|   DH bikes in 2003? | Christopher Robin
Sep 4, 2001 7:22 AM | | Hey everyone,
Anyone know how different DH frames will be in 2003?? How much rear travel?? I know it's hard to say but I was just wondering.
Thanks! |
| LOL...It's not even 2002 yet...dude be patient. nm | BMXman
Sep 4, 2001 7:58 AM | | m |
| LOL yeah, this isn't the automotive industry mon! (nm) | Acadian
Sep 4, 2001 8:00 AM | | nm |
| At a guess...... | heff®
Sep 4, 2001 7:59 AM | | ....probably at LEAST 16 inches of travel, front and rear, internal shaft drive, dual sided hydraulic disks on the front, 4" tires, and......wait, that's a motocross bike.
Gawd, who knows? Really, the DH bike seems to have reached it's stretchable limit in the Karpiel Armageddon, and that's ALOT of overkill. I see an advancement in different types of rear suspension, maybe in such a way that not only the rate and travel of suspension can be adjusted, but also in the tracking....meaning you could take a suspension that has 7" of travel, rising rate, with a forward axle path, and with a few bolts, change it to 9" falling rate with a rearward moving path.
All I really see in the next year is a refinement of what already is. I wouldn't really be looking at frames so much as I would be at braking systems and forks. It's possible that Manitou might come up with a way to use their Rapid Travel Adjust on the Dorado or X-Vert Carbon, for example. THAT'S where the trend seems to be right now, and engineering trends in that area run in 3 year cycles or so. Come out with the product, then refine it for a few years, until the refinement logically leads to a whole new development.
You might also see a trend toward the 24" wheel format, at least in the rear. A few companies are doing it, but I'm seeing a few more every few months.
I can also see a few more pinch-resistant systems like the THE rim being toyed with. Bikes have gotten rather portly these days, and that's already proving to be an area where most riders are interested in improvement. I mean, who WOULDN'T want an almost flat-proof tire with 3 pounds or so less weight?
That's my take, anyway.
heff® |
| You make some interesting points........... | BMXman
Sep 4, 2001 8:15 AM | | I don't think the frames will be as big an issue as the components. With all the new shock makers finally getting some recognition ie...Avalanche, Cornutt, and 5th Element we should see an increase in the "quality" of travel. I don't think frame makers will go bigger than 12" in the rear, it's just not practical. As far as the 24" wheel, it's been my experience that MTB'ers are real resistant to change so I don't think you will see 24" around to much. Look how long it took them to grasp front suspension.
Weight reduction I think will definitely be an issue, even though I think it's role in dh is minimal...it's semms to be the nature of mountain biking. Tubeless will definitely be big they just need to work out the bugs first. I personally hope there's some cool stuff like hydrolic shifting or internal hubs. Time will tell. Donnie |
| there wil be no RM7 in 2003 for freeriding | Jm
Sep 4, 2001 8:15 AM | | nm |
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