2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

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overbiked
Posts
49
Joined
10/23/2024
Location
Park City, UT US
3/5/2026 10:46am
ebruner wrote:
I'll be leery of billstein stuff until I get a chance to try it.  They are known for pretty digressive damping in automotive applications, which is...

I'll be leery of billstein stuff until I get a chance to try it.  They are known for pretty digressive damping in automotive applications, which is good for performance cars.  Their 8112 and 5100 stuff (I have used both on personal vehicles) still has a very digressive damping curve, and honestly is not great for off road applications compared to a more linear damping setup and/or bypass architectures like king uses (application specific).  

We've seen the same thing from ohlins and ext in their first couple of revisions after transitioning from automotive to mtb applications.  I suspect it will be a bit until the billstein stuff is dialed.  That being said, they do offer great performance at excellent prices in the passenger car market and their off road stuff is slowly improving but is indeed great value.  

The 8112 and 5100 are intentionally digressive like that as it's very beneficial for rock crawling and going slow in general, just like how ICON and ADS do valving. Bilstein's off road race series (9000 numbers) are very similar design wise to a King or Fox like we run in Baja, valve it the way you want and it'll be butter. Based on conversations with Bilstein reps, they'll be extremely intentional with valving and design to suit the customer and application as they are with automotive product. 

2
1
3/5/2026 12:14pm
Kapolczer wrote:
Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires.

Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires. IMG 0028

They were out filming promotional stuff at my local a few weeks ago so assuming they’ll be released pretty soon. 

3
bnsleit
Posts
116
Joined
9/27/2021
Location
Missoula, MT US
3/5/2026 12:33pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2026 12:34pm
Kapolczer wrote:
Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires.

Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires. IMG 0028

They were out filming promotional stuff at my local a few weeks ago so assuming they’ll be released pretty soon. 

Guessing Ropelato was there, any other moto guys? Dunlop is Monster SMX's tire sponsor, and Monster is now the WC DH title sponsor. That + seeing Specialized-hosted A1 group ride they do is kinda funny to watch as a mtb-primary rider (lycra, helmets, questionable travel amounts and riding skills based on the video) but goes to show it would make sense to blend the 2 wheel markets for a launch into the mtb segment

2
jonkranked
Posts
1175
Joined
5/5/2016
Location
Norristown, PA US
3/5/2026 12:33pm

what makes these stand out over eewings (to me at least), is that they are rated for DH use. (worth noting here I own 2 sets of eewings)

1
Eae903
Posts
347
Joined
10/20/2023
Location
Laramie, WY US
3/5/2026 1:24pm
jazza_wil wrote:
Brage instagram, not on a hp with an idler like all the current Norcos?

Brage instagram, not on a hp with an idler like all the current Norcos?IMG 3239

Could that be an old Arum frame? 

2
Eae903
Posts
347
Joined
10/20/2023
Location
Laramie, WY US
3/5/2026 1:28pm
Kapolczer wrote:
Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires.

Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires. IMG 0028

TEAMROBOT wrote:
It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

KENDA Nevegal 26 x 2.5 Drahtreifen | Messingschlager

I mean it was such a good trail tire why wouldn't you want to copy it? It's due for a come back 

2
jones007
Posts
19
Joined
12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA US
3/5/2026 5:57pm
ejj wrote:

I've been riding them for a few seasons.  Pretty great. I treat them like garbage and have not had any problems. 

dolface wrote:
Same here, and I'm a fan, they feel amazing.I had mine laced w/ standard (j-bend) hubs because I was worried about...something? Next set I get I'll...

Same here, and I'm a fan, they feel amazing.

I had mine laced w/ standard (j-bend) hubs because I was worried about...something? Next set I get I'll go w/ hook-flange hubs.

Losifer wrote:
I'm wondering if Berd is going to make their new hook flange hubs available aftermarket. I like that NOBL is using them, anyone know if theirs have...

I'm wondering if Berd is going to make their new hook flange hubs available aftermarket. 

I like that NOBL is using them, anyone know if theirs have "Equal Spoke Length" as a feature? Since NOBL isn't saying anything about it, I'm guessing not.

The hubs are made by Erase - so yes, you can already buy a version of the hubs from Erase, with hook-flange if you want. Possibly not with 24-spoke, and I think the original Erase might have a coarser ratchet. Berd claims a slightly lighter hub, so there might be subtle differences.

1
jones007
Posts
19
Joined
12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA US
3/5/2026 5:59pm
Losifer wrote:
I'm wondering if Berd is going to make their new hook flange hubs available aftermarket. I like that NOBL is using them, anyone know if theirs have...

I'm wondering if Berd is going to make their new hook flange hubs available aftermarket. 

I like that NOBL is using them, anyone know if theirs have "Equal Spoke Length" as a feature? Since NOBL isn't saying anything about it, I'm guessing not.

