2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

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8/31/2026 7:46pm
hookem34 wrote:
I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2...

I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2 Druid and Yeti MTe. Both bikes are quiet as a church mouse. Multiple weeks at bike parks, local Enduro races and weekly rips on my local trails. No noticeable chain slap from the rear mech. 🤷‍♂️

Eae903 wrote:
That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive...

That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive people I've ever worked with. 

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.
I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest mechanical XT - Yeah still ass.

Someone put me onto the new advent mx Pro, Not looking back now, its fantastic & cheap.

8
Primoz
Posts
4712
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Location
SI
8/31/2026 9:21pm
FullSend wrote:
Trust me, I get it. I feel exactly the same. I'm honestly getting a bit fatigued by all this pseudo-innovation lately. Competing derailleur hanger standards, electronic 13...

Trust me, I get it. I feel exactly the same. 

I'm honestly getting a bit fatigued by all this pseudo-innovation lately. Competing derailleur hanger standards, electronic 13 speed group sets, 1700w ebike motors, 32" wheels, new hub standards - I neither want nor need any of it. Because at the end of the day, all of this is just going to be more expensive but won't make a difference to my actual day-to-day enjoyment of cycling.

A few regulations at the highest levels of racing would help the sport and the consumer imo. For example, in American football, each team can't design...

A few regulations at the highest levels of racing would help the sport and the consumer imo. For example, in American football, each team can't design their own football that spins faster and flies farther and has a unique circumference and electronic tracking etc etc. That would be ridiculous, and how would rec/high school/college teams deal with such changes? It would always benefit the richer teams that can afford new balls every month they come out. 

I know it's not a perfect analogy and I don't want to stymie innovation, but a semi-level playing field (such as 29" wheels being the max) simply means that rider skill, frame design, component choices, and team support/strategy are always the most important. It also gives consumers standards they can rely on, which is desperately needed. I cannot imagine being new to mountain biking, buying an expensive 29er, and then reading about 32" wheels taking over.

To really level the playing field any top level racing should be limited to 20" wheels.

8
2
One Ghost
Posts
165
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA, USA
8/31/2026 9:47pm

Tomac X Lawwill🥰

grinch wrote:

X Bradbury . Dream team

Let’s see a new lawwill floating axle design, someone with linkage tell us about the kinematic, 

Add a German gearbox and call it a patriot. 

The Lawwill was the basis for my floating shock design. I had a Schwinn 4-Banger and a Yeti DH-9 and loved them. I just flipped the script and float the shock as opposed to the rear hub. It helps a lot with braking. All our kinematic is in the PR. 

1
lickmycrinkle
Posts
232
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Location
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
9/1/2026 6:19am

Towards the middle of the month, there's going to be a presentation about Shimano's '27 stuff behind closed doors, for whatever that's worth.

8
dolface
Posts
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USA
9/1/2026 6:58am Edited Date/Time 9/1/2026 6:59am
FullSend wrote:
I have it on good authority from someone who works in a product management role at CUBE that Shimano is going to introduce their own universal...

I have it on good authority from someone who works in a product management role at CUBE that Shimano is going to introduce their own universal derailleur hanger standard with their upcoming 13-speed groupsets. And it looks like Shimano's standard won't be compatible with SRAM UDH and vice versa. It's apparently very similar in concept, but subtly different enough that the two won't be interchangeable.

Etney wrote:
Afaik its a new version of their already adapted UDH hanger that has been seen on some bikes - Its just an UDH hanger but with...

Afaik its a new version of their already adapted UDH hanger that has been seen on some bikes - Its just an UDH hanger but with a small pin on it. 

Lets hope that its just that, and nothing more. I dont see manufactuers going back to doing different seat/chainstay molds for shimano and sram bikes. But maybe they have something completely different in the pipeline, but I think thats a miss from them then.
 

Some pics borrowed from mtbr/weightweenies - Frame is a crux 5, so spesh has already implemented this. 
IMG 2749 4

IMG 4988 4.jpeg?VersionId=4vcQXjv4mJWmjQTzW

Yep. That is actually my crux 5 frame in the picture. I also checked an aethos 2 and tarmac sl9 which both have the same updated...

Yep. That is actually my crux 5 frame in the picture. I also checked an aethos 2 and tarmac sl9 which both have the same updated dropout. So Specialized has been doing this update for awhile given the Aethos came out in October 2025. I have not checked my epic 9 frameset but plan on looking to see if they did the same on the MTB side. 

