13 Bikes That Could See An Update In 2023

Sep 20, 2022
by Matt Beer  
Every two or three years you can expect to see prototype bikes in development rolling around races and trade shows, but that timeline seems to have slowed down if we recap what bikes we anticipated getting an update by now. That could be due to a couple of reasons, but the ones that stand out the most in my mind are the rate of change in geometry, and of course, covid supply constraints.

Look at our most recent Field Test from Bellingham, which was filled with the latest and greatest enduro bikes. I wouldn’t say the geometry was the same because there were one or two outliers, but the numbers throughout the tests bikes were very, very close.

Secondly, the worldwide pandemic slowed the production of components, mainly drivetrain parts, which meant that bike brands were/are caught in a stalemate. They sat eagerly waiting for the parts to catch up in order to launch a new bike.



Santa Cruz V10

Whether it was planned or not, Santa Cruz stormed into 2022 by uncorking a bottleneck of new bike releases: the Heckler, Megatower, Nomad, Hightower, 5010, and most recently, the Tallboy, all received updates. One bike absent from that list is the V10. The 29” version was officially launched back in Dec of 2018, and the mixed wheel version launched in July 2020.

Aside from a few tweaks to the kinematics and geometry via machined alloy components, the carbon frame members haven’t undergone any changes since then. It’s not like either bike has slowed down their riders, though, with Jackson Goldstone grabbing multiple first-place finishes. Even so, don't be surprised to see Santa Cruz release a new-ish V10 soon.
photo



Commencal Meta P003.1 and Flame (?)

This one seems like a dead giveaway. Commencal appears to be remodeling its full suspension lineup to mimic what they learned from the success of their latest downhill bike. They’ve already hooked us with the bait about a new Meta, but we’ve seen Commencal affiliate, Cecile Ravanel, rocking a shorter travel whip too, coaching Pauline Ferrand-Prevot through racing lines on World Cup Cross-Country courses.

Considering that Commencal just released the mixed-wheeled Meta SX, it's unclear how that line will evolve since no statistics on the prototype have been shared. The Andorran brand only builds their frames with aluminum tubing, meaning their turnaround time from paper to production could be much shorter than carbon competitors, but I wouldn't be surprised to see both layouts in the program for 2023.
photo



Specialized Demo, Enduro, and Kenevo

Another juggernaut in the gravity world of mountain bikes is Specialized, who have yet to fully unveil their prototype downhill bike. Finn Iles clinched his first World Cup win onboard a prototype at the 2022 Mont St. Anne World Cup while his teammate, Loic Bruni, locked down his fifth World Championship win using the current Demo. The new platform looks vastly different from the current 4-bar, FSR design which arrived on the scene in 2020.

Likewise, their Enduro model could be in line for an update as well. We don’t expect too many changes there, though, since it uses a finely tuned suspension layout and already has a SWAT box, but it could take on more geometry adjustments like its sibling with a motor, the Kenevo SL.

Speaking of eMTBs, the full-powered Kenevo has also been around since 2019. A carbon version of this monster e-bike with an updated motor and battery system would surely shed some weight.
Specialized Demo Race Photo Kifcat Shaperideshoot



Devinci Wilson

Devinci launched the Spartan HP last year and we spotted an aluminum mule at Crankworx under freerider, Cam Zink, that likely has more than 160mm of travel. They weren’t afraid to show off a prototype of the Wilson with an idler through the end of 2019 either.

Currently, the Canadian brand makes the aluminum frame components of the Wilson in their Quebec factory, but that 29er-only bike hasn’t seen a product revision since launching in 2019.
photo



Norco Aurum, and Sight

Another Canadian brand that is still invested in downhill bikes and isn’t afraid to build aluminum prototypes. We’ve seen two-time Canadian National Champ and Norco engineer, Kirk McDowall, pilot exactly one of those project bikes to three top-40 World Cup finishes this season. It’s likely that this is a new Aurum, Norco’s dedicated downhill bike, which is different from the reconfigured Range their team has been rocking at World Cups for the last two seasons.

Norco’s popular 150mm-travel Sight could also be going under the knife to see some changes. The mid-travel enduro bike’s capabilities are hard to fault, but if it did receive and update it's not hard to imagine it going through a high-pivot transformation like the Range did.
photo



Scott Gambler and Ransom

I loved when Scott owned the infamous “looks like a Session” comment, referring to the similarities between their Gambler and Trek’s downhill bike, and then turned it into a bike giveaway contest. That was impressive, but so is the bike’s 35 lb weight.

Where do you go from there? The Gambler already has two sets of flip-chips that let you run either rear wheel size and change the suspension’s progression. We’ve seen Scott play around with pulleys and high pivots at the start of that trend, but it’s doubtful much more weight could be shed.

Another model due which has remained the same since 2020 is their 170mm travel Ransom. One way this svelte-looking, long-travel enduro bike could change would be more integration. Scott pulled that move with their cross-country bike, the Spark, by hiding the rear shock in the seat tube/bottom bracket junction - fellow Pinkbike tech editor and PBR mechanic, Henry Quinney, would love nothing more.
photo



Pivot Phoenix

Now we know that the Grim Donut V2 must be the fastest, most capable bike in the world, but might it actually be the new Pivot Phoenix in disguise? Definitely not. Would a new Phoenix receive a vertically mounted shock and get the geometry stretched a little further? Most likely.