The Nobl hook flange hubs look to be rebranded Erase Hubs.  Based on this Geometry chart, the flanges don't appear to be the same on both...

The Nobl hook flange hubs look to be rebranded Erase Hubs.  Based on this Geometry chart, the flanges don't appear to be the same on both sides.  https://www.erasecomponents.com/geometrychart

Losifer wrote:
The new Berd Hawk30 Gold is also a rebranded (or maybe licensed?) Erase hub, and uses equal “spoke” lengths.Now that I look at it, there’s a...

The new Berd Hawk30 Gold is also a rebranded (or maybe licensed?) Erase hub, and uses equal “spoke” lengths.

Now that I look at it, there’s a different rim depth f/r on the trail rims, so they are probably using a standard Erase hub body.

Beat me to it. Wink

1
mkfr
Posts
1
Joined
3/5/2026
Location
Innsbruck AT
3/6/2026 12:12am

There was a rumor about new spesh tires with radial casing… someone said they will be presented 3rd of march. Does somebody have any news?

6
3/6/2026 12:09pm

Marin email claims new top secret bike at 24hours of Pueblo: downcountry or xc chassis? Flex stay? 

3
3/6/2026 12:11pm
Kapolczer wrote:
Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires.

Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires. IMG 0028

TEAMROBOT wrote:
It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

KENDA Nevegal 26 x 2.5 Drahtreifen | Messingschlager

Eae903 wrote:

I mean it was such a good trail tire why wouldn't you want to copy it? It's due for a come back 

Sometimes I get nevegal vibes riding Assegai. Call me crazy, I still buy DHF’s …. 

5
peecee
Posts
425
Joined
5/12/2013
Location
Brisbane AU
3/6/2026 3:05pm
Kapolczer wrote:
Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires.

Don’t think I’ve seen this here yet, but looks like Dunlop is making some MTB tires. IMG 0028

TEAMROBOT wrote:
It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

It's crazy how much that tread pattern reminds me of a Kenda Nevegal.

KENDA Nevegal 26 x 2.5 Drahtreifen | Messingschlager

Whats old is new again! What isn't the MTB industry rehashing from 25+ years ago ? 

2
ntm95
Posts
100
Joined
12/25/2024
Location
Lloydminster, AB CA
3/6/2026 4:40pm
ebruner wrote:
I'll be leery of billstein stuff until I get a chance to try it.  They are known for pretty digressive damping in automotive applications, which is...

I'll be leery of billstein stuff until I get a chance to try it.  They are known for pretty digressive damping in automotive applications, which is good for performance cars.  Their 8112 and 5100 stuff (I have used both on personal vehicles) still has a very digressive damping curve, and honestly is not great for off road applications compared to a more linear damping setup and/or bypass architectures like king uses (application specific).  

We've seen the same thing from ohlins and ext in their first couple of revisions after transitioning from automotive to mtb applications.  I suspect it will be a bit until the billstein stuff is dialed.  That being said, they do offer great performance at excellent prices in the passenger car market and their off road stuff is slowly improving but is indeed great value.  

Can't imagine much transfers over for tech anyways. Certainly nothing does with fox.

I remember trying some 3.0 coilovers from icon on my truck back in the day, digressive damping sucked then, I'm sure it still does.

1
3/6/2026 9:51pm
IMG 1122.png?VersionId=mqki5YxnXG3E5psulWvEHINy7fEGt

Marin email claims new top secret bike at 24hours of Pueblo: downcountry or xc chassis? Flex stay? 

Plot twist…32‘

1
1
krabo83
Posts
713
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
AT
3/7/2026 1:21am

could nike be aiming for a comeback in MTB with their new push of their ACG brand?

IMG 4181
8
3/7/2026 3:29am Edited Date/Time 3/7/2026 3:30am

Been discussed here before, I think, but the coil shock on the Gamux bike is visible here. Manitou got anything to chim in on this?

IMG 7852 1

8
SilentG
Posts
38
Joined
8/5/2019
Location
Prescott, AZ US
3/7/2026 5:23am Edited Date/Time 3/7/2026 5:24am
Been discussed here before, I think, but the coil shock on the Gamux bike is visible here. Manitou got anything to chim in on this?

Been discussed here before, I think, but the coil shock on the Gamux bike is visible here. Manitou got anything to chim in on this?

IMG 7852 1

I'm not saying that isn't a Manitou coil shock but the spring retention piece is very similar/same as a Vorsprung Telum:

image 611.png?VersionId=A.v34clHDkTzZw ZTWw8QsmSfa

I'm fortunate enough to have a Telum and walked out to my garage to verify the shape as my first impression seeing the photo of that shock was 'that looks familiar'.

You could say I was...bites knuckle...shocked.

Not sure why Manitou hasn't made a coil shock in ages though so intrigued if it is a Manitou for sure.

