2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

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StilPhone
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1 day ago

Re 38s vs Podium this weekend, I'm sure I heard on Jesse's bike check (hes running a Lyrik) that weight is more important in Finale than other rounds, ie even Pietra up the road is different enough to justify a 38/Zeb. 

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comatosegi
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1 day ago
Big Dos wrote:
Not quite a tech rumour but I noticed top 5 men at EDR worlds are supported by Fox and are all on 38's not podiums. Rider...

Not quite a tech rumour but I noticed top 5 men at EDR worlds are supported by Fox and are all on 38's not podiums. Rider preference or Fox shelving that project?

Goon City wrote:
This started happening quickly after the Podium release, they were all on them for a round or two then started dropping off. After riding one my...

This started happening quickly after the Podium release, they were all on them for a round or two then started dropping off. After riding one my guess is they don't like the old twist and tuck 

Spoke to one of the top Fox EDR athletes. He tested it in the off season, it was too inconsistent coming out of corners for him.  I am slow, so hasn't been an issue for me doing a season at Whistler on the Podium.

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johann377
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1 day ago
If it’s just like the old prototype, but in a Mullet, I might be tempted to replace my V10.Edit: Ok when I see the pictures next...

If it’s just like the old prototype, but in a Mullet, I might be tempted to replace my V10.

Devinci Wilson-Prototyp gesichtet: Neues Downhill-Bike mit ...

Edit: Ok when I see the pictures next to another the suspension layout is different, but the out lines of the front triangle look similar, what I really like.

saskskier wrote:
I've heard rumours that it's geared more towards being a playful, park/freeride bike, but NSB will make a different link for racing in the future. Also...

I've heard rumours that it's geared more towards being a playful, park/freeride bike, but NSB will make a different link for racing in the future. Also, 500/506 reach and 450/456 chainstay (in an XL) and pricing between $8-9000cdn (if I remember correctly). I think there is only one build option. 

With that geo it’s not a freeride bike at all lmao 

What geo? Can't find anything

ws2186
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Perris, CA, USA
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1 day ago
majorjake wrote:
Forbidden Supernought with an aluminum rear triangle?

Forbidden Supernought with an aluminum rear triangle?


IMG 9724

ntm95 wrote:
Yeah, Magnus had it at the Canadian nationals. Laurie has had one for a while too.E-dread front triangle with a custom link and chainstay. The motor/battery...

Yeah, Magnus had it at the Canadian nationals. Laurie has had one for a while too.

E-dread front triangle with a custom link and chainstay. The motor/battery is removed and an adjustable position bb is there instead.

I was dying to take a pull on that prototype at the nats, I suspect it's going to be very good indeed, based on the fact that my e-dread was running the same times down the course as my supernought was. Also exciting that there could be an e-supernought, or link package for the e-dread, in the works.

Maybe I'm just getting old and lame, but i'd ride the shit out of a Supernought-E

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HexonJuan
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1 day ago
Evil96 wrote:
About the new meta, is there any reason to to this dumb caliper positioning other being annoying to work on?Like, is there a construction reason that...

About the new meta, is there any reason to to this dumb caliper positioning other being annoying to work on?

Like, is there a construction reason that makes the bike better vs calipers on top? 
IMG 3969

Eae903 wrote:
It's for strength. That position distributes the forces from braking through the seat stay and chainstay better than being on two posts above the seatstay, but...

It's for strength. That position distributes the forces from braking through the seat stay and chainstay better than being on two posts above the seatstay, but it is awful to work on. 

Yep, in this design you have a compression force going up the seat stay and a shear going across the chainstay. The seatstay acts like a torque takeout beam, minimizing shear stress across the chain stay, which in turn allows both stays to be made lighter than the equivalent caliper-on-top set up. That was the main reason for the design of the Hayes 22mm caliper, the OG flat mount: minimize material, maximize strength. 

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comatosegi
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1 day ago
comatosegi wrote:

It was part of the QR code they had at hardline.