As it sits now, Pivot’s downhill rig is the last in their family to receive a new suspension layout. The sizing also tops out at a 485mm reach on the extra-large, which lines up with most manufacturers' large frames now.
photo



Yeti SB150

August 2018 is a long time ago, but Yeti was on the pulse and the SB150 is still pulling podiums at Enduro World Series events. It’s taken roughly four years to spot a new iteration of the iconic turquoise enduro bike, but there was this version floating around the Crans-Montana EWS pits. Surely, it will be slacker, and longer, but how much more expensive can it get?

I would have guessed the second version of the SB150 would use the impressive 6-bar suspension found on the 160E eMTB, but I’ve been wrong before. Whatever the moniker is on this new Yeti, it still uses the Switch Infinity system.
Yeti



Giant Glory

The largest producer of bicycles in the world seems to be softly leading up to a new Glory downhill bike. We’ve spotted plenty of prototype models at World Cups over the last few years, but they haven’t produced an updated version since 2018. That was a time when 27.5” front wheels were still in use at World Cups.

With stand-out, seasoned veterans like Rémi Thirion, Giant isn’t sitting still though - just taking their time. Downhill is only a drop in the bucket compared to the number of units sold in other segments, so I wouldn’t expect to see the investment in a carbon frame. Clearly, the prototypes Thirion has been racing were updated since that 2018 model and 2023 could bring along a new kind of Glory.
Liam Wallace photo



Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Commencal Devinci Giant Norco Pivot Santa Cruz Bicycles Scott Specialized Yeti


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269 Comments
  • 288 2
 V10 gets a glovebox and bold new paint
  • 29 1
 Direct mount rear mech hangers as things don't break these days.
  • 70 2
 and a couple of k's added to the price!!
  • 16 1
 Bottle cage
  • 154 0
 Cables, chain, EVERYTHING goes through the headset.
  • 29 0
 Also needs to look exactly like every other SC bike and run single crowns just to fuck with us all
  • 10 1
 @panchocampbell: and a worse spec.
  • 5 0
 Oops, forgot the pedal assist. Has Santa Cruz actually had a single pivot DH bike to name it after?
  • 11 0
 @vinay: The Santa Cruz Super 8
  • 17 0
 can you put NX on one?
  • 8 0
 @simcik: oh man, would LOVE to see a modern aluminum single pivot S8 reboot.
  • 4 0
 @xy9ine: Ehm, yeah...

(Who dares to tell him that the next Super 8 will have pedal assist, VPP and the completes will come with a 52t cassette?)
  • 23 0
 Santa Cruz is just waiting to see what next years Tacoma TRD Pro color is before releasing new models
  • 2 0
 And increases price $5,000.
  • 1 0
 Supermoto 26x29
  • 2 0
 @dstroud70: as a service tech, I laughed pretty hard at this!
  • 2 0
 @kirny6: and the mounts for a tool/kit holder
  • 2 0
 and dropper routing for 220mm One Up
  • 3 0
 @dstroud70: comment gold right here, I nearly spit out my coffee reading that one
  • 1 0
 Ibis needs to update there bikes. Announcement is definitely coming
  • 1 0
 Well, how we can improve on perfection, which others do as well.
  • 1 0
 and a 0,01 degrees slacker head angle
  • 201 7
 13 things we wont see in 2023:

1. Lower prices
2. A return to 11 speed drive trains as 12 speed proves to be a failure
3. A severe drop in ebike sales and marketing hype
4. Shimano's answer to axs
5. The end of 35mm handlebars
6. Sram allows Shimano to use XD for free and in return shimano lets sram use hyperglide
7. A new wheel standard between booost and superboost called screwUboost
8. 32 inch front wheels start a new super mulllet trend
9. Plus tire bikes make their long awaited return
10. They add plugs to ebikes so folks can charge phones, run lights and run their compressors
11. Frame storage becomes a subscrition charge on your frame
12. Good illegal streams of discovery channel world cup races
13. Puns are banned from PB comments sections
  • 4 0
 Love it Big Grin
  • 16 0
 14. The end of lists
  • 7 0
 Can I get you a beer ?
  • 14 0
 Shimano allows SRAM to make adjustable and serviceable clutches.
  • 2 0
 Not sure about number 7... You might have given SRAM an idea there...
  • 5 0
 Wrong about lower bike prices. Things are already starting to go one sale across the board because A. The bike bubble finally popped and B. Inflation is making people afraid to spend unnecessarily
  • 5 0
 @TannerValhouli: was in my lbs this week and the owner was saying he just started getting many of his spring order bikes in and all his waiting lists for bikes are declining and he has had to put many of them on sale. Won't stop the sticker price increase but might bring back sales.
  • 2 0
 @pink505: yeah that's true. Some components are getting cheap as well. Saw a set of Magura MT5s yesterday for 105€ in a german online shop
  • 1 2
 13 doesn’t sound so pun to me. What about us smartazz’z?? Can we at least get a sarcastic button?
PB would never be the same w/o puns
  • 3 0
 @cogsci: and sram lets shimano make a cage lock.
  • 5 4
 Never had a single issue with 12-speed drivetrain from either Shimano or Sram.
How exactly are they failures?
  • 2 1
 I did just buy a fat bike lol
  • 3 0
 @miuan: cost, weight, reliability and durability are all slightly worse then 11speed. Not terrible but certainly not an improvement over 11 speed in my view. Add in Shimano reverse non compatibility with hg splines. Your results may differ.
  • 1 1
 @Crankhed: about as likely as SC reversing the price increases and realizing the insult of putting a gx axs shifter on their 11k bike.
  • 2 0
 10. is actually already real with the Pivot Shuttle SL!
  • 1 2
 @TannerValhouli: i agree a local high end shop has been advertising 20$ off revel bikes for over a month now and had a weekend of 20% off the whole shop. To be honest I am tired of the gouging and i hope some of the shops feel the pain.
  • 1 0
 @bashhard: I picked up two sets of MT7 pros from Bike24 for €105/ea 2 weeks ago. With taxes and conversion (no duties on bike parts) it came to $325 CAD.
  • 10 1
 @gunslingger: I don’t want shops to feel pain unless they’re really shady. They’re just stuck as the middleman while companies jack prices up
  • 1 2
 @TannerValhouli: listen they were jacking up prices now they cant, be fair dont exploit - most of them were exploiting us
  • 4 1
 @gunslingger: I dont know many LBS owners who show up in high end cars and live in the gated part of town. Most certainly aren't exploiting us, they are price takers and have no leverage on anyone including us the consumer. I suppose you blame the owner at the liquor store because they raised the price of your 36 pack of PBR?
  • 4 0
 @gunslingger: I worked in a bike shop during the bike shortage and the margins were not greater than typical. During the shortage, bike companies raised the prices that bike shops has to pay so the shops profit was similar to normal.

