MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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8/14/2024 8:33am
chriskief wrote:
For RockShox, the list of available tunes is available on the shock's service page. For instance here's the Vivid Ultimate:  https://www.sram.com/en/service/models/rs-vivd-ult-c1You can find the...

For RockShox, the list of available tunes is available on the shock's service page. For instance here's the Vivid Ultimate:  https://www.sram.com/en/service/models/rs-vivd-ult-c1

You can find the shim layouts in the tuning guide: https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/tuning-manuals/rockshox-rear-shock-piston-tuning-guide.pdf

For Fox, you can find similar info on the shock's parts & drawings page. For instance here's the Float X2: https://tech.ridefox.com/bike/parts-drawings/2863/float-x2-part-information

 

Those are great but they're missing the detail of what the numbers really mean, the effects of each tune, etc. Like what does R23 achive compared to R55? Spell it out for me like I'm a 5th grader. 

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AndehM
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8/14/2024 8:36am
AndehM wrote:
The SRAM tech support is quite helpful answering questions about the different tunes.  They've got some easy to process graphics showing the spectrum of the tunes...

The SRAM tech support is quite helpful answering questions about the different tunes.  They've got some easy to process graphics showing the spectrum of the tunes.  I actually really like the new Cxx/Rxx system, because the center of each jump in numbers in each direction corresponds to opening/closing that adjuster for the adjacent number.  Smaller numbers is less damped / lighter.  So center of C37 LSC is the same as C34 LSC fully closed, meaning there is a good amount of overlap between each tune.  If the OEM tune for your bike is only 1 off from the generic retail tune, you can get cover a lot of the same range, but if it diverges more than that it's probably best to hunt down the OEM tune.

Are they posted anywhere, got a link? Interrested to see it. Outside of SRAM I've heard both, the tunes are all very similar and they're progressive/linear/dirgressive...

Are they posted anywhere, got a link? Interrested to see it. Outside of SRAM I've heard both, the tunes are all very similar and they're progressive/linear/dirgressive, which is certainly different. 

unnamed 0.png?VersionId=4GTgTThJiNGIp4T3myxh6D JmeRHrunnamed 1

 

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8/14/2024 8:51am
MTBrent wrote:
As long as "dampen" gets unironically typed every now and then to get us riled up, I think it's all fair game.As above, this thread is...

As long as "dampen" gets unironically typed every now and then to get us riled up, I think it's all fair game.

As above, this thread is indeed always active and always interesting.

Jrp wrote:
Worse than that is this… when you see it 

Worse than that is this… when you see it 

IMG 0110

Yikes, I'm hoping that was written in someone's second language.

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 9:18am
Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel...

Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel size?

Nope.. but what they will do it just give it a new paint scheme that was inspired by colours kicking around the factory or the offices…. change the parts spec and make no changes whatsoever. 

Great bikes… and would happily buy another if there was a ‘ready to paint’ option like specialized does. 

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Primoz
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8/14/2024 9:47am

There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower. Talk about the shock being sunk into the downtube and no cable routing for the derailleurs. 

3
8/14/2024 10:10am
chriskief wrote:
For RockShox, the list of available tunes is available on the shock's service page. For instance here's the Vivid Ultimate:  https://www.sram.com/en/service/models/rs-vivd-ult-c1You can find the...

For RockShox, the list of available tunes is available on the shock's service page. For instance here's the Vivid Ultimate:  https://www.sram.com/en/service/models/rs-vivd-ult-c1

You can find the shim layouts in the tuning guide: https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/tuning-manuals/rockshox-rear-shock-piston-tuning-guide.pdf

For Fox, you can find similar info on the shock's parts & drawings page. For instance here's the Float X2: https://tech.ridefox.com/bike/parts-drawings/2863/float-x2-part-information

 

Those are great but they're missing the detail of what the numbers really mean, the effects of each tune, etc. Like what does R23 achive compared...

Those are great but they're missing the detail of what the numbers really mean, the effects of each tune, etc. Like what does R23 achive compared to R55? Spell it out for me like I'm a 5th grader. 

