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Seems like sram has a new dropper lever+flight attendant button combo. Comes on the new scott spark models that has flight attendant but no axs dropper. For example, Specializeds Epic 8/9 pro models with flight attendant and wired dropper, just comes without a pod for the flight attendant, which I always thought was strange.

thank you all who participated in this tech rumors thread! i'm going to lock it now, but we're carrying on with annual tech rumors - find the 2026 tech rumors thread here (starting on page 7 at the time of this post). YEW! https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/mtb-tech-rumors-and-innovation-long…

New cable XT and Deore drivetrains for Shimano on the new Orbea Oiz. Looks like they use the new clutch style like on the new DI2 derailleurs...

Sort of a tech rumour? Remy looks to be on an Avalanche damper in his latest video. We know Vorsprung is working on a new damper, and they had noted they’ve been testing all the other options (including Avy).

OneUp Rims? On Caleb Holonkos Bike

Wouldnt that weigh an obscene amount and make the wheel weird on any speeds? My moneys on lightweight stem protection I mean, it just looks like it's a cushcore or similar foamy stuff just wedged between the spokes to protect the valve stem:

Here’s the E9 geo chart. Some slight differences but nothing significant.

From Pinkbike. Also, the reach and stack a bit longer than the Epic 8. No mention of an Evo version. I’m thinking the new bike is a mix of the best attributes of the current Epic 8 and the discontinued Epic WC.

If I like this does it mean I might be a closet singlespeeder ?

Specialized dropping these rigs this spring: Levo EVO (did this already get dropped, or still embargoed? ) Epic 9 DH bike (word is, only S-Works Gucci) As has been said previously, the Epic 9 might be getting pushed out the door early for the 32" race to come for MY27.

New Epic 9 will be crazy light in S Works guise. No 32", no swat box. Very racy--Not sure about trims and rollout availability. Product cycle on the Epic 8 (spring 2024) does seem a little short. Perhaps they decided to release early based on 32" future XC bikes?

28th

Spec. Epic 9 sometime in April

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano. Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

I'm equal parts bummed and intrigued by the new/revamped eagle lineup. On one hand, SX/NX can die in a fire, and their death is just as exciting to me as new product is in certain ways. On the other, X01 eagle was probably the best all around drivetrain as a package over any other I've ever used. Each component of that drivetrain was stellar; cassette, chain, derailleur and shifter. That being said, while I still have a bike in the garage with that setup... I wouldn't be selecting it as a new build. I guess in that case, it makes...

I'm not a fan of the size and weight of the T-Type mechanical offerings. I fall pretty deep into the weight-weenie category though, so perhaps a minority here. They just seem so unnecessarily massive. I would have been totally fine if they just kept making the same old X01 and XX1 gear.

Madrone Jab has just become the only high-end mechanical Eagle RD option. As noted by Primoz, the S500 chain is a downgrade from XX1 so time to stock up on those.

Looks like legacy eagle is getting an update S100/S200/S500

7Mesh "leaking" the new Lyrik / Zeb in their 2026 clothing line promo shots. Noticed the air release buttons in crown. https://7mesh.com/en-US/products/mens-glidepath-short-14-in / https://7mesh.com/en-US/products/mens-glidepath-pant