The new hanger/ Dura Ace group was discussed on the Geek Warning podcast recently and they said the new hanger was to allow the smallest cog to sit further outboard (pushing into the space SRAMs "sandwich" design clamps the dropout) because the 13-speed cassette uses the same hub driver and chain as 12-speed (so cog spacing is also the same as 12sp).

 

8
9/1/2026 8:42am
hookem34 wrote:
I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2...

I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2 Druid and Yeti MTe. Both bikes are quiet as a church mouse. Multiple weeks at bike parks, local Enduro races and weekly rips on my local trails. No noticeable chain slap from the rear mech. 🤷‍♂️

Eae903 wrote:
That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive...

That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive people I've ever worked with. 

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest...

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.
I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest mechanical XT - Yeah still ass.

Someone put me onto the new advent mx Pro, Not looking back now, its fantastic & cheap.

It all depends on the bike, tbh. I've ridden all the new Di2 stuff on a ton of different bikes, and I've found that chain sizing really matters. I've tested T-Type and the new Di2 back-to-back on the same bikes, and while SRAM does do a slightly better job of keeping the spazzing to a minimum, it's certainly not perfect. 

The dual-spring on Shimano takes about 5-6 lbs of force to break free when in the smallest cog on the cassette, and the SRAM T-Type clutch takes about 7.5-8 lbs to break free no matter what cog. The major difference with the Shimano "clutch" is that it requires more force to break away the higher you are in the cassette, which honestly seems really backward (measured up to 9 lbs to break away at the higher end of the cassette). I've been pulling them apart to see what can be done to reverse this, and a Dremel might be the answer. It would be sick to see an aftermarket spring for them that is just a bit tighter... or adjustable like the previous mechanical RD's.

20
9/1/2026 9:29am
hookem34 wrote:
I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2...

I guess my experience with the new DI2 is unique, but I’ve been running the XTR version since the launch last year. It’s on my V2 Druid and Yeti MTe. Both bikes are quiet as a church mouse. Multiple weeks at bike parks, local Enduro races and weekly rips on my local trails. No noticeable chain slap from the rear mech. 🤷‍♂️

Eae903 wrote:
That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive...

That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive people I've ever worked with. 

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest...

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.
I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest mechanical XT - Yeah still ass.

Someone put me onto the new advent mx Pro, Not looking back now, its fantastic & cheap.

Advent MX is so good. I'm running it on the ebike but would happily run it on my park or trail bike too. MicroShift derailleurs are much more impact resistant than Shimano in my experience. All I want from a derailleur is for it to be cheap, overbuilt, and never in my spokes. Their customer service is great too. I broke a tooth on the cassette early on and they shipped out a new one no questions asked. Imagine going through that with Shimano.

8
sspomer
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Boise, ID, USA
Fantasy
9/1/2026 9:32am

deep dive into the sam hill sunday replica by lawlor

16
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1655
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Fantasy
9/1/2026 10:45am Edited Date/Time 9/1/2026 10:50am
Eae903 wrote:
That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive...

That's the experience that everyone my shop has set up on new di2 has had as well, and these are some of the most noise sensitive people I've ever worked with. 

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest...

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.
I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest mechanical XT - Yeah still ass.

Someone put me onto the new advent mx Pro, Not looking back now, its fantastic & cheap.

It all depends on the bike, tbh. I've ridden all the new Di2 stuff on a ton of different bikes, and I've found that chain sizing...

It all depends on the bike, tbh. I've ridden all the new Di2 stuff on a ton of different bikes, and I've found that chain sizing really matters. I've tested T-Type and the new Di2 back-to-back on the same bikes, and while SRAM does do a slightly better job of keeping the spazzing to a minimum, it's certainly not perfect. 

The dual-spring on Shimano takes about 5-6 lbs of force to break free when in the smallest cog on the cassette, and the SRAM T-Type clutch takes about 7.5-8 lbs to break free no matter what cog. The major difference with the Shimano "clutch" is that it requires more force to break away the higher you are in the cassette, which honestly seems really backward (measured up to 9 lbs to break away at the higher end of the cassette). I've been pulling them apart to see what can be done to reverse this, and a Dremel might be the answer. It would be sick to see an aftermarket spring for them that is just a bit tighter... or adjustable like the previous mechanical RD's.

