MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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Big Bird
Posts
2345
Joined
2/1/2011
Location
Oceano, CA, USA
11/20/2025 10:36am
Primoz wrote:

What's the 6-7 thing? 

About two meters.

25
chriskief
Posts
793
Joined
4/15/2017
Location
New York, NY, USA
Fantasy
11/20/2025 10:37am

SRAM AXS beta firmware... looks like they've got a faster Bluetooth protocol coming...

Screenshot 2025-11-20 at 1.35.13%E2%80%AFPM
5
11/20/2025 10:47am

Since we talked about the Demo yesterday

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-patent-reveals-demo-two-chain-drivetrain-layout.html

awesome to understand a bit more about that bike!

now... release it please

I appreciate how the drawing looks like what happens in linkage if you only model the rear end and don't set the rest of the geo properly, like fork length etc and you get this weird 100mm travel 85 degree head angle DH bike😅

6
kane
Posts
48
Joined
5/1/2024
Location
Iederwangen, CH
11/20/2025 11:24am

Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for different shifter and cassette combos. I'd love to see a comparison review of these because currently the derailleur is one of the fastest wearing components on my bike and so a fully servicable one would be cool.

7
One Ghost
Posts
163
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA, USA
11/20/2025 4:00pm
pnwhut wrote:
On the topic of 6 bar pedal bikes, anyone got info on this? Spotted at my local trails a while back, seems pretty dialed for a...

On the topic of 6 bar pedal bikes, anyone got info on this? Spotted at my local trails a while back, seems pretty dialed for a proto…. GPTempDownload

It kinda looks like it could be a generic bike out of Asia also. I have seen quite a few open mold companies selling direct and coming out side some actually nice looking designs. It could also explain the parts mix that is on it. If it was a photo for a larger company, it wouldn't have lower/mid-tier products on it. That said, what's going on with the chain stay? It looks beat to hell and I'm hoping that black piece is just a shadow, it looks like it's a leaf spring or just flat out broken. 

7
Carraig042
Posts
86
Joined
3/4/2013
Location
Jonesborough, TN, USA
11/20/2025 5:15pm
kane wrote:
Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for...

Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for different shifter and cassette combos. I'd love to see a comparison review of these because currently the derailleur is one of the fastest wearing components on my bike and so a fully servicable one would be cool.

Know of any US distribution for them? The duties/fees etc would probably make it pretty prohibitive currently. 

2
TomJones
Posts
31
Joined
9/22/2015
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
11/20/2025 5:44pm
pnwhut wrote:
On the topic of 6 bar pedal bikes, anyone got info on this? Spotted at my local trails a while back, seems pretty dialed for a...

On the topic of 6 bar pedal bikes, anyone got info on this? Spotted at my local trails a while back, seems pretty dialed for a proto…. GPTempDownload

One Ghost wrote:
It kinda looks like it could be a generic bike out of Asia also. I have seen quite a few open mold companies selling direct and...

It kinda looks like it could be a generic bike out of Asia also. I have seen quite a few open mold companies selling direct and coming out side some actually nice looking designs. It could also explain the parts mix that is on it. If it was a photo for a larger company, it wouldn't have lower/mid-tier products on it. That said, what's going on with the chain stay? It looks beat to hell and I'm hoping that black piece is just a shadow, it looks like it's a leaf spring or just flat out broken. 

Heel rub

9
11/20/2025 7:18pm

Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to the product manager (who was on SB140) a bit, all he’d divulge was that it was the SB160 and that it’s a “sweet bike”, while the guy on the 160 was hiding in the bushes. But what I saw was a vertical shock orientation, and frame storage door, looked sleek AF and could be close to production ready... 

28
11/20/2025 8:19pm

I know the visuals and tubing profiles aren't the same, but the suspension design is (minus the horst link) 

 

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4
1
KylerOnBikes
Posts
12
Joined
12/11/2023
Location
Vernon, BC, CA
11/20/2025 8:53pm
Poleczechy wrote:
Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to...

Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to the product manager (who was on SB140) a bit, all he’d divulge was that it was the SB160 and that it’s a “sweet bike”, while the guy on the 160 was hiding in the bushes. But what I saw was a vertical shock orientation, and frame storage door, looked sleek AF and could be close to production ready... 

Any hints about the DH bike project?

1
Uncle Cliffy
Posts
420
Joined
3/11/2010
Location
Medford, OR, USA
11/20/2025 10:38pm

Since we talked about the Demo yesterday

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-patent-reveals-demo-two-chain-drivetrain-layout.html

awesome to understand a bit more about that bike!

now... release it please

Crazy thing: a friend of mine was told their race team won’t get them until May or June. Basically halfway through the season. They have to come up with something else to start the year on...

