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They have software for the 11sp eRD, so it must be a business decision.

It is a dumb decision by Shimano, IMO. Instead of finally giving 11speeders a mainstream option, they chose the obscure route of proprietary design and complexity. I can't believe anyone will pick a Shimano-powered ebike just to have access to this RD.

Bad news for Di2 curious 11-speed LinkGlide lovers like you. This is a clarification about 12-speed vs. 11-speed XTR rear derailleurs, added to the XTR article after we published it due to questions from readers about 11-speed Linkglide options and clarification at Big Blue. Basically, no you can't use a normal M9250 battery-operated Di2 derailleur on a LinkGlide setup, only the M9260 derailleur that hardwires into e-bikes: " The M9250 wireless derailleur is available for 12-speed Hyperglide+ drivetrains only, but can be used on normal bikes or e-bikes. However, there are 12 speed Hyperglide+ and Linkglide 11 speed options for...

The ride characteristics flex stay bikes give is subjective. Not everyone likes them which is clearly your point of view, but you don’t speak for everyone. I have the flex stay Stumpjumper and an Evo. They both have their pros and cons. If I am riding a flow trail or something that’s not too rowdy, the flex stay feels awesome as you get so much energy back for what you put in. On the other hand it gets overwhelmed quickly in chunk and that’s where the Evo does better and if I had one, an Enduro would do better again...

picture of the tread pattern for anyone who is too lazy to click the link.

I love 29+, I've had 5 bikes set up that way, starting with an OG ECR 10+ years ago. My current #1 is a Stooge rolling on 29x3.25 and 29x3 rubber, and I've won a couple local taxes like that. It can be surprisingly fast, and if you're into building weird rigid bikes, it's a suspension cheat code. 27.5+...never got along with. Less roll over, no perceivable, to me, benefit with the smaller/lighter wheel. When I'm not on a weirdo bike, 29er all the way...I've been that way for 15 years

I was happy when I saw that Shimano made a specific LinkGlide 11 speed Di2 derailleur, but what a let down when I saw that they basically locked it to OE market and force you to wire it. What kind of decision is this ? Leave it wireless and give the option to wire it for power if you want to, not even all bikes are compatible. I truly hope they will let us decide to run it wired or wireless for XT and below.

I went through all of the Semi-slicks and rarely did the lack of braking traction bother me but the lack of climbing traction always caught me out. But I had 3 issues with them: 1) They flat easy right in the center tread 2) They are really slow when leaned over and it's very noticeable. If you are doing a trail ride where you lean a lot in fast sweepers it feels like you are dragging the brakes in the turns, you give up a lot of speed. 3) For AM riding I found the Wicked Will in the back...

I recommend looking into WAO Convergence rims instead due to better vertical compliance and better bracing angle for spokes. I personally found the Unions deep U shape profile pretty harsh on rough terrain. On the topic of tires, I think I have a new favorite for fast enduro/DH riding. Maxxis HR3 Exo+ front and Kryptotal Re Soft rear. I loved the Argotal last season but the shorter and wider side knobs on the HR3 give such a satisfying locked in feel no matter how blown the trails are. I know it is a blunder to mix tire brands but a...

I can concur on the Convergence vs Union statement

And here I was thinking an engagement ring was going to be my next expensive purchase, silly me.

Can´t get past about how bad that crankset looks. Doesn´t deserve the XTR name,in my opinion.

> 11-speed Linkglide version coming soon 🎆🎆🎆

https://escapecollective.com/is-sram-quietly-reinventing-the-chain/

I'd 100% buy a Minion SS in something like this format, tough casing and proper 2.4 to 2.5 width. Probably somewhere between DD and DH casing perhaps? The OG Rock Razor Supergravity was the benchmark - I'd say the Kenda Helldiver is not far behind but maybe slightly bigger side knobs would be good.

Me too, but I do it with no gap between crown and handlebar.

Can I patent the ole one eye squint? For real tho, equalizing the gap on each side between the sanctions and bars is way easier than aligning the stem with the tire.

Let’s also hope they figure out caliper seals so you don’t get wet pads out of the box 8/10 XTs lately have been a warranty job before even installing them