MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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7/31/2024 7:13am
Pademelon steering dampers are officially for sale. These are the dampers all of the Aussies and many other pro's have been running this season. https://pademelon.cc/Not...

Pademelon steering dampers are officially for sale. These are the dampers all of the Aussies and many other pro's have been running this season. 

https://pademelon.cc/

Not cheap (understatement) however. 800 $AUD for just the damper

29 wrote:
Would love to see some reviews from the usual sites. All the pros wouldn’t run it if it didn’t do anything, but is it beneficial to...

Would love to see some reviews from the usual sites. All the pros wouldn’t run it if it didn’t do anything, but is it beneficial to the bumblers as well?

hairyyy wrote:

All the pros ...

 

You remember the anti vibration stickers...

 

I meant all the Aussie pros using dampers, there are a couple other prototypes on the world circuit that are made by other companies. 

I've tested one, it definitely does what it says on the tin. Creates resistance to turn the bars and 0 resistance when centering the bars, to give a feeling of stability and to resist unwanted deflection of rocks etc. 

No wether I'd pay $800+ for it? Idk. Not at this stage, but my total bike value is probably $3k, so I'm not exactly the target market.  

 

4
Simcik
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Loma, CO US
7/31/2024 7:40am Edited Date/Time 7/31/2024 7:42am
dolface wrote:
Convince Adidas to license the OG 5.10 Stealth rubber to Maxxis; there's a rock-climbing technique called "smearing" that it was particularly good at (as long as...

Convince Adidas to license the OG 5.10 Stealth rubber to Maxxis; there's a rock-climbing technique called "smearing" that it was particularly good at (as long as the rock wasn't too hot).

/derail

What is old is new again... Someone will have better luck with the search engines finding them but decades ago Intense (I think) did actually do this. ITS (Intense Tire Systems) existed - and also had a custom version of Five.Ten shoes, pre-Adidas - and they tried making some tires out of the shoe rubber. A few pro riders tested them but then nothing came of it to the mortals

3
grinch
Posts
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Location
CA
7/31/2024 8:25am
dolface wrote:
Convince Adidas to license the OG 5.10 Stealth rubber to Maxxis; there's a rock-climbing technique called "smearing" that it was particularly good at (as long as...

Convince Adidas to license the OG 5.10 Stealth rubber to Maxxis; there's a rock-climbing technique called "smearing" that it was particularly good at (as long as the rock wasn't too hot).

/derail

Simcik wrote:
What is old is new again... Someone will have better luck with the search engines finding them but decades ago Intense (I think) did actually do...

What is old is new again... Someone will have better luck with the search engines finding them but decades ago Intense (I think) did actually do this. ITS (Intense Tire Systems) existed - and also had a custom version of Five.Ten shoes, pre-Adidas - and they tried making some tires out of the shoe rubber. A few pro riders tested them but then nothing came of it to the mortals

The intense dh wasnt the best race tire. It weighed a ton and had super burley casings. It was amazing for super steep and/or loose dirt. You could run them with sub 20psi and still push in corners and the slow rebound rubber worked really well on rock slabs. Nothing like them. Game changer for that type of riding. Until they changed tire manufacturer and all the side knobs started ripping off. They were done shortly after that

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7/31/2024 2:03pm
sspomer wrote:

inside line with dustin adams/weareone from whistler last year mentions no more bikes

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/we-are-one-inside-line-mountain-bike-…

I haven't listened to the podcast yet, but some shop guys (WAO dealer) was saying something about having to re-tool the molds because they were having issues. I know a ton of people with Arrivals and haven't heard of anyone having issues with durability, but who knows. 

If they already have molds, I think they should just make a super limited run of frames (Arrival and DH) each year and keep them super exclusive. Be like, the Koenigsegg of bikes. Keep the build kits top end and charge a ton. I'm pretty sure they'd still sell out each year. 

2
7/31/2024 4:19pm
jgaube wrote:

Seems like the next new bike has to be the Sentinel…. I’d potentially be interested in one if so.

Hope so! IMO the current one isnt great, have to ride it hard and on steep stuff, otherwise its very unbalanced, +1deg headset made those bikes much better.
Hopefully they also fix the frame/bolts QC Knocking things they are

3
jgaube
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Denver, CO US
7/31/2024 4:24pm
jgaube wrote:

Seems like the next new bike has to be the Sentinel…. I’d potentially be interested in one if so.

Hope so! IMO the current one isnt great, have to ride it hard and on steep stuff, otherwise its very unbalanced, +1deg headset made those bikes...

Hope so! IMO the current one isnt great, have to ride it hard and on steep stuff, otherwise its very unbalanced, +1deg headset made those bikes much better.
Hopefully they also fix the frame/bolts QC Knocking things they are

Agreed, I had one with a +1 headset as well.  Shock / suspension never felt as dialed as my Spire and the STA was noticeably more slack even though numbers look close.  A new one with a steeper STA and a 64-64.5 ish HTA could be great.  

