MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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owl-x
Posts
920
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Shell Beach, CA US
8/27/2025 9:52am

Is it just me, or is the linkage under the BB giving off some Niner vibes?

I find it very uncomfortable to look at. The only reason I don’t hate it is the dudes riding the bikes. 

As for the bb zone being shaped like an e-bike motor: are you thinking it’d be a hardtail? Where would all the suspension clockworks go? I’m no engineer but I think it’s just a coinkydink on the shape

2
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1447
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
8/27/2025 11:25am
jonkranked wrote:

prototype dorado posted on the other site. allegedly goes up to 220mm travel.  spotted an the gamux aon team. 

A normal length stem on the Aon/Gamux team bike is the real story.


 

21
8/27/2025 11:30am
sprungmass wrote:

FAFO might finally get to them because Outlier has a patent on drop pedals 🍿

I don't think China cares about that. I'm hoping Joe Breeden does though and stops running their bullshit on their race bikes. Is that chainring design a...

I don't think China cares about that. I'm hoping Joe Breeden does though and stops running their bullshit on their race bikes. 

Is that chainring design a copy aswell?

I've heard enforcement of US patents in China is pretty difficult...

3
2supple
Posts
105
Joined
1/23/2022
Location
Denver, CO US
8/27/2025 11:37am

What do we think... 5k for the frame? 

Two years of diapers for a more complicated suspension package that probably isn't any faster than the current v10.  

7
ratchet_catch
Posts
43
Joined
10/23/2022
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
8/27/2025 11:53am
Primoz wrote:

Lewis doing Lewis things.

I doubt Lewis cares about ip theft, but leaning on the influencers and distributors that promote their stuff could at least reduce their advertising reach.

3
8/27/2025 2:19pm

I doubt Lewis cares about ip theft, but leaning on the influencers and distributors that promote their stuff could at least reduce their advertising reach.

I think it should be time to gatekeep. I've already been calling out creators using AI, I wouldn't be opposed to calling out people who take free stuff from Lewis.

24
3
Kusa
Posts
282
Joined
6/25/2010
Location
CH
8/27/2025 11:21pm Edited Date/Time 8/27/2025 11:22pm

Am I seeing it correctly that they moved that link above the BB from the previous position under BB, as shown in the early patent? I wonder if that was because of how I believe Finn crashed somewhere, when the lower link at the compression started plowing through the ground, something that a similarly designed freeride bike from Norco was sucking for...

image 424

2
TimBud
Posts
542
Joined
2/29/2012
Location
GB
8/27/2025 11:24pm Edited Date/Time 8/29/2025 12:39pm

Or just go to a race and actually talk to them face to face. You might find it has a more positive outcome

14
Primoz
Posts
4606
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
8/27/2025 11:43pm
Kusa wrote:
Am I seeing it correctly that they moved that link above the BB from the previous position under BB, as shown in the early patent? I...

Am I seeing it correctly that they moved that link above the BB from the previous position under BB, as shown in the early patent? I wonder if that was because of how I believe Finn crashed somewhere, when the lower link at the compression started plowing through the ground, something that a similarly designed freeride bike from Norco was sucking for...

image 424

It has more to do with the fact they went higher with the pivot and could package everything higher up. 

3
8/28/2025 3:49am
Primoz wrote:

It has more to do with the fact they went higher with the pivot and could package everything higher up. 

I think the pivot height and the two chainz design are a compromise, if they wanted a high pivot they'd have designed it with an idler in mind like every other team beside pivot (who could've probably gotten away with a regular idler as it is). In my opinion, they changed the pivot height just enough to stop it clattering on rocks, and the drivetrain is what they needed to make new pivot height work.

2
8/28/2025 3:53am
IMG 5001
Yoda wrote:
Would be really surprised if they put Loic on the new bike in the midst of the title fight with Jackson... I'll bet Finn and Jordan...

Would be really surprised if they put Loic on the new bike in the midst of the title fight with Jackson... I'll bet Finn and Jordan are on it, and Loic joins the party after the season wraps up. 

Frame looks absolutely sick. Curious whether the team will put weights in/on it with given the under BB link. 

saskskier wrote:
I've seen Jordan riding around this week at Les Gets and he was on the regular prototype, not this one. And as far as I've seen/heard...

