2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

As a prototype it might be mirrored and the hex bolt heads are just on the other side

Did you ever consider the possibility they’re machined with a hex to facilitate removal after the bolt inside them is removed? 

But why have the internal bolt then? What is the function of it? 

Closing a grease port? 

This. The energy dissipated is the same, the time doing it is different. 

If you have more flex (or more crumple zone), the distance of deceleration is longer. If the starting speed and end speed of this deceleration are the same, the average (and usually peak) deceleration are lower if the duration is longer. 

That's what gets you on the force front. Peak acceleration. F=m*a. 

It's been all but fully revealed by the sleuths already, but here's the officially official word on the new Nomad: https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/2027-santa-cruz-nomad-here.

I know I'm a bit late to the Shimano pedal party, but I'd like to congratulate them for out Xpedo'ing Xpedo.

I feel like most saint platform pedals since the OG PX80's have fallen a little.... flat?

You can still get the PX80's, although a cheaper finish and likely a bearing quality downgrade, from Shimano in the GR500's. I feel like they've been chancing the popularity of these pedals since they dropped them.

Make elevated chainstays great again

No C layup. No cable derailleur denial. 

David , maybe because you are just posting pics with little to no context? 

New Nomad confirmed not dual crown compatible with the same blurb from the last version: "No. The Nomad frame is super strong but it is not designed for the side impact loads that dual crown forks place on the frame during a crash. Stick with single crown forks exclusively."

My wallet rejoices.

Energy is only dissipated if you permanently deform something. Otherwise it’s just temporarily stored. (Think about how springs would make a terrible crumple zone)

If you apply a given force (not acceleration) at the axle, the forces at the headset bearings are the same if you have a single or dual crown fork.

Think about a spring as an example. If you have a stiff spring and a soft spring and you apply 10lbf on one end. The softer spring will deflect more but both springs are going to have a 10lbf reaction on the opposite end.

I’m happy to continue this but we’d need to find a different thread.

Different thread! I can't find that imgur gif, but for those who know, dual crowns flex fore-aft a lot more than you think.  99% of the issue is from concerns over crashing.

434mm 👍

This is exactly why suspension on bikes doesn’t work! Springs don’t dissipate energy they just transfer it to the other side! /s

e*thirteen with sidekick 2.0 hubs. video at bottom explains it all.

e*thirteen introduces Sidekick 2.0 hubs, delivering a lighter, faster, and more accessible "chainless" suspension experience with no pedal kickback for all levels and disciplines of MTB and eMTB. It features a 9º fast engagement setting, up to 38% weight savings, near-zero coasting drag, and a 10-year warranty.

KEY FEATURES
- Evolution of "Chainless" Performance: Uses a patented, pusher-activated ratchet that fully decouples the drivetrain and suspension during coasting, allowing the rear wheel to track the ground in the suspension's "sweet spot."
- Faster Engagement Option: New 9° engagement setting for trail riding and e-bikes where quicker feel is preferred.
- Tool-Free Deadband Adjustment: 9°, 13°, and 18° settings can be adjusted trailside to tune suspension isolation.
- Magnetic Pawl System: Replaces traditional wire springs with a durable magnetic retraction system.
- Reduced Friction: 30% less friction and coasting drag compared to the original Sidekick.
- Durability: Pro-tier hubs feature upgraded bearings and nickel-plated pawls.

PRODUCT MODELS

1. Sidekick
  - MSRP: $249.95
  - Engagement: 9/13/18 Degrees
  - Specs: J-Bend 148mm (300g); XD, MS, or HG Driver
  - Anti-kickback performance for any full-suspension rider.

2. Sidekick Pro
  - MSRP: $349.95
  - Engagement: 9/13/18 Degrees
  - Specs: J-Bend 148mm (300g) or Straight Pull 148mm (275g); XD, MS, or HG Driver
  - Pro-level performance and finishing.

3. Sidekick GR
  - MSRP: $399.95
  - Engagement: 12/15/18 Degrees
  - Specs: J-Bend 148mm (424g); XD, MS, or HG Driver
  - Heavy Enduro, DH, and E-MTBs (reinforced shell, steel axle).

WARRANTY & AVAILABILITY
- Warranty: 10-year warranty with a lifetime guarantee on bearings (free bearings for the original owner).
- Service: Fully rebuildable and designed for easy home service.
- Availability: April 14th, 2026.

FOX Float X2 Live Valve Neo is here with all the deets below

FOX Float X2 Live Valve Neo - Own Gravity - Own Traction
FOX Factory is proud to introduce the most advanced gravity shock on the market - the Float X2 Live Valve Neo

FOX Factory is redefining gravity suspension once again with the introduction of the FLOAT X2 Live Valve Neo—a groundbreaking combination of the most advanced air shock in mountain biking and the fastest electronic MTB suspension system ever developed.

Bringing together the unmatched tunability and performance of FLOAT X2 with the real-time responsiveness of Live Valve Neo, this new platform delivers a level of traction, control, and speed that has never before been possible.

The Perfect Setting—In Every Moment

Trail conditions change constantly. Rider inputs change instantly. The FLOAT X2 Live Valve Neo adapts just as fast. At the core of the system is Live Valve Neo, which reads terrain and rider inputs 400 times per second, automatically opening or firming the shock’s compression circuit in as little as 1/70th of a second. The result is suspension that is:

- Firm when efficiency matters 
- Plush when traction is critical  
- Optimized at every moment on the trail

Unlike other electronic systems, Live Valve Neo is fast enough to confidently default to a firmer setting—without interrupting ride feel. This ability has already proven itself at the highest levels of racing, helping professional gravity athletes achieve winning performances.

