Bronson and the BMB are awesome. His willingness to come in from a completely different direction and follow through with a project like that in todays world is way cool. I am excited to see how Reece does with the implementation of these ideas at the highest level of DH racing. The Mule is a wild looking bike! This type of thing takes me back to the mid 90's when Tattoo Lou Deangelis showed up with a DH bike that had a KX60 front fork, hub, and disk brake on a custom made DH frame. This was before the Boxxer came along and changed everything. I don't remember how much the bike weighed, but it was almost certainly more than 50 pounds and the tracks back then often had a lot of pedaling in them. Anything and everything was being tried out.
Specialized Production DemoHiding in plain sight was presumably the production version of the new Demo. It was placed directly next to a prototype frame, and while...
Specialized Production Demo
Hiding in plain sight was presumably the production version of the new Demo. It was placed directly next to a prototype frame, and while no specific details were provided, it can be assumed that the bike will be going to market very soon.
Some things that stood out from staring at the bike for 5 minutes:
Head tube fits different cups, likely to change head angle and/or reach
There is a flip chip in the lower shock mount, and the forward-most pivot
The bottom of the bike is going to be left completely open like the bike that was on display. I thought maybe it was a cutaway to show the linkage, but I confirmed that was not the case.
MRP bash guard integration is nice and tidy
Chain stay and rocker link both have a bridge, which was something we saw the team test with/without over the years
75mm stroke shock
Mixed wheels, and no sign of a flip chip in the Horst link to accommodate dual 29”
The bike looks 1000% intended for racing, and is an absolute beaut
We're you able to get a good look at the linkage? It kind of looks like the chainstay is connected to that rocker, instead of a pull link that was on the proto. Is that the case? And is the crank spindle just exposed in there?
Hii. This is great! I don't know how you guys were everywhere at once!
Don't want to step on anyones toes or steal anyones thunder but it seems like the coverage is starting to slow down so I thought I would jump in. Here's a couple things I cool things I saw this year that I haven't seen covered.
Unreleased Wolf Tooth Hubs
It does seem to use a ratchet system, doesn't appear to have any drivetrain feedback mitigation system, will be available in straight pull or j bend and offered in the common gravel and mtb standards. And in true Wolf Tooth fashion available in every color under the sun.
Frameworks 32-Inch TestingNeko Mulally is racing a Frameworks with a 32" front wheel and 29" rear wheel for Sea Otter downhill. He says he's been riding...
Frameworks 32-Inch Testing
Neko Mulally is racing a Frameworks with a 32" front wheel and 29" rear wheel for Sea Otter downhill. He says he's been riding a bit back at home and had to purchase the front tire online (1 of 2 that he could find). He's surprised by the traction but did indicate that if it broke free, it broke free without warning. He was able to cram in a 29" rear wheel despite the rear triangle being made for 27.5. His philosophy is that it's worth the experiment to figure out if there's something more to pursue and he'll let the results speak before judgment. Sea Otter's DH track is a good place to test the idea, and he hinted that there may be more to come in the future, too.
Is the guy in the background having the same reaction as you?
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.Maybe an advantage at...
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.
Maybe an advantage at that flow trail, but the real test needs to be done on a real downhill track where it’s not only about rolling speed
It's 140mm I was told. Custom made air spring from Fox.
Frameworks 32-Inch TestingNeko Mulally is racing a Frameworks with a 32" front wheel and 29" rear wheel for Sea Otter downhill. He says he's been riding...
Frameworks 32-Inch Testing
Neko Mulally is racing a Frameworks with a 32" front wheel and 29" rear wheel for Sea Otter downhill. He says he's been riding a bit back at home and had to purchase the front tire online (1 of 2 that he could find). He's surprised by the traction but did indicate that if it broke free, it broke free without warning. He was able to cram in a 29" rear wheel despite the rear triangle being made for 27.5. His philosophy is that it's worth the experiment to figure out if there's something more to pursue and he'll let the results speak before judgment. Sea Otter's DH track is a good place to test the idea, and he hinted that there may be more to come in the future, too.