Regardless, there really is no such thing as exploitation in a mutually consentual non coerced transaction anyway. It's not like they had a gun to your head...
  • 2 0
 @miuan: one little tap with a flying stone and they are out of line enough to need (at least) the barrel adjuster turned. Just too flimsy for enduro (or DH) as number one thing you need is reliability (8% performance gain isn't worth it if it lasts 50% of the race).

They also wear out drivetrains WAAY too fast, especially when the manufacturers don't/can't make and ship enough parts - meaning you can't replace them easily.
  • 1 0
 @pink505: Bike prices are like NYC real estate: they'll never go down, but might increase slower for a period
  • 175 0
 I bet the new V10 looks like the old V10 but is 20% more expensive.
  • 29 0
 Don't think anyone here will take that bet and bet against you. Never was there more of a sure thing.
  • 27 0
 Only 20%?
  • 12 0
 They actually don't need to change the model to increase their prices! Wink
  • 142 0
 I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Devinci, if you revise the Wilson, please rename it the Chainsaw. Thank you in advance.
  • 15 0
 I've always thought the Smith would be apt, but the Chainsaw works for me too.
  • 101 1
 Next years Santa Cruz V11 ad.

Well, your bike's on 10, your rider's on 10- all the way up, all the way up, where do you go from there? Nowhere.
What we do is when you need that extra push, over the cliff, 11.

So is the V11 faster?

Its 1 faster init.

Could you just make the V10 a little faster?

This one goes to 11.
  • 32 0
 It's like, how much more black could this bike be? And the answer is none. None more black.
  • 6 2
 Transition just needs to come out with a TR29 (the front wheel only tho)
  • 19 0
 The review on the new bike on PinkBike was merely a 2-word review, "s**t sandwhich."
  • 13 0
 Talk about mud flaps my bikes got em
  • 3 1
 wheels sold separately
  • 5 0
 Wha's wrong with bein' sexy?
  • 4 0
 that would be the best advert ever. Especially if they could get Nigel Tufnel to do the voiceover for the ad
  • 6 0
 @tbmaddux: Smell the glove
  • 3 1
 Nah I think they need to rename it the V8 since it hasn’t had a 10in travel option in years. Then they can do a tomato paste color option too.
  • 92 12
 Hopefully the fork factory's are almost out of orange paint.
  • 22 11
 Lucky for you they also come in black, just like Rockshox, DVO an others companies with 'loud' factory signature colors. If I was paying for/supplying factory riders with gear, I would want my items noticeable as well. Not many exceptions on that
  • 6 1
 @bman33: Fox’s marketing strategy.

youtu.be/cqm-s6h8l1I
  • 2 0
 It's not paint.
  • 2 2
 fox orange has its place... rockshox 2023 lyrik is by far the best looking fork out there
  • 1 1
 @bman33: sure they come in black but the factory riders forced to run em..so all we see on 90% cream de le creme builds...is an orange fork-Usually looking like an ugly duck pooped on a ferrari.
  • 1 1
 @jrocksdh: why does that offend so many people? They are being paid to ride/promote a product. It's there to get noticed. Just so happens orange is Fox's factory color. Not a single one of us is "forced" to ride orange (The Rockshox red, or DVO, black, etc)
  • 1 1
 @bman33: too bad they weren't around during shawn palmer days...match up great with some of the old TLD clown suits too.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: he did ride a few orange Manitou forks
  • 53 1
 If it ain't broke don't fix it.
  • 109 3
 in a consumerist society, it's basically always broke, just like the people haha
  • 3 1
 @jesse-effing-edwards: go consumerism haha
  • 19 5
 @jesse-effing-edwards: Invent a problem then sell the solution. Capitalism.
  • 8 7
 Just because something isn’t broke doesn’t mean you can’t improve it

