MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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THFL
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5/31/2023 1:52pm

Another shot from the linkage:IMG 5490.jpeg?VersionId=Ngnvg imQJwj7qdYZLP

 

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metadave
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5/31/2023 2:30pm

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

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dolface
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5/31/2023 2:46pm
THFL wrote:
Another shot from the linkage:  

Another shot from the linkage:IMG 5490.jpeg?VersionId=Ngnvg imQJwj7qdYZLP

 

Does that thing have a gearbox AND a derailleur? Woohoo

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THFL
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5/31/2023 2:59pm
THFL wrote:
Another shot from the linkage:  

Another shot from the linkage:IMG 5490.jpeg?VersionId=Ngnvg imQJwj7qdYZLP

 

dolface wrote:
Does that thing have a gearbox AND a derailleur? 

Does that thing have a gearbox AND a derailleur? Woohoo

Looks like it. But I think it could be there to be a tensioner.

5
5/31/2023 6:35pm Edited Date/Time 5/31/2023 6:40pm
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Slightly off-topic but I remember happening upon some old MTBR/Ridemonkey threads referencing a "5-bar" Passion model from Sinister that apparently had a variable axle path (they called it Variable Suspension Technology). From what I can gather it depended on the chainstay physically contacted a bumper that engaged the shock linkage, but a different thread with Frank the Welder explaining it more in depth no longer exists. Sounds absolutely crazy but I don't think it ever went to market; it'd be pretty sweet to see someone mess around with that today.

sinister-passion

 

2
5/31/2023 7:18pm
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Slightly off-topic but I remember happening upon some old MTBR/Ridemonkey threads referencing a "5-bar" Passion model from Sinister that apparently had a variable axle path (they...

Slightly off-topic but I remember happening upon some old MTBR/Ridemonkey threads referencing a "5-bar" Passion model from Sinister that apparently had a variable axle path (they called it Variable Suspension Technology). From what I can gather it depended on the chainstay physically contacted a bumper that engaged the shock linkage, but a different thread with Frank the Welder explaining it more in depth no longer exists. Sounds absolutely crazy but I don't think it ever went to market; it'd be pretty sweet to see someone mess around with that today.

sinister-passion

 

I actually hit up Frank about a year ago about making a modern bike with that suspension design. It sounded like after years and years of getting the patents he got burnt on the deal and his name was left off. (Maybe not all correct info, just what I gathered).

I really like the idea of the design because it will take small hits with a vertical wheel path and big hits it will move the axle path reward. apparently many manufacturers tested his design and praised it. Like above, not sure why it got shut down…

Heres some other photos that I have saved from FTW’s VST

B4599EF4-1154-4BD2-8440-D95D619E9934.jpeg?VersionId=UNwdSqXIIkU0hWeTeYeFfO XHajvf2K

 D82A658B-FB7C-41AC-ACC2-729868CC6509

 C852445F-BD8E-48D8-88FA-B175CFCEEC45

 B72F8E18-7C79-48BF-83A4-77E52571B7D5

 

5
5/31/2023 7:56pm
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Slightly off-topic but I remember happening upon some old MTBR/Ridemonkey threads referencing a "5-bar" Passion model from Sinister that apparently had a variable axle path (they...

Slightly off-topic but I remember happening upon some old MTBR/Ridemonkey threads referencing a "5-bar" Passion model from Sinister that apparently had a variable axle path (they called it Variable Suspension Technology). From what I can gather it depended on the chainstay physically contacted a bumper that engaged the shock linkage, but a different thread with Frank the Welder explaining it more in depth no longer exists. Sounds absolutely crazy but I don't think it ever went to market; it'd be pretty sweet to see someone mess around with that today.

sinister-passion

 

I actually hit up Frank about a year ago about making a modern bike with that suspension design. It sounded like after years and years of...

I actually hit up Frank about a year ago about making a modern bike with that suspension design. It sounded like after years and years of getting the patents he got burnt on the deal and his name was left off. (Maybe not all correct info, just what I gathered).

I really like the idea of the design because it will take small hits with a vertical wheel path and big hits it will move the axle path reward. apparently many manufacturers tested his design and praised it. Like above, not sure why it got shut down…

Heres some other photos that I have saved from FTW’s VST

B4599EF4-1154-4BD2-8440-D95D619E9934.jpeg?VersionId=UNwdSqXIIkU0hWeTeYeFfO XHajvf2K

 D82A658B-FB7C-41AC-ACC2-729868CC6509

 C852445F-BD8E-48D8-88FA-B175CFCEEC45

 B72F8E18-7C79-48BF-83A4-77E52571B7D5

 

Pretty sure he goes in to it a bit on his episode of the inside line - https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/The-Inside-Line-Frank-The-Welder,2612

4
metadave
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5/31/2023 8:56pm

I was about to bring that podcast up. Really enjoyed that one, it sounded messy in the end for that 5 bar. 