Rick26 wrote:
manny.bike wrote:
I know, sooo nice… but come on, why tease something that’s still so far away?! 😂 Same with the Adidas freeride shoe.My doomscrolling brain can barely...

I know, sooo nice… but come on, why tease something that’s still so far away?! 😂 Same with the Adidas freeride shoe.

My doomscrolling brain can barely remember what I saw 5 seconds ago… let alone something dropping months from now. 💀


 

It should be un-veiled very soon.  A few of the publications were testing it last month, most likely.  Alloy DH bike with a wrap, under a journalist you may know.  The rep at Hardline was saying they were doing a bunch of different things with it.

sspomer
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1 day ago
sspomer wrote:
Reserve goes 32"https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/reserve-announces-new-32-xc-wheels-0
Sherbet wrote:

Access denied on link my dude

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Sherbet
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1 day ago

Thanks man!

Weight is uh, seemingly a non-starter for an XC wheelset. Seems definitively in the trail segment weight wise, or at least, not overly competitive with a few other options currently going. Also a little odd to come stock with the DF pawl system, not a bad thing, but again, a little more of a trail thing than an XC thing. 

Also assumed they'd be doing a gravel hub width option on release, but I suppose that may be down the pipeline or maybe be released with a gravel bike (cervelo) down the line. 

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Eae903
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1 day ago Edited Date/Time 1 day ago
Sherbet wrote:
Thanks man!Weight is uh, seemingly a non-starter for an XC wheelset. Seems definitively in the trail segment weight wise, or at least, not overly competitive with...

Thanks man!

Weight is uh, seemingly a non-starter for an XC wheelset. Seems definitively in the trail segment weight wise, or at least, not overly competitive with a few other options currently going. Also a little odd to come stock with the DF pawl system, not a bad thing, but again, a little more of a trail thing than an XC thing. 

Also assumed they'd be doing a gravel hub width option on release, but I suppose that may be down the pipeline or maybe be released with a gravel bike (cervelo) down the line. 

The compromises they had to make, more material, reinforcement, extra spoke length, 28 spoke wheels, all to make the wheel bigger. There will be light wheels coming to market soon enough. But, since they're out to market first, and people like reserve, they're going to sell a ton of sets for people prepping to buy frames as soon as they're available too, regardless of weight. 

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Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE, IT
1 day ago
Evil96 wrote:
About the new meta, is there any reason to to this dumb caliper positioning other being annoying to work on?Like, is there a construction reason that...

About the new meta, is there any reason to to this dumb caliper positioning other being annoying to work on?

Like, is there a construction reason that makes the bike better vs calipers on top? 
IMG 3969

Eae903 wrote:
It's for strength. That position distributes the forces from braking through the seat stay and chainstay better than being on two posts above the seatstay, but...

It's for strength. That position distributes the forces from braking through the seat stay and chainstay better than being on two posts above the seatstay, but it is awful to work on. 

Ok well at least there is an alleged benefit to it, I still believe most designers have some sort of beef with mechanics 

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Sherbet
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1 day ago
Sherbet wrote:
Thanks man!Weight is uh, seemingly a non-starter for an XC wheelset. Seems definitively in the trail segment weight wise, or at least, not overly competitive with...

Thanks man!

Weight is uh, seemingly a non-starter for an XC wheelset. Seems definitively in the trail segment weight wise, or at least, not overly competitive with a few other options currently going. Also a little odd to come stock with the DF pawl system, not a bad thing, but again, a little more of a trail thing than an XC thing. 

Also assumed they'd be doing a gravel hub width option on release, but I suppose that may be down the pipeline or maybe be released with a gravel bike (cervelo) down the line. 

Eae903 wrote:
The compromises they had to make, more material, reinforcement, extra spoke length, 28 spoke wheels, all to make the wheel bigger. There will be light wheels...

