All

Wheels are most likely WeAreOne. Hydration bag will be USWE

I can confirm that he is a professional in every sense of the word. He's been great to work with.

With Mr. Metallier you have to think it's related to the brands not having money for it anymore rather than not wanting to continue the relationship. No idea what he's like to deal with B2B behind the scenes but as far as clicks/exposure/talking up your brand directly to an audience, he's gotta be one of the best, guy's a pro. No surprise to hear he was able to replace them in short order.

No high pivot, no idler, no flip-chip, no bonded lugs, no belt, no cable tourism, only four bars and a single chain? Will they even be able to ride that thing?

Here's a better picture. I downloaded this in September and I have no idea where I got it. I made a whole post about it yesterday but I deleted it because my speculation was based upon the rocker looking like the Wild. This is likely an aluminium mule.

Looks like there’s an Orbea DH bike ready after all.

Hope V4

Doesn’t look like it has the big downtube or brace coming up off the lower shock area like Martin’s bike

If you think a World Cup team like FMD are going to risk an entire season on some old prototype frames from canyon or specialized you have been smoking that crack again.

We just gonna forget that Maes took the underperforming Frankenstein-e-bike you mention to a 20th place finish at one of his only DH races this year? can’t be that bad… can it? Orbea is too big a company to not have something in the works (that isn’t just a wild sans battery/motor).

I get what you’re saying, but I gotta think there’s no way Orbea is dropping Tahnee money and her riding a bike that isn’t an Orbea. Besides, @dantecusolito was talking specifically about them buying prototype frames from another brand. Selling prototype anything is a BIG old no-no. This would create a huge rift with the brand and could introduce some major liability issues. Athletes typically have to sign additional waivers and NDAs when working on prototype projects if it’s not already written into their initial contract. Orbea has a lot of engineering and manufacturing capabilities, they’ll have something ready.

Atherton bike without chain, cassette or derailleur

" Orbea still doesn't have a DH bike yet that we have seen" (bold is mine). It cracks me up that we keep dwelling on this while the folks w/ the biggest stake, who's careers and livelihoods are on the line, clearly feel good enough about what's available (or will be) to sign on the dotted line...

Orbea still doesn't have a DH bike yet. They didn't even have a ridable prototype for Maes less than 8 months ago - he was on that linkage modified no battery wild. They're gonna have to come up with something good in a month or so for Hardline or in 4-ish months when the first DH WC starts.

I mean he probably is but this is by no means the only forum that calls it the F1 of mtb. It's brought up as an example everywhere the future commercial success of the sport is discussed.

Neko reading this thread confirmed

I for one, am fully in favor of the increased availability of silver components (and I guess I should take some pics of my bike and post them in Bike Checks)

I remember being told when the Druid V2 came out that Forbidden is already using this standard and that looks to be accurate.

I thought the same but Andi is the new addition. makes sense

shouldn't vali be in front?