Interested to hear more about this project and if it's from frank or not.

1
kcy4130
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MT US
6/1/2023 4:39am
I actually hit up Frank about a year ago about making a modern bike with that suspension design. It sounded like after years and years of...

I actually hit up Frank about a year ago about making a modern bike with that suspension design. It sounded like after years and years of getting the patents he got burnt on the deal and his name was left off. (Maybe not all correct info, just what I gathered).

I really like the idea of the design because it will take small hits with a vertical wheel path and big hits it will move the axle path reward. apparently many manufacturers tested his design and praised it. Like above, not sure why it got shut down…

Heres some other photos that I have saved from FTW’s VST

B4599EF4-1154-4BD2-8440-D95D619E9934.jpeg?VersionId=UNwdSqXIIkU0hWeTeYeFfO XHajvf2K

 D82A658B-FB7C-41AC-ACC2-729868CC6509

 C852445F-BD8E-48D8-88FA-B175CFCEEC45

 B72F8E18-7C79-48BF-83A4-77E52571B7D5

 

Very interesting concept. I haven't fully thought it thru so I could be wrong, but it looks like it'd have a different leverage ratio depending on the angle of force applied to wheel. So a vertical force (like from a huck to flat) would have different kinematics than hitting a square edge step where the force would be upward and rearward. Intuitively it seems like it would make the bike less predictable. And that's before you consider effects of braking forces and chain growth. There's a whole lot going on there. 

2
6/1/2023 6:25am
 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

2B7427E3-232D-40F7-83BF-207F85AA2B09.jpeg?VersionId=btFxxL7KHR9qUPMTLdgj6Z0o9Fe

 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

Is it just me, or the Demo proto has a reaaaaally steep effective seattube angle?

3
Onawalk
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6/1/2023 6:30am
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Taking a quick look at the weld of the downtube to gearbox in the close up pic......

Nah, that aint Frank

5
kcy4130
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6/1/2023 7:08am

Is it just me, or the Demo proto has a reaaaaally steep effective seattube angle?

It's only effectively steep at the low height of the saddle. If it was raised to a pedaling height like you'd do on a trail or enduro bike, the effective sta would not be very steep. 

3
Konda
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6/1/2023 9:53am

Screenshot 20230601-173043~2

 Pic of Richie's bike in Jarad's IG

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metadave
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6/1/2023 9:54am
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Onawalk wrote:

Taking a quick look at the weld of the downtube to gearbox in the close up pic......

Nah, that aint Frank

Good point, that weld kind of looks like.the underside of a gym bleacher in an 80's teen movie. 

Primoz
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6/1/2023 10:23am
 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

2B7427E3-232D-40F7-83BF-207F85AA2B09.jpeg?VersionId=btFxxL7KHR9qUPMTLdgj6Z0o9Fe

 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

BTW, just above the cloth on the downtube you can see some rivets which are used to secure the tubes to the lugs on this frame. It's clear there's a cradle under the cloth. 

1
therock911
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Orange County, CA US
6/1/2023 11:00am
 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

2B7427E3-232D-40F7-83BF-207F85AA2B09.jpeg?VersionId=btFxxL7KHR9qUPMTLdgj6Z0o9Fe

 Just some nice details to look at. The built in fork bumper is pretty trick.

Can see an outline when zoomed in. Still hard to make out suspension

IMG 6871 0

 

dolface
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6/1/2023 11:59am

Not sure this is the right place for for this but on the most recent Downtime podcast Andreas Kolb mentioned that Atherton racing is now on Hayes Dominion brakes (they were on Trickstuff).

(He didn't provide any details as to why they switched but I wonder if it's connected to the still-unfinished ERP migration that's been in-process at Trickstuff for over 18 months now or some other reason?).

TimBud
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6/1/2023 12:10pm

Hayes are probably just paying more and are a great brake too.

They seem to be appearing on a lot more pro’s bikes recently (Fairclough for one)

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kcy4130
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6/1/2023 12:10pm

Possibly related to trickstuff being acquired. Or Hayes could actually pay the team a bit, I'd guess trickstuff was too small for that, and was only giving them brakes. But idk?

Primoz
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6/1/2023 12:16pm
TimBud wrote:
Hayes are probably just paying more and are a great brake too. They seem to be appearing on a lot more pro’s bikes recently (Fairclough for...

Hayes are probably just paying more and are a great brake too.

