2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

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ballz
Posts
464
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
4/7/2026 9:45am Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 9:54am
wh11 wrote:

Here's all the updated SRAM Eagle stuff. Big day for components...

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/series/eagle-drivetrain

If the XX1 chains go away, this is super bad news. I assume S200 will be at the shitty GX level, if that.

Edit: looks like there is still the S500 chain that replaces the old XX1. The S200 chain is crap, as is SRAM's replacement matrix.

8
seanfisseli
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559
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4/16/2024
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
4/7/2026 10:25am

i am personally feeling like sram is making some serious strategic errors. shimano was against the ropes but they have some really awesome offerings in the the low and mid tier mechanical gruppos. maybe sram doesn't want to play in the mud but a LOT of riders just want solid mid-tier components that work

for people better in the know: where are the the two brands at for high end wireless?

9
Primoz
Posts
4519
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
4/7/2026 10:26am

S500 is chrome plated, as X01 and XX1 are (were), but is solid pin, so a bit heavier.

What can I say, load up on X01 shifters? Looks like they are going the way of the dodo...

5
4/7/2026 10:32am
Loche wrote:
Well this is interesting!However, seems like SRAM does not offer any multi-click (rapidfire) mechanical shifters (non-Transmission) anymore...

Well this is interesting!

However, seems like SRAM does not offer any multi-click (rapidfire) mechanical shifters (non-Transmission) anymore...

image 662

Isn't this what specialized did 20 years ago 

5
1
Kusa
Posts
274
Joined
6/25/2010
Location
CH
4/7/2026 11:11am
Cannondale Bad Habit is live! - 155mm of rear wheel travel // 160mm fork- Mixed wheels only- Full carbon frame- Proportional Response size-specific kinematics & geometry-...

Cannondale Bad Habit is live

C26 Bad Habit Spain 0278-2

- 155mm of rear wheel travel // 160mm fork
- Mixed wheels only
- Full carbon frame
- Proportional Response size-specific kinematics & geometry
- Coil or air compatible
- StashPort frame storage
- 64° head tube angle
- Compatible with a 170mm single crown and 180mm dual-crown forks 
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: ~ 15.6 kg / 34.4l b
- MSRP: Bad Habit 1 - $7,999 USD // Bad Habit 2 - $5,999 USD // Bad Habit Frameset - $3,499 USD

I just had a test bike show up yesterday. Haven't even built it yet. Let me know if there are any specific things you want covered or answered about the bike in the upcoming review. 🤙

The geo in L looks kinda on the small size but what caught my attention is stack at 648mm which is pretty high compared to the rest of usual measurements (1256 wheelbase, 435 chain stay). Would be interesting to hear how that played out for riding.

3
smelly
Posts
214
Joined
3/7/2016
Location
Colorado Springs, CO US
4/7/2026 11:21am
wh11 wrote:
New Transition e-bike builds with all the new stuff, including the new DT Swiss 1700 wheels.https://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes/RegulatorSX?srsltid=AfmBOooDjeQ-2Ld3xC65X3AZAPsKmkFdPi6GwSG9rb8wnbbeBuPhyxm1

New Transition e-bike builds with all the new stuff, including the new DT Swiss 1700 wheels.

Regulator SX

https://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes/RegulatorSX?srsltid=AfmBOooDjeQ-2…

Looking at the website a “400wh motor powers big rides”

Man, I got a different definition of big ride than Transition. 

10
jones007
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SEASIDE, CA US
4/7/2026 11:31am Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 1:19pm

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.

Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

13
8
Evil96
Posts
802
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8/21/2014
Location
Portogruaro, VE IT
4/7/2026 12:01pm
jones007 wrote:
Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm...

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.

Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

Ha, good luck

3
3
ebruner
Posts
339
Joined
3/29/2018
Location
Tustin, CA US
4/7/2026 1:21pm

I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup.  On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as exciting to me as new product is in certain ways.  On the other, X01 eagle was probably the best all around drivetrain as a package over any other I've ever used.  Each component of that drivetrain was stellar; cassette, chain, derailleur and shifter.  That being said, while I still have a bike in the garage with that setup... I wouldn't be selecting it as a new build.  I guess in that case, it makes sense that they would simplify and revamp it so that it is targeted as legacy, but also a more cost effective, robust ebike durable option.  

