Not sure if this was discussed previously, but it looks like the XD Slim driver allows you to run a 157mm hub (and get the benefits...
Not sure if this was discussed previously, but it looks like the XD Slim driver allows you to run a 157mm hub (and get the benefits of wider flanges) on a 148mm frame...
So, if we consider:Transmission drivetrains on super saleNew XD slim driver released that fits low range cassettesEveryone on your local trails is riding (or seeking to...
So, if we consider:
Transmission drivetrains on super sale
New XD slim driver released that fits low range cassettes
Everyone on your local trails is riding (or seeking to ride) a 1300-1500W eMTB and chewing up their drivetrain in a few hours
Do we conclude that SRAM has a new, e-bike specific, low range drivetrain on the horizon?
Feels like a safe bet as well as lower priced DH options.I can’t imagine a new driver was introduced only for 148mm DH bikes (there’s only...
Feels like a safe bet as well as lower priced DH options.
I can’t imagine a new driver was introduced only for 148mm DH bikes (there’s only a few) that want to use a 157mm hub.
My read is that the new xd slim driver was introduced because the Shimano mini-hg driver has existed for years for DH wheels, and someone at SRAM thought "hey, that's a pretty good idea".
The primary reason for the mini-hg / xd-slim drivers is that it allows you to have wider flange spacing on the hub, arguably increasing wheel stiffness/strength.
Being able to transition a 157 12 speed wheel into a 148 DH specific wheel is interesting, but there are not many people who are going to re-dish a wheel to go between two relatively uncommon standards in the bike industry.
I don't think you're going to get very many people with 148mm DH bikes making the switch, I think the bigger impact is that more companies will be inclined to make their DH bikes feature 148mm rear spacing.
Think less of of the people making dual use of the same wheel and more toward people building up new dh wheels have a good cheap option regardless of their spacing. And one of the first to market for wider bracing for 148 dh bikes.
Wonder if they will just use the dh front hub now for all front hubs, just different axles in there. Good way to save some money for them. Not quite as easy as an endcap swap like Hope has, but could be nice for those who go the OneUp route.
Yes, you would need to rebuild the wheel. You can’t just swap the drivers.Brake spacing on 157 and 148 boost hubs has always been the same...
Yes, you would need to rebuild the wheel. You can’t just swap the drivers.
Brake spacing on 157 and 148 boost hubs has always been the same I believe.
If I'm doing the math right, with the slim driver, the both flanges move 4.5mm to the right, and the wheel should have symmetric bracing left and right. Probably want to use a rim without offset nipples. Should make for a strong wheel, stronger actually than a conventional 157, due to the symmetric bracing.
Yeah, I posted this a page or two ago. Dual motor eCVTs were a new discovery for me. Absolutely makes sense for ebikes, but no chance...
Yeah, I posted this a page or two ago. Dual motor eCVTs were a new discovery for me. Absolutely makes sense for ebikes, but no chance at all of "trickle-down" technology to pedal bikes, as a few folks in the thread had hoped for.
It may get people wanting gearboxes on their non e-bikes though, once they experience losing the weight off the rear wheel.
No secret the ecvt (and traditions gearbox to a lesser extent) are less efficient. But adoption in gearbox’s is clearly on an uptrend right now in the racing scene… clear indicator of where the market may be headed. And I’m sure there’s still room for improvement given they’ve been very niche.
I've had countless bikes, still chasing the dragon of my Ex Dean Lucas world champs wilsons rear suspension performance.There was so much trick stuff on that...
I've had countless bikes, still chasing the dragon of my Ex Dean Lucas world champs wilsons rear suspension performance.
There was so much trick stuff on that bike, coil converted world cup, proto 27.5 rear linkage. Dumbest move I ever made selling that bike
Similarly, I picked up an unused team frame back in 2014 (I think) and it was my favorite DH bike hands down. One of the few bikes I wish I still had.
True, but with a narrower flange offset than will be possible with a slim driver.
It assumes a 7 speed cassette and the drive side flange overlaps the freehub. So, the flange offset should be similar to what's possible with a slim driver.
I think the interesting takeaway for me is that it seems like T-Type drivetrains were heavily beefed up, ostensibly to handle shifting under ebike loads, but now throwing eCVTs into the ebike space might pretty much kill the conventional DR-based drivetrains for ebikes of the not so distant future. I'm curious what this means for future drivetrains on pedal bikes? Will they get more compact and lighter again, or are the S companies too far down the road of burly electric shifting to go back?
