MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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AgrAde
Posts
210
Joined
5/21/2015
Location
AL US
10/5/2025 3:49am

Kashima means nothing on brand new forks IMO, the advantage of kashima is that it stays low friction long-term. So not much of a need for it on development forks I suppose?

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10/5/2025 7:11am
AgrAde wrote:
Kashima means nothing on brand new forks IMO, the advantage of kashima is that it stays low friction long-term. So not much of a need for...

Kashima means nothing on brand new forks IMO, the advantage of kashima is that it stays low friction long-term. So not much of a need for it on development forks I suppose?

Guessing it's just easier to make in black too

2
10/5/2025 8:33am

From what i understand, Kashima coating isn't exactly a cheap process, so why use it if they are working on something new internally? 

1
ahleic09
Posts
80
Joined
7/25/2018
Location
Bend, OR US
10/5/2025 4:18pm

Appears the update to the Canfield lithium and tilt was UDH and adjustable chainstay via replaceable dropout. And pepto colorway IMG 7356.jpeg?VersionId=gFNBzvjjPj DDEbjyxPAPJVLbyUo

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roost66
Posts
113
Joined
2/4/2024
Location
Potsdam, NY US
Fantasy
10/5/2025 6:44pm

Saw a couple SRAM sponsored teams running transmission DH cassettes and Xo1 mechanical with non flat top chain at lake placid WC. 

8
10/5/2025 7:27pm
ahleic09 wrote:
Appears the update to the Canfield lithium and tilt was UDH and adjustable chainstay via replaceable dropout. And pepto colorway

Appears the update to the Canfield lithium and tilt was UDH and adjustable chainstay via replaceable dropout. And pepto colorway IMG 7356.jpeg?VersionId=gFNBzvjjPj DDEbjyxPAPJVLbyUo

Walked into the Canfield shop a couple weeks back. They are doing lithium / tilt mx flip chips and 8mm I believe chain stay adjustments next year. 

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10/5/2025 7:28pm
roost66 wrote:

Saw a couple SRAM sponsored teams running transmission DH cassettes and Xo1 mechanical with non flat top chain at lake placid WC. 

On Troy’s vlog looked like he was running wireless drivetrain.   Not sure how long that has been the case.  

Jackson had a rad 40 in the race.  Not sure how long he has been running it either.

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TEAMROBOT
Posts
1422
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
10/5/2025 8:19pm
roost66 wrote:

Saw a couple SRAM sponsored teams running transmission DH cassettes and Xo1 mechanical with non flat top chain at lake placid WC. 

Now that is interesting. I thought Transmission cassettes and non-flattop chains were a no-go.

3
Hixee
Posts
1
Joined
7/27/2010
Location
leeds GB
10/5/2025 10:50pm
roost66 wrote:

Saw a couple SRAM sponsored teams running transmission DH cassettes and Xo1 mechanical with non flat top chain at lake placid WC. 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Now that is interesting. I thought Transmission cassettes and non-flattop chains were a no-go.

I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be what affected compatibility, maybe just shift speed. If anything I assumed it was something to do with chain widths that made the compatibility an issue but then the cynic in me says its just an OEM pumping its own stuff. Anyone had any experience on running any old 12spd chain on a transmission setup?

1
boozed
Posts
673
Joined
6/11/2019
Location
AU
10/6/2025 12:27am
roost66 wrote:

Saw a couple SRAM sponsored teams running transmission DH cassettes and Xo1 mechanical with non flat top chain at lake placid WC. 

TEAMROBOT wrote:

Now that is interesting. I thought Transmission cassettes and non-flattop chains were a no-go.

Hixee wrote:
I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be...

I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be what affected compatibility, maybe just shift speed. If anything I assumed it was something to do with chain widths that made the compatibility an issue but then the cynic in me says its just an OEM pumping its own stuff. Anyone had any experience on running any old 12spd chain on a transmission setup?

I always assumed the flat top was for strength (i.e. any other differences/incompatibilities are independent of that aspect of the design)

2
10/6/2025 1:06am
Is this a Tacky Chan Radial prototype? I remember reading here a while ago that Schwalbe was not planning to release Tacky Chan in the radial...

Is this a Tacky Chan Radial prototype? I remember reading here a while ago that Schwalbe was not planning to release Tacky Chan in the radial version, but Gravity casing and the graphics are strong hints for it being indeed a radial version.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 091958.png?VersionId=x2JsxGrur7wP4ZBJShDpDh0BsjET
Evil96 wrote:
these have been around for a while, but yes when i messaged Schwalbe about it they told me it's not in the works, i still hope...

these have been around for a while, but yes when i messaged Schwalbe about it they told me it's not in the works, i still hope for it tho

schwalbai wrote:

Big Betty Radial pls

4
10/6/2025 3:39am
TEAMROBOT wrote:

Now that is interesting. I thought Transmission cassettes and non-flattop chains were a no-go.