RIP quality eagle shifters and chains.  Long live 3 bolt cranks and chainrings (yay).  More and hopefully cost effective shorter crank options for all.  Also, I'm too lazy to look this up, but I assume that the new s200 and s500 are using an updated clutch, at least that's what the marketing materials seem to suggest?

Lastly... got to give it to SRAM, they are the kings of looking at what aftermarket companies are doing with their products and shamelessly incorporating it into their product line.  In this case, the madrone udh stiffener, vorsprung products being integrated for what, the 4th or 5th time? (corset, luftkappe, secus, etc).  

16
4/7/2026 1:32pm

Am I the only one thinking why SRAM bothered with this release at all?

It's only for old frames that don't have a UDH, if you do have a UDH you can use a T-Type mechanical. 

Why bother release a new AXS non T-Type derailleur? Seems like a huge waste of time no? Just continue making the old one until you retire the platform completely. 

3
3
Digit Bikes
Posts
180
Joined
9/22/2021
Location
Irvine, CA US
4/7/2026 2:09pm
jones007 wrote:
Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm...

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.

Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

The S500 stuff seems quite similar, except for being $10 cheaper: sram.com/en/sram/models/cn-eagl-s500-a1

1
FullSendy
Posts
5
Joined
4/3/2026
Location
High St, IL US
4/7/2026 2:15pm
Am I the only one thinking why SRAM bothered with this release at all?It's only for old frames that don't have a UDH, if you do...

Am I the only one thinking why SRAM bothered with this release at all?

It's only for old frames that don't have a UDH, if you do have a UDH you can use a T-Type mechanical. 

Why bother release a new AXS non T-Type derailleur? Seems like a huge waste of time no? Just continue making the old one until you retire the platform completely. 

It looks like the old GX AXS. Maybe a few tweaks, but it really doesn't seem like a lot of this is new (save shifters to get the style of 70/90). The simplifying legacy stuff does make sense, though. But, I also agree that it is sad they won't make nicer shifters than 90 for S200 for mechanical. 

1
Eae903
Posts
346
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10/20/2023
Location
Laramie, WY US
4/7/2026 2:29pm
ebruner wrote:
I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup.  On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as...

I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup.  On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as exciting to me as new product is in certain ways.  On the other, X01 eagle was probably the best all around drivetrain as a package over any other I've ever used.  Each component of that drivetrain was stellar; cassette, chain, derailleur and shifter.  That being said, while I still have a bike in the garage with that setup... I wouldn't be selecting it as a new build.  I guess in that case, it makes sense that they would simplify and revamp it so that it is targeted as legacy, but also a more cost effective, robust ebike durable option.  

RIP quality eagle shifters and chains.  Long live 3 bolt cranks and chainrings (yay).  More and hopefully cost effective shorter crank options for all.  Also, I'm too lazy to look this up, but I assume that the new s200 and s500 are using an updated clutch, at least that's what the marketing materials seem to suggest?

Lastly... got to give it to SRAM, they are the kings of looking at what aftermarket companies are doing with their products and shamelessly incorporating it into their product line.  In this case, the madrone udh stiffener, vorsprung products being integrated for what, the 4th or 5th time? (corset, luftkappe, secus, etc).  

The sheer amount of slop that the SX and NX derailleurs had was insane. Glad Eagle 70 doesn't has that, but maybe it'll develope like it did in the GX derailleurs. 

1
jones007
Posts
19
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12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA US
4/7/2026 2:42pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 2:46pm
Am I the only one thinking why SRAM bothered with this release at all?It's only for old frames that don't have a UDH, if you do...

Am I the only one thinking why SRAM bothered with this release at all?

It's only for old frames that don't have a UDH, if you do have a UDH you can use a T-Type mechanical. 

