Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I...
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I can think of a lot i'd like to do to my bike with that money before thinking about buying an extra battery
I would if I could but I cant so probably wont but maybe one day....or an extender
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I...
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I can think of a lot i'd like to do to my bike with that money before thinking about buying an extra battery
Most of my riding buddies have a spare or two. For the bikes that don't allow an easy change they have an extender.
Myself, I have two batteries for my Levo Gen 3. It did come "free" as a promo though.
These days with newer, faster charging bikes, I'm not sure if I'll need a spare one. Having a battery backup system in a car that will allow to re-charge the bike during snack times and lunches might be the way to go. I was using one on the trips hooked to a solar panel to replenish.
I've had spare batteries for all my ebikes. Most hot swapping used to be quick, now it's a bit of a faff I cbf. I'd only buy a second for a huge backcountry mission rather than hot lappin all day.
I've always bought a second battery, but either later on wating for deals or negotiating the new bike with the second battery discounted/free.
Last year I got my 600Wh bosch for around €600, but had to look around and get it shipped for a small bike shop internationaly to save around €150. I feel like €1 per Wh is a reasonable cost to expect knowing that publicly referenced pricing is one tenth of that for the cells (100$ per 1000Wh).
Just bought a 250Wh extender for €400, discounted from 500+, I think bosch should make more of an effort on those, they are pricing them like a rare luxury item, whereas they would probably shift way more at a reasonable price.
When I change my car, I'll go for one that can run the 12a charger from the car battery (Most Kia EVs can do this), at that point I'll be happy to ride a 900Wh+ non-removable battery
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I...
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I can think of a lot i'd like to do to my bike with that money before thinking about buying an extra battery
A buddy had a spare Brose battery when he owned a Levo. I borrowed it once for a ride in Santa Cruz, did 2/3 of both batteries and tapped out after that because I was so fatigued overall that I was worried I was going to crash on something minor. IIRC I did like 9,700' which is less than you'd do in a bike park, but you also don't have to spin the cranks to work the chairlift either.
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I...
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I can think of a lot i'd like to do to my bike with that money before thinking about buying an extra battery
I'm getting roughly 2.5 hours or ride time out of my 800w Avinox. Outside of life allowing me more time, I think I have maybe another 45min of Gu energy left. 67% of that time is zone 3 and 25% zone 4 so it's not a tame ride.
All that meaning, I need about another 200w of battery and hopefully that capacity can be added prior to new battery tech. Bc rarely do trails I ride loop back to my car to hot swap.
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I...
Show of hands... how many people are actually buying extra batteries so they can hot swap on big rides? a Bosch 600Wh is like $1,000+. I can think of a lot i'd like to do to my bike with that money before thinking about buying an extra battery
$1,000 to double my ride time? Do you have Ultimate/Factory level suspension? After I’ve spent my money there I really can’t imagine putting money into another area of the bike. (good tires too obv)
As someone who still rides analog bike a fair bit, my philosophy with the e-bike is put your cheapest components on it, because you’ll still be smiling regardless. Some reviewers have even extended this to suspension, saying that cheap suspension is fine on heavy bikes. Idk if I quite buy that argument yet.
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough compression damping in the fork of an ebike because of more weight being over the front.
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough...
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough compression damping in the fork of an ebike because of more weight being over the front.
Bad dampers are still bad on an ebike. I didn't get on with the Grip 1 on my Bullit, swapped it to the MRP damper and now happy. I'm 200lbs and like more low speed compression damping than some, but nothing outside the bell curve. The Grip 1 damper felt harsh when it had my preferred level of support, and I had trouble finding the right rebound setting.
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough...
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough compression damping in the fork of an ebike because of more weight being over the front.
Bad dampers are still bad on an ebike. I didn't get on with the Grip 1 on my Bullit, swapped it to the MRP damper and...
Bad dampers are still bad on an ebike. I didn't get on with the Grip 1 on my Bullit, swapped it to the MRP damper and now happy. I'm 200lbs and like more low speed compression damping than some, but nothing outside the bell curve. The Grip 1 damper felt harsh when it had my preferred level of support, and I had trouble finding the right rebound setting.
For. Real. The Vala rides like garbage with the base RockShox fork and shock. Even with rebound wide open it rode way overdamped. It bumbled down the trail fine but had zero passion. Kinda like my marriage.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't...
