2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

Related:
Kusa
Posts
296
Joined
6/25/2010
Location
CH
7/30/2026 3:51pm
image 770.png?VersionId=YDTLAtLoKZ06h pnB0TI
21
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1579
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Fantasy
7/30/2026 4:29pm
Kusa wrote:
image 770.png?VersionId=YDTLAtLoKZ06h pnB0TI

Horst Link Knucklebox

23
yzedf
Posts
283
Joined
1/27/2015
Location
Hebron, CT, USA
Fantasy
7/30/2026 5:08pm
zscs wrote:
It seems not only 32" bikes are coming (leaked Trek models in this case) but also new 32" forks from Fox and RockShox will appear very...

It seems not only 32" bikes are coming (leaked Trek models in this case) but also new 32" forks from Fox and RockShox will appear very soon. (Please don't take the following pics too seriously, no confirmation, no source I've found. There's a chance these are fake ones.)

55430570930 74607de405 o.jpg?VersionId=CMRnoUPmD6ggCi OlghX0L55430184206 4ae8f18504 o.jpg?VersionId=boKc0kB ugyW.1pk2szu70Rr55430296508 8b511e2046 o

Source: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=179309&start=60 

dolface wrote:

No valve stems...?

DylanJM wrote:

They're renders. Valve stems not usually the highest priority. 

Also shifter cable at the bb for wireless transmission. AI slop hopefully. 

3
cmaac
Posts
53
Joined
8/25/2023
Location
Tahoe, CA, USA
7/30/2026 5:18pm

I hope Trek calls this the Super Duper Fly

9
Eae903
Posts
466
Joined
10/20/2023
Location
Not Saying., WY, USA
Fantasy
7/30/2026 6:40pm
cmaac wrote:

I hope Trek calls this the Super Duper Fly

Superlative Fly

2
7/30/2026 6:53pm

I hope trek calls the hardtail you’ll have more fun on a stache.

4
7/30/2026 9:12pm
I'm currently on a Forekaster/Rekon combo for my short travel trail bike.I don't think I have the technique to brake well with the Rekon. For whatever...

I'm currently on a Forekaster/Rekon combo for my short travel trail bike.

I don't think I have the technique to brake well with the Rekon. For whatever reason, I'm skidding that tire A LOT more than the Aggressor I had there previously (in a DHF/Aggressor combo).

The Forekaster has been sick, though. I'm sure I've just jinxed it by saying it out loud but it's been really good on the hard pack and dusty and moondusty stuff around me. I've definitely pushed it too far and had some two-wheel slides but it still felt sorta controlled even when out of control.

I don't think anything in my riding has changed THAT much since I switched from DHF front to Forekaster front, but I've had WAY fewer shit-my-pants moments on the Forekaster than I did on the DHF. Both EXO and MaxxTerra.

Next tires will probably be Continental Magnotal front and either Dubni or Trino rear (in Trail/Grip Casing/Compound). There's been a lot of praise for the Dubnital but I don't think I'm the sort of rider that can hold their shit together on a tire like that. Rekon already feels a little too squirrely for my (lack of) technique and via the internet the Dubnital looks even lower-grip than the Rekon.

Anyone with experience that can compare Dubni, Trino, and Rekon?

I can compare the rekon, magnotal, and trinotal, but not the dubnotal as it's a bit too light for meJust as a heads up, while the...

I can compare the rekon, magnotal, and trinotal, but not the dubnotal as it's a bit too light for me

Just as a heads up, while the trinotal looks reminiscent of the forekaster, it has much shorter knobs. In terms of overall grip/rolling resistance, its forekaster > magnotal > rekon > trinotal. 

 

I really like the center tread on the magnotal, but the sideknobs don't quite reach forekaster levels of grip

Dude! Thanks for the write-up! That really gives me a lot to work with!

Which casing/compounds were you on in your testing?

I might just have to stay with Maxxis. I think I have to be no-less-grippy than Forekaster/Rekon.

1
ShapeThings
Posts
130
Joined
8/19/2018
Location
Oakland, CA, USA
7/31/2026 12:33am
Dude! Thanks for the write-up! That really gives me a lot to work with!Which casing/compounds were you on in your testing?I might just have to stay...

Dude! Thanks for the write-up! That really gives me a lot to work with!

Which casing/compounds were you on in your testing?

I might just have to stay with Maxxis. I think I have to be no-less-grippy than Forekaster/Rekon.

Just do a Tallboy 6 and run forekaster F/R. I’ll be trying that combo this weekend. 

3
7/31/2026 3:31am
Kusa wrote:
image 770.png?VersionId=YDTLAtLoKZ06h pnB0TI
TEAMROBOT wrote:

Horst Link Knucklebox

🤣🤣🤣


Horst Box Knucklelink?

1
nskerb
Posts
372
Joined
3/3/2020
Location
Kelso, WA, USA
7/31/2026 6:38am

Am I the only one that thinks using a bike diaper to hide pretty basic suspension is kinda lame. I guess it gets the people talking though. 

33
monarchmason
Posts
326
Joined
5/24/2022
Location
Nevada City, CA, USA
7/31/2026 8:15am
nskerb wrote:
Am I the only one that thinks using a bike diaper to hide pretty basic suspension is kinda lame. I guess it gets the people talking...

Am I the only one that thinks using a bike diaper to hide pretty basic suspension is kinda lame. I guess it gets the people talking though. 

They have nothing wrong with their bikes. Like remove the brand from the frame and Im intrigued. But you put ari on it and I just hate it. Astroturfing, diapers and basic bikes to look like theyre apart of the same boat as Canyon or Specialized, then they just have this design… they just infuriate me lol. 