The explanation I got on what the numbers correlate to with RockShox tunes are pounds of force generated on a dyno. For example R23 would translate into 230lbs of force and C43 would be 430lbs of force when measured at a constant input velocity.

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Kusa
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8/14/2024 10:28am Edited Date/Time 8/14/2024 10:30am
Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel...

Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel size?

Friend saw the new Hightower from a dealer person. No info on geo, only the change around shock position as reported with a change to how frame is wrapped around. I believe same is happening to Bronson too.


(Not) Surprisingly Mega and Nomad got a new color scheme so I guess more piles of frames they sit on before pushing any new updates onto market.

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chriskief
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8/14/2024 10:33am
Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel...

Any more rumors on the new Santa Cruz bikes? Megatower/Nomad and Hightower/Bronson being turned into two platforms instead of four with flipchips for the rear wheel size?

Kusa wrote:
Friend saw the new Hightower from a dealer person. No info on geo, only the change around shock position as reported with a change to how...

Friend saw the new Hightower from a dealer person. No info on geo, only the change around shock position as reported with a change to how frame is wrapped around. I believe same is happening to Bronson too.


(Not) Surprisingly Mega and Nomad got a new color scheme so I guess more piles of frames they sit on before pushing any new updates onto market.

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TEAMROBOT
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8/14/2024 10:42am
Primoz wrote:
I think an orifice damper is just that, an orifice damper. The needle adds another layer of complexity. The catch is that different orifice arrangements will...

I think an orifice damper is just that, an orifice damper. The needle adds another layer of complexity. The catch is that different orifice arrangements will cause different damping characteristics - having the same overall void cross section, but in many small holes as opposed to few large holes will change the way the oil flows through them because of the viscosity of oil (compared to something like water, but water will be affected too obviously) and the resulting difference in flow regime (laminar, turbulent, etc.).

This is before the shims come into play. Putting the exact same shimstack on a piston with a different orifice arrangement will also cause differences in how the shim stack behaves as the bending mode, and thus the stiffness of the shims, will change. QED, fold a piece of paper in half (two orifices on opposite sides of the piston, an extreme case) vs. fold/bend it into a cup shape (the Formula CTS with many small holes). Things like to bend over a line, 3D bending is a PITA to achieve and will make the exact same piece of metal to behave quite differently.

Also, a single shim as a check valve is also a different thing as it's also usually spring preloaded so it can move away easily and does not impede oil flow in one direction (when it opens) but does when the orifices are closed. It should hardly add any restriction if it is used as a check valve proper.

If someone wants to go through some light evening reading and cover all the basics, here's a good book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2847388-the-shock-absorber-handbook

As for dampers & co, still waiting for someone to license Multimatic's spool valve patent...

So, it sounds like the consensus view is that the Formula CTS valves (at least the ones pictured in the teardown article of the Selva fork) ARE a simple orifice damper that uses different-sized holes and different hole configurations in the changeable donut-shaped piston as the source of damping. The single shim is likely only there are a one-way check valve to prevent flow through the piston in the opposite direction, and the shim is NOT there as a way to generate damping force in the primary flow direction. So it's a dead simple mechanical system. Bigger holes = less damping.

FWIW I think this qualifies as "tech rumors and innovation," because we're trying to suss out how a relatively new product works and if it does what it claims. Step One: Discover new product. Step Two: Discuss whether it makes sense or not. To me, both seem like valid elements of the same discussion.

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 10:44am
Primoz wrote:
There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower...

There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower. Talk about the shock being sunk into the downtube and no cable routing for the derailleurs. 

Where are these rumours….. direct me to them? 

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saskskier
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8/14/2024 10:47am
Primoz wrote:
There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower...

There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower. Talk about the shock being sunk into the downtube and no cable routing for the derailleurs. 

sharpy212 wrote:

Where are these rumours….. direct me to them? 

Maybe someone could make a thread specifically for tech rumors so we don't derail this suspension kinematic thread?

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metadave
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8/14/2024 11:01am
MTBrent wrote:
As long as "dampen" gets unironically typed every now and then to get us riled up, I think it's all fair game.As above, this thread is...

