All

I just want to say for the record, being able to buy multiple top dogs in each category is so much more fun than pinkbike's league where getting one rider takes up 60% on the team budget.

I think it looks sick, but it's definitely out there. Kinda like the Cannondale/EF + Palace collabs. It's better than the three color, blocky, and boring stuff so many do. I'll hold out until I see it out in the wild, but it's my vote so far for "Lit Kit". I'd rather see fun, wacky, skate-inspired designs than have everything look like motocross (unless it's full-on motocross like Gwin, that passes the vibe check).

Relatedly, I have always thought Loic and Finn's getups look so dope. I hate how most MTB gear is baggy and ill-fitting. Has anyone had luck finding MTB gear that with a similar fit to Loic and Finn's fits? I'm not talking about skin suits, just properly fitted gear.

Just going to leave this here...

Our dude is on one this weekend

Not really a tech rumour, but quite interesting nonetheless

Eh, I'd be absolutely shocked if Specialized shows any real weakness through this period of time. While its true they have significantly discounted product for ~12 months, they also have ~40 white collar positions open throughout the world. Usually you see companies go on a full hiring freeze if there are real material weaknesses. To add, Id also bet you pull all high dollar racing efforts if cashflow is really bad. I think we sincerely underestimate the margins a vertically integrated brand like Specialized has the ability to sell at. While they may not be making a lot right now...

That is not the new Stumpy. It's going to lose the side arm like the current version. Like the Levo SL, which is basically the new Stumpjumper. Specialized is in a bind with the Stumpjumper EVO as they still have more stock to clear out, which is why the new model has been done and not released for over a year.

(scribbles on a note pad) Just starting my Vital "State of the Sport" survey. So far what we've learned is the industry needs more 64 degree head tube 76 degree seat tube 435mm chainstay 29er/MX all mountain bikes. Bonus points if they have nearly identical kinematics. Cool colors are the best marketing tool.

The 2.5" DHR2 has been around the race pits for years as a pro-only tire, so it's exciting to see it finally released to mere mortals like us. The 2.4 DHR is a noticeably smaller casing than any of Maxxis 2.5 tires, which makes it kind of a weird match when you're running one of each. I'm running a 2.5 Assegai up front and a 2.4" DHR2 in the back, so I'd totally buy a 2.5" DHR2 when mine wears out. Of course it doesn't matter much, it's 0.1", but I'm a fanboy and I'd rather have the bigger volume...

alex rankin just uploaded Earthed 3 - Europa to his YouTube channel. kinda has to do with racing...in 2005 : )

danny hart's vital raw. looks pretty comfy on the bike