Spy Shots! Ohlins Shock Available for More Bikes, Fork Closer To Reality? 14

Ever since we first tested the Ohlins TTX 22M, we've made no secret of just how good we think it is. Originally developed in collaboration between Ohlins and Specialized, the shock has until now only been available on Specialized Demo and Enduro EVO bikes. The following information found on Ohlins' Italian partner Andreani Group's site seems to suggest that the shock is now available in different lengths and with mounts for several other bikes as well (although perhaps only in Italy, for now). If verified, we certainly applaud this move by Ohlins.

As per the flyer above, first spotted by Bike Rumor, the shock will be available in three lengths - 8.75x2.75, 9.5x3.0, and 10.5x3.5 - compatible with the following frames: Giant Glory, Trek Session, Santa Cruz V10, Lapierre DH, Kona Supreme, GT Fury, Norco Aurum, Transition TR450, Commencal Supreme DH, Specialized Demo 8, Devinci Wilson and Scott Gambler. The part numbers listed suggest that the shocks will be generic, but in an interview referenced further down this page the company makes reference to specific tunes for each bike, including "shims and springs".

Andreani Group is listing the TTX 22M shock for sale at 680 EUR + VAT, and is using it as a platform to enter the MTB market in general. It claims its standing as Ohlins second largest aftermarket importer worldwide puts it in a privileged position to work with Ohlins on the direction it should take for the DH market - notably stating that the shock lengths now being made available are a direct result of its input. The following pictures show the TTX installed on a Lapierre (which apparently required some machining to internal cable stops in the frame due to the size of the spring on the Ohlins shock - an issue the company says they will solve by providing smaller springs), as well as work being done on both Fox and Rockshox forks by the Andreani crew.

In an article from our Italian colleagues at Bicilive the company elaborates in detail on more new MTB offerings coming down the pipe from the Swedish suspension specialists: fork prototype for the end of February, cartridge kits for the FOX40 at the same time, and air suspension "for Enduro" in September. Make what you will of the following picture from the article... are some of those fork legs a bit too skinny for MX?

We've shown spy shots of an inverted fork prototype previously, but at this point Andreani would not be drawn on whether or not this is the definitive design choice. We'll have to wait and see!

Learn more about the original development of the TTX 22M in this video:

Stay tuned. More as we get it!