Growth mindset, yea I done good but I can do better
  • 6 0
 @toad321: I just puked a little when reading that last sentence.
  • 48 1
 Santa Cruz to introduce a subscribe-to-ride service.
  • 4 0
 In App suspension, shifting and breaking purchases to unlock pro level functionality. Charges increase with peak weekend usage.
  • 2 0
 Once there is an OE integrated gps equipped head unit connected to a fully electric drivetrain, seat post, shock/fork, they’ll be no limit to the features you can charge a subscription for!
  • 23 1
 Update the Giant Reign please. Rumor is some of the Norco trail bikes are going high pivot: Optic and Fluid.
  • 5 0
 The Fluid became the new Optic with 5mm more travel but there have been rumors the new Optic would go high pivot. I would guess they are following the Forbidden route even on the short travel stuff. I would expect the Optic to slot above the Fluid but below the Sight but it's getting crowded in those ranges (no pun intended LOL).
  • 5 0
 @mrdimi: Is any other bike manufacturer pushing their models up range as aggressively as Norco? Who remembers when the Sight was a light trail bike and the Optic was an XC machine.
  • 3 0
 Youn Deniaud has been on the new Reign for a bit, so I bet that's coming!
  • 5 1
 I pray to god they don't slap a bro pivot on the optic.
  • 5 0
 New reigns ARE COMING. Normal models with mullet option and SX as mullet only with a very interesting fork…. Shouldn’t be long till they release the press info. New glory is confirmed as well.
  • 5 0
 @mrdimi: I'm a big fan of the current Optic but if the new one gets a high pivot that would be a real bummer...just doesn't make any sense for a bike like the optic in my opinion.
  • 2 0
 @excel
Aurum will be discontinued and the Range will be modifiable with different shock links/strokes Smile
  • 1 0
 @edfw: can we get some photos of the new links the DH team has been running all year, Please, I bet there’s one in the back of a tacoma at coast gravity park right now
  • 2 0
 @moerkster: I have a ‘21 C3 Optic and love it and have no desire to buy anything else as it covers my riding style/locale. I wouldn’t be interested in a HP Optic but someone might I guess. Companies need to keep churning out new bikes and designs to sell them.
  • 1 0
 @brownstone: buy one from WRP - www.williamsracingproducts.com/shop/p/norco-range-mullet-yoke-2021
  • 1 0
 @brownstone: would like to share some photos but don‘t have any.

I work in the industry and got firsthand news from our Norco distributor.
Don‘t know if it will be 23 though
  • 1 0
 @Starsky686: Similar to what's happened with the Tallboy. Now there's a downcountry and xc race version of the Blur and the Tallboy has become alot more about the descent
  • 2 0
 @jankesdh: what does “a very interesting fork” mean? A dc-one? An inverted one from Intend?
  • 2 0
 @hitarpotar: I think giant learnt their lesson with putting boutique forks on their bikes with dvo. Obviously bigger brand than intend but still relatable. Yeah, it should be a dual crown…
  • 19 0
 New bikes because they haven't produced a new bike is the lamest thing in the bicycle industrial complex.
  • 13 0
 @mattbeer I suspect that the Forbidden Druid will get an update in 2023. Forbidden is currently doing a fire sale of all in-stock Druids. Yeah 2019 wasn't all that long ago but it feels like the right time to update the Druid and release their DH bike.
  • 5 0
 I believe the updated Druid is timed to release around the end of their fall sale, based on a conversation I had at the local Forbidden dealer.
  • 2 0
 Any info on when the DH bike is out?
  • 2 0
 @groundskeeperwilly: Didn't come up, sorry.
  • 4 0
 Supposedly the fire sale is just to clear inventory on 2022 colors. Time will tell.
  • 2 0
 @haen: That's what I hear as well!
  • 4 0
 The Druid is pretty good as is. My wants/predictions are:

-slightly increased rear travel (similar to cascade link but probably less progression and able to accommodate coil shock with no issue)
-fork bumped up to 160mm
-203mm rotor up front stock (180mm on something this capable makes no sense)
-shorter seat mast to accomondate longer droppers
-minor geo tweaks that don't require mold changes (link and headset changes)
-new colours for full builds
-more options on full builds: mullet or 29 on gx/xt, colour choices on each build like the dread (but slx only one colour)
  • 2 0
 @eh-steve: I like all those changes but don’t expect the front travel to jump to 160 considering the dreadnought is at 170.
  • 1 0
 @haen: plenty of owners are doing it. It's just an air shaft to upgrade. I assume a 150 or 160 fox 36 is the same unit cost to them, but good point about differentiating models.

The Range is 170 while the sight is 160. Works for Norco.

I'd love a glove box, but that's a major change.
  • 1 0
 @eh-steve: Good point on Norco's Range and Sight being so close. Definitely nothing stopping people from overworking their bike.
  • 1 0
 @haen: They are close in travel but not close as far as riding characteristics. The Sight can climb a lot better than the Range and the Range is descent biased. The Sight is a much better choice for long days in the saddle, whereas the Range is full-on enduro.

