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Big Dos Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

5/5/2026 7:08am
What spec model was it? I just pulled the trigger and put a float SL on my optic. I need to play with it a bit more but got it in the ballpark pretty quick. Lsc all the way on, 25% sag. I'll go out one day and do some bracketing of the fork and shock to work on the balance between the two, as the fork is still running settings I had dialled in for use on my hardtail. The lockout is great and much welcome on the road etc. Bike feels a little less sure footed through tech...
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sollie Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/24/2026 9:33am
"10 Years Raaw" sounds more like a special edition paint job than a new bike, but fingers crossed for an XXL downcountry bike.
This forum topic has 3911 replies.

Znarf Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/24/2026 9:32am
The rocker looks different. Much lighter Smile Raaw XC bike? Madonna SL?
This forum topic has 3911 replies.

sethimus Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/20/2026 10:59pm
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This forum topic has 3911 replies.

iceman2058 Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

4/10/2026 11:23am
I now have some time on my latest trail bike build (I got it after you started this thread), and I'd have to throw the new Propain Hugene into your mix here. 130 rear, 140 fork (I run mine with the Öhlins RXF36 m.3), it's a super fun bike that is a bit more relaxed and eager to take on rowdier trails than the numbers would suggest, while still feeling pretty snappy on the pedals. It sounds like it hits the mark exactly for how you formulated the question that started this thread (stepping down in travel from a Stumpy...
This forum topic has 105 replies.

Big Dos Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

4/10/2026 11:22am
Word from the horses mouth is that the Optic Gen2 and Revolver have a fairly similar kinematic, and as such Norco has recommended running a Float SL with the same tune (CM, R10) as what currently comes on the Revolver.
This forum topic has 105 replies.

jones007 Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/10/2026 9:17am
Just found black XX1 chains for $60
This forum topic has 3911 replies.
I was literally just typing up a bitter old rider style drivetrain rant. I just want cheap(ish) durable chains guys. I'm not throwing down $100 for a chain, ever. I'm glad I've got a few ~$65 X01 chains in rotation, they'll last till I get so mad I throw up my hands and just replace everything with a Microshift drivetrain...

seanfisseli Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

4/8/2026 11:39am
Crap, I changed my mind. I’m thinking now about the majority of their business being b2b and thinking about what comes specced on bikes, and what new bike customers are looking for in a bike. That GX/XO1 mashup customer just doesn’t exist in bike shops, it’s all forum nerds. People tended to fall into “let me buy the cheapest bike” or “let me get the nicest bike.” The riders in the middle don’t really seem to sweat drivetrain, they were moreso just looking for better suspension/brakes I guess? Kind of just like the upgrade bike without having all of their...
This forum topic has 3911 replies.

robrixon Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

4/8/2026 5:43am
Here’s the info on the Float X on my Gen 2 Optic. Not sure which elements are available aftermarket. Part number: 979-84-019 Description: 2023_22, FLOAT X, P-Se, A, 2pos-Adj, Evol LV, Norco, Optic 1-2, 190, 45, 0.5 Spacer, CL+SS, RM, Rezi LMB3, Standard, Neutral Logo I started reading/posting in this thread to get ideas for replacing my Gen 2 Optic, and it seems like Gen 2 Optic is the leading candidate.
This forum topic has 105 replies.
I guess it couldn't hurt to reach out directly to Norco? They did start speccing that bike with different shock options after the initial launch so I bet they'd be able to help you out (though it was a Float X). Either way, hope you love the bike! I'm about to take mine on a ridiculous race next weekend (100k...

Big Dos Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

4/7/2026 6:38am
So this happened. While I can't afford a Reya or Spur, a second hand Optic frameset will do nicely. All the parts off my beloved N+1 hardtail. I'm still tossing up what shock to get between a Float and Float SL (RS shock is not mine) if anyone has any advice? 13.4kg as it sits in these photos and a bucket load of fun!
This forum topic has 105 replies.
I swear I saw somewhere that the aluminum Sight frame was ~9 lbs. It's a beefy boy. I think they had it listed when it first came out and stopped showing it on the later MY releases. I'd wager the carbon version is ~7 and probably similar numbers for the current Optic. That being said I'm scared to weigh my...
Hilariously I own the new gen Sight as my 2nd bike. Sometimes I wish it were a heavier duty bike, but unless I were living closer to Snowshoe I think it makes sense to have something that feels a little better to pedal (I have been thinking about trying it in the 170/160 MX setup but I don't wanna buy...

robrixon Liked a reply to forum topic What are people's favorite true trail bikes in 2026?

3/27/2026 8:33am
Excellent thread. Looking at exactly this question the last few months. Ironically, as an upgrade from a Gen 2 Optic. To the Optic owners: do you have another longer travel bike to complement it? It's such a fun bike 90% of the time but in a few situations it would be nice to have an extra 20mm front and rear. And there's not really a weight penalty when the Optic is already built with a Float X, 36, enduro wheels and tires...
This forum topic has 105 replies.

piratetrails Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

3/18/2026 10:45am
Considering it only has a spot for one water bottle it makes total sense for it to have internal storage. I don't do a single ride without 750ml of water in my frame storage. It's literally the ideal spot to add that type of weight for the bike's handling. It's very freeing to do a 3hr ride with no pack. Most other XC/DC bikes have a spot for a 2nd bottle so the weight is already there (in a worse spot) if you're on a big ride. It's wild to me how many people have gaslighted themselves into believing that...
This forum topic has 3911 replies.
This exact thing is the only thing I want internal storage for. And really only for a downcountry-esque bike. Even if it weighs a smidgeon more. For a backcountry ride I'm usually using a USWE pack, but I rarely get through the whole thing unless it's in the summer (or we're talking like a 6k+ ft day). I guess an...

kuzlich Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

3/18/2026 6:59am
More Reya pics if anyone is interested. I reckon vital editors have them too, but they can’t post them. Source
This forum topic has 3911 replies.

seanfisseli Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

3/18/2026 6:58am
Reya could be the perfect bike. #rearcenter
This forum topic has 3911 replies.

ShapeThings Liked a reply to forum topic 2026 MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation - Longer and Slacker

3/18/2026 6:56am
I hope Vital is doing a no holds barred Cascadia downcountry grudge match between the Spur v2 and Reya.
This forum topic has 3911 replies.