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Apologies if this was already covered, but this was posted then removed on pinkbike. I can't get access to the original article but it is still indexed on google.

Well they are both 4 bar horst link ebikes

I'm taking this as confirmation that the Vala really is the prototype GT ebike that never saw production.

I actually think it’s the opposite. I feel like modularity is harder to pull off cost-effectively as a smaller operation. You really need the economies of scale that only the bigger brands have to pull it off in a way that actually delivers cost savings to the manufacturer. And specialized already seem to be reducing their product lines, Kenevo is gone and it looks like the Kenevo SL isn’t getting an update either. Stumpy evo is likely out as a bespoke frame at least. Like Trek they have indicated that they are aiming to rationalise product lineups and streamline operations...

I don't think so. The Privateer's top tube hump looks like a dog taking a dump and I had legitimately forgotten how bad the rocker link is. I've never been a Trek guy and don't think there is anything that'll convince me to be a Trek guy, but the new Fuel is downright svelte compared to the Privateer. Weight? I'm on a Madonna, so not the guy to criticize bike weight. Lol.

I wouldn't be surprised if they basically end up with three key frames: Next Gen Top Fuel for Cross Country/Downcountry/Trail Fuel for Trail/All-Mountain/Enduro Then the Next Gen Slash/Session for Enduro/Downhill. Similar to the latest Orbea Rallon. I actually saw this on the Slash FB page the other day, apparently it’s a custom 190/190mm travel Gen 6 Slash with custom rocker/lower linkages and dual crown fork. I imagine a Slashession would be extremely popular since it can be pretty hard to justify a downhill bike for a lot of people, but something that could do both without too many compromises would...

fair enough for sure compared to what they used to deal with, but each frame configuration (on fuel) still has 8 different build kits (not including the 2 alloy builds). seems like that could easily be paired down to 4 or 5 per configuration and no one would flinch (except maybe OE partners?).

From the consumer side it definitely looks more complex, but from the manufacturing side even with all these options they have still reduced their SKU's, what was previously three bikes has now been wrapped into one frame, the only parts that change are the Rocker links and lower shock mounts which are pretty small and easy to manufacture. Before they had three bikes, the Remedy, Gen 5 Slash and Fuel, each with their own corresponding parts, e.g different rocker links, different chainstays, different seatstays, different frames, etc. Now with the new model, you have one frame, one set of seatstays/chainstays...

I was wrong. A crab leg belongs in the steerer.

a hot dog fits into steerer. by this logic that should increase both stiffness and deliciousness.

It's really nice to be in a place where newer bikes aren't necessarily better, and we're not sure of the obvious path to take to make a bike better. Not good for brands, but certainly good for us.

I just torque my headset cap to 50Nm.

It fits in the headtube of your fork, so it increases the stiffness 🙏

Neuhaus Metalworks made a build and ride impressions video for a rigid 32" prototype:

Feels like we're winning this battle, team. Nice work complaining enough to move the needle.

Orbea updated the Occam and Occam LT to include cable ports. https://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicycles/mountain/occam/?sfid=0012p00004HYc…

I started paying attention to geo about ten years ago. For a while there every enduro bike release was trying to update to get closer to the Giant Reign of 2015 without anyone really saying so. That was in the everything needs to be longer, lower and slacker days. Couple of outliers came along, Pole and Geometron being the ones I remember. For the most part, seated cockpit sizes still haven’t recovered. 645mm ett used to be large territory, now that’s an xl in a lot of brands. If you want that 78-80° seat tube, you need a 530-540 reach...

The second law of thermodynamics in the Vital Forums: all tech rumors eventually devolve to a discussion about chainstay length.

All suspension designs will become Crab and all tech rumor conversations will become Long Chainstay

hell yeah. crabbotron4000 with global shock redundancy