As long as "dampen" gets unironically typed every now and then to get us riled up, I think it's all fair game.

As above, this thread is indeed always active and always interesting.

Mmmmmmmm, dampening 

🤤

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whitesq
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8/14/2024 11:22am
Primoz wrote:
I think an orifice damper is just that, an orifice damper. The needle adds another layer of complexity. The catch is that different orifice arrangements will...

I think an orifice damper is just that, an orifice damper. The needle adds another layer of complexity. The catch is that different orifice arrangements will cause different damping characteristics - having the same overall void cross section, but in many small holes as opposed to few large holes will change the way the oil flows through them because of the viscosity of oil (compared to something like water, but water will be affected too obviously) and the resulting difference in flow regime (laminar, turbulent, etc.).

This is before the shims come into play. Putting the exact same shimstack on a piston with a different orifice arrangement will also cause differences in how the shim stack behaves as the bending mode, and thus the stiffness of the shims, will change. QED, fold a piece of paper in half (two orifices on opposite sides of the piston, an extreme case) vs. fold/bend it into a cup shape (the Formula CTS with many small holes). Things like to bend over a line, 3D bending is a PITA to achieve and will make the exact same piece of metal to behave quite differently.

Also, a single shim as a check valve is also a different thing as it's also usually spring preloaded so it can move away easily and does not impede oil flow in one direction (when it opens) but does when the orifices are closed. It should hardly add any restriction if it is used as a check valve proper.

If someone wants to go through some light evening reading and cover all the basics, here's a good book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2847388-the-shock-absorber-handbook

As for dampers & co, still waiting for someone to license Multimatic's spool valve patent...

TEAMROBOT wrote:
So, it sounds like the consensus view is that the Formula CTS valves (at least the ones pictured in the teardown article of the Selva fork)...

So, it sounds like the consensus view is that the Formula CTS valves (at least the ones pictured in the teardown article of the Selva fork) ARE a simple orifice damper that uses different-sized holes and different hole configurations in the changeable donut-shaped piston as the source of damping. The single shim is likely only there are a one-way check valve to prevent flow through the piston in the opposite direction, and the shim is NOT there as a way to generate damping force in the primary flow direction. So it's a dead simple mechanical system. Bigger holes = less damping.

FWIW I think this qualifies as "tech rumors and innovation," because we're trying to suss out how a relatively new product works and if it does what it claims. Step One: Discover new product. Step Two: Discuss whether it makes sense or not. To me, both seem like valid elements of the same discussion.

In the simplest definition, an orifice damper is just a hole with no needle, check or shim. Oil can freely pass through the hole at low speeds and at high speeds the hole diameter begins to choke the flow thus creating damping. This results in progressive damping.  

When you start adding needles, checks, shims or multiple oil paths it's very much a grey area as to whether it could be consider an orifice damper since almost all suspension uses some kind of free bleed. I think a good rule of thumb, if the valve can make non-progressive damping curves, it's not an orifice damper. 

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Dave_Camp
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8/14/2024 11:38am
The explanation I got on what the numbers correlate to with RockShox tunes are pounds of force generated on a dyno. For example R23 would translate...

The explanation I got on what the numbers correlate to with RockShox tunes are pounds of force generated on a dyno. For example R23 would translate into 230lbs of force and C43 would be 430lbs of force when measured at a constant input velocity.

Correct.  I helped lay out the new tune names etc.  We had the issue where a M tune on a Super Deluxe did not match the M tune on a Deluxe and that did not match the M tune on VIVID...  Also- we had a shock with extra L1, L2, L3 and L4 tunes (in addition to normal L, M and H), they were not spaced evenly and no one could remember if L1 was lighter or heavier than a L2 tune.  So we went to numbers that meant something on the dyno.

We wanted OEMs to be able to test on one shock model (and dial in their tunes), then be able to spec by price up/down the range without having to translate tunes for them on the various different models and price points.  Also the ability to do a custom named C36 tune was there- and it makes sense and easy for everyone to know C36 is a tiny bit lighter than a C37.