Is the guy in the background having the same reaction as you?
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.Maybe an advantage at...
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.
Maybe an advantage at that flow trail, but the real test needs to be done on a real downhill track where it’s not only about rolling speed
It's 140mm I was told. Custom made air spring from Fox.
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown height of a 140mm fork. He's most likely done this to keep the bb height and head angle in check, especially with the 29er rear wheel adding height as well.
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.Maybe an advantage at...
That frameworks looks sketchy as hell with the travelled podium (120mm or something?), the tire so close to the downtube, the tire choice.
Maybe an advantage at that flow trail, but the real test needs to be done on a real downhill track where it’s not only about rolling speed
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown...
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown height of a 140mm fork. He's most likely done this to keep the bb height and head angle in check, especially with the 29er rear wheel adding height as well.
Ohh ok. My mistake and misunderstanding maybe it was 140mm fork sizing not actually travel. For my own sake I was always under the impression the podium ATC was similar to a conventional fork? That’s not the case?
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown...
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown height of a 140mm fork. He's most likely done this to keep the bb height and head angle in check, especially with the 29er rear wheel adding height as well.
Ohh ok. My mistake and misunderstanding maybe it was 140mm fork sizing not actually travel. For my own sake I was always under the impression the...
Ohh ok. My mistake and misunderstanding maybe it was 140mm fork sizing not actually travel. For my own sake I was always under the impression the podium ATC was similar to a conventional fork? That’s not the case?
The podium has equivalent axle to crown to most other 29er fork. Just looking at Neko's podium I would assume the 140mm number is referring to the height of the fork being equivalent to 140mm 29er fork which would mean he only has room for 110-120mm of travel before the tire would hit the top of the fork.
Niner RIP 9e RDONiner had their RIP 9e RDO on display. Deets include, 160mm / 170mm travel via their patented Level One 6-Bar suspension platform and...
Niner RIP 9e RDO
Niner had their RIP 9e RDO on display. Deets include, 160mm / 170mm travel via their patented Level One 6-Bar suspension platform and Bosch SX drive system.
Niner RIP 9e RDONiner had their RIP 9e RDO on display. Deets include, 160mm / 170mm travel via their patented Level One 6-Bar suspension platform and...
Niner RIP 9e RDO
Niner had their RIP 9e RDO on display. Deets include, 160mm / 170mm travel via their patented Level One 6-Bar suspension platform and Bosch SX drive system.
Niner is owned by United Wheels Inc. which also owns Huffy, Vaast and other brands.
Well yeah, but they've been owned by United wheels for years now and this is the first new platform since they released the new WFO and the last E bikes, so it's been at least five years. What have they been doing and why isn't it an update for the Rip 9 or any of their other bikes that badly need one.
StableadStablead showing off their suspension. The frames are for display only and aren't planning on being released. Tom Rogers is the man behind the squish with...
Stablead
Stablead showing off their suspension. The frames are for display only and aren't planning on being released. Tom Rogers is the man behind the squish with consultation from guys like Brian Lopes. Besides the product, the most surprising thing in their booth was none other than the infamous Sanjay Sanbhag who hadn't been to Sea Otter since he was "hitting the dirt jumps on a road bike."
This both was one of the most interesting at otter for me. We need some more detail on whats going on here. Chated with Tom for a few, and it sounds like these folks are making stuff quick. Their compents were sick too.
Neko Mulally won the DH on his freak bike with 32" front wheel w/ XC racing slick. - https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/ajsmbwfa6za9y9np - chatting with him at dinner the other night (before the race), all he cared about was rolling speed. cornering knobs were "good enough" and if he could manage the off-camber after the uphill on the course, the rest was basically going straight and fast. seems like his strategy paid off.
I want I want I want I’d hang this on my wall untouched I like the black with red still but super stoked on this bikeNew e-IntenseDo you even have carbon air can, broHmmSo much nicer than th first gen OsoYear of High Pivots and Single Crown USD forks
Am I a moron, or is all of the drive provided on the Demo by that ultra tiny chainring at the crank? Clearly it works but I wonder what the reasoning is?