As long as the pedalling characteristics of the Druid stick, more travel is great. It's an awesome pedalling bike.
  • 16 0
 @TransitionBikeCompany... Where is my New SMUGGLER!!???!!???
  • 5 0
 A 130r/150f Smuggler is long overdue. 125r/140f would rip too.
  • 5 0
 Rumor is its coming, some guy on MTBR claims to have seen a pink one being tested in the wild.
  • 4 0
 Definitely need to add a glove box to the smuggler Smile
  • 8 0
 And the new TR11??????
  • 4 0
 Dude, @TransitionBikeCompany is gonna have you, me, and everyone else with extremely refined taste in bicycles at their door in Bellingham with torches and pitch-forks REAL soon chanting slogans that the media will tongue-in-cheek report as "LET"S GO DARREN".
  • 2 0
 @nzandyb: Yes!
  • 1 0
 The "new Smuggler" is actually yours but updated in a DIY version featuring few corrected "little details" so as to get the Beast you've ever wanted
Mine (2018 version) has a 160 Lyrik and a minus 1.5 degrees angleset (66 to 64.5° HTA), and I didn't touch anything to my beloved 120mm rear suspension 'cos that's the way I like it: short yet sturdy and progressive / forgiving.
The Smuggler offers short wheelbases to play with, so slackening the head tube gives a clever margin to improve its nimbleness, let's say...
I love my f***** New Smuggler Smile
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: is that the suspension equivalent of a mullet you think?
  • 14 0
 If the the next Norco Sight gets an idler, then I am glad I got the 2020 version.
  • 2 0
 yeah why would the "all-mountain" bike need one...? it's got plush suspension as is...
  • 4 1
 Yeah I have a 2020 aluminum sight. Always said I'd upgrade to a carbon one next time they give the bike an update (if its a meaningful update) but if they give it the bro pivot treatment I'll look at a patrol for my next bike.
  • 4 0
 All i want to see on the new Sight is a glove/swat box. No idler please.
  • 2 0
 Why are you turning it down before you (or anyone else) has ridden it?
  • 1 0
 Idler is fine, just no high pivot
  • 4 0
 Norco needs to work on getting stock to bike shops. Source other component vendors if needed - they're delivery qtys are unacceptable. But note no one is going out of business either?
  • 1 0
 Interesting to see Sam B racing on a Sight at the most recent EWS.
  • 13 0
 I've ridden the SB150 and Specialized Enduro and I am not sure how they can improve either bike by a substantial amount. Slightly steeper head to angle?
  • 22 0
 Dont worry, they will find a way to make current models obsolete.
  • 3 0
 Minuscule improvements to be sure but I imagine the enduro will get a steeper seat tube, size proportional chain stays lengths, and the geo adjustments from the stumpy evo.

The SB150 that was "spy shot" at EWS appears to have just slight changes to the frame and rear triangle. No inclusion of the 160E six bar suspension or downtime storage.

I think the enduro is probably worth waiting for. The SB150 meh probably be same the old one.
  • 3 0
 @loudv8noises: pretty amazing that the Enduro is a few years old and they are still using it as a yardstick
  • 7 0
 The Enduro could use some increased durability for sure. Tons of posts about broken bikes on all the different forums.
  • 4 0
 @Glory831Guy: considering how many have been sold, it’s almost acceptable. Mine hasn’t broken and I’m not interested in whatever the new one is.
  • 2 0
 @somebody-else: I would keep that thing forever too, if I bought it new. Some people change bikes like they change their clothes though, and when a bike gets known for breaking, the resale value suffers big time.
  • 1 0
 @taskmgr: They will not. They will make a small, incremental change and give it to a pro rider. That pro rider (who was going to win anyway) will win and the marketing machine will scream that the win came down to the bike. Yeti will tell everyone that Rude won because of the bike ignoring that he could win on a Walmart special. Loic will win and Spec will claim it is the new model.
  • 2 1
 @jmhills: are you arin gwins manager?
  • 2 1
 @taskmgr: Yes, and it is spelled Aaron
  • 2 0
 @jmhills: Gwinner. I hope he wins again.
  • 1 0
 @Glory831Guy: New bike day each time they break if you're the original owner?
  • 10 0
 Wouldn't be surprised to see a new Trek Slash next summer or fall with some of Fuel EX updates. (Adjustable geo, steeper seat tube, progression chip, etc.)
  • 2 5
 They have just launched the new fuel ex and it’s motorised version
  • 9 0
 if they gave the slash the same geo/adjustability treatment as the new fuel ex, that may be one of the very best enduro bikes on the market. the current one is such a fantastic bike, only let down by its slack seat tube angle. that suspension is magic and makes a strong argument against high pivots in a way.
  • 5 0
 What about the remedy? Last update was what, 2018? 27.5 wheels dead?
  • 4 0
 @thetruejb: Thinking about that too. Would be nice to have a trail/enduro bike like the remedy instead of a full-on enduro like the slash. The remedy is my do-it-all bike, from XC up to the big bike parks. However, with the introduction of the new fuel ex I doubt if there will be another remedy, Sadly
  • 1 0
 @thetruejb:
  • 3 0
 @thetruejb: The new fuel is basically their replacement for the remedy, they fully endorse that bike being run as a mullet with a 160 fork, which would make the remedy pretty awkward and useless in their lineup, as 27.5 front wheels seem to be on their way out, especially for a company that tries to make broad-appealing bikes like trek.
  • 3 0
 @trontondeel: Mullet Remedy incoming
  • 1 0
 @thetruejb: The Remedy was discontinued.
  • 8 0
 The Specialized Levo SL will definitely be updated. It's way behind the Turbo Levo and Kinevo SL in terms of geometry and features.