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I think the "e-mtb tuned" Fox forks are garbage. See below for way too many details model deets. But still...The damper rebound for me was way too fast/light even fully closed. The bros put in a different shim and now it is like a "real" fork.
The chassis? That's solid. 54lb bike and I'm okay with what flex I get. Don't really need to feel the need for a dual crown.
One guy in town I ran into with the same bike said he sold that 38 and got a Zeb, immediately. Hmmm
2024_23 Performance E-Tuned Series 38 FLOAT 29 170mm Grip
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't...
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in...
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't...
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in...
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening...
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
I took the Float X off my Vala without even bothering to ride it, replaced it with a Vivid. 2 guys I know with Valas replaced the Float X with DHX2s. 2 other guys I know with Valas - 1 wants to replace it with an 11-6 but Push is dragging their feet coming up with a tune, and the other is muddling along with the Float X but doesn't like it and wants to replace it once he's over injury. The Vala & Bullit ride great once you shitcan the Float X.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't...
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in...
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening...
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
I have a bullit and have the stock float x, the stock x2 and an avalanche tuned marzzochi bomber cr. Honestly there is very little difference between the three of them. Of the three, I prefer the air shocks as I feel the extra capability/planted nature of the bullit with the coil shock comes at too much of a trade-off in terms of maneuverability and ease of getting the bike to switch lines mid-corner or feature.
The Bullit is a pretty typical Santacruz bike in that it packages moderate geometry (borderline conservative compared to current trends), with a chassis that ever so slightly too stiff (but reliable, has good qa/qc and frame alignment) with predictable suspension performance and kinematics. I find that their long travel bikes never end up hover bike plow machines... but with that tradeoff, you always know exactly where you are at in the travel of the bike, you know when you bottom it out or over-ride it but not in a way that is scary or unsettling.
I find that the bullit is exactly that... when I tried to over-build it with coil fork and coil shock and tried to make it eat/erase low-amplitude, high frequency items on trail, it got vague and took away the bikes playful pull up on all of the things nature.
To each their own... but IMO the tune on the stock float-x is actually pretty good provided you run rebound 3-4 clicks faster then what SC recommends. (Also important to note is that the bullit has the new float x internals and tunes, which are an improvement over the previous years.) You get a bit more granular adjustment out of the x2... but the bike is not significantly better for it. IMO the tradeoff of more speed and more planted feel of a coil, is not worth giving up the easy to access progressive air spring support and response.
IMO SC bikes always punch at their weight class or slightly below really well... trying to push them to push above their weight is rarely a universal improvement in the bike for me.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't...
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in...
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening...
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
I have a bullit. Put 4 rides into the float x performance. It was fine but got overwhelmed when things got fast and rough. I like a firm compression tune and that shock couldn't hang at speed. Put in an sv8. Yea, no more problems there. I did go a bit lighter on the spring than push'S calculator recommended.
I think the sv8 is a great choice for the bullit if you go fast on rough trails.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in...
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening...
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
I have a bullit. Put 4 rides into the float x performance. It was fine but got overwhelmed when things got fast and rough. I like...
I have a bullit. Put 4 rides into the float x performance. It was fine but got overwhelmed when things got fast and rough. I like a firm compression tune and that shock couldn't hang at speed. Put in an sv8. Yea, no more problems there. I did go a bit lighter on the spring than push'S calculator recommended.
I think the sv8 is a great choice for the bullit if you go fast on rough trails.
I couldn't agree more. I put a Push SV Eight on my Bullit and it transformed the bike for the better.
It seems that every major player (and at least one smaller player) has a high power eCVT in development for the 2028-2029 model year,
I'm actually really interested in the eCVTs. Total game changer on the climbs for those of us who still want to work while on the eeb and people who just want to sail up it in boost. Hard to imagine they wouldn't have a "manual mode" with simulated gears like cars have. It'd be really cool to be able to change your gear ratio through software without having to sink money into parts on a guess. (Bike Industry hates this one simple trick!)
Avinox derailleur bikes bout to be on sale? Before the Canyon/Ibis/Norco have even dropped?
2 models with the Scottish-made Intradrive Gearbox Powertrain launched - Alutech and new Obscur brand. A big takeaway is that 12 other manufacturers are testing it. We were able to take a spin on a one-off 4-bar frame with the Intradrive at Sea Otter and it was pretty neat. I'll load up the pics first with the PR below.