Why bother release a new AXS non T-Type derailleur? Seems like a huge waste of time no? Just continue making the old one until you retire the platform completely. 

I'm not a fan of the size and weight of the T-Type mechanical offerings. I fall pretty deep into the weight-weenie category though, so perhaps a minority here. They just seem so unnecessarily massive. I would have been totally fine if they just kept making the same old X01 and XX1 gear. 

9
jones007
Posts
19
Joined
12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA US
4/7/2026 2:44pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 2:46pm
jones007 wrote:
Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm...

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano.

Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

The S500 stuff seems quite similar, except for being $10 cheaper: sram.com/en/sram/models/cn-eagl-s500-a1

The prices do look reasonable, but I generally opt for the higher end gear, and that seems to be missing now. To be fair, they don't list component weights, so perhaps they're not too far off older X01, but shy of XX1.

2
sspomer
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6030
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6/26/2009
Location
Boise, ID US
4/7/2026 2:58pm

reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

Screen Shot 2026-04-07 at 4.03.06 PM
17
ebruner
Posts
339
Joined
3/29/2018
Location
Tustin, CA US
4/7/2026 3:04pm
sspomer wrote:
reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

Screen Shot 2026-04-07 at 4.03.06 PM

Endless mountain bike tinkering and development... and we're still neck deep in the old freelap stopwatch that looks like it came right off my wrist in middle school circa 93'.  Paired with a jansport backpack, flannel shirt, jorts and white athletic socks and.... OH MY GOD I'M SO OLD, WHAT HAPPENED TO ME.  

7
dolface
Posts
1656
Joined
10/26/2015
Location
CA US
4/7/2026 3:11pm
sspomer wrote:
reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

Screen Shot 2026-04-07 at 4.03.06 PM

Guessing this is the bleed port? image 654

3
Carraig042
Posts
69
Joined
3/4/2013
Location
Jonesborough, TN US
4/7/2026 4:23pm
sspomer wrote:
reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

reece wilson POV that just went up. cockpit screengrab below (and i'm not interested about how to setup X brand brake based on this)

Screen Shot 2026-04-07 at 4.03.06 PM
dolface wrote:
Guessing this is the bleed port?

Guessing this is the bleed port? image 654

What else is running along the brake like that is capped off?

8
ballz
Posts
464
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
4/7/2026 5:17pm
ebruner wrote:
I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup.  On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as...

I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup.  On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as exciting to me as new product is in certain ways.  On the other, X01 eagle was probably the best all around drivetrain as a package over any other I've ever used.  Each component of that drivetrain was stellar; cassette, chain, derailleur and shifter.  That being said, while I still have a bike in the garage with that setup... I wouldn't be selecting it as a new build.  I guess in that case, it makes sense that they would simplify and revamp it so that it is targeted as legacy, but also a more cost effective, robust ebike durable option.  

RIP quality eagle shifters and chains.  Long live 3 bolt cranks and chainrings (yay).  More and hopefully cost effective shorter crank options for all.  Also, I'm too lazy to look this up, but I assume that the new s200 and s500 are using an updated clutch, at least that's what the marketing materials seem to suggest?

Lastly... got to give it to SRAM, they are the kings of looking at what aftermarket companies are doing with their products and shamelessly incorporating it into their product line.  In this case, the madrone udh stiffener, vorsprung products being integrated for what, the 4th or 5th time? (corset, luftkappe, secus, etc).  

Madrone Jab has just become the only high-end mechanical Eagle RD option. As noted by Primoz, the S500 chain is a downgrade from XX1 so time to stock up on those.

6
AgrAde
Posts
196
Joined
5/21/2015
Location
AL US
4/7/2026 5:27pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 5:28pm
Carraig042 wrote:

What else is running along the brake like that is capped off?

Charging wire/port for the shifting mechanism of the gearbox I believe.

9
piratetrails
Posts
281
Joined
8/28/2021
Location
Arcadia, VA US
4/7/2026 7:40pm
Nice to see the Lyrik doing 170 again! I still have an older model with air shafts from 130 to 180, it never says no to...