So a C37 VIVID (with Comp adjustments in the middle settings) should very closely ride like a C37 Deluxe.  Of course a VIVID has extra features and adjustments and probably works a bit better, but the general idea was if you pick the tune on one shock- the same tune on other models will work nicely (provided the air springs are also close to equivalent).

 

Similar thing on Rebound- but wanted to get away from the names as we thought some PMs were being influenced by the names (progressive, linear, digressive).  Also again having the ability to make a new tune based on force and curve shape and have a logical name that makes some sense.

 

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 12:04pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2024 12:05pm
Primoz wrote:
There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower...

There are strong rumors of a new lineup with changes in the design of the frame greater than what we've seen from V2 to V3 Hightower. Talk about the shock being sunk into the downtube and no cable routing for the derailleurs. 

sharpy212 wrote:

Where are these rumours….. direct me to them? 

saskskier wrote:

Maybe someone could make a thread specifically for tech rumors so we don't derail this suspension kinematic thread?

 

I thought that’s where we were already!? 
No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah 

 

IMG 7053
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metadave
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8/14/2024 12:46pm
sharpy212 wrote:

Where are these rumours….. direct me to them? 

saskskier wrote:

Maybe someone could make a thread specifically for tech rumors so we don't derail this suspension kinematic thread?

sharpy212 wrote:
 I thought that’s where we were already!? No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah  

 

I thought that’s where we were already!? 
No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah 

 

IMG 7053

I guess we'll have to start a specific "Rumour gets posted, converse about the rumor below" thread each time someone post a new one. Here we'll just post the rumor itself and no one will reply to it so we make everyone happy. 

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 12:57pm
saskskier wrote:

Maybe someone could make a thread specifically for tech rumors so we don't derail this suspension kinematic thread?

sharpy212 wrote:
 I thought that’s where we were already!? No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah  

 

I thought that’s where we were already!? 
No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah 

 

IMG 7053
metadave wrote:
I guess we'll have to start a specific "Rumour gets posted, converse about the rumor below" thread each time someone post a new one. Here we'll...

I guess we'll have to start a specific "Rumour gets posted, converse about the rumor below" thread each time someone post a new one. Here we'll just post the rumor itself and no one will reply to it so we make everyone happy. 

Or start a ‘suspension kinematic’ thread and stop hijacking this one….. 

3
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8/14/2024 1:10pm
sharpy212 wrote:

Or start a ‘suspension kinematic’ thread and stop hijacking this one….. 

The kinematic conversation started from a post about a new bike. If you allow us we'll call that "innovation." Why do you believe that we should now cease that conversation?

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 1:25pm
sharpy212 wrote:

Or start a ‘suspension kinematic’ thread and stop hijacking this one….. 

The kinematic conversation started from a post about a new bike. If you allow us we'll call that "innovation." Why do you believe that we should...

The kinematic conversation started from a post about a new bike. If you allow us we'll call that "innovation." Why do you believe that we should now cease that conversation?

Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was asking about a bike rumour and got told to take it elsewhere. 

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isack
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8/14/2024 1:26pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2024 1:48pm
saskskier wrote:

Maybe someone could make a thread specifically for tech rumors so we don't derail this suspension kinematic thread?

sharpy212 wrote:
 I thought that’s where we were already!? No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah  

 

I thought that’s where we were already!? 
No mention of ‘suspension kinematic’ in the title….. so…. Yeah 

 

IMG 7053
metadave wrote:
I guess we'll have to start a specific "Rumour gets posted, converse about the rumor below" thread each time someone post a new one. Here we'll...

I guess we'll have to start a specific "Rumour gets posted, converse about the rumor below" thread each time someone post a new one. Here we'll just post the rumor itself and no one will reply to it so we make everyone happy. 

1
3
8/14/2024 1:37pm
sharpy212 wrote:
Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was...

Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was asking about a bike rumour and got told to take it elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah. You missed some obvious sarcasm in the posts you replied to. I'd suggest you take your own advice. 

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sharpy212
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8/14/2024 1:47pm
sharpy212 wrote:
Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was...

Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was asking about a bike rumour and got told to take it elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah. You missed some obvious sarcasm in the posts you replied to. I'd suggest you take your own advice. 