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Intradrive launches the GD8 gearbox powertrain at Roc d'Azur, with Obscur and Alutech as first partner brands
Series production is underway in the UK, first production units ship to bike brands from December, and more brands are set to follow in 2027.
FRÉJUS, France, 8 October 2026. Edinburgh-based Intradrive today launches the GD8, an 8- speed gearbox powertrain for premium electric mountain bikes, at Roc d'Azur CIC (7 to 11 October). Two partner brands are showing production bikes built around it: French newcomer Obscur, which unveils its first e-MTB, and German brand Alutech, with a GD8 version of its ePelmo e-enduro.
The GD8 is in series production in the UK, with units on firm order and first deliveries to bike brands from December 2026.
One sealed unit in place of a motor and a derailleur drivetrain
Cars keep their gears in a sealed gearbox. The GD8 does the same for e-bikes, replacing both the motor and the derailleur drivetrain with one sealed unit built for durability, low maintenance and full repairability.
The 8 speeds sit inside the frame, protected from rocks, mud and crashes. Riders get wireless shifts in around 0.1 seconds across a 480% range, under load or at a standstill. With no derailleur, cassette or hanger to bend or wear out, servicing comes down to an oil change every 10,000 km.
For bike brands, the GD8 uses the same mounting interface as the Shimano EP8, so it can be designed into new or existing EP8 frame platforms with minimal changes. It runs with a chain or a belt, and the design is patented.
Launch partners
Obscur is a new French e-MTB brand from the composite's specialists at Workshape, who have spent twenty years building carbon fibre parts for aeronautics, aerospace and fundamental research. Its first bike, an all-mountain e-MTB unveiled at Roc d'Azur, pairs the GD8 with a high-modulus carbon frame made in Obscur's workshops in the Drôme, 150mm rear and 160mm front travel on mixed wheels, and an 840Wh removable battery with a unique form factor, designed and made in France. It will be offered in Ride and Max builds. More info here www.obscur.bike
"After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame. The GD8 puts the gears inside the bike and lets us lower and centre the heaviest components, and you feel that the moment the trail gets technical." Simon Rubet, Obscur
Also on display will be the Alutech ePelmo GD8, a lightweight enduro bike with a hydroformed aluminium frame hand made in Germany, running a Gates belt drive and featuring the GD8. The ePelmo is priced at €11,499 including 19% VAT. https://alutech-cycles.com/
"Reaching first production is a big moment for us. Our small but passionate team has put in years of graft to get here, and we couldn't have done it without great suppliers and supportive investors who have backed us all the way. Seeing the GD8 in production bikes from Obscur and Alutech at Roc d'Azur is the first of many, and we're now building the partnerships that will take it to scale." Mark Ravilious, founder, Intradrive
In production now, with more brands to follow
The GD8 is built in the UK from a European supply chain, using validated production tooling that includes high-pressure die-cast aluminium casings, precision gears made in Italy, and a proprietary high performance motor wound in Intradrive's Edinburgh factory. The first production run is underway, with 70 units on firm order and deliveries from December 2026.
A further 12 bike brands are evaluating the GD8 under NDA, and new models will be announced through 2027.
"Riders have put up with bent hangers, worn chains and endless adjustment for too long. We designed the GD8 so brands can put the gears where they belong, sealed inside the bike, without starting a frame from scratch. Production is the starting point, and we're already working with brands on what comes next." Peter Slotwinski, co-founder, Intradrive
Building for scale
With production tooling validated and demand from bike brands growing, Intradrive is planning capacity for 2027 and beyond. It welcomes conversations with strategic partners across manufacturing, supply and the wider cycling industry.
For bike brands planning 2028 models
Intradrive is taking enquiries from brands developing 2028 model year e-MTBs. Because the GD8 shares the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, product teams can build prototypes on existing frame platforms and ride them before committing to new tooling. Test systems and integration support are available now.