They seem to be appearing on a lot more pro’s bikes recently (Fairclough for one)

What is he running for drivetrain? 

dolface
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6/1/2023 12:17pm
TimBud wrote:
Hayes are probably just paying more and are a great brake too. They seem to be appearing on a lot more pro’s bikes recently (Fairclough for...

Hayes are probably just paying more and are a great brake too.

They seem to be appearing on a lot more pro’s bikes recently (Fairclough for one)

Agree on the brake quality, I have them on 3 bikes Laughing

TimBud
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6/1/2023 12:25pm
Primoz wrote:

What is he running for drivetrain? 

His latest Gambler had XO on it 

 

 

2
6/1/2023 1:28pm

IMG 0942

 Don’t know if this has been talked about here but this is the first time I saw an AXS Mech with a cable going to the Bosch Battery instead of its own one. 

Does someone have any experience with that? I wonder on which port it is connected on the motor?

Primoz
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6/1/2023 1:38pm

I think a few Scott ebikes had this a year or so ago already. The first one with the internal shock if I'm not mistaken? 

Mbarosko
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6/1/2023 1:41pm
 Don’t know if this has been talked about here but this is the first time I saw an AXS Mech with a cable going to the...

IMG 0942

 Don’t know if this has been talked about here but this is the first time I saw an AXS Mech with a cable going to the Bosch Battery instead of its own one. 

Does someone have any experience with that? I wonder on which port it is connected on the motor?

Yeah that is a standard OEM option from Sram. Been around for a while now but not sure if you can purchase it aftermarket. 

jofish
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6/1/2023 2:37pm Edited Date/Time 6/1/2023 2:38pm
chriskief wrote:
 

 

I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this but this is the least exciting new downhill bike on the circuit. I’m sure it works good but mehhh.

Additionally - and I’ll really get roasted for this one - I thought the syndicate road trip videos were lame. It all seemed a bit forced and try-hard. Compare it to Amaury’s movie which felt honest, raw and imo just pretty awesome. 
 

Edit: we reached 400 🙌

7
5
6/1/2023 2:43pm
chriskief wrote:
 

 

jofish wrote:
I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this but this is the least exciting new downhill bike on the circuit. I’m sure it works good but...

I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this but this is the least exciting new downhill bike on the circuit. I’m sure it works good but mehhh.

Additionally - and I’ll really get roasted for this one - I thought the syndicate road trip videos were lame. It all seemed a bit forced and try-hard. Compare it to Amaury’s movie which felt honest, raw and imo just pretty awesome. 
 

Edit: we reached 400 🙌

I donno, sounds like they made a lot of great advancements in the new V10. If you’re saying least exciting because the look didn’t change, sure.. But if the frame compliance and leverage rates have been adjusted, it could be a weapon of a bike!

1
6/1/2023 10:32pm
chriskief wrote:
 

 

jofish wrote:
I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this but this is the least exciting new downhill bike on the circuit. I’m sure it works good but...

I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this but this is the least exciting new downhill bike on the circuit. I’m sure it works good but mehhh.

Additionally - and I’ll really get roasted for this one - I thought the syndicate road trip videos were lame. It all seemed a bit forced and try-hard. Compare it to Amaury’s movie which felt honest, raw and imo just pretty awesome. 
 

Edit: we reached 400 🙌

I donno, sounds like they made a lot of great advancements in the new V10. If you’re saying least exciting because the look didn’t change, sure...

I donno, sounds like they made a lot of great advancements in the new V10. If you’re saying least exciting because the look didn’t change, sure.. But if the frame compliance and leverage rates have been adjusted, it could be a weapon of a bike!

What would a regular weekend warrior understand from adjusted frame compliance and leverage rates? He/she’d still have an amazing time on a previous gen V10! The new one seems just like a facelift of the old one, if you don’t look at the details from close range, you might think it’s the old one. Check what Spech are doing in the last 7-8 years - each next Demo is nothing like the previous one, and there are newer and newer design details, not to mention frame compliance and leverage ratios! Smile

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3
THFL
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6/2/2023 12:34am Edited Date/Time 6/2/2023 12:36am
metadave wrote:
That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?    

That's really giving me Sinister Splinter vibes.... Is it a FTW proto?

 

p3pb11514034

 

Onawalk wrote:

Taking a quick look at the weld of the downtube to gearbox in the close up pic......

Nah, that aint Frank

metadave wrote:

Good point, that weld kind of looks like.the underside of a gym bleacher in an 80's teen movie. 

Come on people:-D someone is trying to built a gearbox (steel?!) bike and we are complaining. 
Give this person some kudos. If you read this, steel-gearbox-highpivot-welder, keep up the work!

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