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I think we probably see the new demo with the new SRAM DH announcement at the end of the month
https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/campaigns/dh
Opening the picture of the maven levers on the sram countdown, the file name is 'new_lever_blades'. Guess we're getting a longer lever for more leverage to overcome friction better and the gold swinglink that does that as well, can't see what else they'd change on the current blade since it feels good.
I know p*nkb*ke posted a picture where booker had a different one on his brakes at hardline, but seems like this one's different.
Heard rumours that the dev team sent the proto to the production guys, rear wheel was hitting the chain/seatstays on cornering, so no Bueno for production
Given how flexy the rear end of the gen3 Levo I owned was, that would not surprise me one bit. It flexed so bad I could shift the upper seatstay pivot bearings on demand, even with high strength retaining compound. Spec is notorious for scrimping on frame layup to hit weight targets (see: all the issues with the Enduro linkage, head tube, chainstays, etc.).
I always found the stock smooth levers on Codes and Mavens to be too smooth, with a lack of feedback/grip. My work-around for a long time was putting a tiny strip of grip tape there, then splurged on some nice CNC'd Oak Components levers. I'm good now, but hopefully for others the new "speed holes" and carbon levers will have some sort of dimples or texture where the finger rests.
A mate of mine just got some of these for his mavens, seemed pretty happy after the first ride, and cheap.
https://www.lizardskins.com/product-details?h=dsp-lever-grip-platinum-g…
I'd say that's very unlikely. From what I've heard it's been one of Specialized's best selling non-motorized models in 2025 in many markets.
If anything in the current Specialized line-up is likely to be axed, it would be the Epic World Cup and the Enduro.
Seems like possibly 24th this month for wireless DH
If true, Classified could release an XD Slim Powershift hub and we could end up back at 2x6 drivetrains.
Ideally you'd have every second sprocket off a 12 speed cassette and have the classified hub and the derailleur controlled off the same hub to effectively get 12 gears in a narrower package. (The Classified hub gear would cover the big jumps in gears on the cassette and the derailleur would only shift every second gear.)
New E-MTB Bike from Specialized coming on the 24th.
Just got an invitation for launch event on the 28th.
What’s a bet it’s just a light weight Levo 4 build.
New titanium cranks from Atherton on the way, 3d printed, lifetime warranty etc
More travel
These are not so much "on the way" as "available for ordering now." Can't remember if there was a formal announcement but the news broke a few weeks ago or more.
https://www.athertonbikes.com/a-gr-ti-crank.html
Way back on page 26: https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2026-mtb-tech-rumors-and-innovation…
Ah, yes. Was that really only two weeks ago? Feels like longer.
Heard this as well from a very good source…
Curious how it will stack up against the Cascade long shock linkage.
@Amart1500 and @bigbrett , please join me in harassing Raaw to make an XXL downcountry bike in the comments on the Pinkbike article from today. And for everyone else... I'll shut up about XXLs now. But Santa Cruz better be planning an XXL Tallboy!
Ripley SL next Tuesday. teaser on the Ibis insta, you can see the general shape. This should appease all the dad shredders on MTBR who keep telling me the V5 is too much of a trail bike now.
The Ripley SL can carry 2 water bottles in the front triangle. At least in certain sizes.
some other deets: 117mm rear 130mm front travel. storage box. Frame made in California in their solar powered factory.
I saw a raw carbon one the other day, it looks really good IMO…
AXS Hammerschmidt as well.
3x6....
anti-32er WTP Swampmaster video - BMX meets DH (i know the swampmaster isn't new, but it always looks fun)
Does Ripley SL go 32'?
Eric Olsen (aka JankyEric on IG) who rides for ibis posted a video of a Ibis bike in a box with some 32' rims
Perhaps he'll be testing a 32" front wheel (on the Ripley SL, or on another Ibis model). AFAIK the Ripley SL was designed for 29/29.
There is also something from Specialized on the 18th, is that something completely different? Or maybe just an online showing for people not able to attend irl event?
it would be so wild if the new Spesh news was a 32in epic WC frame and fork and rubber and wheel set
but ::::: long Travel LEvo makes way more sense
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