The compromises they had to make, more material, reinforcement, extra spoke length, 28 spoke wheels, all to make the wheel bigger. There will be light wheels coming to market soon enough. But, since they're out to market first, and people like reserve, they're going to sell a ton of sets for people prepping to buy frames as soon as they're available too, regardless of weight. 

There already are sub 1200g wheel options around/not far off this pricepoint, hence them already being a non-starter. It's 500g up on competitive wheels.

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ntm95
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1 day ago
ws2186 wrote:

Maybe I'm just getting old and lame, but i'd ride the shit out of a Supernought-E

Eh, I don't know.

Paul Aston recently tested the nicolai r20 e-downhill bike, and figures it's better than any other dh bike he has tested, by 20%. I've kind of seen something similar with this e-dreadnought. It tears the pants off my dreadnought v2 on descents.

So not sure being old and lame is a qualifier, it literally could be the faster bike. And after all, a chairlift is even less work than an e-bike 😁. I'd be all over one too, ideal for places like Valemount where shuttles only run on weekends.

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Primoz
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1 day ago

With how stout most rear dropout forgings and chainstays and seatstays are these days, especially compared to the stoutness of the screw posts (they are usually quite slim compared to everything else), it's hard to imagine there will be a tangible benefit of mounting the caliper in an unaccessible location vs. mounting it at the top. Plus, as I mentioned, most frames mounted the caliper down low have to bend the seatstay out of the way, which makes the frame wider (heel clearance can become an issue) and makes the seatstay less stable in compression compared to a straighter one (if we're discussing stiffness/strength/etc.).

I'll be direct, I'm betting the frames are designed with calipers mounted behind the seatstay for looks only.

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comatosegi
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Portland, OR, USA
1 day ago Edited Date/Time 1 day ago
Primoz wrote:
With how stout most rear dropout forgings and chainstays and seatstays are these days, especially compared to the stoutness of the screw posts (they are usually...

With how stout most rear dropout forgings and chainstays and seatstays are these days, especially compared to the stoutness of the screw posts (they are usually quite slim compared to everything else), it's hard to imagine there will be a tangible benefit of mounting the caliper in an unaccessible location vs. mounting it at the top. Plus, as I mentioned, most frames mounted the caliper down low have to bend the seatstay out of the way, which makes the frame wider (heel clearance can become an issue) and makes the seatstay less stable in compression compared to a straighter one (if we're discussing stiffness/strength/etc.).

I'll be direct, I'm betting the frames are designed with calipers mounted behind the seatstay for looks only.

Have a friend where the brake mounts failed on the V5, along with other welds.  If I am not mistaken, V5 vs V5.2 also changes which arm the brake attaches too, which should effect anti-rise.

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swadd1er
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GB
23 hours ago
Trocko wrote:
What’s that mounted to the accessory mount on Richie’s bike?

What’s that mounted to the accessory mount on Richie’s bike?

IMG 5852

its a OneUp EDC tool in a 3d printed mount

I've been looking for an inexpensive allen key/multitool holder for this part of the bike for a long time. Found this 3d print file which might do the job just nicely. Does anyone have a closer up shot of Richie's holder from the weekend?

Sick of going into the bag for allen keys when I just need to adjust something quickly. 

http://makerworld.com/en/models/2043374-oneup-multi-tool-carrier-v2#pro…

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23 hours ago
sspomer wrote:
Reserve goes 32"https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/reserve-announces-new-32-xc-wheels-0
Big Bird wrote:

So I'd guess that we can expect a 32" bike from Santa Cruz pretty soon.

And possibly some other Pon brands..

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Eae903
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21 hours ago
sspomer wrote:
Reserve goes 32"https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/reserve-announces-new-32-xc-wheels-0
Big Bird wrote:

So I'd guess that we can expect a 32" bike from Santa Cruz pretty soon.

And possibly some other Pon brands..

Not SC, not right now. They had a dealer event recently and didn't say anything about it. 