Ibis is blowing out all their bikes right now, and the Mojo HD has been listed as discontinued for a while. I'd expect a mulleted Mojo HD, a Ripmo v3 (both carbon and AF), and Ripley.
  • 2 0
 I've have a couple shop guys all but confirm outright there's a new levo sl for 2023.
  • 1 0
 @lostlunchbox: there’s pics of the new Levo SL floating around on another website, the spesh guys have been caught out riding them more than a few times.
  • 1 0
 @OU812: which site was that? Found some crappy instagram pics or something, but nothing that suggests it's much different. Read one rumour that they're holding off releasing it because they're sitting on too much 1st gen stock still.
  • 8 1
 Interesting the Gambler and Ransom are in this list when the last 2 lists like this i saw included the Scott Genius which still hasn't seen an update, however the Genius not being in this list plus Scott still having not released next years bike which is usually done in August suggest to me a Scott press release is imminent, review tomorrow?
  • 4 0
 No update for Gambler nor Ranson from what I saw in their 2023 catalog.
  • 4 0
 Yeah it's clearly the Genius which is due an update since the last revision is from 2018, which was 1 year after the previous Spark revision, and we got a brand new Spark last year.
  • 2 0
 I've been riding the Ransom since 2019.

The only thing I would change about it is the BB86, not enough bearing room for anything but 24mm cranks I run DUB cranks and go through bearings every 6 weeks in the PNW. I have set of last generation Shimano XT cranks but they have a design flaw (spindle is not long enough causing crank arm to creak and also fall off) so I'm wary of buying another set.

Slightly more progressive linkage to support coil shock better ? That's not really their jam but loving my coiled Ransom.

I don't care about frame storage.

When I first saw the Bold hidden shock bike several years ago I loved it and almost bought one. But now those bikes look like a moped (even a small bike like the Spark) and I hate it, so hopefully they wont' do that.
  • 2 0
 @preston67: I also have a coil Ransom. My shock has a hydraulic bottom out so the slight lack of progression hasn’t felt like an issue for me.

“Luckily” I live in dry Colorado so Dub bottom brackets haven’t been an issue either.

I want a new bike, but I’ve done everything from long XC loops to DH racing on this bike and I’m having a hard time finding another bike this versatile.
  • 1 0
 @blensen: I'm in the same boat - kind of wanting to buy something new but am not really seeing anything better so I'll just keep replacing those bottom brackets.
  • 4 0
 I saw the new Genius a couple of weeks ago, it looks like a Spark with beefier tubes. The shock is in the lower seat tube and it looks like a piggyback shock *might* fit as it looks super chunky. It looked production ready so I'm expecting it to release soon.
  • 9 0
 The new DH bike from transition was at the US open last weekend... a nice mullet bike !
  • 5 0
 One would hope there would be a new YT Jeffsy on the horizon but given how hard it's been for them to get frames for the existing bikes who knows. Mine rides great but even one of the YT employees I spoke with said they were all overforking their Jeffsy's to 160mm up front on the 29er. Feels like they can slacken out the head tube by at least another degree.
  • 1 0
 This
  • 1 0
 At least a degree but at this point, they are probably just better off scraping the current frame and taking a Capra frame, making it a tad bit steeper and giving it a bit less travel. TBH 66 on a bike like that might see an enduro race, bike park, and everyday trails seems like it belongs on an xc (or down country like an izzo) bike.
  • 10 1
 Ibis Rimpo All The Fs - 155/170
  • 3 0
 I'd ride that. Also, username checks out
  • 5 0
 missed opportunity for Ibis Effing Ripmo
  • 9 0
 Yeti SB review in the next few days
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know when Yeti is releasing the new models? I know the factory riders are using a new bike, so I would think it would be soon.
  • 1 0
 @husker411: Current models on discount right meow, shouldn't be long...
  • 4 0
 I've always wanted an updated Banshee Darkside (i wasn't alone), longer reach. Loved that bike but 438 reach size Large won't cut it anymore unfortunately.

For a brief moment i thought we're getting one, somewhere around 2018 but it was later removed from the Banshee page (moved to archive) so i kept it anyway. I ride it 2-3x/year and that's about it, doubt i ll ever sell it.
  • 1 0
 I know numerous people have stated it’s pretty versatile and pedal-efficient, but can it really give the Rune a run for its money in the enduro-realm (although in a slightly slower speed upwards)? Can you compare the Darkside’s suspension with another frame/design? Can it be the only bike for someone willing to climb slower just to have the means to then totally bomb the downhill? Smile
  • 1 0
 @hitarpotar: my answer would be 3x no. I would never get one for climbing, bike park weapon - yes please. Other purposes are well covered by, as you already stated, Rune. All in all me and other Darkside owners weren't looking for a total overhaul, the only thing missing is the longer reach.
  • 1 0
 @DuelingBanjos: longer reach will make it even better on the downhill, but it will also help with the climbing. Big Grin
Reason for asking - i’m on a dh-bike, but years are counting: wanna change the frame to something more pedalable. But i want to keep my dc-fork. In essence, i want a superenduro that can take a dc-fork. Would the Darkside be ok for me given that i’m OK with its L-size?
  • 1 0
 @hitarpotar: It will def be more pedalable than your usual dh bike, still a heavy bike, there are plenty of 'enduro' Darkside builds bike checks on Vital mtb i think. Again i would never get one for pedaling but seems like you're locked into the idea.