4
ShapeThings
Posts
130
Joined
8/19/2018
Location
Oakland, CA, USA
11/20/2025 10:42pm

Mega-mega mullet, 32/26

Is a Penny-farthing the actual true crab? 

guillaume-bout-otb-carbone-or-persp-avant.jpg?VersionId=1FtA11Jj2mTqNU
10
6
shape
Posts
12
Joined
9/5/2015
Location
PL
11/20/2025 11:49pm
davego wrote:
are tehre any new fenders for the podium in the making? i saw a picture somewhere about a fender attached to the carbon guards, maybe someone...

are tehre any new fenders for the podium in the making? i saw a picture somewhere about a fender attached to the carbon guards, maybe someone has a photo?

VisionVelo

4
krabo83
Posts
733
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
AT
11/21/2025 3:42am
Poleczechy wrote:
Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to...

Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to the product manager (who was on SB140) a bit, all he’d divulge was that it was the SB160 and that it’s a “sweet bike”, while the guy on the 160 was hiding in the bushes. But what I saw was a vertical shock orientation, and frame storage door, looked sleek AF and could be close to production ready... 

downtube storage sounds nice, but hope that doesn‘t make the downtube as thick looking as a light e-bike (looking at you santa cruz).

4
11/21/2025 4:42am
Poleczechy wrote:
Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to...

Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to the product manager (who was on SB140) a bit, all he’d divulge was that it was the SB160 and that it’s a “sweet bike”, while the guy on the 160 was hiding in the bushes. But what I saw was a vertical shock orientation, and frame storage door, looked sleek AF and could be close to production ready... 

krabo83 wrote:

downtube storage sounds nice, but hope that doesn‘t make the downtube as thick looking as a light e-bike (looking at you santa cruz).

Nope, the tubing didnt look any thicker than the current line up of bikes. 

3
krabo83
Posts
733
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
AT
11/21/2025 5:15am
Poleczechy wrote:

Nope, the tubing didnt look any thicker than the current line up of bikes. 

nice, guess launch will be around summer 2026.

2
11/21/2025 5:16am
Poleczechy wrote:
Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to...

Peeked the prototype sixfinity Yeti SB160 while on my ride today. Didn’t get the greatest look as they were being sneaky-sneaky with it. I chatted to the product manager (who was on SB140) a bit, all he’d divulge was that it was the SB160 and that it’s a “sweet bike”, while the guy on the 160 was hiding in the bushes. But what I saw was a vertical shock orientation, and frame storage door, looked sleek AF and could be close to production ready... 

The mental image of the guy hiding in the bushes is hilarious 

18
11/21/2025 6:30am

Since we talked about the Demo yesterday

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-patent-reveals-demo-two-chain-drivetrain-layout.html

awesome to understand a bit more about that bike!

now... release it please

Crazy thing: a friend of mine was told their race team won’t get them until May or June. Basically halfway through the season. They have to...

Crazy thing: a friend of mine was told their race team won’t get them until May or June. Basically halfway through the season. They have to come up with something else to start the year on...

Haven't they been racing on it since Les Gets or are we talking not World Cup level race teams?

2
Uncle Cliffy
Posts
420
Joined
3/11/2010
Location
Medford, OR, USA
11/21/2025 6:54am
saskskier wrote:

Haven't they been racing on it since Les Gets or are we talking not World Cup level race teams?

Not a World Cup team. I’m talking about production level frames that go to the public.

On that note, my friend‘s daughter qualified AND raced a junior World Cup at Lake Placid this year. Pretty rad. 

8
11/21/2025 7:18am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2025 7:48am

The mental image of the guy hiding in the bushes is hilarious 

With you being on the front range, I'm sure you are familiar with the gathering spot at the gate to the Enchanted at the top of Apex, the guy on the proto went one switchback higher up the trail then chucked himself and the bike off trail haha

6
11/21/2025 7:36am
saskskier wrote:

Haven't they been racing on it since Les Gets or are we talking not World Cup level race teams?

Not a World Cup team. I’m talking about production level frames that go to the public.On that note, my friend‘s daughter qualified AND raced a junior...

Not a World Cup team. I’m talking about production level frames that go to the public.

On that note, my friend‘s daughter qualified AND raced a junior World Cup at Lake Placid this year. Pretty rad. 

Ahhh... That makes sense. And congrats to her! That's awesome!

3
11/21/2025 7:50am

Mega-mega mullet, 32/26

Is a Penny-farthing the actual true crab? 

Is a Penny-farthing the actual true crab? 

guillaume-bout-otb-carbone-or-persp-avant.jpg?VersionId=1FtA11Jj2mTqNU

I will never not downvote AI slop

17
5
trytochaseme
Posts
15
Joined
8/7/2018
Location
Cedar Springs, MI, USA
11/21/2025 7:52am

Mega-mega mullet, 32/26

Is a Penny-farthing the actual true crab? 