Be More Bikes prototypeBronson was showing off the fifth iteration of his prototype bike. It’s a wild bike designed to test the limits of geometry and...
Be More Bikes prototype
Bronson was showing off the fifth iteration of his prototype bike. It’s a wild bike designed to test the limits of geometry and amplify the benefits of their RR stem (made famous by Reece Wilson). You can find plenty of details about the goals behind the stem and bike on Instagram, but here are some details of the bike:
Steel frame
500mm chain stay
445mm frame reach
Reach to bar is ~350mm
100mm stem rise / -15mm stem reach
Stem + bar back sweep puts handlebars ~40-50mm behind steering axis
Custom drop crowns to accommodate the 180mm head tube
~1360mm wheel base
380-390mm bb height. Benefit: bike tips and leans more turning and holds a line better.
bb drop is positive at static, but does drop under sag
Stack is around 800mm
Head angle is 63°
Seat angle is 75°
Suspension: single pivot, semi high pivot, rearward for 80% of travel, 6% progression, 206mm of travel.
200mm fork
Rear end grows to 520mm
Welded by Marino in Peru. $900 for the whole frame
...uh - what 'Geometry' is being this pitted against? Any production version of this is going to be a hazard on most bike racks and further aggravate motorists and those in charge of traffic law. Its a symptom of a unfocused segment of the industry. If Mountain Bike needs to take itself anywhere near this level - these people should instead take up Hiking. Or, take a walk. Given the excess amount of bikes already in existence, there's no making sense of this unless just something being different.
My 2c - bring back a Mountain Bike which has its 'Geometry' sorted out-of-the-box and then, you ride it. No setting out on a pensive lollygag between the trees -learn to ride. I just love (hate) how the Mountain Bike market presents itself as literally 'nothing'.
Am I a moron, or is all of the drive provided on the Demo by that ultra tiny chainring at the crank? Clearly it works but...
Am I a moron, or is all of the drive provided on the Demo by that ultra tiny chainring at the crank? Clearly it works but I wonder what the reasoning is?
I think the explanation given by one of the Cannondale guys put it best.. the front chain ring size affects the kinematics, so they can change gearing between the crank and the drive but leave the drive ring alone..
I'm curious.. How does the staff feel about doing the coverage like this?I've personally liked it. Plus, the fact that others have been able to contribute...
I'm curious.. How does the staff feel about doing the coverage like this?
I've personally liked it. Plus, the fact that others have been able to contribute what they saw and liked at the otter is pretty cool...
it's freaking rad that so many are contributing to this! we could only do so much while we're there. keep it coming!
Bronson and the BMB are awesome. His willingness to come in from a completely different direction and follow through with a project like that in todays world is way cool. I am excited to see how Reece does with the implementation of these ideas at the highest level of DH racing. The Mule is a wild looking bike! This type of thing takes me back to the mid 90's when Tattoo Lou Deangelis showed up with a DH bike that had a KX60 front fork, hub, and disk brake on a custom made DH frame. This was before the Boxxer came along and changed everything. I don't remember how much the bike weighed, but it was almost certainly more than 50 pounds and the tracks back then often had a lot of pedaling in them. Anything and everything was being tried out.
We're you able to get a good look at the linkage? It kind of looks like the chainstay is connected to that rocker, instead of a pull link that was on the proto. Is that the case? And is the crank spindle just exposed in there?
Hii. This is great! I don't know how you guys were everywhere at once!
Don't want to step on anyones toes or steal anyones thunder but it seems like the coverage is starting to slow down so I thought I would jump in. Here's a couple things I cool things I saw this year that I haven't seen covered.
Unreleased Wolf Tooth Hubs
It does seem to use a ratchet system, doesn't appear to have any drivetrain feedback mitigation system, will be available in straight pull or j bend and offered in the common gravel and mtb standards. And in true Wolf Tooth fashion available in every color under the sun.
