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This is one of the best threads in the MTB world. Awesome tech rumors and new products, but even better are the discussions that follow. People have questions about MTB products. It takes time to sort it out. We’re all still learning, always learning! And the discussions about new products and rumored products are kinda central to our progression. Maybe the discussion gets too granular for some, but in my short time here I have seen what others have mentioned, a natural ebb and flow of topics governed by the actual posting of rumors or releases. I think that if...

Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel size?

I don't find it perplexing at all that a more progressive design uses more travel for the same impact. The point of having progression is that it's softer at the beginning to absorb repeated small and medium impacts, but still retains bottom-out resistance. "Softer" means it uses more suspension travel for the same impact compared to a more linear design. The RM Altitude is designed for janky riding where there are a lot of small, unpredictable impacts that sap speed. Think places like BC, the northeast US, and lots of Europe. Riding in such terrain requires suspension to quickly react...

Hot take: MTB tires are a luxury item and priced accordingly. Edit: @saskskier beat me to it.

I hate how much tires cost and will complain every time I have to buy new ones, BUT, the reality is, when we're paying $130-150(cad) per tire, it would be like buying Michelin Cup 2 R's or or BFG Baja T/A KR3. Those are super high performance tires that are $1000+ each and made for Porsche's, Ferrari's and trophy trucks. And let's be honest, in the world of bikes, most of us are riding Porsche's, Ferrari's and trophy trucks. I still hate that we have to spend $130+ on tires.

Maybe our friend from Maxxis can answer, but does anyone know why new tires from Maxxis and Schwalbe cost 50-70€ in Europe and $90-120 in the US? It's sometimes double the cost, or more. I appreciate that currency plays a role (the dollar is relatively strong), but that wouldn't double the cost. Is this a tariff thing?

In my experience, "Pro" tends to mean it costs more. Also see "Elite," "Ultimate," or the model with the most extra letters after it.

Looks like Myriam is now on the steel chainstay

MTB = Monetary, Tariff, & Budget rumors

Marketing (the department where demo programs live) is typically the first place to get their budget cut when sales slump. A friendly reminder that not all marketing is evil. Free demo programs are pretty great for customers.

More likely it’s not a big enough change from the Evo and people don’t see the value in selling their current bike for an abysmal sum and then paying Spesh rrp prices.

If the price was right, I'd demo one and very much consider buying one, there's a lot to lIke (had a quick spin on the Ohlins one, very nice irl). The price is not right. Maybe (next) winter will bring reasonable prices.

Supernought full build is listed and it is eyewatering https://forbiddenbike.com/bikes/supernought/

it's 4699.....USD also has ultimate coil With mavens & hs2 rotors.... Damn good deal imo.

Curious what y'all know about the new Specialized tires with tire dampening technology. Is that like a mud conditions tire for wet terrain? Or is it a dry tire, but it dampens the dirt so it becomes wet and tacky?

When I was at Canfield Bikes, we had a customer/shop owner who had like 4 or 5 different models personally. He had one dropper post he took between the different bikes. From hardtail to DH bike he took his AXS post between them all. While maybe an extra step to go ride, it allows for a dropper on any bike. I would like to see some additional features on them before I snag one. But it for sure is a good option on a DH bike that has to be pedaled between trails and doesnt have internal post routing.

Not to bring the wireless debate back up, but that's the one scenario I'd own a wireless dropper. That, and if the battery powered droppers would lower themselves. I'm betting it's 148 with the plethora of DH bikes that have gone that direction recently: YT, GT, Transition, Forbidden, Frameworks, Spesh (ahead of the curve on this one lol?)

seems like Marin's DH bike got an early release on mtb-news : https://www.mtb-news.de/news/marin-quake-downhill-bike/ Build is 5200€ / 2099€ for a frame

I think it's officially being released tomorrow, but it looks like Knolly posted a video for the new Delirium early. I've heard it's going to be a pretty limited release, though (only 100 frames).

Not really a tech rumor, but other site has the AL Dirtlove release out. Nothing special on that frame, adjustable dropouts, drilling for a gyro, the built in crankstop is interesting. $1400 for the top spec is really good though. Marin's Alcatraz has a similar spec to the Core 1 for $500 more. Big S has the same spec as the Core 2 for $700 more. I bet they're gonna sell a good amount of these.