Product managers can see the GD8 on the Obscur and Alutech bikes at Roc d'Azur in the Sea Zone, or book a demo at sales@intradrive.co.uk
Notes to editors GD8 key specifications
Specification
GD8
Speeds
8, electronically shifted
Shifter
Wireless Bluetooth
Display
Top tube or bar mount option
App
Intradrive app, with over-the-air (OTA) software updates
Range
480%
Shift time
approx. 0.1 s
Rated / peak power
250 W / 700 W
Weight
4.5 kg
Mounting
Shimano EP8 interface
Final drive
Chain or belt
Battery
Bike-specific, chosen by the bike brand
Servicing
Oil change every 10,000 km
Origin
Designed and built in the UK
About Intradrive. Intradrive (Intra Drive Ltd) is a B2B hardware manufacturer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded by lifelong mountain bikers and engineers Mark Ravilious and co-founder Peter Slotwinski, it has spent ten years developing the GD8, a patented gearbox powertrain supplied to e- bike brands. intradrive.co.uk
About Obscur. Obscur is a French e-MTB brand based in La Roche-de-Glun, in the Drôme, created by a company with twenty years in carbon composites for aeronautics, aerospace and fundamental research. obscur.bike
https://bicycleretailer.com/international/2026/10/05/5-things-we-learned-taichung-bike-weekIt seems that every major player (and at least one smaller player) has a high power eCVT in development for the 2028-2029 model year, I'm actually really...
It seems that every major player (and at least one smaller player) has a high power eCVT in development for the 2028-2029 model year,
I'm actually really interested in the eCVTs. Total game changer on the climbs for those of us who still want to work while on the eeb and people who just want to sail up it in boost. Hard to imagine they wouldn't have a "manual mode" with simulated gears like cars have. It'd be really cool to be able to change your gear ratio through software without having to sink money into parts on a guess. (Bike Industry hates this one simple trick!)
Avinox derailleur bikes bout to be on sale? Before the Canyon/Ibis/Norco have even dropped?
No way Shimano release a CVT before 2030.
May I xpost from other forums? Feels like a faux pas, but here's a fascinating post pointing out complexities with eCVTs.
Seems like the downsides are similar or even worse than the mgu designs: less efficiency and therefore a weight penalty from a bigger battery.
People don't realize that putting out more power and gadgets into E-Bikes will make them heavier so all weight savings there might be might be offset. Similar story like electronic shifting, dropper, suspension or abs.
I would if I could but I cant so probably wont but maybe one day....or an extender
Most of my riding buddies have a spare or two. For the bikes that don't allow an easy change they have an extender.
Myself, I have two batteries for my Levo Gen 3. It did come "free" as a promo though.
These days with newer, faster charging bikes, I'm not sure if I'll need a spare one. Having a battery backup system in a car that will allow to re-charge the bike during snack times and lunches might be the way to go. I was using one on the trips hooked to a solar panel to replenish.
I've had spare batteries for all my ebikes. Most hot swapping used to be quick, now it's a bit of a faff I cbf. I'd only buy a second for a huge backcountry mission rather than hot lappin all day.
I've always bought a second battery, but either later on wating for deals or negotiating the new bike with the second battery discounted/free.
Last year I got my 600Wh bosch for around €600, but had to look around and get it shipped for a small bike shop internationaly to save around €150. I feel like €1 per Wh is a reasonable cost to expect knowing that publicly referenced pricing is one tenth of that for the cells (100$ per 1000Wh).
Just bought a 250Wh extender for €400, discounted from 500+, I think bosch should make more of an effort on those, they are pricing them like a rare luxury item, whereas they would probably shift way more at a reasonable price.
When I change my car, I'll go for one that can run the 12a charger from the car battery (Most Kia EVs can do this), at that point I'll be happy to ride a 900Wh+ non-removable battery
A buddy had a spare Brose battery when he owned a Levo. I borrowed it once for a ride in Santa Cruz, did 2/3 of both batteries and tapped out after that because I was so fatigued overall that I was worried I was going to crash on something minor. IIRC I did like 9,700' which is less than you'd do in a bike park, but you also don't have to spin the cranks to work the chairlift either.
I'm getting roughly 2.5 hours or ride time out of my 800w Avinox. Outside of life allowing me more time, I think I have maybe another 45min of Gu energy left. 67% of that time is zone 3 and 25% zone 4 so it's not a tame ride.
All that meaning, I need about another 200w of battery and hopefully that capacity can be added prior to new battery tech. Bc rarely do trails I ride loop back to my car to hot swap.
Canyon with Avinox at Whistler
The Rumored Strive Avinox?
It has already been on full display at sea otter europe as of a few days ago so, not much of a rumor any more
700Wh battery helps it. Curious about what the weight will be.