I've seen Jordan riding around this week at Les Gets and he was on the regular prototype, not this one. And as far as I've seen/heard, this is the first time the full carbon frame has been seen out in the wild, so I'm guessing it'll be coming out for the race?

Negative- beginning of July, in your neck of the woods.IMG 1968 0

3
8/28/2025 6:30am

I'v  got to say, props to specialized for getting the carbon moulds done so quickly on this new model. It was only pre-season when we were seeing the newer style of prototype, so to have a full carbon frame already is a wild turnaround time.

1
4
2supple
Posts
105
Joined
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Location
Denver, CO US
8/28/2025 7:47am
I'v  got to say, props to specialized for getting the carbon moulds done so quickly on this new model. It was only pre-season when we were...

I'v  got to say, props to specialized for getting the carbon moulds done so quickly on this new model. It was only pre-season when we were seeing the newer style of prototype, so to have a full carbon frame already is a wild turnaround time.

Really? I feel like this was a pretty long and drawn out prototype process.

Pretty surprised they've been sleeping on the Enduro this long. Six years since the last update. They probably don't want to launch a bike in this market if they can't charge $13k. 

8
1
8/28/2025 7:56am
2supple wrote:
Really? I feel like this was a pretty long and drawn out prototype process.Pretty surprised they've been sleeping on the Enduro this long. Six years since...

Really? I feel like this was a pretty long and drawn out prototype process.

Pretty surprised they've been sleeping on the Enduro this long. Six years since the last update. They probably don't want to launch a bike in this market if they can't charge $13k. 

It has been drawn out but to have a carbon frame ready so quickly after changing the design is what's impressive.

2
1
seanfisseli
Posts
582
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4/16/2024
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
8/28/2025 8:07am

I like speci but the prototype really grew on me in terms of aesthetics. I guess frameworks has really influenced me because now I wonder why anyone would want a bike with “industrial design” all over it…

4
Blake_Motley
Posts
219
Joined
11/14/2013
Location
Chula Vista, CA US
8/28/2025 9:00am Edited Date/Time 8/28/2025 9:00am

Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the cleat, which Shimano claims improves walkability and functionality—enabling back-to-front and top-down clipping in addition to the traditional front-to-back motion. The new CL-MT0001 cleats are backward compatible with all SPD pedals. 

new cleats.jpg?VersionId=TQ0vS4eQx4085NrkhnZhp

If I were asked at the start of the year to guess which longstanding Shimano product would finally see an update in 2025, SPD cleats would not make my first twenty guesses. While 30-year development cycles don't bode well for those holding out for a new Shimano Saint, the addition of multi-directional entry SPDs is a welcome one. 

shoe%3Apedal

I got a set a few days ago, and the new cleats undoubtedly allow for easier pedal entry, but with some limitations. Like many clipless pedal users, I run my cleats slammed at the back of my shoe's cutout. When in this position, the tread of my Specialized 2FO shoe interferes with the pedal before the back of the cleat can hook into the SPD mechanism. This didn't interfere with top-down entry, which I found to be markedly easier; however, it did make reverse entry (back-to-front) significantly more difficult. I experimented with a more forward cleat position, which made reverse entry much more manageable, though it doesn't feel as nice or intuitive as top-down and forward entry (front-to-back). 

cleats2

I wasn't able to meaningfully evaluate walkability, but I'm skeptical that such a tiny ramp could make a tangible difference. Nonetheless, the new cleats cost the same as the previous version at $23 USD for a set, making these a no-brainer upgrade that can immediately improve safety on the trail. Especially if you can relate to the feeling of getting your cleat caught on your pedal when dropping into a gnarly chute or roller. 

Shimano also released the new XTR PD-M9220 pedals today that have a larger platform and four adjustable pins per side to satisfy trail/enduro riders - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/shimano-launches-new-xtr-clipless-pedal-enduro-and-trail-riding

Image 8-28-25 at 8.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?VersionId=wbG
15
8/28/2025 10:02am
Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the...

Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the cleat, which Shimano claims improves walkability and functionality—enabling back-to-front and top-down clipping in addition to the traditional front-to-back motion. The new CL-MT0001 cleats are backward compatible with all SPD pedals. 

new cleats.jpg?VersionId=TQ0vS4eQx4085NrkhnZhp

If I were asked at the start of the year to guess which longstanding Shimano product would finally see an update in 2025, SPD cleats would not make my first twenty guesses. While 30-year development cycles don't bode well for those holding out for a new Shimano Saint, the addition of multi-directional entry SPDs is a welcome one. 

shoe%3Apedal

I got a set a few days ago, and the new cleats undoubtedly allow for easier pedal entry, but with some limitations. Like many clipless pedal users, I run my cleats slammed at the back of my shoe's cutout. When in this position, the tread of my Specialized 2FO shoe interferes with the pedal before the back of the cleat can hook into the SPD mechanism. This didn't interfere with top-down entry, which I found to be markedly easier; however, it did make reverse entry (back-to-front) significantly more difficult. I experimented with a more forward cleat position, which made reverse entry much more manageable, though it doesn't feel as nice or intuitive as top-down and forward entry (front-to-back). 

cleats2

I wasn't able to meaningfully evaluate walkability, but I'm skeptical that such a tiny ramp could make a tangible difference. Nonetheless, the new cleats cost the same as the previous version at $23 USD for a set, making these a no-brainer upgrade that can immediately improve safety on the trail. Especially if you can relate to the feeling of getting your cleat caught on your pedal when dropping into a gnarly chute or roller. 

Shimano also released the new XTR PD-M9220 pedals today that have a larger platform and four adjustable pins per side to satisfy trail/enduro riders - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/shimano-launches-new-xtr-clipless-pedal-enduro-and-trail-riding

Image 8-28-25 at 8.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?VersionId=wbG

Welp looks like my SH51 cleats are getting the CL-MT001 pedicure tonight courtesy of a angle grinder.

25
ballz
Posts
505
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
8/28/2025 10:03am
Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the...

Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the cleat, which Shimano claims improves walkability and functionality—enabling back-to-front and top-down clipping in addition to the traditional front-to-back motion. The new CL-MT0001 cleats are backward compatible with all SPD pedals. 

new cleats.jpg?VersionId=TQ0vS4eQx4085NrkhnZhp

If I were asked at the start of the year to guess which longstanding Shimano product would finally see an update in 2025, SPD cleats would not make my first twenty guesses. While 30-year development cycles don't bode well for those holding out for a new Shimano Saint, the addition of multi-directional entry SPDs is a welcome one. 

shoe%3Apedal

I got a set a few days ago, and the new cleats undoubtedly allow for easier pedal entry, but with some limitations. Like many clipless pedal users, I run my cleats slammed at the back of my shoe's cutout. When in this position, the tread of my Specialized 2FO shoe interferes with the pedal before the back of the cleat can hook into the SPD mechanism. This didn't interfere with top-down entry, which I found to be markedly easier; however, it did make reverse entry (back-to-front) significantly more difficult. I experimented with a more forward cleat position, which made reverse entry much more manageable, though it doesn't feel as nice or intuitive as top-down and forward entry (front-to-back). 

cleats2

I wasn't able to meaningfully evaluate walkability, but I'm skeptical that such a tiny ramp could make a tangible difference. Nonetheless, the new cleats cost the same as the previous version at $23 USD for a set, making these a no-brainer upgrade that can immediately improve safety on the trail. Especially if you can relate to the feeling of getting your cleat caught on your pedal when dropping into a gnarly chute or roller. 

Shimano also released the new XTR PD-M9220 pedals today that have a larger platform and four adjustable pins per side to satisfy trail/enduro riders - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/shimano-launches-new-xtr-clipless-pedal-enduro-and-trail-riding

Image 8-28-25 at 8.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?VersionId=wbG

Mind: blown. Sounds like one could save $23 with 30 seconds of good ole angle grinder action on one's old ones.

3
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1447
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
8/28/2025 10:35am
Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the...

Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the cleat, which Shimano claims improves walkability and functionality—enabling back-to-front and top-down clipping in addition to the traditional front-to-back motion. The new CL-MT0001 cleats are backward compatible with all SPD pedals. 

new cleats.jpg?VersionId=TQ0vS4eQx4085NrkhnZhp

If I were asked at the start of the year to guess which longstanding Shimano product would finally see an update in 2025, SPD cleats would not make my first twenty guesses. While 30-year development cycles don't bode well for those holding out for a new Shimano Saint, the addition of multi-directional entry SPDs is a welcome one. 

shoe%3Apedal

I got a set a few days ago, and the new cleats undoubtedly allow for easier pedal entry, but with some limitations. Like many clipless pedal users, I run my cleats slammed at the back of my shoe's cutout. When in this position, the tread of my Specialized 2FO shoe interferes with the pedal before the back of the cleat can hook into the SPD mechanism. This didn't interfere with top-down entry, which I found to be markedly easier; however, it did make reverse entry (back-to-front) significantly more difficult. I experimented with a more forward cleat position, which made reverse entry much more manageable, though it doesn't feel as nice or intuitive as top-down and forward entry (front-to-back). 

cleats2

I wasn't able to meaningfully evaluate walkability, but I'm skeptical that such a tiny ramp could make a tangible difference. Nonetheless, the new cleats cost the same as the previous version at $23 USD for a set, making these a no-brainer upgrade that can immediately improve safety on the trail. Especially if you can relate to the feeling of getting your cleat caught on your pedal when dropping into a gnarly chute or roller. 

Shimano also released the new XTR PD-M9220 pedals today that have a larger platform and four adjustable pins per side to satisfy trail/enduro riders - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/shimano-launches-new-xtr-clipless-pedal-enduro-and-trail-riding

Image 8-28-25 at 8.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?VersionId=wbG

Looks like the additional ramp is at the front of the cleat?

3
kperras
Posts
170
Joined
12/19/2012
Location
CA
8/28/2025 10:52am
ballz wrote:

Mind: blown. Sounds like one could save $23 with 30 seconds of good ole angle grinder action on one's old ones.

You probably need new cleats anyways 😅

4
ballz
Posts
505
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
8/28/2025 11:19am
ballz wrote:

Mind: blown. Sounds like one could save $23 with 30 seconds of good ole angle grinder action on one's old ones.

kperras wrote:

You probably need new cleats anyways 😅

Nah, I am good. These work better.

image 429.png?VersionId=o QRaBWq7ll3b2ukKai5tlHVupsHAIC
 

6
9
Blake_Motley
Posts
219
Joined
11/14/2013
Location
Chula Vista, CA US
8/28/2025 12:04pm
Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the...

Shimano released a new SPD cleat today. Compared to the 30-year-old SH51 cleats, the new CL-MT0001 cleats feature an additional ramp at the back of the cleat, which Shimano claims improves walkability and functionality—enabling back-to-front and top-down clipping in addition to the traditional front-to-back motion. The new CL-MT0001 cleats are backward compatible with all SPD pedals. 

new cleats.jpg?VersionId=TQ0vS4eQx4085NrkhnZhp

If I were asked at the start of the year to guess which longstanding Shimano product would finally see an update in 2025, SPD cleats would not make my first twenty guesses. While 30-year development cycles don't bode well for those holding out for a new Shimano Saint, the addition of multi-directional entry SPDs is a welcome one. 

shoe%3Apedal

I got a set a few days ago, and the new cleats undoubtedly allow for easier pedal entry, but with some limitations. Like many clipless pedal users, I run my cleats slammed at the back of my shoe's cutout. When in this position, the tread of my Specialized 2FO shoe interferes with the pedal before the back of the cleat can hook into the SPD mechanism. This didn't interfere with top-down entry, which I found to be markedly easier; however, it did make reverse entry (back-to-front) significantly more difficult. I experimented with a more forward cleat position, which made reverse entry much more manageable, though it doesn't feel as nice or intuitive as top-down and forward entry (front-to-back). 

cleats2

I wasn't able to meaningfully evaluate walkability, but I'm skeptical that such a tiny ramp could make a tangible difference. Nonetheless, the new cleats cost the same as the previous version at $23 USD for a set, making these a no-brainer upgrade that can immediately improve safety on the trail. Especially if you can relate to the feeling of getting your cleat caught on your pedal when dropping into a gnarly chute or roller. 

Shimano also released the new XTR PD-M9220 pedals today that have a larger platform and four adjustable pins per side to satisfy trail/enduro riders - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/shimano-launches-new-xtr-clipless-pedal-enduro-and-trail-riding

Image 8-28-25 at 8.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?VersionId=wbG
TEAMROBOT wrote:

Looks like the additional ramp is at the front of the cleat?