Hixee wrote:
I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be...

I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be what affected compatibility, maybe just shift speed. If anything I assumed it was something to do with chain widths that made the compatibility an issue but then the cynic in me says its just an OEM pumping its own stuff. Anyone had any experience on running any old 12spd chain on a transmission setup?

boozed wrote:

I always assumed the flat top was for strength (i.e. any other differences/incompatibilities are independent of that aspect of the design)

As I have understood it, T-type chains have a slightly larger roller than normal... I wonder if we are seeing a derailleur with UDH mounting combined with existing DH chain and cassette? 

6
10/6/2025 3:50am

Considering the Flat top 12 speed chains are way better and stronger than the old DH chains I figured they would swap to them with the next AXS DH derailleur. 

 

1
10/6/2025 5:01am
Considering the Flat top 12 speed chains are way better and stronger than the old DH chains I figured they would swap to them with the...

Considering the Flat top 12 speed chains are way better and stronger than the old DH chains I figured they would swap to them with the next AXS DH derailleur. 

 

Maybe the true T-type DH cassettes are still being worked on or if they are out there, the numbers are limited... Maybe with a change of pulleys, the new derailleur can play with the current 11 speed chain and DH cassette? Pure speculation on my part..

1
10/6/2025 5:12am

The rollers of the T-type chains are larger making the effective chain pitch different from standard, that's what makes them technically incompatible with older cassettes/ chainrings. 

That said lots of "incompatible" parts work fine together. Ive been quite happy with my XO1 AXS derailleur and shifter with an XT cassette and chain for a couple of years. 

4
10/6/2025 5:26am
The rollers of the T-type chains are larger making the effective chain pitch different from standard, that's what makes them technically incompatible with older cassettes/ chainrings. That...

The rollers of the T-type chains are larger making the effective chain pitch different from standard, that's what makes them technically incompatible with older cassettes/ chainrings. 

That said lots of "incompatible" parts work fine together. Ive been quite happy with my XO1 AXS derailleur and shifter with an XT cassette and chain for a couple of years. 

I've known many people that have done that combo.. As I understand it, the cassette spacing is only a couple thousandths difference..

4
10/6/2025 7:23am
Hixee wrote:
I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be...

I have always wondered....both the chainring and the cassette only touch the inside (not the flat bit) of the chain so I assumed that wouldn't be what affected compatibility, maybe just shift speed. If anything I assumed it was something to do with chain widths that made the compatibility an issue but then the cynic in me says its just an OEM pumping its own stuff. Anyone had any experience on running any old 12spd chain on a transmission setup?

boozed wrote:

I always assumed the flat top was for strength (i.e. any other differences/incompatibilities are independent of that aspect of the design)

As I have understood it, T-type chains have a slightly larger roller than normal... I wonder if we are seeing a derailleur with UDH mounting combined...

As I have understood it, T-type chains have a slightly larger roller than normal... I wonder if we are seeing a derailleur with UDH mounting combined with existing DH chain and cassette? 

Not all DH bikes are UDH, so I'm assuming SRAM will have an option for this with their next release.

1
10/6/2025 8:37am
chriskief wrote:

Not all DH bikes are UDH, so I'm assuming SRAM will have an option for this with their next release.

They'll most likely still have the current DH groups available for a while after they officially release the T-type group or groups.. Maybe 1 electronic and 1 mechanical group for T-type? 

1
dwhere
Posts
195
Joined
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Location
dirty, DE US
Fantasy
10/6/2025 10:33am Edited Date/Time 10/6/2025 10:34am

New Saint Calipers?

image 464
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1
10/6/2025 11:13am
dwhere wrote:
New Saint Calipers?

New Saint Calipers?

image 464

Jackson (and a bunch of other riders) have been using them for a while now. 

4
10/6/2025 3:50pm
The rollers of the T-type chains are larger making the effective chain pitch different from standard, that's what makes them technically incompatible with older cassettes/ chainrings. That...

The rollers of the T-type chains are larger making the effective chain pitch different from standard, that's what makes them technically incompatible with older cassettes/ chainrings. 

That said lots of "incompatible" parts work fine together. Ive been quite happy with my XO1 AXS derailleur and shifter with an XT cassette and chain for a couple of years. 

I've known many people that have done that combo.. As I understand it, the cassette spacing is only a couple thousandths difference..