Availability and geo revealed anywhere?
This new Rebel looks pretty rad!
$1,000 to double my ride time? Do you have Ultimate/Factory level suspension? After I’ve spent my money there I really can’t imagine putting money into another area of the bike. (good tires too obv)
As someone who still rides analog bike a fair bit, my philosophy with the e-bike is put your cheapest components on it, because you’ll still be smiling regardless. Some reviewers have even extended this to suspension, saying that cheap suspension is fine on heavy bikes. Idk if I quite buy that argument yet.
They weight will mask some vibrations you'd otherwise notice with the wrong (too stiff) damper tune or you can compensate with spring/tokens. But you need enough compression damping in the fork of an ebike because of more weight being over the front.
Bad dampers are still bad on an ebike. I didn't get on with the Grip 1 on my Bullit, swapped it to the MRP damper and now happy. I'm 200lbs and like more low speed compression damping than some, but nothing outside the bell curve. The Grip 1 damper felt harsh when it had my preferred level of support, and I had trouble finding the right rebound setting.
For. Real. The Vala rides like garbage with the base RockShox fork and shock. Even with rebound wide open it rode way overdamped. It bumbled down the trail fine but had zero passion. Kinda like my marriage.
This has been my experience with Vala/Bullit. I demoed a Vala w a rhythm 38 from Fantatik in Bellingham and rode Repeater laps until I couldn't. Never got along with the bike, left feeling very meh about ebike descending characteristics. Fast forward to impulsively buying a Bullit on sale, and I've really appreciated the independent compression and rebound dampening adjustments of the X2. I'm not sure how much of that increased confidence should be attributed to the Bullit vs Vala chassis, however.
I suspect it not Bullit vs Vala but that Santa Cruz specs cheap suspension until you get to eye-wateringly expensive builds. I knew this going in, but still. Bullit was the only 170-ish bike I could get my hands on last year with my desired geo and Bosch gen 5. It's not like the Bullit 90 is cheap. Transition and other brands do a much better job of speccing good suspension on the mid-tier builds. Too bad so many brands herd together with a jump from a 480 reach L to a 510 XL.
Bullit with the non-adjustable Fox Float X performance performs predictably (with fork upgraded), but is uninspiring. It's fine on low-speed tech, rails corners nicely for a 170 bike, but not great on mid+ speed chunk. It's also a shock with a low air volume for the design. Shock is also starting to feel gassy after only 500 miles, which is no surprise.
I sprung for a Vorsprung Telum instead of just popping a Vivid on there. It should unlock the frame's potential and be nicely durable. Stoked to see how that goes... in spring once I'm recovered from surgery.
I think the "e-mtb tuned" Fox forks are garbage. See below for way too many details model deets. But still...The damper rebound for me was way too fast/light even fully closed. The bros put in a different shim and now it is like a "real" fork.
The chassis? That's solid. 54lb bike and I'm okay with what flex I get. Don't really need to feel the need for a dual crown.
One guy in town I ran into with the same bike said he sold that 38 and got a Zeb, immediately. Hmmm
2024_23 Performance E-Tuned Series 38 FLOAT 29 170mm Grip
2024_23, 38, A, FLOAT, 29in, P-S E-Tuned, 170, Grip, 3POS, Light Reb, Matte Blk, PMS 4177 Latte/PMS5405 Area 51 Logo, Kabolt-x 110, BLK, 1.5T, 58HT, 44mm Rake, N/M
Serial Number - 1070129-0156-T
Part Number - 910-36-069
I'm really glad to hear your thoughts on the Float X match mine. I've been considering the Push SV Eight, and EXT Vecta... I was listening to Brian Cahal's take on the Bullit - he was left pretty unimpressed, calling it energetic, and terrain dependent. Grains of salt aside, I generally respect and share his opinion on bikes. The build they were testing was the same as mine, with the float X and performance elite X2 38. I have to think that the Float X is really coloring the rest of the bike. Every SC rider I see has a coil on theirs.
I took the Float X off my Vala without even bothering to ride it, replaced it with a Vivid. 2 guys I know with Valas replaced the Float X with DHX2s. 2 other guys I know with Valas - 1 wants to replace it with an 11-6 but Push is dragging their feet coming up with a tune, and the other is muddling along with the Float X but doesn't like it and wants to replace it once he's over injury. The Vala & Bullit ride great once you shitcan the Float X.
