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New XTR is in the also in the Video from FOX Orbea Factory Team tests the New 34 SL at 1:12 min. Also the new brake levers are in there sometimes

As I say to everybody with a view like yours, come to Slovenia. We have a few climbs here where it's likely you'll be wishing for a 28t ring up front to replace the 30t on your bike to pair up with that wide range, 50+ tooth cassette out back. There are some people that can push insane gear ratios everywhere, but they are far an in between. There are different terrains around the world requiring different approaches. But overall, for most people, wide range cassettes are a benefit, not a negative. Having more options is great, but catering to...

Some new photos from the new Shimano 12-speed wireless Di2 sets, posted here (no idea about the source): https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=171477&start=45 It seems the set is full wireless. +1 pic from the new XTR crankset.

Enduro-MTB mag is in such a weird spot, and I don’t really trust their reviews. They used to like very conservative geometry for a while, then a year or two years later when reviewing the same bike that they complained about being too long or too slack against a field of new competitors it was now fine. They also used to complain about bikes being too heavy, then two sentences later the lighter tires are way too prone to puncture and every bike should come with DH casings. Their test riders are good from what I’ve seen, but their reviews...

A bit of shameless promotion, but hopefully it's relevant. I just put out a podcast episode where me and Alan Milway chat through all the 2025 team moves (confirmed and rumoured). Hopefully it's an interesting watch/listen. https://youtu.be/Mu0JAhGceB8 or https://www.downtimepodcast.com/team-moves-2025/ Clearly this forum gets a mention! Thanks to everyone here who keeps the rumour fire burning, I personally love it!

I’d assume people would prefer to be on teams with coaches and nutritionists and multiple line spotters and psychologists. Basically a ton more support. If I were to make a guess, that’s probably why the Jewett brothers went elsewhere. They’re super talented racers but they need coaches and psychologists to go up the results sheet and that doesn’t seem to be an option with PFR. I don’t know anything about BK as a person. I thought the Jenna thing was wild and something I wouldn’t do but Morganne and Emilie (sp?) have enough pull in their public standing and industry...

For those playing along at home, here’s where we stand with the most ridiculous rumors so far… #3 - Phoebe Gale off FMD, going to Reece Wilson’s new AON team, after being prominently featured in the Orbea FMD press release. #2 - Aaron Gwin back to mentor the kids on lower budget Trek Factory after becoming a partner in Crestline bikes last year. #1 - Old man Dan Atherton returning to stomp $$$ DH podiums on a prototype belt drive after his most recent 57th at a 2018 Crankworx stop. There’s a few others close to the top 3, but...

In 2025, The first rider to win a World Cup on a belt drive bike will be in the junior category. A elite rider on a belt drive bike will not win a World Cup in 2025

Anyone else think Intense is a bit of a chaotic loose organisation. Seem all over the place. Start a factory team developed a bike with tons of different mules end that team. Start another team think it's not owned by them. Supply MS for a season end that. Now they want a gearbox bike. Hard to keep up.

Remi on spesh. Ok - but no chance they’re paying him to travel around the world to get 30th on a circuit with zero coverage. I’m not being mean here - just truth. Same with Blenki - guy was cooked (results -wise) 3-4 years ago. There’s zero chance anyone picks him up to race wc dh. On a similar note, Lucas Cruz - has he ever had a result? And Norco is taking him to all the WCs? Again, not being mean - just facts. I think he has a family connection at Norco but there’s no way anyone’s expecting...

Self promotion here, but we’ve just dropped a new episode with Ellie Hulsebosch on her joining the Syndicate, plus plenty of other topics! She’s super determined and clearly fast as hell, can’t wait to see what the future holds Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bTHO9PK95SOSQV6Rt3NhK?si=SmvfFKdGRHu9… Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-otb-podcast/id1614212374?i=10… YouTube: https://youtu.be/qmHW09wEW5U?si=Zh67ponhKK5cawwD

I wonder if Mondraker will bring someone into replace him for the season like Ollie Davis and the Syndicate last year . I assume at this stage everything is paid for anyway so you might as well bring someone else along .

Her parents probably don't want her to be BK's next girlfriend

Will do. The Atherton seems more refined but the Frameworks one is more exciting to me. I have little doubt both will be excellent but they’re different enough to find things to discuss.

I ordered the frameworks enduro too. Im really curious how the atherton 170 goes for you vs the frameworks though. When you get both please give us an update on what you think of those 2.

Not sure that I got any real deals but, for me, I have bought seven new bikes this year. Not all of them have arrived yet. I've also bought a Liv e-mtb for my wife and a couple of bikes for my boys (almost 2 years old and 6 years old). In looking at my history though, this is pretty normal for me over the last 6 years. If you really want a list (mine only): Generation 3 Pivot Switchblade (XTR build, stripped and upgraded to what I want) S-works Epic 8 Mondraker Neat RR SL Transition PBJ Atherton AM...

It works as advertised for the most part. There are still scenarios where pedal kickback can be encountered, but they should be pretty rare. Let's consider the current generation Nomad for an example. The suspension has to compress about 80mm to get 18 degrees of pedal kickback. Because you are always guaranteed the same amount of slack in the hub, on any compression smaller than this it does make pedal kickback impossible to encounter. If you are compressing your suspension more than 80mm, it then becomes a question of how fast is the shock moving when you hit the 80mm...

You're correct on wheel size/material differences. I do think the new carbon rims had a positive effect during high-frequency chatter and muting that type of feedback. I'd say the front rim provided more benefits in those situations than the rear. I was focusing on a few corners with deep, repetitive compressions, one rock garden section, and high-speed braking straightaway with some bumps to hone into how each hub rode differently. The change from the DT240 to the Sidekick was most noticeable in these moments, as the suspension was freer off the top and was less jarring on big hits. It...