I was just asking @Primoz where he saw these rumours and to link me to them… no idea why @saskskier got worried about the conversations about suspension stopping. 

Any forum mediators want to resolve this @sspomer 

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saskskier
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8/14/2024 1:58pm
sharpy212 wrote:
Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was...

Because I was told to start a ‘tech rumours’ thread when this is the ‘tech rumours’ thread…. Read back over the posts before posting. I was asking about a bike rumour and got told to take it elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah. You missed some obvious sarcasm in the posts you replied to. I'd suggest you take your own advice. 

sharpy212 wrote:
I was just asking @Primoz where he saw these rumours and to link me to them… no idea why @saskskier got worried about the conversations about...

I was just asking @Primoz where he saw these rumours and to link me to them… no idea why @saskskier got worried about the conversations about suspension stopping. 

Any forum mediators want to resolve this @sspomer 

I hate to be the guy to point out the joke, but... @john_likes_bikes gets it.

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TEAMROBOT
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8/14/2024 2:02pm
Dave_Camp wrote:
Correct.  I helped lay out the new tune names etc.  We had the issue where a M tune on a Super Deluxe did not match the...

Correct.  I helped lay out the new tune names etc.  We had the issue where a M tune on a Super Deluxe did not match the M tune on a Deluxe and that did not match the M tune on VIVID...  Also- we had a shock with extra L1, L2, L3 and L4 tunes (in addition to normal L, M and H), they were not spaced evenly and no one could remember if L1 was lighter or heavier than a L2 tune.  So we went to numbers that meant something on the dyno.

We wanted OEMs to be able to test on one shock model (and dial in their tunes), then be able to spec by price up/down the range without having to translate tunes for them on the various different models and price points.  Also the ability to do a custom named C36 tune was there- and it makes sense and easy for everyone to know C36 is a tiny bit lighter than a C37.

So a C37 VIVID (with Comp adjustments in the middle settings) should very closely ride like a C37 Deluxe.  Of course a VIVID has extra features and adjustments and probably works a bit better, but the general idea was if you pick the tune on one shock- the same tune on other models will work nicely (provided the air springs are also close to equivalent).

 

Similar thing on Rebound- but wanted to get away from the names as we thought some PMs were being influenced by the names (progressive, linear, digressive).  Also again having the ability to make a new tune based on force and curve shape and have a logical name that makes some sense.

 

That's really smart to make a one-size-fits-all nomenclature for tunes across your product lines. I love that. Thanks for explaining.

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Jotegr
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8/14/2024 2:10pm

Let's get some gosh darn new rumours going.

 

Norco to sell long shocked sights from the factory as the new enduro race bike. 

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MauiMax
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8/14/2024 2:35pm
Jotegr wrote:

Let's get some gosh darn new rumours going.

 

Norco to sell long shocked sights from the factory as the new enduro race bike. 

170 Front 160 rear? Or do you think they keep the 160 fork and just bump up to 160 rear? 

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brash
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8/14/2024 2:43pm

I don't think Norco tout the Range as an enduro bike so makes sense, it's pretty much a modern day free-ride or single crown DH bike.

 

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MauiMax
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8/14/2024 3:02pm

How long do you think before we see either the new transfer neo or the wireless revive for sale? Hoping this year and with 200+ mm of drop. 

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ahleic09
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8/14/2024 3:14pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2024 3:14pm

I think we may have to admit some possibilities about the group on this thread. Either:

1. We are all no longer well connected enough to score inside info. 
2. The industry is in a slump and not developing product at the same speed as the previous few years

Considering the lack of new product that came out of crank works I would suggest the latter but who knows. Until we get some new rumors we can either talk tech or make rumors up. 

Speaking of which I have one to start: Norco bikes have a relatively low resale value because “Norco” is also the street name for an opioid. Due to this unfortunate name FB and Craigslist often block searches containing the name. Ruminate away 

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Nobble
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8/14/2024 3:30pm

Has anyone heard about when a new Sentinel/Scout might be dropping? They’ve been on clearance for what seems like forever.

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