Nice to see the Lyrik doing 170 again! I still have an older model with air shafts from 130 to 180, it never says no to a party

It's wild that my 2018 Lyrik RC2 has been on 6 different bikes and every travel config between 150-180. Still going strong 8 years later with no creaks in the CSU. Best fork of all time. (yes it's red)

15
Outlawed
Posts
55
Joined
3/29/2023
Location
Vancouver Island, BC CA
4/7/2026 9:25pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 9:34pm
wh11 wrote:

Here's all the updated SRAM Eagle stuff. Big day for components...

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/series/eagle-drivetrain

Loche wrote:
Well this is interesting!However, seems like SRAM does not offer any multi-click (rapidfire) mechanical shifters (non-Transmission) anymore...

Well this is interesting!

However, seems like SRAM does not offer any multi-click (rapidfire) mechanical shifters (non-Transmission) anymore...

image 662

oh jeez that unlocks a core memory, I am pretty sure I have a couple of NSB hanger bangers floating around in my toolbox.

3
sethimus
Posts
870
Joined
9/20/2014
Location
CH
4/7/2026 10:25pm
AgrAde wrote:

Charging wire/port for the shifting mechanism of the gearbox I believe.

thats wireless

12
4/7/2026 11:32pm
Nice to see the Lyrik doing 170 again! I still have an older model with air shafts from 130 to 180, it never says no to...

Nice to see the Lyrik doing 170 again! I still have an older model with air shafts from 130 to 180, it never says no to a party

It's wild that my 2018 Lyrik RC2 has been on 6 different bikes and every travel config between 150-180. Still going strong 8 years later with...

It's wild that my 2018 Lyrik RC2 has been on 6 different bikes and every travel config between 150-180. Still going strong 8 years later with no creaks in the CSU. Best fork of all time. (yes it's red)

Exactly! And it's sub 2kg even 😍

2
4/8/2026 12:14am
Looks like legacy eagle is getting an updateS100/S200/S500

Looks like legacy eagle is getting an update

S100/S200/S500

image 658.png?VersionId=KuPNM40xG.AfATOimj1NSP9C5pqOimage 659image 660

Does anybody know how we can compare that to GX derailleurs? 

S100 = NX ?

S200 = GX ?

S500 = GX AXS ?

1
bikelurker
Posts
172
Joined
3/23/2023
Location
Bilbao, Vizcaya ES
4/8/2026 12:23am

S500 and S200 "new" S-line cassettes are listed as available with the old and the new gear jumps in the big sprockets, maybe thats a typo? 

10-50t:10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,36,42,50, 

10-52t:10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,36,42,52,

10-52t:10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,38,44,52

1
Karabuka
Posts
432
Joined
12/1/2011
Location
SI
4/8/2026 12:24am
i am personally feeling like sram is making some serious strategic errors. shimano was against the ropes but they have some really awesome offerings in the...

i am personally feeling like sram is making some serious strategic errors. shimano was against the ropes but they have some really awesome offerings in the the low and mid tier mechanical gruppos. maybe sram doesn't want to play in the mud but a LOT of riders just want solid mid-tier components that work

for people better in the know: where are the the two brands at for high end wireless?

Modern Bussiness lecture: Just do nothing and wait for the competition to do everything wrong. Exactly the game where Shimano would excel Smile  

10
Evil96
Posts
802
Joined
8/21/2014
Location
Portogruaro, VE IT
4/8/2026 12:36am

Does anybody know how we can compare that to GX derailleurs? 

S100 = NX ?

S200 = GX ?

S500 = GX AXS ?

S500 is gx upper and x01 cage apparently, dumb choice imo, at least they could've moved the nicer X01/xx1 bolt mount, i guess it's to sell those UDH stiffeners like Madrone, wild copy paste 

1
4/8/2026 2:31am
dolface wrote:
Guessing this is the bleed port?

Guessing this is the bleed port? image 654

The thing shrink wrapped to the brake hose is the big story in that pic.

2

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