Looks good to me

image 18

10
owl-x
Posts
920
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Shell Beach, CA US
8/28/2025 7:23pm
ballz wrote:

Mind: blown. Sounds like one could save $23 with 30 seconds of good ole angle grinder action on one's old ones.

kperras wrote:

You probably need new cleats anyways 😅

ballz wrote:
Nah, I am good. These work better. 

Nah, I am good. These work better.

image 429.png?VersionId=o QRaBWq7ll3b2ukKai5tlHVupsHAIC
 

Open floor plan five-finger shoe hammocks get em outta here

7
peecee
Posts
427
Joined
5/12/2013
Location
Brisbane AU
Fantasy
8/28/2025 9:20pm
I'v  got to say, props to specialized for getting the carbon moulds done so quickly on this new model. It was only pre-season when we were...

I'v  got to say, props to specialized for getting the carbon moulds done so quickly on this new model. It was only pre-season when we were seeing the newer style of prototype, so to have a full carbon frame already is a wild turnaround time.

They need to sell some DH bike before Jackson smashes the season on a production bike and everyone is left wondering why they need the new specialized thats been years in the making, but all jokes aside who's buying the Demo these days with all the other good bikes on the market 

2
krabo83
Posts
723
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
AT
8/29/2025 12:34am
peecee wrote:
They need to sell some DH bike before Jackson smashes the season on a production bike and everyone is left wondering why they need the new...

They need to sell some DH bike before Jackson smashes the season on a production bike and everyone is left wondering why they need the new specialized thats been years in the making, but all jokes aside who's buying the Demo these days with all the other good bikes on the market 

pretty much everyone who thinks complexity makes them faster.

Primoz
Posts
4606
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
8/29/2025 12:55am
Primoz wrote:

It has more to do with the fact they went higher with the pivot and could package everything higher up. 

I think the pivot height and the two chainz design are a compromise, if they wanted a high pivot they'd have designed it with an idler...

I think the pivot height and the two chainz design are a compromise, if they wanted a high pivot they'd have designed it with an idler in mind like every other team beside pivot (who could've probably gotten away with a regular idler as it is). In my opinion, they changed the pivot height just enough to stop it clattering on rocks, and the drivetrain is what they needed to make new pivot height work.

The general consesus has been that mid-height pivots are the way to go. High high pivots brings some negatives. The problem with mid height pivots is that your idler (and maybe even chainring) has to be very small to fit everything together, which brings with it inefficiencies. This way they could package everything in a way that makes sense kinematics wise.

2chainz is a consequence of pivot height, not the other way around.

8
Eoin
Posts
381
Joined
3/6/2015
Location
FR
Fantasy
8/29/2025 5:13am
peecee wrote:
They need to sell some DH bike before Jackson smashes the season on a production bike and everyone is left wondering why they need the new...

They need to sell some DH bike before Jackson smashes the season on a production bike and everyone is left wondering why they need the new specialized thats been years in the making, but all jokes aside who's buying the Demo these days with all the other good bikes on the market 

krabo83 wrote:

pretty much everyone who thinks complexity makes them faster.

It's a lot simpler than that! Plenty of people only buy Specialised, and owning a DH bikes is cool again. Could be the brand image, or the marketing (lies), or the good service they get at the shop, probably trade in their old specialised from 9 months ago...

Not taking shots at anyone, I know plenty of people that operate like this.

9
8/29/2025 11:15am

Spotted over on Pinkbike -- Ronan Dunne running his tuned mass damper in a novel location. 

(More like a tuned ass damper, am I right? Sorry, I'll see myself out.)

37
8/29/2025 11:52am
Spotted over on Pinkbike -- Ronan Dunne running his tuned mass damper in a novel location. (More like a tuned ass damper, am I right? Sorry, I'll...

Spotted over on Pinkbike -- Ronan Dunne running his tuned mass damper in a novel location. 

(More like a tuned ass damper, am I right? Sorry, I'll see myself out.)

More like a tuned mess. 

I'll follow you the way out..

TEAMROBOT
Posts
1447
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
8/29/2025 12:09pm
Spotted over on Pinkbike -- Ronan Dunne running his tuned mass damper in a novel location. (More like a tuned ass damper, am I right? Sorry, I'll...

Spotted over on Pinkbike -- Ronan Dunne running his tuned mass damper in a novel location. 

(More like a tuned ass damper, am I right? Sorry, I'll see myself out.)

This location makes way more sense to me than at the end of the swingarm.

4
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