Microshift Advent MX Groupset
One thing to note: Microshift only sells Cassette, Der and Shifter so chain and cranks and chainring will have to be found yourself.
Some close ups on the new E*thirteen Components Sidekick
Cool how low drag their hubs are.
*HUGE* Crankbrothers Stamp EVO Pedals
Not to much to say here other than they are huge come in two sizes and are made for people with really really big feet.
I’m dying to see the Zink bikes booth hope it makes the cut for tomorrows post.
EXT Vecta
EXTs more budget friendly coil shock based off the Stoira.
Not brand new for 2026 (came out last year) but I like what EXT does and the craftsmanship is always incredible!
Stinner Frameworks Romero LT
Uses the licensed 3VO suspension system from Ministry Cycles
New EVO lineup from Hope
The new GR4 below was released late last year from Hope. Lots of options, 3 pads and lever blades and 2 different rotors (fixed or floating)
3D Map at Shimano
It's 140mm I was told. Custom made air spring from Fox.
From what I heard/ my own experience setting up the podium for 32, Neko's fork is only about 115-120mm travel and has the axle to crown height of a 140mm fork. He's most likely done this to keep the bb height and head angle in check, especially with the 29er rear wheel adding height as well.
Ohh ok. My mistake and misunderstanding maybe it was 140mm fork sizing not actually travel. For my own sake I was always under the impression the podium ATC was similar to a conventional fork? That’s not the case?
The podium has equivalent axle to crown to most other 29er fork. Just looking at Neko's podium I would assume the 140mm number is referring to the height of the fork being equivalent to 140mm 29er fork which would mean he only has room for 110-120mm of travel before the tire would hit the top of the fork.
Niner is owned by United Wheels Inc. which also owns Huffy, Vaast and other brands.
Well yeah, but they've been owned by United wheels for years now and this is the first new platform since they released the new WFO and the last E bikes, so it's been at least five years. What have they been doing and why isn't it an update for the Rip 9 or any of their other bikes that badly need one.
These bars are older than him...
This both was one of the most interesting at otter for me. We need some more detail on whats going on here. Chated with Tom for a few, and it sounds like these folks are making stuff quick. Their compents were sick too.
Did i miss other major tire companies announcing radial tires or it is not happening?
E.13 and specialized showed radials at sea otter
Neko Mulally won the DH on his freak bike with 32" front wheel w/ XC racing slick. - https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/ajsmbwfa6za9y9np - chatting with him at dinner the other night (before the race), all he cared about was rolling speed. cornering knobs were "good enough" and if he could manage the off-camber after the uphill on the course, the rest was basically going straight and fast. seems like his strategy paid off.
That is nuts! Is 32" coming to DH? Looks like it already has. Neko continues to amaze.
But Sea Otter DH isn't a WC course..
Am I a moron, or is all of the drive provided on the Demo by that ultra tiny chainring at the crank? Clearly it works but I wonder what the reasoning is?
...uh - what 'Geometry' is being this pitted against? Any production version of this is going to be a hazard on most bike racks and further aggravate motorists and those in charge of traffic law. Its a symptom of a unfocused segment of the industry. If Mountain Bike needs to take itself anywhere near this level - these people should instead take up Hiking. Or, take a walk. Given the excess amount of bikes already in existence, there's no making sense of this unless just something being different.
My 2c - bring back a Mountain Bike which has its 'Geometry' sorted out-of-the-box and then, you ride it. No setting out on a pensive lollygag between the trees -learn to ride. I just love (hate) how the Mountain Bike market presents itself as literally 'nothing'.
I think the explanation given by one of the Cannondale guys put it best.. the front chain ring size affects the kinematics, so they can change gearing between the crank and the drive but leave the drive ring alone..
I'm curious.. How does the staff feel about doing the coverage like this?
I've personally liked it. Plus, the fact that others have been able to contribute what they saw and liked at the otter is pretty cool...
it's freaking rad that so many are contributing to this! we could only do so much while we're there. keep it coming!
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