My read is that the new xd slim driver was introduced because the Shimano mini-hg driver has existed for years for DH wheels, and someone at SRAM thought "hey, that's a pretty good idea".
The primary reason for the mini-hg / xd-slim drivers is that it allows you to have wider flange spacing on the hub, arguably increasing wheel stiffness/strength.
Being able to transition a 157 12 speed wheel into a 148 DH specific wheel is interesting, but there are not many people who are going to re-dish a wheel to go between two relatively uncommon standards in the bike industry.
I don't think you're going to get very many people with 148mm DH bikes making the switch, I think the bigger impact is that more companies will be inclined to make their DH bikes feature 148mm rear spacing.
I've had countless bikes, still chasing the dragon of my Ex Dean Lucas world champs wilsons rear suspension performance.
There was so much trick stuff on that bike, coil converted world cup, proto 27.5 rear linkage. Dumbest move I ever made selling that bike
Think less of of the people making dual use of the same wheel and more toward people building up new dh wheels have a good cheap option regardless of their spacing. And one of the first to market for wider bracing for 148 dh bikes.
Wonder if they will just use the dh front hub now for all front hubs, just different axles in there. Good way to save some money for them. Not quite as easy as an endcap swap like Hope has, but could be nice for those who go the OneUp route.
If I'm doing the math right, with the slim driver, the both flanges move 4.5mm to the right, and the wheel should have symmetric bracing left and right. Probably want to use a rim without offset nipples. Should make for a strong wheel, stronger actually than a conventional 157, due to the symmetric bracing.
It may get people wanting gearboxes on their non e-bikes though, once they experience losing the weight off the rear wheel.
No secret the ecvt (and traditions gearbox to a lesser extent) are less efficient. But adoption in gearbox’s is clearly on an uptrend right now in the racing scene… clear indicator of where the market may be headed. And I’m sure there’s still room for improvement given they’ve been very niche.
They're certainly attractive for bike park/shuttle applications.
I’m thinking about starting a new poll thread. It will be called “would you rather”
The options will be:
Would you rather take the time to actually read and learn about “ecvt’s” in regards to bikes?
Orrrrrrrr….
Would you rather smash up an incandescent light bulb and smash the shards into your eyeballs?
This thread is getting exhausting with gearbox nerds.
one guy one light bulb?
Hope has had a 148dh hub with symmetric flange spacing ever since the pro5 was released. 2.5 years now? Not new.
I'm pretty sure I also saw it earlier this year at Mount Seymour: https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2026-mtb-tech-rumors-and-innovation…
Similarly, I picked up an unused team frame back in 2014 (I think) and it was my favorite DH bike hands down. One of the few bikes I wish I still had.
Choices were made
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew9g6yl1rFk
Not the right ones I fear
Looks dishwasher safe tho.
True, but with a narrower flange offset than will be possible with a slim driver.
Its certainly, uh, innovative.
Maybe Im missing something, whats wrong with the Kali helmet vid?
Nothing with the video.
I just saw the article… wow… yeah choices were certainly made.
It assumes a 7 speed cassette and the drive side flange overlaps the freehub. So, the flange offset should be similar to what's possible with a slim driver.
Here's the Kali helmet so people don't need to search and ruin their algorithm
Obvious problem - where do you mount your GoPro? 😉
These helmets come with an accessory bundle including a mount to secure the camera rectally.
Will get me out of the dreaded 10-year doctor visit?
Only if you leave it in and have it recording all the time like a dash cam.
Looking up stuff like this is why there is INCOGNITO mode.
Did no one tell them that people play mountain bike primarily in the forest? An errant branch could tear your fucking head off.
This is gonna piss off some folks here, but YT thought I should watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO1ov28Se_o
I think the interesting takeaway for me is that it seems like T-Type drivetrains were heavily beefed up, ostensibly to handle shifting under ebike loads, but now throwing eCVTs into the ebike space might pretty much kill the conventional DR-based drivetrains for ebikes of the not so distant future. I'm curious what this means for future drivetrains on pedal bikes? Will they get more compact and lighter again, or are the S companies too far down the road of burly electric shifting to go back?
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