I have a bullit and have the stock float x, the stock x2 and an avalanche tuned marzzochi bomber cr. Honestly there is very little difference between the three of them. Of the three, I prefer the air shocks as I feel the extra capability/planted nature of the bullit with the coil shock comes at too much of a trade-off in terms of maneuverability and ease of getting the bike to switch lines mid-corner or feature.
The Bullit is a pretty typical Santacruz bike in that it packages moderate geometry (borderline conservative compared to current trends), with a chassis that ever so slightly too stiff (but reliable, has good qa/qc and frame alignment) with predictable suspension performance and kinematics. I find that their long travel bikes never end up hover bike plow machines... but with that tradeoff, you always know exactly where you are at in the travel of the bike, you know when you bottom it out or over-ride it but not in a way that is scary or unsettling.
I find that the bullit is exactly that... when I tried to over-build it with coil fork and coil shock and tried to make it eat/erase low-amplitude, high frequency items on trail, it got vague and took away the bikes playful pull up on all of the things nature.
To each their own... but IMO the tune on the stock float-x is actually pretty good provided you run rebound 3-4 clicks faster then what SC recommends. (Also important to note is that the bullit has the new float x internals and tunes, which are an improvement over the previous years.) You get a bit more granular adjustment out of the x2... but the bike is not significantly better for it. IMO the tradeoff of more speed and more planted feel of a coil, is not worth giving up the easy to access progressive air spring support and response.
IMO SC bikes always punch at their weight class or slightly below really well... trying to push them to push above their weight is rarely a universal improvement in the bike for me.
I have a bullit. Put 4 rides into the float x performance. It was fine but got overwhelmed when things got fast and rough. I like a firm compression tune and that shock couldn't hang at speed. Put in an sv8. Yea, no more problems there. I did go a bit lighter on the spring than push'S calculator recommended.
I think the sv8 is a great choice for the bullit if you go fast on rough trails.
I couldn't agree more. I put a Push SV Eight on my Bullit and it transformed the bike for the better.
https://bicycleretailer.com/international/2026/10/05/5-things-we-learne…
I'm actually really interested in the eCVTs. Total game changer on the climbs for those of us who still want to work while on the eeb and people who just want to sail up it in boost. Hard to imagine they wouldn't have a "manual mode" with simulated gears like cars have. It'd be really cool to be able to change your gear ratio through software without having to sink money into parts on a guess. (Bike Industry hates this one simple trick!)
Avinox derailleur bikes bout to be on sale? Before the Canyon/Ibis/Norco have even dropped?
No way Shimano release a CVT before 2030.
2 models with the Scottish-made Intradrive Gearbox Powertrain launched - Alutech and new Obscur brand. A big takeaway is that 12 other manufacturers are testing it. We were able to take a spin on a one-off 4-bar frame with the Intradrive at Sea Otter and it was pretty neat. I'll load up the pics first with the PR below.
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Intradrive launches the GD8 gearbox powertrain at Roc d'Azur, with Obscur and Alutech as first partner brands
Series production is underway in the UK, first production units ship to bike brands from December, and more brands are set to follow in 2027.
FRÉJUS, France, 8 October 2026. Edinburgh-based Intradrive today launches the GD8, an 8- speed gearbox powertrain for premium electric mountain bikes, at Roc d'Azur CIC (7 to 11 October). Two partner brands are showing production bikes built around it: French newcomer Obscur, which unveils its first e-MTB, and German brand Alutech, with a GD8 version of its ePelmo e-enduro.
The GD8 is in series production in the UK, with units on firm order and first deliveries to bike brands from December 2026.
One sealed unit in place of a motor and a derailleur drivetrain
Cars keep their gears in a sealed gearbox. The GD8 does the same for e-bikes, replacing both the motor and the derailleur drivetrain with one sealed unit built for durability, low maintenance and full repairability.
The 8 speeds sit inside the frame, protected from rocks, mud and crashes. Riders get wireless shifts in around 0.1 seconds across a 480% range, under load or at a standstill. With no derailleur, cassette or hanger to bend or wear out, servicing comes down to an oil change every 10,000 km.
For bike brands, the GD8 uses the same mounting interface as the Shimano EP8, so it can be designed into new or existing EP8 frame platforms with minimal changes. It runs with a chain or a belt, and the design is patented.