2
7/31/2024 7:40pm
jgaube wrote:

Seems like the next new bike has to be the Sentinel…. I’d potentially be interested in one if so.

Maybe making the Scout a mullet? I’d love a 130/150 mullet bike from Transition. Agree on the angle sets. I’ve had a +1 Works in my Patrol from the moment I built it up…and it’s my park bike. (although it’s always been overforked 20mm)

2
1
RaggedEdge
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Location
Austin, TX US
7/31/2024 8:01pm

Serious bummer, WAO was going to be my next frame.....

2
TimBud
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GB
7/31/2024 10:29pm

They’ve probably just come to the end of the useable life of their molds (i guess they bought/made cheaper low volume ones) and now need to get new ones… maybe also taking the opportunity to do some updates

5
7/31/2024 11:58pm
jgaube wrote:

Seems like the next new bike has to be the Sentinel…. I’d potentially be interested in one if so.

Hope so! IMO the current one isnt great, have to ride it hard and on steep stuff, otherwise its very unbalanced, +1deg headset made those bikes...

Hope so! IMO the current one isnt great, have to ride it hard and on steep stuff, otherwise its very unbalanced, +1deg headset made those bikes much better.
Hopefully they also fix the frame/bolts QC Knocking things they are

Definitely hope they fix their QC, had a absolute lemon of a front triangle on  a 2022 Scout alloy I purchased. Metal everywhere in the seat tube and the front end would go through headsets every 2 months. Only headset that would last was a CK one. Their bikes look sick though.

1
zscs
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Budapest HU
8/1/2024 12:53am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2024 6:32am

Giant released the inhouse created Crest fork a few years ago (using 34mm stanchions, 130mm travel) - for example, Fathom trail hardtails and Trances were equipped with it.

It seems they created a big brother as well with an apparently longer travel, maybe stachions are 35 or 36mm (I'm only guessing) with a more robust design for the lowers:

new Crest fork

For reference/comparison, this is the old trail fork design:

old crest

Source: from Pinkbike's gallery to article 'Spotted: A Wireless Fox Electronic Dropper Post' ( https://www.pinkbike.com/news/spotted-a-wireless-fox-electronic-dropper… ).

 

Edit: OMG, kind of false positive, the 1st photo was taken from a 24" bike for kids... 🙃

3
8/1/2024 5:33am
zscs wrote:
Giant released the inhouse created Crest fork a few years ago (using 34mm stanchions, 130mm travel) - for example, Fathom trail hardtails and Trances were equipped...

Giant released the inhouse created Crest fork a few years ago (using 34mm stanchions, 130mm travel) - for example, Fathom trail hardtails and Trances were equipped with it.

It seems they created a big brother as well with an apparently longer travel, maybe stachions are 35 or 36mm (I'm only guessing) with a more robust design for the lowers:

new Crest fork

For reference/comparison, this is the old trail fork design:

old crest

Source: from Pinkbike's gallery to article 'Spotted: A Wireless Fox Electronic Dropper Post' ( https://www.pinkbike.com/news/spotted-a-wireless-fox-electronic-dropper… ).

 

Edit: OMG, kind of false positive, the 1st photo was taken from a 24" bike for kids... 🙃

I think that's more of a little brother. That first picture is one of the full-sus kids' bikes that Giant announced earlier this year, with a version of the Crest fork tuned for smaller riders. 

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/giant-launches-faith-youth-mountain-bikes-and-crest-lite-youth-specific-suspension

1
az2au
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Location
Scottsdale, AZ US
8/1/2024 6:43am

Frameworks Enduro bikes available for pre-order in mid-August per an email they sent out today. 

7
Nobble
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Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
8/1/2024 7:38am
Maybe making the Scout a mullet? I’d love a 130/150 mullet bike from Transition. Agree on the angle sets. I’ve had a +1 Works in my...

Maybe making the Scout a mullet? I’d love a 130/150 mullet bike from Transition. Agree on the angle sets. I’ve had a +1 Works in my Patrol from the moment I built it up…and it’s my park bike. (although it’s always been overforked 20mm)

I think a mullet Scout is pretty much guaranteed, the only question is when.

Given the state of the market, I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to consolidate their lineup by merging the Scout and the Sentinel. One frame for mullet or 29 with some geo adjustments would be pretty cool. I’d seriously consider opening up my wallet if they did.

6
jsray
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Gilbert, AZ US
8/1/2024 8:19am

Had a feeling the transition post was just going to be fun video edit. 

bermed
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Boston, MA US
8/1/2024 8:25am

Anyone have news of when the 13-speed GRX might drop?

1
2
8/1/2024 8:58am
AJW1 wrote:
Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new...

Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.