If i would want to go your way i would get Rune, lowered dc fork to 180mm and put it on. But i would rather get single crown 180 in that case, they are plenty sturdy these days, also lighter.

Some more info: www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=170318&pagenum=32
  • 1 0
 @DuelingBanjos: the Rune can’t take a dc-fork. And i happen to have the perfect one already - not willing to ditch it. Just want something pedalable that can take it. Darkside isn’t perfect, just 1 of the choices. Smile
  • 8 1
 How about 1 year where there are no new models?
  • 5 0
 I would imagine there will be a new Slayer announced any day now as well.

The "spy" shots from last week were pretty convenient.
  • 6 0
 Scott Gambler has to be one of the nicest looking DH bikes, what a beautie!
  • 6 0
 The Scott Genius will come first
  • 4 0
 Marin’s Rift Zone is well overdue an update too. I’d be very surprised if we didn’t see that updated before the end of the year.
  • 1 0
 Maybe the next month (AL frame)
  • 5 0
 The new version of the V10 will be renamed the 10K to reflect the price change.
  • 1 0
 Only 10K for it?
  • 4 0
 @charmingbob:
10k frame only
  • 3 0
 Let's see some 27.5 DH bikes designed for playful park riding and not focused just on tricks. Maybe DH is dying because their cutting an already niche market into an even smaller one by only making race bikes?
  • 1 0
 not just focused on racing* haha
  • 6 0
 Was hoping to see a heated seat for the Kenevo
  • 2 0
 Cooled grips?
  • 5 0
 More motors please and a way for us fluffy Americans to load our heavy ebikes possibly a ecrane
  • 2 0
 Apparently Devinci is getting out of DH. I’ve heard that they are discontinuing the Wilson. So an update would be surprising to see from what I’ve heard. If it’s true , it’s a shame. The Wilson is an awesome bike.
  • 1 0
 Why would they have signed on Zink?
  • 1 0
 @rallyimprezive: I sure they have enough Wilsons to support a couple pros.
  • 1 0
 I was looking forward to new Wilson - hope they stick with DH.
  • 2 0
 @rallyimprezive: For freeride chops and marketing probably. They really arent campaigning DH anymore. If Intense can campaign a DH frame that has absolutely nothing in common with their consumer offering, Devinci can build something for Zink to huck off things.
  • 1 0
 What about a new Scott Genius. It's older than the current Gambler and Ransom, and I'd have to guess next in line in sales behind the Spark. They already have the Bold in the 150ish mm travel to base it on. Plus, I'm a suckered for integration, and I'd love to replace my current Genius with a new, much harder to work on, model.
  • 5 0
 The Kona Process could use an update as well.
  • 1 0
 The Process 153 isn't even offered in carbon anymore. I guess it's the next one to be updated. If I was a PLM at Kona, I'd push for a Process 134 ESD. I'm sure that would be a hit!
  • 5 0
 Any more word on the street about the commencal short travel rig?
  • 1 1
 The one Cecile Ravanel has looks like a very rough, very early prototype. I wouldn't expect any details too soon. It is aluminum!
  • 1 0
 @ryanandrewrogers:
Links to Cecile’s prototype?
  • 1 0
 Giant trance is being updated to 120mm with a lunch box. Trance X stays the same. I'd bet the Reign 29 gets a '24 remake.

But I'm still waiting on the carbo Ripley v5, or v6 if you count the AF as the v5 (w/o a carbo version).
  • 2 0
 The new Giant "dealer" source book shows a new Reign Advanced 29, Reign 29, and Reign SX coming.
  • 3 1
 Not much happening? Still need to put out content?

Don’t worry just put out something that is mostly speculation and guesses.