23
3/7/2026 9:26pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2026 9:28pm
1llumA wrote:
Canfield jumped the gun of their own release by posting the V3 Lithium in the product section of vital ?https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/frames/canfield/lithium-v3-74006

Canfield jumped the gun of their own release by posting the V3 Lithium in the product section of vital ?

https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/frames/canfield/lithium-v3-74006

Capture d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran 2026-03-03 070113.png?VersionId=8E4EzDnGzAECwi9VC8

I have been very intrigued by their frames for awhile now but still can’t quite bite. If only I could get one with better bottle placement. Also feel free to downvote, but I would feel inclined to remove what I view to be their cringey headtube badge too. Classic it may be, but I still can’t take it seriously

6
3/7/2026 9:31pm
Been discussed here before, I think, but the coil shock on the Gamux bike is visible here. Manitou got anything to chim in on this?

Been discussed here before, I think, but the coil shock on the Gamux bike is visible here. Manitou got anything to chim in on this?

IMG 7852 1

As a former teenage manitou fanboi, I keep hoping that I will see their stuff on more team bikes. It’s been great seeing Aeon running their stuff either way

5
3/7/2026 9:48pm Edited Date/Time 3/7/2026 9:49pm
jazza_wil wrote:
Brage instagram, not on a hp with an idler like all the current Norcos?

Brage instagram, not on a hp with an idler like all the current Norcos?IMG 3239

I know the idea was floated before, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the new frame was a brage signature frame. Given the dude’s love for Bmx and skateboarding, where signature parts are part of the deal, and the cultural cachet that he enjoys, this seems like a genuine possibility. 

Bringing the bmx and skateboard element back in, he said specifically that he wanted the frame to be something more affordable. Much the way bmx and skateboarding appeals to a wider, more diverse audience due to a lower price of entry. Regardless of whether its signature or not, I think it’s quite likely to see the frame under a bmxer two when it debuts, much the same way as spesh tried with its status bikes. I see brage frequently having back and forths with pros in bmx and mountain bikes are enjoying acceptance there like never before, under the likes of enarson and others and five ten now even beginning to sponsor bmxers

4
ShapeThings
Posts
115
Joined
8/19/2018
Location
Oakland, CA US
3/7/2026 11:58pm
krabo83 wrote:
could nike be aiming for a comeback in MTB with their new push of their ACG brand?

could nike be aiming for a comeback in MTB with their new push of their ACG brand?

IMG 4181

Here is the clip

Definitely looks like they’re gonna make a go of it. 

2
3/8/2026 1:04am
krabo83 wrote:
could nike be aiming for a comeback in MTB with their new push of their ACG brand?

could nike be aiming for a comeback in MTB with their new push of their ACG brand?

IMG 4181

Pretty cool, hope it’s better thought through than 6.0 was. I loved the 6.0 stuff but it wasn’t mtb specific or at least not enough…

2
krabo83
Posts
713
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
AT
3/8/2026 3:34am
DorianKane wrote:

Pretty cool, hope it’s better thought through than 6.0 was. I loved the 6.0 stuff but it wasn’t mtb specific or at least not enough…

i was a big fan of their nike snowboarding (nike sb) stuff, still have a boot. too bad they suddenly pulled the plug years ago.

1
storm.racing
Posts
285
Joined
2/15/2022
Location
Silverton, CO US
3/8/2026 9:13am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 9:15am

so I have noticed that every single racer on a new Frameworks is using the new frame but the older style machined upper links instead of the one that comes on the new bike. I am curious whyIMG 9424

7
f.i.t.nj
Posts
42
Joined
3/7/2020
Location
Englishtown, NJ US
3/8/2026 10:01am
so I have noticed that every single racer on a new Frameworks is using the new frame but the older style machined upper links instead of...

so I have noticed that every single racer on a new Frameworks is using the new frame but the older style machined upper links instead of the one that comes on the new bike. I am curious whyIMG 9424

custom/leverage/kinematic for each rider. Or just testing to see which combo of link w/shock tune they like best

3
3/8/2026 10:40am

Could be as simple as the new upper links haven't been acquired yet from Taiwan?

3
1
Uncle Cliffy
Posts
368
Joined
3/11/2010
Location
Medford, OR US
3/8/2026 10:45am

Could be as simple as the new upper links haven't been acquired yet from Taiwan?

image 27
9
jma853
Posts
31
Joined
10/23/2022
Location
Kabul AF
3/8/2026 11:26am
f.i.t.nj wrote:

custom/leverage/kinematic for each rider. Or just testing to see which combo of link w/shock tune they like best

cant say for sure, but fwiw, on the website the photos that were (probably) taken earlier use the OG link, but the newer photos with AG use the new link

1
3/8/2026 4:47pm

Save the new links to get customer bikes out the door? 

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1

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