16
jsray
Posts
225
Joined
5/20/2017
Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
Fantasy
7/31/2026 9:00am
IMG 5948 0
1
2
Trocko
Posts
194
Joined
11/23/2010
Location
Rocky, CO, USA
7/31/2026 9:14am
jsray wrote:
IMG 5948 0

That’s a thick boy

2
7/31/2026 9:33am
TEAMROBOT wrote:

Horst Link Knucklebox

Is the purpose behind the extra linkage to reduce side loading on the shock?  Would it add additional lateral stiffness to the rear end?  

1
JVP
Posts
233
Joined
4/20/2016
Location
Bellingham, WA, USA
7/31/2026 9:41am

Is the purpose behind the extra linkage to reduce side loading on the shock?  Would it add additional lateral stiffness to the rear end?  

It's a single linkage. The purpose is to put more strain on the downtube and introduce extra welds that take the full shock loads so they'll fatigue over time. 

8
Eae903
Posts
466
Joined
10/20/2023
Location
Not Saying., WY, USA
Fantasy
7/31/2026 9:44am
TEAMROBOT wrote:

Horst Link Knucklebox

Is the purpose behind the extra linkage to reduce side loading on the shock?  Would it add additional lateral stiffness to the rear end?  

It is probably to reduce side loading and change the leverage curve. The pivot locations are in basically the same place. 

1
7/31/2026 10:26am
jsray wrote:
IMG 5948 0

Citizen at 6 in the morning? You doin okay?

1
7/31/2026 11:25am Edited Date/Time 7/31/2026 12:35pm

Eagerly anticipating Rulezman’s outburst when he sees the new hope stem. 

22
7/31/2026 12:10pm

Imagine crushing your fingers between your headtube and fork crown in a blow-your-hands-off otb moment.

Imagine compromising the entire bike handling experience, rider fit and aesthetics for a little bit better rolling resistance. 

8
3
overbiked
Posts
87
Joined
10/23/2024
Location
Park City, UT, USA
Fantasy
7/31/2026 1:54pm

Looks like downtown SLC

Sure is, he's local to the both of us it seems, and works for Revel. 

2
yzedf
Posts
283
Joined
1/27/2015
Location
Hebron, CT, USA
Fantasy
7/31/2026 5:57pm

Imagine compromising the entire bike handling experience, rider fit and aesthetics for a little bit better rolling resistance. 

3rd time’s a charm?

5
2supple
Posts
155
Joined
1/23/2022
Location
Denver, CO, USA
8/1/2026 9:12am

Not a bad watch. @2supple might get excited. 
 

I refrained from saying anything about the recent Fox patent because everyone is getting so sensitive. 

Can’t even make a dick joke without Ballz getting upset. 

11
Trocko
Posts
194
Joined
11/23/2010
Location
Rocky, CO, USA
8/1/2026 9:19am

Not a bad watch. @2supple might get excited. 
 

Watch this yesterday and reminded me of the forgotten “why” gearboxes won’t be a serious contender until they can figure out how to shift under heavy load. The need to decrease power in order for the gearbox to shift will turn too many people off, especially on a pedal bike. Makes what Leif Rodgers is accomplishing at the ews even more impressive. Have to wonder if there is seconds lost after 30+ minutes of racing from him adjusting his power in order to shift. 

Does anyone know if there is info out there on what wattage output the pinion gearbox system is limited to shifting under?

1
2
2supple
Posts
155
Joined
1/23/2022
Location
Denver, CO, USA
8/1/2026 10:07am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2026 10:10am
Trocko wrote:
Watch this yesterday and reminded me of the forgotten “why” gearboxes won’t be a serious contender until they can figure out how to shift under heavy...

Watch this yesterday and reminded me of the forgotten “why” gearboxes won’t be a serious contender until they can figure out how to shift under heavy load. The need to decrease power in order for the gearbox to shift will turn too many people off, especially on a pedal bike. Makes what Leif Rodgers is accomplishing at the ews even more impressive. Have to wonder if there is seconds lost after 30+ minutes of racing from him adjusting his power in order to shift. 

Does anyone know if there is info out there on what wattage output the pinion gearbox system is limited to shifting under?

You’re not the first to assert Leaf is winning in spite of the gearbox… instead of wondering if the benefits to unsprung mass might outweigh the loss of efficiency. Is it that hard to believe Lief might prefer the Vanth? Last I heard he demoed the bike before signing with Priority. They didn’t hold a gun to his head and make him ride the bike… it’s very possible he could’ve found another sponsor if he wanted… 

Let’s not forget Enduro is timed only on the downhill. And there’s clearly an unquantifiable benefit to having weight under the BB…as demonstrated by numerous World Cup riders strapping weights there.  

I’ll be running a derailleur for the near future. But hope the gearbox keeps improving and become more mainstream. Just find it odd how many focus on the negatives of the gearbox… or assume it’s a worse system without having raced one. 

 

11
Blake_Motley
Posts
251
Joined
11/14/2013
Location
Chula Vista, CA, USA
8/1/2026 10:19am

Not a bad watch. @2supple might get excited. 
 

Trocko wrote:
Watch this yesterday and reminded me of the forgotten “why” gearboxes won’t be a serious contender until they can figure out how to shift under heavy...

Watch this yesterday and reminded me of the forgotten “why” gearboxes won’t be a serious contender until they can figure out how to shift under heavy load. The need to decrease power in order for the gearbox to shift will turn too many people off, especially on a pedal bike. Makes what Leif Rodgers is accomplishing at the ews even more impressive. Have to wonder if there is seconds lost after 30+ minutes of racing from him adjusting his power in order to shift. 

Does anyone know if there is info out there on what wattage output the pinion gearbox system is limited to shifting under?

How often is shifting under load a result of shifting too late? With a gearbox you’re able to shift at any other time. It may open more shifting windows than it closes

21

Post a reply to: 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

The Latest