All

on the point 4... my best fork to date is an Infinity EN.. dual crown enduro.. with it's flimsy 35mm stanchions still super stiff.. got it last july (2024)... serviced it a month ago...it was flawless..continues to be..

Just started putting together a new prototype DH Dual front suspension system called the Smithage....as we can see,a set of Fox 40 forks which will be shortened to 160mm travel and a secondary linkage Girder type suspension system ( 55mm travel ) which will bolt onto a DH bike frame in place of the forks.....next is to bolt it onto said bike...stay tuned.

Re-the torsional flex experience, there's IMHO a bit of brain adjustment required if you are used to the feeling of rigid forks like the 38. In my 1st week with the Essential, I was very aware of the difference between stiffer and flexier front hubs in the fork, and thanks to the USD lore, my mind was locked on the flex, looking for it / finding it / dreading it. I was pre-conditioned to dislike it. A few weeks later, I just didn't care anymore. My brain got used to it. I can still tell the difference between hubs but...

I'm taking this as confirmation that the Vala really is the prototype GT ebike that never saw production.

Hey, Chris Ball. You can take your Mr Nally mask off anytime now.

My big theory, Pivot relied heavily on BK's feedback for the most recent bike development and the geo does not support going as fast as one needs to go these days. So the guy that developed the bike gets hurt and now others are trying to go fast on a bike that maybe doesn't suit their style or a younger riding style. Mix that with a few mis steps in talent development and recruitment and all of a sudden you are in a real shitty spot. Right now I think there are more DH bike manufactures with World Cup teams...