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$2500 “transmissions” would lead me to believe that price isn’t actually the limiting factor, marketability, aesthetics, and what they think will sell likely has more to do with it. How many people do we see riding around on factory level suspension that don’t actually know how to, or ever bother to check suspension sag. Price can’t be the issue

A lot of things are "easily" doable, modern capabilities or not. The limiting factor more often than not becomes the price.

Supermax was at 160 for the Jekyll. All that makes sense. But I know with mordern manufacturing it is doable. Hell, they could add a Vorsprung secus like, negative chamber. Just seems like a good way to go when you want to make a very precise feeling fork, keeping weight down, and making it strong. Or even then, intend bandit. That one definitely surprises me that we do not utilize that sort of design more often. Having a Zeb lower with an air shaft side Boxxer stanchion. Id buy that for rough trail riding.

I think the main drawback with the lefty is that damper and airspring have to be on the same side in the same tube. That puts a lot of limitations on the designs and sizing of both, I believe. Might also complicate servicing. Some people swear by them, I've never ridden one so have no idea? Why do normal two legged forks not use needle bearings instead of bushings? Achieving the tight tolerances and near mirror finish required is easier on a shaft and bushing than three (or four) flats and corresponding housing. Two legs would have to be aligned...

See Also: Linkage forks.

WR1 cranks and hubs?! Take my money now!

I snagged photos of a few slalom bikes from the Strait Acres Slalom Invitational happening today/tomorrow for those who also love seeing how people mod bikes for such a specialized form of racing. https://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/slalom-bikes-2023-strait-acres… Personal fav - Mitch Ropelato's custom Cannondale / Kyle Strait's custom Vitus / Cody Kelley's Spesh Stumpjumper

Bikers: We want innovation! Also bikers: Not THAT much innovation!

Im probably going to get ripped apart for this, but it really surprises me that we do not have more forks like the Lefty or the Intend Bandit. It was not perfect, but given the more recent capabilities in manufacturing, we could probably make it a lot better these days. Ive heard from many (at the time) that when it was working normally, the last iteration of the Lefty was awesome. I know some hate the look of them, but we for some reason we have accepted massive pregnant downtube bikes to be a thing, kind of. Maybe Im not...

We Are One on the Inside Line is up - Dustin discusses racing and life and the second half is about the company, non-overseas production, products, future etc. on youtube (slideshow, not video of interview) or podcast channels too. https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/we-are-one-inside-line-mountain-bike-…

Are you seriously worried about 50g difference in shock weight on a 63mm stroke shock? I could cut my hair and lose 50g 😂 In my case where in the total system, the bike is maybe 20% of the weight, 50g especially on a performance suspension component is a trade off I’m willing to take.

The new vivid has the option to upgrade the reservoir to go from a select or select+ to ultimate version. I am curious if the same is possible for the Superdeluxe ? I know the ultimate version of the SD reservoir are available as separate purchase but nowhere it says if it's possible and compatible. -A select+ SD air owner that would love to upgrade to ultimate without having to buy a new tuned shock.

You can do it with 2 crescent wrenches and some patience. the tool helps but not 100% required

A big factor would be frame tolerances on cheaper bikes too, the minute you dont have nice alingment and that needle bearing has to take some axial load you would start to get issues. Push's spherical bearings would be the best solution no?

Lefty had needle beerings for that reason.

Can’t say I’ve seen this bike before, so I’m guessing it’s something new from fezzari? That’s nik nestoroff on the bike. New dh bike? Or long travel bike with a 40?

Needle bearings are generally only used where a roller or ball bearing wouldn't fit. They are not preloaded or very lightly (usually) also generally not sold as a cartridge, so no inner race (tho hardened steel sleeves for them are sold). Early turner dhr's had needle bearings on the linkages driving the shock, and they rode on unhardend and unpolished steel... As you'd expect they did not do very well in this application. Regardless, I loved both dhr's I had, they were quite good for the time. I'm speculating here, but perhaps needle bearings are generally more susceptible to contaminant...

Only time I see needle bearings that last is in the wrist pin on a 2T engine. But that is oiled by the premix and pretty clean. Also high speed lower loading than suspension bits.

The same ones that blow out every few hours and are a complete bitch to clean/grease/replace?

🤷🏾‍♀️ roller bearings seem to work fine in bicycle linkages?