All

Maybe this isn't an accurate point of view, but I feel like pedal MTBs and e-bikes aren't really trying to solve the same problems. I think a pretty massive effort goes into the design of pedal MTBs so that they can be comfortably and efficiently pedaled, at least outside of DH-specific bikes. Even enduro bikes, especially those that are raced, need to pedal decently. For an e-bike, pedal performance is probably pretty far down on the list of design goals. I've watched a handful of folks with dead batteries or faulty electronics try to pedal their 50-lb beasts out of...

I think part of the problem is that "MTB" covers a really diverse range of riding styles, and for the different styles, a variety of engineering requirements and interests. It's easy for people (myself included) to only consider the style(s) of riding they do when they promote or bash posts. I agree that there might be interesting trickle-down technology from the latest "moped" innovations in MGUs for predominantly gravity-driven forms of pedal MTBs. While the idea of a gearbox that is comparable in weight in efficiency to a conventional 1X drive train is exciting, from the engineering side of things...

Sharing some relevant bits from a text conversation with a friend of mine in the industry. They preferred to remain anonymous because they didn't want forum-dwellers mailing a bomb to their house: "Food for thought on brake rotors. I think anyone who’s making rotors in volume is not laser cutting. The super rounded edges on shimano rotors appear to be a choice. I’d bet significant sums of money that smaller brands do laser cut rotors because it’s easily accessible. [i.e. laser cutting and/or machining is cheaper at low volumes than stamping] Stamping introduces stress but so does laser cutting. Both...

@SRAM and Shimano engage in price fixing - You probably want to get involved here lol

Oh i totally agree. I’m just pointing out that going electronic without adding all the additional features doesn’t make a ton sense verse perhaps going the push route (twin adjustable circuits) with a handlebar remote. Also seems that both ohlins (on specialized) and rockshox has modes with handlebar remote. But I imagine it’s much more complicated that simply putting programmable motors to turn your knobs. (Not that wouldn’t be cool, just very expensive for a feature not many are going to use. Especially if it’s going to be wireless.

Wait… does no one ever standup when climbing their bikes? Maybe thats why I like lockout so much.

Yes, but I think other people in this thread have clearly explained why those efficiencies don't offer any unique benefits to high pivot, gearbox, or idler-based designs. Yes, electronics would make high pivot, gearbox, and idler-based bikes more efficient, but at the same time they'd be making all the other bikes more efficient, too. If Dave has four apples and Lisa has six apples, and you give them both four apples, Lisa still has more apples than Dave. Now, I guess if you're saying that electronic lockouts give them both the equivalent of 100 additional apples, then I would concede...

I see what you’re saying but I’d say real world pedal efficiency is not just suspension kinematics. Proven by Pedaling a bike with the shock pedal lock out on is more efficient than off. The shock can play a bigger part into that pedal efficiency especially with how locked out the electronic suspension offers. Orbea Rallon is an example as orbea has said they created the kinematic around electronic suspension for pedaling but benefiting downhill performance when open.

Also, for anyone who doesn't know, Patagonia has a pretty solid selection of used apparel available at any given time on their " Worn Wear" site. Some of it is repaired or refurbished, some of it's in great shape from somebody who didn't need it anymore and sent it in to the mothership for resale. I don't need a Houdini pullover right now, but it's nice to know they had seven different color options available in the men's pullover when I checked this morning:

i'm ready for the dislikes, but hell no, 262 gr for a 200 rotor is nuts, plus, it doesn't look flush just like the cheap shimano rotors that seem stamped, and the price is nuts too for what it is, Radic HD rotors are cheaper, thicker ( 2.3mm ) and 70gr lighter per rotor... i mean 140gr just on the rotors without any sacrifices and a better quality rotor overall, meh, i feel shimano has lost it in the last few years

Pretty sure these designs are using a planetary E-cvt, no sheaves and belts (3) Toyota Hybrid System - YouTube Don’t Hate — eCVTs Are Genius Transmissions! - YouTube

If I were SRAM I’d be worried. If I were Shimano I’d be shitting it

Your questions answered! Thanks everyone who asked a question. We did our best to get them all answered, and Specialized was pretty transparent in their response. And oh yeah, the bike rips 🤤 Enjoy!