the next gen of Fox38/Zeb than the demo/enduro itself. If it wasn't for the new suspensions coming up, I'd pull the trigger on a raaw madona.
Not a rumor. They bought MI, dumped a bunch of capital into helping them develop V2 and then pulled the plug a year ago as a cost saving measure. It was a whole.... thing.
There are deeply discounted Tallboys all over the internet today. Anyone know anything about a potential Tallboy V6 showing up soon?
Most likely just current economy problem. Santa Cruz rarely discounts old models just because a new one rolls in, mostly because the changes are minimal.
Mike's Bikes (owned by SC parent Pon Holdings) is heavily discounting Bullits; smaller discounts on other models: https://mikesbikes.com/collections/clearance-and-sale-bikes?filter.p.ve…
^that's the old model?
Yep the old Bullit and Heckler. They had dropper post insertion issues due to the shock tunnel + motor, so they're a no-go unless you have long-ish legs for your size. Carcinization due to dropper insertion length.
You can get a decent amount of drop with a bike yoke post 👍
Unsolicited opinion but worst thing about it is the kinematic, If you ride anything remotely rocky or techy it feels like a hard tail under braking even with minimal rear brake.
There’s a frame design issue too, the gap between the rear triangle and shock tunnel is wedge shaped when looking from the top, any rocks that flick up and fall in that area get crushed when the suspension cycles, my frame was badly scarred within 250km of riding.
It seems like ARI is also working on a new Enduro, or it is one frame that fits DH and Enduro together...
I still think it’s really funny they are covering something which I can almost guarantee is a shock layout like the old Diamondback Knucklebox or a Propain.
There is only so much you could package in there and whatever it is, it’s been done before and isn’t something that needs hiding.
Hiding is creating hype
I’d argue that might’ve worked effectively the first dozen times the bike industry did it, but not anymore. Unless what you’re hiding is truly unique, it actually does the opposite.
People either see through it as a gimmick immediately, or are disappointed when the cover comes off and what is underneath is generic copied homework thus having the opposite effect just when the bike is actually about to go on sale.
it’s that magic underwear
yeah but not for an Ari lol
Can't wait for the astro-turfing 😛
Maybe these bike companies are looking for an outside sponsor from Huggies or pampers.
Ari with no diaper
Well at least it's not just a diaper hiding a standard horst link setup.
Can't quite figure out how the rocker link drives the shock.