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We can continue to talk about this over here to not derail this forum
https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/frame-design
But in my opinion there are benefits to a linkage driven single pivot design over a Horst link, depending on what you are looking for. The biggest consistent difference between Horst designs and ldsp is the anti-rise, where Horst link bikes are generally low (80% and below) and ldsp bikes are high ( above 100%) and each of those have their own merits. I love ldsp bikes, they tend to be playful, predictable, and consistent in feel and geometry, I'm designing a high ldsp DH bike right now that I hope to build in the next few years. I'll talk more about it on the other forum if you're interested.
Much obliged.
What a beautiful master suppression technique* trying to end the discussion there 😄
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You call it that? I'm swedish and that's above my degree.
Mfw I drink the SantaCruz kool aid.
Nah man, I just could write a dissertation on this stuff and all of yall don't want to read it here
Neko said that Frameworks will be trying a 32 inch wheel on the DH bike! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUWvdVFE1Z3/?igsh=MWR6OHA0b3JmZnJ0eg==
be silly not to try
Bring on 32/29!
Does it keep going after 32" is embraced?
Still waiting on 36 😩 🍆 💦
FW says in their Q&A that 27.5 rear wheel is superior for gravity riding, wonder if they will contradict themselves.
Full 27 or mullet? Because 29/32 mullet is still mullet
I think it makes a lot of sense to consider front wheel size and rear wheel size independently. There's no relationship between them as far as I'm concerned. Choose rear wheel size based on how you want your rear wheel to affect your handling and clearances, and then do the same with the front. If they don't like a 29" rear wheel now, then they're not going to like one just because the front wheel is even bigger.
Rear wheel size has a big effect on wheel path, and Frameworks really worked towards maximising the rearward path of the axle while still constraining themselves to a standard drivetrain. The smaller the wheel, the more rearward your axle path is for a given amount of kickback, so I don't expect them to change that up.
Oh man, supermullet is going to be a thing
My pipe dream may be coming to life even sooner than expected! https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/32-20-megamullet-penny-farthing
Their philosophy (paraphrasing/butchering) is the smaller 27.5 rear wheel allows you achieve an equivalent gearing to a 29, but with a larger chainring, which helps with pedal kick. Also clearance to your butt.. These kinda go away with a 32/29 configuration.
They also like to minimize rear center growth/shrinkage near sag, which apparently a 27.5 helps
That's because the BB to rear axle height difference is lower (the rear axle is lower), which, as per @AgrAde impacrts the axle path. The more vertical (or rearward) it is, the less shrinkage there will be.
The bigger the rear wheel, the more beneficial going 'high pivot' with an idler pulley is. Going from a 26" wheel (or a 24 even) changes rear suspension kinematics a lot. If you just moved the complete rear end upwards from a 26" wheel to fit a 29" wheel, you'd need an idler.
Getting early 2000s "throw ideas at the wall" engineering from guys with MSME from the school of Uncle had a lot of cool tools growing up from the 32" community. It's kinda fun but it's going to end in some embarrassing reflection in a couple years.
MegaMullet!
Can someone just tell me if any new XXL downcountry/xc bikes are coming this spring? If not I should just buy a used Tallboy.
haro's 2026 carbon lineup (in PDF form)
Have you put any thought into an s5 norco revolver? I demo'd one from my lbs (s4 at my 6'2" size). They do have proper reach for us tall boys (ironic) and they actually ride a bit bigger then the reach figures suggest. It was honestly the most fun xc-race bike I've ridden in recent memory. Appropriate stack figures, super quick on the gas, proper fit, and good fc/rc balance for an xc bike.
I'm not sure when it's going to be released, but Forbidden has something more xc/dc oriented in the pipeline. They're not exactly known for making "compact" bikes. Ha ha
We're definitely going to have to go with a band-based mullet nomenclature system:
"I was rocking a Journey for a few months and didn't really like how it cornered. I was Billy Ray Cyrus for a few years before that so I might try a full Foghat setup before me and mixed wheel sizes go our Separate Ways."
Depends on what XXL means - I am 6'3 and ride a Norco Revolver S5 with the seat slammed forward. But I would call myself an XL rather than an XXL.
Maybe the new Spur?
@ebruner and @cmaac : I've definitely looked into that Norco Revolver. It's definitely the biggest XC bike right now, but I'm 6'7" and it would be hard to make a plausible attempt at making it fit. Fingers crossed for an XXL something this spring.
What are the odds that Giant releases a new Reign this year?
Overall a nice looking rig, but I really think Haro needs to stop competing with Trek for the biggest downtube font.
Just get a Mondraker or Ibis if you want crazy reach. I'm 6'4" and ride a Large Commencal Meta SX with a 485 reach and don't have any issues..
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