Yep, so a lightly used T-type chain works easily on other cassettes, the only issues are when the chain is brand new, but after a bit of wear the rollers will size down to the standard of a brand new (non T-type) 12 speed anyway. 

I just assumed they would make the new DH cassette use their new chains, eliminates a SKU, means DH riders can easily source any new 12 speed SRAM chain etc etc. 

1
1
10/6/2025 4:00pm
Yep, so a lightly used T-type chain works easily on other cassettes, the only issues are when the chain is brand new, but after a bit...

Yep, so a lightly used T-type chain works easily on other cassettes, the only issues are when the chain is brand new, but after a bit of wear the rollers will size down to the standard of a brand new (non T-type) 12 speed anyway. 

I just assumed they would make the new DH cassette use their new chains, eliminates a SKU, means DH riders can easily source any new 12 speed SRAM chain etc etc. 

I would assume that too... I'm thinking that we might be seeing some different combos as there may be testing  with some limited parts right now.. The big question is how far out are the new group or groups? 

1
AgrAde
Posts
210
Joined
5/21/2015
Location
AL US
10/7/2025 1:37am Edited Date/Time 10/7/2025 3:48am

it's possible that maybe the DH group just isn't 12 speed spacing and so not using the 12 speed chain.

1
sluette
Posts
29
Joined
8/22/2018
Location
DE
10/7/2025 2:28am Edited Date/Time 10/7/2025 2:29am
dwhere wrote:
New Saint Calipers?

New Saint Calipers?

image 464

Unbelievable, I thought nothing could be uglier than Maven brake calipers...even though they work perfectly...

3
3
jsray
Posts
219
Joined
5/20/2017
Location
Gilbert, AZ US
Fantasy
10/7/2025 5:34am
dwhere wrote:
New Saint Calipers?

New Saint Calipers?

image 464
sluette wrote:

Unbelievable, I thought nothing could be uglier than Maven brake calipers...even though they work perfectly...

image 20.gif?VersionId=P8Nx2ehyAo9ZJWElwm3V3QDJSZQeMJ
21
1
ballz
Posts
490
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
10/7/2025 6:14am
dwhere wrote:
New Saint Calipers?

New Saint Calipers?

image 464
sluette wrote:

Unbelievable, I thought nothing could be uglier than Maven brake calipers...even though they work perfectly...

jsray wrote:
image 20.gif?VersionId=P8Nx2ehyAo9ZJWElwm3V3QDJSZQeMJ

He's not wrong.

3
1
10/7/2025 8:16am
bnsleit wrote:

why? spent a month in Canada this summer and the best trails I rode and spent time brushing/clearing deadfall from weren't on any other map

jasbushey wrote:
Showing up to a federal land agency meeting with heat maps printed discussing decommission was an eye opening experience.  It’s a great tool for them to...

Showing up to a federal land agency meeting with heat maps printed discussing decommission was an eye opening experience.  It’s a great tool for them to identify and remove any trail that was a significant amount of time to build. Your 2 minutes of enjoyment likely was 100 hours of work or more.  And it just put a bullseye on the trail when you published your ride.

You can remove sharing heat maps on your settings, not make rides public and hide your maps. Or just not strava those trails. 

Anything you want to keep secret should not have any GPS data even recorded at all from your watch/Garmin/phone. Record it as a strength workout with GPS off. I don't trust Strava to even have the data held on their servers even if my ride is private and hidden from the heat map. Every tech company eventually grossly misuses private data and I expect Strava to be no different. (especially after they IPO)

17
jonkranked
Posts
1198
Joined
5/5/2016
Location
Norristown, PA US
10/7/2025 8:34am
dwhere wrote:
New Saint Calipers?

New Saint Calipers?

image 464
sluette wrote:

Unbelievable, I thought nothing could be uglier than Maven brake calipers...even though they work perfectly...

jsray wrote:
image 20.gif?VersionId=P8Nx2ehyAo9ZJWElwm3V3QDJSZQeMJ

crab calipers

7
2
10/7/2025 8:56am
sluette wrote:

Unbelievable, I thought nothing could be uglier than Maven brake calipers...even though they work perfectly...

jsray wrote:
image 20.gif?VersionId=P8Nx2ehyAo9ZJWElwm3V3QDJSZQeMJ
jonkranked wrote:

crab calipers

Wandering crab point

16
2
jonkranked
Posts
1198
Joined
5/5/2016
Location
Norristown, PA US
10/7/2025 9:11am
jsray wrote:
image 20.gif?VersionId=P8Nx2ehyAo9ZJWElwm3V3QDJSZQeMJ
jonkranked wrote:

crab calipers

63expert wrote:

Wandering crab point

brakes = pincers

<carcinization intensifies>

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2
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