Launch partners
Obscur is a new French e-MTB brand from the composite's specialists at Workshape, who have spent twenty years building carbon fibre parts for aeronautics, aerospace and fundamental research. Its first bike, an all-mountain e-MTB unveiled at Roc d'Azur, pairs the GD8 with a high-modulus carbon frame made in Obscur's workshops in the Drôme, 150mm rear and 160mm front travel on mixed wheels, and an 840Wh removable battery with a unique form factor, designed and made in France. It will be offered in Ride and Max builds. More info here www.obscur.bike
"After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame. The GD8 puts the gears inside the bike and lets us lower and centre the heaviest components, and you feel that the moment the trail gets technical." Simon Rubet, Obscur
Also on display will be the Alutech ePelmo GD8, a lightweight enduro bike with a hydroformed aluminium frame hand made in Germany, running a Gates belt drive and featuring the GD8. The ePelmo is priced at €11,499 including 19% VAT. https://alutech-cycles.com/
"Reaching first production is a big moment for us. Our small but passionate team has put in years of graft to get here, and we couldn't have done it without great suppliers and supportive investors who have backed us all the way. Seeing the GD8 in production bikes from Obscur and Alutech at Roc d'Azur is the first of many, and we're now building the partnerships that will take it to scale." Mark Ravilious, founder, Intradrive
In production now, with more brands to follow
The GD8 is built in the UK from a European supply chain, using validated production tooling that includes high-pressure die-cast aluminium casings, precision gears made in Italy, and a proprietary high performance motor wound in Intradrive's Edinburgh factory. The first production run is underway, with 70 units on firm order and deliveries from December 2026.
A further 12 bike brands are evaluating the GD8 under NDA, and new models will be announced through 2027.
"Riders have put up with bent hangers, worn chains and endless adjustment for too long. We designed the GD8 so brands can put the gears where they belong, sealed inside the bike, without starting a frame from scratch. Production is the starting point, and we're already working with brands on what comes next." Peter Slotwinski, co-founder, Intradrive
Building for scale
With production tooling validated and demand from bike brands growing, Intradrive is planning capacity for 2027 and beyond. It welcomes conversations with strategic partners across manufacturing, supply and the wider cycling industry.
For bike brands planning 2028 models
Intradrive is taking enquiries from brands developing 2028 model year e-MTBs. Because the GD8 shares the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, product teams can build prototypes on existing frame platforms and ride them before committing to new tooling. Test systems and integration support are available now.
Product managers can see the GD8 on the Obscur and Alutech bikes at Roc d'Azur in the Sea Zone, or book a demo at sales@intradrive.co.uk
Notes to editors GD8 key specifications
Specification
GD8
Speeds
8, electronically shifted
Shifter
Wireless Bluetooth
Display
Top tube or bar mount option
App
Intradrive app, with over-the-air (OTA) software updates
Range
480%
Shift time
approx. 0.1 s
Rated / peak power
250 W / 700 W
Weight
4.5 kg
Mounting
Shimano EP8 interface
Final drive
Chain or belt
Battery
Bike-specific, chosen by the bike brand
Servicing
Oil change every 10,000 km
Origin
Designed and built in the UK
About Intradrive. Intradrive (Intra Drive Ltd) is a B2B hardware manufacturer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded by lifelong mountain bikers and engineers Mark Ravilious and co-founder Peter Slotwinski, it has spent ten years developing the GD8, a patented gearbox powertrain supplied to e- bike brands. intradrive.co.uk
About Obscur. Obscur is a French e-MTB brand based in La Roche-de-Glun, in the Drôme, created by a company with twenty years in carbon composites for aeronautics, aerospace and fundamental research. obscur.bike
May I xpost from other forums? Feels like a faux pas, but here's a fascinating post pointing out complexities with eCVTs.
(1) eCVT in eMTBs: Some Technical Food for Thought | EMTB Forums
I hadn't considered the loss of a direct mechanical relationship to the rear wheel, and the challenges that would present.
Seems like the downsides are similar or even worse than the mgu designs: less efficiency and therefore a weight penalty from a bigger battery.
People don't realize that putting out more power and gadgets into E-Bikes will make them heavier so all weight savings there might be might be offset. Similar story like electronic shifting, dropper, suspension or abs.
Post a reply to: E-bike talk: not tech rumor derailment