Dude, dude, dude... hear me out: I agree that you'd ideally want to have cage spring forces that are lower in the big cogs for easier shifts while climbing and higher cage spring forces in the smaller cogs for greater chain retention and chain calming during descents, and yes the current arrangement on the new dual-spring Shimano RD's is kind of the opposite of that.

You know what could be done by Shimano to reverse the derailleur cage spring force problem? You know what they could do? You know what?

 

RAPID RISE IS BACK BABY!!!!! LOW NORMAL THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!!!

Shimano Hone M601 GS rapid rise rear derailleur - Le Suroît cycle et ski

Rivendell is already making their low normal Don Quixote "rear derailer" for friction shifting, so bringing Rapid Rise back for XTR feels like the next logical step. What's old is new. Fashion moves in 20 year cycles, low rise jeans are back for the kids, so let's do this, Shimano. 20 years ago you didn't realize this is what you were really designing Rapid Rise for.

28
1
9/1/2026 10:53am
I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest...

I've had 2 bikes with the di2 and They were noisey asf. lots of chain smack.
I thought hey lets try the updated springs in the latest mechanical XT - Yeah still ass.

Someone put me onto the new advent mx Pro, Not looking back now, its fantastic & cheap.

It all depends on the bike, tbh. I've ridden all the new Di2 stuff on a ton of different bikes, and I've found that chain sizing...

It all depends on the bike, tbh. I've ridden all the new Di2 stuff on a ton of different bikes, and I've found that chain sizing really matters. I've tested T-Type and the new Di2 back-to-back on the same bikes, and while SRAM does do a slightly better job of keeping the spazzing to a minimum, it's certainly not perfect. 

The dual-spring on Shimano takes about 5-6 lbs of force to break free when in the smallest cog on the cassette, and the SRAM T-Type clutch takes about 7.5-8 lbs to break free no matter what cog. The major difference with the Shimano "clutch" is that it requires more force to break away the higher you are in the cassette, which honestly seems really backward (measured up to 9 lbs to break away at the higher end of the cassette). I've been pulling them apart to see what can be done to reverse this, and a Dremel might be the answer. It would be sick to see an aftermarket spring for them that is just a bit tighter... or adjustable like the previous mechanical RD's.

TEAMROBOT wrote:
Dude, dude, dude... hear me out: I agree that you'd ideally want to have cage spring forces that are lower in the big cogs for easier...

Dude, dude, dude... hear me out: I agree that you'd ideally want to have cage spring forces that are lower in the big cogs for easier shifts while climbing and higher cage spring forces in the smaller cogs for greater chain retention and chain calming during descents, and yes the current arrangement on the new dual-spring Shimano RD's is kind of the opposite of that.

You know what could be done by Shimano to reverse the derailleur cage spring force problem? You know what they could do? You know what?

 

RAPID RISE IS BACK BABY!!!!! LOW NORMAL THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!!!

Shimano Hone M601 GS rapid rise rear derailleur - Le Suroît cycle et ski

Rivendell is already making their low normal Don Quixote "rear derailer" for friction shifting, so bringing Rapid Rise back for XTR feels like the next logical step. What's old is new. Fashion moves in 20 year cycles, low rise jeans are back for the kids, so let's do this, Shimano. 20 years ago you didn't realize this is what you were really designing Rapid Rise for.

RapiDi2 Rise patent incoming. 

12
jones007
Posts
117
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Location
SEASIDE, CA, USA
9/1/2026 10:53am
FullSend wrote:
Trust me, I get it. I feel exactly the same. I'm honestly getting a bit fatigued by all this pseudo-innovation lately. Competing derailleur hanger standards, electronic 13...

Trust me, I get it. I feel exactly the same. 

I'm honestly getting a bit fatigued by all this pseudo-innovation lately. Competing derailleur hanger standards, electronic 13 speed group sets, 1700w ebike motors, 32" wheels, new hub standards - I neither want nor need any of it. Because at the end of the day, all of this is just going to be more expensive but won't make a difference to my actual day-to-day enjoyment of cycling.

A few regulations at the highest levels of racing would help the sport and the consumer imo. For example, in American football, each team can't design...

A few regulations at the highest levels of racing would help the sport and the consumer imo. For example, in American football, each team can't design their own football that spins faster and flies farther and has a unique circumference and electronic tracking etc etc. That would be ridiculous, and how would rec/high school/college teams deal with such changes? It would always benefit the richer teams that can afford new balls every month they come out. 