The Definitive Gravity Shock—Now Faster

The FLOAT X2 has long been recognized as the definitive gravity air shock—delivering exceptional sensitivity, support, and adjustability for Enduro and Downhill racing.  With Live Valve Neo integration, that performance is elevated even further.
Monotube construction increases durability and enables pressure balancing, improving damping response and consistency under the highest loads.

Live Suspension Gives You More

Live Valve Neo doesn’t replace rider preference—it enhances it.  A 7-position Firm Mode adjust dial allows riders to fine-tune how supportive the shock feels when firmed, while The Low Speed Compression and High Speed/Low Speed Rebound dials let riders dial in their ideal descending performance. Our FOX Bike App provides the opportunity to further adapt Live Valve Neo to your ride style - with preset tunes or customization through our Precision Mode adjustments.

The combination of pressure-balanced damping, 4-way adjustability, and ultra-fast electronic control creates a system that keeps tires glued to the ground while maintaining chassis stability at speed. The ride sensation is often compared to a trophy truck—where the bike remains composed while the suspension absorbs the terrain beneath it.

For gravity riders, that translates directly into:

- Increased traction
-Reduced fatigue
- Greater confidence at speed

Own the Moment

The FLOAT X2 Live Valve Neo represents a new benchmark in suspension performance—where cutting-edge mechanical engineering meets real-time electronic intelligence. Because in gravity, speed comes from control—and control comes from traction. 

FOX FLOAT X2 Neo Product Pages
USA: https://ridefox.com/pages/fox-float-x2-live-valve-neo-learn-more

CAN: https://ca.ridefox.com/pages/fox-float-x2-live-valve-neo-learn-more

AUS: https://au.ridefox.com/pages/fox-float-x2-live-valve-neo-learn-more

Float X2 Neo Highlights
- F-S and P-SE Neo Wireless
- CAN bus version custom for ORBEA
- Trunnion and standard eyelet options
- Wide range of sizes
- 3-way adjustable – high and low speed rebound, low speed compression
- Tool-free rebound and compression adjusters
- 750g (210x55)
- Uses same battery as all other Neo products
- Pressure Balanced Monotube architecture for GRIP X2 fork damper-level performance in a rear shock
- Larger 1/2” diameter shaft for increased strength and durability
- 1cc increment air volume adjustments for ultra-pre- cise spring rate tuning (Max 350psi)
- Updated Variable Valve Control (VVC) on high-speed rebound
- Parallel reservoir orientation available for frame clearance (select sizes)
- 7-click Firm mode adjust, 11-click Low-Speed com pression (same as LV Neo Float X/DHX)

Sizes and Pricing

specialized radials are live - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/specialized-goes-radial-new…

Clash V3 now with UDH 

https://www.commencal.com/en/search?cgid=bike-bikes-enduro-clashv3

I have to admit, the new Sidekick hub has me really interested.  Looks like they made a lot of tangible improvements.  I wish they had included a sound clip of the hub coasting. Onyx hubs have spoiled me over the years. 

Pour one out for the new Bosch-based Ibis Oso...

They missed the DJI train but amongst that and a normal rear triangle, the lede was buried a bit: there's different links so you can change the travel in addition to modular dropouts if 435mm chainstays aren't your fancy

I'm honestly little shook that the stay members are physically that long but chainstay measurement is an absolutely tucked 434mm across all sizes.

Avinox is over-hyped. This new Oso is just about ideal as a non-ebike owner. It seems to be very thoughtfully designed.  My only hangup is the price ($2k more than the old one). I still hope they do an SL version.

Also, I think the modular dropouts bode well for the next HD6. I heard a rumor that will be dual 29. Or will it be the HD7? 6... 7? hmm.

We are Oso close to getting a full 29 HD6/HD7...

I’ve had a similar conversation with them about a Megatower 2 Frame, they don’t state anywhere it’s not compatible, and their concern is not about the flex put through the frame, only the potential impact forces. But impact forces can happen regardless of what fork you have if you’re unlucky and hit a tree or rocks etc and stated unofficially that if something were to happen it would be wise to not have a dual crown installed when submitting warranty claims etc .. 

Personally I don’t think it’s cool when brands post their own stuff here if it’s not being discussed directly. The Cascade guy is great because he weighs in on the conversation but just dropping your stuff here when nobody is talking about it comes across as a bit of a lazy marketing strategy. Post it on instagram and if people think it’s interesting it’ll get picked up.

That being said it’s an awesome looking prototype!

I believe it's an updated katipo but will be under a new name. Updated geo (fairly middle of the road), mullet compatible flip chip etc.

Forbidden teasing another ebike for this Thursday, most likely Dread-E

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXHccXzioUn/?igsh=a3l5aTh6YnV1c2lx

Static and dynamic climbing rope also comes to mind. Hanging on the two ropes, loads are the same, as a freebody diagram would suggest. A 40' whiper on a dynamic rope is survivable, maybe even fun. 40' whiper on a static rope is a potentially life ending event, both for you and the rope. Something to be said for slowing down the acceleration over a bit of time.

I'm holding out for 3D printed Ti