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Outlawed
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Vancouver Island, BC, CA
Fantasy
18 hours ago Edited Date/Time 18 hours ago
Rick26 wrote:
If it’s just like the old prototype, but in a Mullet, I might be tempted to replace my V10.Edit: Ok when I see the pictures next...

If it’s just like the old prototype, but in a Mullet, I might be tempted to replace my V10.

Devinci Wilson-Prototyp gesichtet: Neues Downhill-Bike mit ...

Edit: Ok when I see the pictures next to another the suspension layout is different, but the out lines of the front triangle look similar, what I really like.

saskskier wrote:
I've heard rumours that it's geared more towards being a playful, park/freeride bike, but NSB will make a different link for racing in the future. Also...

I've heard rumours that it's geared more towards being a playful, park/freeride bike, but NSB will make a different link for racing in the future. Also, 500/506 reach and 450/456 chainstay (in an XL) and pricing between $8-9000cdn (if I remember correctly). I think there is only one build option. 

Two builds, the one in the video and this:
att.p4YJ7jgOqaVGMDjv 96fiXCthDDcD-CrwHEHjlUaF5o 0

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AJW1
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Bracknell, GB
9 hours ago
sspomer wrote:
Reserve goes 32"https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/reserve-announces-new-32-xc-wheels-0
Big Bird wrote:

So I'd guess that we can expect a 32" bike from Santa Cruz pretty soon.

Not sure - when their recent launches this year have been the Tallboy and the Blur, the two models that would have the most "benefit" from 32" wheels.

Though as it looks like my beloved 5010 is dead and buried - still listed as current, but in 2024 colours and spec - there might be room for a new model in the lineup.

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Thom
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CA
7 hours ago
sspomer wrote:
Reserve goes 32"https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/reserve-announces-new-32-xc-wheels-0
Big Bird wrote:

So I'd guess that we can expect a 32" bike from Santa Cruz pretty soon.

AJW1 wrote:
Not sure - when their recent launches this year have been the Tallboy and the Blur, the two models that would have the most "benefit" from...

Not sure - when their recent launches this year have been the Tallboy and the Blur, the two models that would have the most "benefit" from 32" wheels.

Though as it looks like my beloved 5010 is dead and buried - still listed as current, but in 2024 colours and spec - there might be room for a new model in the lineup.

Probably a 32" stigmata... this bike has not been updated in 3+ years...

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AJW1
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Bracknell, GB
7 hours ago
Big Bird wrote:

So I'd guess that we can expect a 32" bike from Santa Cruz pretty soon.

AJW1 wrote:
Not sure - when their recent launches this year have been the Tallboy and the Blur, the two models that would have the most "benefit" from...

Not sure - when their recent launches this year have been the Tallboy and the Blur, the two models that would have the most "benefit" from 32" wheels.

Though as it looks like my beloved 5010 is dead and buried - still listed as current, but in 2024 colours and spec - there might be room for a new model in the lineup.

Thom wrote:

Probably a 32" stigmata... this bike has not been updated in 3+ years...

True but these are a 30mm internal rim labeled as "XC"

they do make a separate gravel rim which the current stigmata wears - would have made more sense to update that if there was a 32 Stigmata incoming.

I know some people and brands basically produce a drop bar xc bike but the (current) stigmata seems very much in the lighter duty/racier category of gravel

5 hours ago

With a lot of gravel bikes clearing 2.2 tires and some even bigger,  you are seeing wider rims closer to MTB width.. One rim with a different hub could be an XC wheelset and a gravel wheelset..

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Sherbet
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CA
5 hours ago
With a lot of gravel bikes clearing 2.2 tires and some even bigger,  you are seeing wider rims closer to MTB width.. One rim with a...

With a lot of gravel bikes clearing 2.2 tires and some even bigger,  you are seeing wider rims closer to MTB width.. One rim with a different hub could be an XC wheelset and a gravel wheelset..

Would be cool to see someone do something with swappable endcaps.

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