I know it's not a perfect analogy and I don't want to stymie innovation, but a semi-level playing field (such as 29" wheels being the max) simply means that rider skill, frame design, component choices, and team support/strategy are always the most important. It also gives consumers standards they can rely on, which is desperately needed. I cannot imagine being new to mountain biking, buying an expensive 29er, and then reading about 32" wheels taking over.

Primoz wrote:

To really level the playing field any top level racing should be limited to 20" wheels.

2
18 hours ago

I’ve talked to a couple shops that said that Transition will have “big changes” for MY27. Anyone have insight into the nature of their big changes?

2
Big Dos
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70
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AU
17 hours ago Edited Date/Time 17 hours ago

In response to the latest Tallboy they're going to start making VPP bikes with interrupted seat tubes 

38
midwest_gnar
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7/25/2022
Location
High St, IL, USA
14 hours ago
Big Dos wrote:

In response to the latest Tallboy they're going to start making VPP bikes with interrupted seat tubes 

Do a media launch in Santa Cruz. Let's go!

6
jsray
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233
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5/20/2017
Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
Fantasy
5 hours ago

Transicruz highpatrol. 

1
marzbomber888
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Vancouver, WA, USA
3 hours ago Edited Date/Time 3 hours ago

I’ve talked to a couple shops that said that Transition will have “big changes” for MY27. Anyone have insight into the nature of their big changes?

My guess is drop the patrol make the spire mullet

Get rid of every E  that isn’t the regulator

 release an updated repeater with avanox

Potentially combine the Sentinel and smuggler?

 HOPEFULLY not true but drop 10 to 20% of their employees to save money  

 

1
seanfisseli
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Location
Santa Cruz, CA, USA
2 hours ago

what major brand do you think will be first to go all eeb for high end bikes?

2
jones007
Posts
117
Joined
12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA, USA
2 hours ago

what major brand do you think will be first to go all eeb for high end bikes?

hummm, if you're talking major MTB companies - I'm hoping this doesn't happen during my lifetime.

4
1 hour ago

what major brand do you think will be first to go all eeb for high end bikes?

Sad if true but I think Mondraker…basically only sell e-bikes in the UK.

1 hour ago

I’ve talked to a couple shops that said that Transition will have “big changes” for MY27. Anyone have insight into the nature of their big changes?

My guess is drop the patrol make the spire mulletGet rid of every E  that isn’t the regulator release an updated repeater with avanoxPotentially combine the Sentinel...

My guess is drop the patrol make the spire mullet

Get rid of every E  that isn’t the regulator

 release an updated repeater with avanox

Potentially combine the Sentinel and smuggler?

 HOPEFULLY not true but drop 10 to 20% of their employees to save money  

 

With the new TR11 having modular dropouts, perhaps we will see that become standard on their new releases across the board.  It also seems probable that the Spire and the Patrol could be consolidated through a flip chip or swappable dropouts or what have you.   

jones007
Posts
117
Joined
12/9/2025
Location
SEASIDE, CA, USA
49 minutes ago

what major brand do you think will be first to go all eeb for high end bikes?

Sad if true but I think Mondraker…basically only sell e-bikes in the UK.

All the Mondrakers I've seen locally are pedal bikes. I have a friend with a 7.5 kg Podium he races, and I know a few others with F-Podiums. Nice bikes.

37 minutes ago

I’ve talked to a couple shops that said that Transition will have “big changes” for MY27. Anyone have insight into the nature of their big changes?

No insight, but I saw what I could have sworn was a transition ebike with a very low profile motor that I didn't recognize around a month ago.  That was in Breckenridge, so no where near Transition.  Been bugging me since but very well could be that it was just a previous model that I didn't recognize.

grimlandm
Posts
4
Joined
5/18/2013
Location
Bozeman, MT, USA
2 minutes ago

I’ve talked to a couple shops that said that Transition will have “big changes” for MY27. Anyone have insight into the nature of their big changes?

snagcliffs wrote:
No insight, but I saw what I could have sworn was a transition ebike with a very low profile motor that I didn't recognize around a...

No insight, but I saw what I could have sworn was a transition ebike with a very low profile motor that I didn't recognize around a month ago.  That was in Breckenridge, so no where near Transition.  Been bugging me since but very well could be that it was just a previous model that I didn't recognize.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them utilize a TQ 120 in a new ebike. 

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