If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new mech and cassette with existing transmission chain and crank, and any AXS shifter of your choice?

https://singletrackworld.com/gritcx/2024/08/sram-goes-1x13-sram-red-xpl…

10-46? On my current gravel I have E*13's 9-46 (11 speed) and I need more range. With a 38t chainring its just barely low enough for mtb climbs, but when I'm on the road I top out in that 9t too often. I'm considering going back to a front derailleur for more range, plus they are more efficient. 

3
4
8/1/2024 9:00am
AJW1 wrote:
Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new...

Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.

If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new mech and cassette with existing transmission chain and crank, and any AXS shifter of your choice?

https://singletrackworld.com/gritcx/2024/08/sram-goes-1x13-sram-red-xpl…

Could work - clutch is weaker than a transmission MTB clutch though. 

Making a prediction of a 13s MTB Transmission from SRAM by Spring 2026.

1
seanfisseli
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4/16/2024
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
8/1/2024 10:42am
AJW1 wrote:
Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new...

Sram goes to 13 on the gravel.

If you had a XDR freehub, and a UDH frame, would this work on a MTB? - combine the new mech and cassette with existing transmission chain and crank, and any AXS shifter of your choice?

https://singletrackworld.com/gritcx/2024/08/sram-goes-1x13-sram-red-xpl…

10-46? On my current gravel I have E*13's 9-46 (11 speed) and I need more range. With a 38t chainring its just barely low enough for...

10-46? On my current gravel I have E*13's 9-46 (11 speed) and I need more range. With a 38t chainring its just barely low enough for mtb climbs, but when I'm on the road I top out in that 9t too often. I'm considering going back to a front derailleur for more range, plus they are more efficient. 

I used to complain about gravel gear range until I remembered that gravel is for people in the Midwest.

10
2
bermed
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Boston, MA US
8/1/2024 11:27am

So the Padmelon steering dampers are about $650 in total? That’s nuts, I was assuming it’d be a $50 part. 

5
Simcik
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Loma, CO US
8/1/2024 11:37am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2024 11:38am
bermed wrote:

So the Padmelon steering dampers are about $650 in total? That’s nuts, I was assuming it’d be a $50 part. 

Given stems cost more than $50 these days I think that would be an impossible target. 

Moto steering dampers start at around $350 and get up there quite quick. Early MTB ones (Hopey is the only one I can think of) weren't approaching $650 but they were several hundred bucks 20 years ago. This seems to be quite a technical product with a lot of R&D so the price doesnt surprise me too much

4
8/1/2024 12:18pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2024 12:50pm
bermed wrote:

So the Padmelon steering dampers are about $650 in total? That’s nuts, I was assuming it’d be a $50 part. 

Simcik wrote:
Given stems cost more than $50 these days I think that would be an impossible target. Moto steering dampers start at around $350 and get up there...

Given stems cost more than $50 these days I think that would be an impossible target. 

Moto steering dampers start at around $350 and get up there quite quick. Early MTB ones (Hopey is the only one I can think of) weren't approaching $650 but they were several hundred bucks 20 years ago. This seems to be quite a technical product with a lot of R&D so the price doesnt surprise me too much

As Nick said, moto steering stabilizers with the full mounting setup are expensive. The Precision Parabolic damper is sort of the latest and greatest and is $750 for the full setup. I previously ran a Scott's stabilizer (design came from Ohlins) and those are just as or more expensive for the full package. Guessing the mtb stabilizer market isn't going to be moto sized, so not surprised by the cost whatsoever.  

For reference:

https://precision-rp.com/Parabolic-1-18-bar-complete-kit-KTM-Husqvarna-2016-2022-with-stock-rubber-coned-triple-clamps_p_446.html

https://www.scottsonline.com/Stabilizer_Purchase2.php?Bike_ID=8275&BI_ID=1528349

 

5
bermed
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Boston, MA US
8/1/2024 12:31pm
bermed wrote:

So the Padmelon steering dampers are about $650 in total? That’s nuts, I was assuming it’d be a $50 part. 

Simcik wrote:
Given stems cost more than $50 these days I think that would be an impossible target. Moto steering dampers start at around $350 and get up there...

Given stems cost more than $50 these days I think that would be an impossible target. 

Moto steering dampers start at around $350 and get up there quite quick. Early MTB ones (Hopey is the only one I can think of) weren't approaching $650 but they were several hundred bucks 20 years ago. This seems to be quite a technical product with a lot of R&D so the price doesnt surprise me too much

I guess I'm just ignorant regarding the R&D required. Would be interested in learning more. 

 

I'm still boggled because $650 is the same that an entire decent suspension fork costs though.

4
1
8/1/2024 12:43pm

I used to complain about gravel gear range until I remembered that gravel is for people in the Midwest.

truth hurts

8
1
gibbon
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GB
8/1/2024 1:01pm

Could work - clutch is weaker than a transmission MTB clutch though. 

Making a prediction of a 13s MTB Transmission from SRAM by Spring 2026.

It will be sooner than that. I'm thinking Shimano will launch 13sp Grx Di2 along with 13sp xt/xtr Di2.

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