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Here’s the E9 geo chart. Some slight differences but nothing significant.

If you're not from the US and you haven't seen this yet, I can't recommend it enough. It explains a lot:

Epic 9 looks about like I expected. I’ll bet it’s a better XC race bike than the E8. Having said that, I’m glad I bought a E8 Evo as its probably a better all around bike for what I do and I like the in frame storage.

i recently learned that a 2x2 lumber is not in fact 2" in size. americans are just completely crazy when it comes to sizing stuff.

From Pinkbike. Also, the reach and stack a bit longer than the Epic 8. No mention of an Evo version. I’m thinking the new bike is a mix of the best attributes of the current Epic 8 and the discontinued Epic WC.

Sounds like they have lightened the E8 frame quite a bit. No Swat box—rumored bolt-on garage. No EE version.

Kinda like this. Epic ht, wc, epic, and ee were all scrunched together. Consolidating opens room to do more interesting things with HT and EE

Not a new bike... https://www.pinkbike.com/news/support-adolf-silvas-recovery-fund-and-wi…

Having ridden bikes from several major brands, my SC Megatower has easily been the best I’ve owned when it comes to product support, parts availability, and clear, reliable customer service. I used to make fun of people who had an SC, but after dealing with repeated warranty issues on other bikes, I get it now. The Mega is a sick bike, the VPP suspension rides great, but honestly, it’s the overall ownership experience that really sets Santa Cruz apart. I'm in the market for a shorter travel ripper, and SC is at the top of the list, even if it's...

End of switch infinity more likely

Buying a Santa Cruz usually costs a bit more, but there are some legitimate reasons other than VPP to buy one. Kinematics / ride dynamics are well engineered regardless of linkage used SC geo is usually solid, nothing weird Build quality Ability to purchase replacement parts for many years (try buying parts for a 5 year old frame from any other bike company) Lifetime warranty (one that you can actually count on).

Good questions! I had a great conversation with Kiran MacKinnon of Santa Cruz Bikes at Sea Otter (and it should be published as a podcast at some point), and he said that because e-bike frames have to be so much stiffer than pedal bikes, taking the motor and battery out basically produces a bike that rides like a block of wood (i.e. overly stiff and harsh over bumps). That doesn't mean that an e-bike with the motor removed is unridable (i.e. Martin Maes racing DH on the e-Wild frame as a development project for the new Rallon DH bike), but...

No, the Scott engineers are furious because Specialized added so many new links but didn't seal them inside the frame. They're yelling at their screen right now, "Just make it look like a pregnant whale! It's so easy!"

I'm pretty sure it's a case of: Motor, VPP Shock tunnel, dropper insertion, Pick 2.

Kind of hilarious that the marketing line is that "you don't have to deal with the complications of a normal idler" - like this isn't the world's most complicated bike 😂 I think the highgear thing is cool but the design of the frame around the bottom bracket seems a bit awkward. Even with the frame protection I don’t like those thin-ish carbon edges. The fully open linkage area is also a concern - yes mud can get in and out, but in UK winter conditions all of those interior surfaces are going to get wrecked by any fine dirt...

Engineers at Scott must be going insane after finding out Specialized has beaten them at making the most complicated MTB to service, the next Gambler will have 32 pivots in retaliation

Here's a look at one of said service manuals for those who enjoy self-flagellation...

That is correct. Should be out soon

Saw this in the background of an Instagram story, must be the new tall boy going away from VPP