Ps. We might get luck with some and can claim we had the inside scoop sometime in the future.
  • 3 0
 I’d add the Ibis Ripmo AF to the list. It’s getting a little long in the tooth and they had them on sale this summer which is always a signal from Ibis.
  • 3 0
 A long time ago I bought a Scott Voltage FR for less than 3000 USD. Was my ultimate fun bike for bike parks. Would love to see that come back
  • 4 0
 I'm sure if any of them do, it'll be longer, lower and slacker.
  • 4 0
 How about any of the carbon trail/enduro bikes from Ibis?
  • 16 0
 If the 50% sale from competitive cyclist last night was any indication, the Ripmo and Ripley redesign could be just around the corner.
  • 2 15
flag plustiresaintdead (Sep 20, 2022 at 8:11) (Below Threshold)
 @bikewriter: More like Ibis liquidation is right around the corner.
  • 4 0
 Anyone know if the CC liquidation was on purpose or a mistake last night? Those things seemed way too cheap.
  • 2 0
 Wow, new Ripmo AF coming soon? It's been unchanged since its release in September 2019
  • 3 0
 @hatton: I'm betting mistake.
  • 8 0
 Idk, the old one "does the job"
  • 1 0
 Riplee is soon.
  • 2 0
 I did hear a rumour that the Ibis Ripmo v3 would be announced "next month" (in June...)
  • 1 0
 @bikewriter: did the boycott of Competitive Cyclist/Backcountry end?
  • 1 0
 So according to one guy on the tgr forums Backcountry/competitive cyclist will not be fulfilling the orders placed as it was a mistake. They are offering a discount to those who placed orders, but not 50% off
  • 1 0
 @bikewriter: This is the best time to buy a bike. So many manufacturers are clearing out the shelves to offer a "new" version that really isnt much better than the outgoing one.
  • 4 0
 Orange reintroduce their polished frames. Everything else is good!
  • 6 2
 Please bring us a mullet Phoenix!
  • 3 0
 The Scott Genius is due for an update. I'm expecting it to have the hidden integrated shock in the frame.
  • 2 0
 I like the actual look of Ransom over the shock integrated Scott labeled Bold bikes. Unplugged has 164mm or 150mm of travel so here we go with Ransom and Genius I guess.
  • 1 0
 Yeah see my post above. I'm afraid they will do that and they will end up looking like mopeds.
  • 2 0
 @preston67: This is a moped

So what on earth are you talking about?
  • 2 3
 @boozed: This is also a moped:

th.bing.com/th/id/R.0048b084e040a71a84204209af6a6246?rik=jVU0Zesd9MIsPQ&pid=ImgRaw&r=0
  • 1 0
 A new Trek Remedy or Slash should be on its way?

Unless Brandon and Kade are using Trek Fuel EX's in this Parallel II video which I doubt
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l398SaWxTY8
  • 1 0
 They're definitely the Fuel EX's

www.instagram.com/p/CifyQbJJifg
  • 1 0
 @Mattcon20: gotcha. Guess they were both on 29's in that vid unless they are both on the Small frame which comes in a 27.5
kinda leaves the Remedy seeming a bit obsolete no?
  • 2 0
 Norco 2023 already uploaded to the website, sight just has new colours no other updates. Its also nice to see a 650b option too
  • 2 1
 7 of the 13 bikes listed are DH. I wonder whether it is because sales are not nearly as high as enduro, trail and XC models? Why spend the effort given the potential ROI?
  • 2 0
 DH field test coming at you next week!
  • 4 0
 Kona stinke
  • 2 0
 Yeah man, a Stinky park bike & a revised DH bike with the Stab naming would be cool. @konaworld
  • 3 0
 Knolly please hurry up on the release of that prototype you showcased.
  • 1 0
 Hoping the Sight gets a 10mm boost in travel and geo tweaks, and thats it. I work for a Norco dealer and want a new 160/170mm enduro bike (not a 180mm mini dh bike)
  • 1 0
 Hopefully the Demo doesn't get updated before my new frame arrives, almost 18 of waiting now. At least the comms from Spesh are on point keeping me up to date.
  • 2 0
 Would love to see a new remedy!
  • 1 0
 The Phoenix was raced at Hardline a few weeks ago and it flew down the track.
  • 3 1
 Expect a high pivot Norco Sight 2024.
  • 4 1
 fake news!
  • 2 0
 Don't forget the Scott Scale, unchanged since 2016
  • 2 0
 The Wilson looks so dang aggressive...dang son.
  • 1 1
 Bring back the GT RUCKUS HARDTAIL for 27.5 hardtail trail/enduro use!!
images.mtbiker.sk/bazar/big/IMAG0028_541ef0a8bdf4d.jpg
  • 3 0
 New TR11 in mullet
  • 1 0
 Waiting on a Salsa spearfish update but a short travel Commencal could be in my future as well
  • 4 3
 What a dumb article.
Up next:
‘12 riders what might win a World Cup this year’
  • 1 0
 Not sure about the Phoenix. They’ve just launched a new color a few months back
  • 2 0
 New Ibis HD. HD6 you say ?
  • 2 0
 Blatant attack on DH bikes, eh??
  • 1 0
 I’m glad Yeti have re-designed there sb140 rear ended hopefully this will stop the rear triangle from cracking as often..
  • 1 0
 You forgot IBIS Ripmo AF...
  • 1 0
 Or you could report about the new GT Sensor!
  • 1 0
 Stop waiting for the update of my 2012 Truax…
  • 1 0
 Trek Slash? Same age, or older, than the Norco Sight
  • 1 0
 Please don't Pivot on Horizontal Shock.
  • 1 0
 No way i buy a Glory 29 ... i'll go with used 27.5 bikes
  • 1 0
 Patiently waiting for that new Rockshox Boxxer
  • 1 0
 Pivot Mach4SL needs or at least should be in line for an update. Hump
  • 2 2
 I predict norco sight with an idler and a coommencal xc bike!
  • 5 7
 BK needs an updated Phoenix. I think he's being held back a bit racing against guys with access to updated suspension. At that level, every little bit counts.
  • 1 0
 A new specialized epic
  • 1 0
 No Orange?
  • 1 0
 Giant... C'MON MAN!
  • 1 0
 leave it as it is Smile
  • 1 0
 A new YT Jeffsy?
Below threshold threads are hidden







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