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Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano. Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

S500 is chrome plated, as X01 and XX1 are (were), but is solid pin, so a bit heavier. What can I say, load up on X01 shifters? Looks like they are going the way of the dodo...

If the XX1 chains go away, this is super bad news. I assume S200 will be at the shitty GX level, if that. Edit: looks like there is still the S500 chain that replaces the old XX1. The S200 chain is crap, as is SRAM's replacement matrix.

The lever throw is pretty easily adjustable when you're setting them up... There's a grub screw behind the lever blade. I shortened mine up once, and the start/ bite point is much closer to the grips.... they've remained consistent for years. I personally find the Dominion power much easier to modulate than Shimanos as well, especially given that you could never tell when Shimanos from M8000/81000 series would actually bite.

Let me introduce you to my friend shimano... lol Dominions have kind of the worst of both worlds, lots of lever travel and a short ramp that goes from initial bite to rear tire lockup very quickly. Ride T4V4's and Dominions back-to-back in steep loose over loose conditions and you will appreciate the power and control that the hopes gift you with less lever travel. Don't get me wrong I like my dominions; my 2 primary bikes run both the T4V4's and A4's, but the A4's are not easy to keep from locking up in situations where the hopes have...

But the way they deliver their power is one of the best things about the Dominions. We've got enough brakes that build power gradually, give me a lot of bite and a fast ramp up.

Reece Wilson testing what looks like a new Dominion (From his IG stories) Plus the complete bike

https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/mountain/trail-bikes/bad-habit

32” bikes gonna to be running super boost. You heard it here first.

Cross-post from the 32" forum thread: Wheel- and component manufacturer Newmen has some interesting, fact-based opinions on 32" wheels after doing some lab testing: https://www.newmen-components.de/en/32-Inch They conclude that 32"-wheels are over 30% less stiff than 29"-wheels and thus require a different hub standard with wider flange spacing. Thicker gauge spokes or increased spoke count apparently unable to solve the stiffness problem.

Okay detectives. Who can get a positive ID on the lip pillows Remi is packing?

If I remember correctly they talked about it in the email sent a month or so ago with timeline details for the next round of frames. I'll have to go dig and look it up, I could be remembering incorrectly though... Edit: SM and XL sizes. They said that more details will be announced before the bikes are ready. DH in feb, enduro in March. Thinking about getting one this round, wanted the enduro but timing didn't work out and ended up with a Madonna instead, super happy with that one, not sure if I want to snag a Yalla...

100% agree on DOT supremacy, widely available wherever you are regardless if you have a bike shop around or not, i keep one type (Motul DOT5.1) of DOT fluid for all brakes i service, Sram, Hayes, Hope w/e. Super easy cleanup. All other vehicles use DOT fluid brake systems (for a reason), why do bikes have to be different?

You can get the correct DOT fluid in any automotive shop. For any DOT compatible brake. Good luck with that with mineral oil brakes. You have different oils WITHIN the same manufacturer (Shimano), let alone between manufacturers. I know I'm beating a dead horse at this point and derailling the thread at the same time, but sorry, I see ZERO benefits from using mineral oil vs. DOT fluid in brakes... If anything, also reading people's experiences about it, it's more complicated than anything, cleaning it up is a pain compared to DOT and the aforementioned issue of finding the correct...

If we're talking about wishes and brakes... I wish this mineral oil craze would stop.

Me going between this thread and the OG Tech Rumors and Innovation thread...

Rode my Hightower V2 three seasons in the bike park. Had a great time. Keep hearing “there’s nothing like riding a downhill bike”. I believed the hype and bought a V10.8 in 2024. They were right.

Probably already been mentioned here but Richie Rude with the updated Fox chassis on a 40

tech rumors forum update - you've spoken and have been heard we'll lock out this thread at the end of the year (no matter what, it's just too darn big now), and will carry on with yearly tech rumors threads that will be stickied for easy participation. the 2026 thread is already underway here (not yet stickied) i just want to thank everyone for their feedback and insight on what this piece of the vital community means.