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Hi Ryan, Great job validating my work! It’s really cool to see the numbers backing up the theory. Ideally, we would have done the 3D modifications and FEA first, then created the frame or modifications to match. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option as I didn’t have access to the 3D tools or enough time. The first modification was done at Val di Sole. The track was super wet and rooty, and extra frame compliance and grip were needed—that’s when the hacksaw came out 😂. However, as you mentioned, modifying the link without simultaneously addressing the seat stay bridge meant the...

Joe, the 1000N was somewhat arbitrary, just to illustrate the flexing model for this article. Since it is an aluminum chassis, the model behaves as a mostly linear spring. Also note that I just have constant wall tubes, not butted, and the forging thickness are rough so take all of this data with a grain of salt compared to the real bike. While it depends on how the chassis members flex relative to one another, it should be mostly linear. For example, if you apply 300N, you would expect a displacement of approximately 300/1000 of the values for the 1000N...

Yeah, they'll do a great job dialing in compliance, I’m sure of it. They appear to have the resources to alter the bike for both riders preferences and make a stiff bike for Greg and maybe a less stiff bike for Danny. Sometimes it’s not about finding the “right” stiffness for the bike but what the rider believes makes them faster. If a rider believes a stiffer chassis suits their strengths and will help them go faster, then make it stiffer. If they’re happy with the setup and they are correct, they usually ride faster even if it goes against...

What a superb article!

Schroeder will eventually develop enough self-confidence to wear his waist purse with pride. Thankfully, I'm now old enough to not care what anybody thinks about it (or anything else). 🤣 - Johan

Bad.

I dunno I kinda like wearing sunnies with the FF. Goggles feel like a bit much at times.

Kind of a weird hill to go out on.

Translation: "MTB sunglasses are out" = "I never pedal more than 5mins at a time." Enough with the Endur-bro machismo on this Vital. The only scenario where goggles can stay fog free long enough to actually ride in them is while shuttling or riding lifts. If that is 100% of your riding, swell, but keep this dogmatic posturing to yourselves.

Sunglasses with a full face are going to continue to be the way. Goggles require more management, and I don't need that hassle. We're riding up the hill in our fill faces, and goggles don't like that. Doesn't really matter what people think is cool or not, I'm going to do it my way regardless.

Jason going for the jugular here. Sorry but I'm gonna keep rocking the sunglasses with the FF so I can climb conveniently and than, when I reach the top I'll take a sip from my second bottle that's on my hip pack. Don't worry though Jason, if you have a flat, you can use my proper sized hand pump that's in the pack too.

Triggering dichotomies are a never-ending source of amusement for us editorial staff 😉 hip packs with sunnies and full face anyone?

Quick reminder: vital stopped doing this list for a bit because ppl were taking it seriously. Can we not ruin a good thing?? Unless you wear sunnies w a fullface then please get really mad

Thanks, you saved me from getting angry! (but really, Australian summers are not conducive to pedalling yourself to the top in goggles...)