Is a Penny-farthing the actual true crab? 

guillaume-bout-otb-carbone-or-persp-avant.jpg?VersionId=1FtA11Jj2mTqNU
segamethod wrote:

I will never not downvote AI slop

That pic is from a graphic artist on IG who does MTB related stuff. Pic is a few years old now but definitely not Ai slop

22
Digit Bikes
Posts
186
Joined
9/22/2021
Location
Irvine, CA, USA
11/21/2025 8:23am

The mental image of the guy hiding in the bushes is hilarious 

Then you're gonna love this:

2
1
11/21/2025 8:54am

Back to crab related rumours. Kavenz has started prototyping their VHP V8 which will be carbon tube and cnc’d lugs. They will be posting a series following along with all the details, similar to what they did when they created the first version of their frame.

24
jalopyj
Posts
113
Joined
10/23/2023
Location
Concord, CA, USA
Fantasy
11/21/2025 9:33am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2025 9:34am
Kapolczer wrote:
Back to crab related rumours. Kavenz has started prototyping their VHP V8 which will be carbon tube and cnc’d lugs. They will be posting a series...

Back to crab related rumours. Kavenz has started prototyping their VHP V8 which will be carbon tube and cnc’d lugs. They will be posting a series following along with all the details, similar to what they did when they created the first version of their frame.

This is rad... of course I'm a bit biased as a Kavenz owner myself, but I've been pretty stoked with what they're doing as a small frame manufacturer. 

6
11/21/2025 9:37am
kane wrote:
Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for...

Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for different shifter and cassette combos. I'd love to see a comparison review of these because currently the derailleur is one of the fastest wearing components on my bike and so a fully servicable one would be cool.

I love the idea of serviceable rear mechs but for the price of this you could have 4 XT 12sp derailleurs or 8 Deore 11sp derailleurs! (I just carry an extra in my pack on all day rides) The Jab's price is getting in the ballpark of where these things should be, but realistically I'd only pay $200 max for any derailleur. I wish there was an actual study of what mechs can take how much force because that would convince me to pay over $200 if it's considerably more durable.

6
jalopyj
Posts
113
Joined
10/23/2023
Location
Concord, CA, USA
Fantasy
11/21/2025 11:12am
kane wrote:
Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for...

Ratio have just released a modular, servicable mech with a direct hanger option. Similar concept to the Madrone Jab in that it has replacable fins for different shifter and cassette combos. I'd love to see a comparison review of these because currently the derailleur is one of the fastest wearing components on my bike and so a fully servicable one would be cool.

I love the idea of serviceable rear mechs but for the price of this you could have 4 XT 12sp derailleurs or 8 Deore 11sp derailleurs...

I love the idea of serviceable rear mechs but for the price of this you could have 4 XT 12sp derailleurs or 8 Deore 11sp derailleurs! (I just carry an extra in my pack on all day rides) The Jab's price is getting in the ballpark of where these things should be, but realistically I'd only pay $200 max for any derailleur. I wish there was an actual study of what mechs can take how much force because that would convince me to pay over $200 if it's considerably more durable.

I actually think the Jab pricing is pretty good when you think about long term ownership. If I ever swap frames/bikes and want to change between a Sram and Shimano set-up, your incremental cost is not a whole new derailleur but just the cam. I feel like there is a longer term relationship with these product that I am all about. 

5
kane
Posts
48
Joined
5/1/2024
Location
Iederwangen, CH
11/21/2025 11:58am
Carraig042 wrote:

Know of any US distribution for them? The duties/fees etc would probably make it pretty prohibitive currently. 

Not that I know of, but the Madrone Jab is manufactured in the US and looks like a quality product with a lot of the same benefits.

4
1
kane
Posts
48
Joined
5/1/2024
Location
Iederwangen, CH
11/21/2025 12:11pm Edited Date/Time 11/21/2025 12:12pm
I love the idea of serviceable rear mechs but for the price of this you could have 4 XT 12sp derailleurs or 8 Deore 11sp derailleurs...

I love the idea of serviceable rear mechs but for the price of this you could have 4 XT 12sp derailleurs or 8 Deore 11sp derailleurs! (I just carry an extra in my pack on all day rides) The Jab's price is getting in the ballpark of where these things should be, but realistically I'd only pay $200 max for any derailleur. I wish there was an actual study of what mechs can take how much force because that would convince me to pay over $200 if it's considerably more durable.

I think derailleur lifetime really depends on where and how you ride, what the condtions are like and even the impurities in the water from your hose pipe. For me Shimano 12 speed derailleurs (Deore, SLX or XT) were terrible with clutches and jockey wheels seizing after a few months and b-bolt and parallelogram pivot play ruining shifting in far less than a year. I find that the most robust 12 speed mechanical derailleur from Shimano or SRAM is the X01 Eagle, but they still only last about 2 years including new b-bolts and aftermarket jockey wheels and cost about the same as the Ratio or Madrone options.

Also I like to support products that are adaptable and rebuildable instead of disposable and so don't mind paying a bit extra for this, even if it doesn't pay back in the long run.

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1
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