April 2016: Good Month or Bad Month

May 3, 2016
by Richard Cunningham  
Pinkbike


Loic Bruni

The World Cup monkey is finally off his back.


Loic Bruni may wear the World Championship stripes, but his first World Cup victory in the men's division eluded him for what seemed to be forever. Mister Second Place nearly found redemption at the season opener in Lourdes, France. He was three seconds up with the finish in sight when his bad luck caught up with him and once again, an error saw his green turn to red, and handed Gwin the win. Cairns, Australia, however, was a different story. Bruni pulled off a win on what may be the most difficult racing weekend that we will see in 2016. Dust turned to slime, slime into ruts and after everyone qualified on spikes, the final was staged on tacky dirt and a mess of rocks with no proven lines. Bruni was the man of the day and with his virgin World Cup win behind him, the season looks to become a slug fest between a number of riders who are and are not riding for Specialized.

Time to party
Welcome to the club. Loic gets a warm reception from a heady group of World Cup winners at Cairns.




Di2 Dreamers

Shimano brings Di2 to its Deore XT group



Shimano dazzled mountain bikers with electric shifting when it rolled out Di2 XTR last year, but it was bitter sweet for fans. Di2's programmable push-button shifting delivered next level performance, along with a next-level price tag. The asking price of Shimano's XTR-level two-by-eleven Di2 was around $3000 USD. As anticipated, Shimano followed XTR with a more affordable XT version of its Di2 system, and as often occurs, the XT version benefits from experience that their design team obtained from XTR users. One-by Di2 gets a lower, 46-tooth cog, shift paddles have better ergonomics, shifting can be programmed wirelessly through a smart-phone app, and XT and XTR components are interchangeable. Di2 XT is slated to retail for around $1660 for a complete two-by-eleven drivetrain, with one-by-eleven groups pegged at $1335.
Shimano Di2 XT 2017
Shimano Di2 XT ensures that, instead of debating its importance, fans will actually be able to experience push-button shifting.





Made in the USA Hopefuls

Alchemy Arktos all-mountain bike features home-grown carbon chassis


Pinkbike's Vernon Felton met up with Alchemy Bikes' Vice President of R&D, Matt Maczuzak at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, about the possibility of making carbon mountain bikes in the USA at comparable prices and performance levels. Turns out that Alchemy has been hard at work doing exactly that. Matt says that they design the bikes, cut the molds, lay up the carbon and assemble the components into finished products at their modest factory in Denver, Colorado. Matt says that the building process is the same, the carbon material is the same and amount of hand-labor is the same as the factories that build carbon bikes for leading players who choose to farm out their production to Asian makers. At present, Alchemy's frame prices are about 30-percent taller than what can be had from overseas vendors, but they have found a ready customer base and are selling bikes as fast as they can make them.

Alchemy Arktos
Alchemy Bikes' Arktos sports a carbon fiber chassis designed and built in Colorado.







Pinkbike



The Front Derailleur

SRAM Eagle sentences the two-by drivetrain to death


Say what you want. Wax on about sensible gearing ranges and boast that you can shift a front changer with the surety of a Western gunslinger. However you spin it, the front derailleur suffered its fatal coronary when SRAM's 12-speed, wide-ratio Eagle transmission was launched in April. No surprise. The hole was dug by XX1, the media had already delivered the last rites, and the bells were tolling on high from the start gates of the EWS. Just for a moment, it appeared that Shimano's Di2 may have ignited a spark somewhere inside the pallid mechanical corpse - but there were no sparks, it was only the sun reflecting from Eagle's golden cassette cogs. Until the burial is scheduled, the front derailleur can be viewed behind glass, laying in state at better bike shops. RIP.
PIC
Looks that could kill, twelve speeds, a 500-percent gearing spread, chainring teeth that can make Englishmen blush - and no front derailleur in sight.




Female DH Pros With Non-Atherton Surnames

Brand new bike - same astonishing story.


Rachel Atherton's string of victories did not come as easy as she made them look. The woman trains harder than a pro triathlete who has been threatened with a nine-to-five day job. She constantly updates her technique, she is powerful, resourceful, and she plays to win. She has fought back from injuries a number of times. She has won it all and could stop today and stand with Anne‑Caroline Chausson as the sport's greatest athlete, but each season, Rachel finds a way to improve and to reconnect with the ferocity that makes her the perfect competitor. Dominating once again in the first two races of 2016, her rivals have to be scratching their heads, wondering how to get rid of a handful of seconds, or perhaps hoping that someone will find a way to engineer a track that Rachel doesn't like.

Rachybox ready to drop in on her first lap of the day ready to take a solid 5 seconds out of the field later in the arvo .
Rachel Altherton gathers her focus before taking over five seconds out of the field at Cairns qualifications.





Aftermarket Chainring Makers

SRAM may enforce its narrow-wide patents


SRAM did not invent the narrow wide chainring profile, but it does have a number of patents surrounding the concept. Until recently, however, the Chicago component maker seemed willing to let other makers produce narrow-wide sprockets - a practice which has resulted in a thriving business for aftermarket manufacturers worldwide. That may be coming to a close, at least for sprocket makers in the USA. Reportedly narrow-wide makers in the US had been notified by SRAM that they were allegedly violating their patents. The stakes are high. Until someone figures out a better way to keep a wiggly chain on a spinning sprocket when it is being fed at obtuse angles from an off-center cassette cog, the narrow-wide tooth profile is the pivotal player of the one-by drivetrain.
Renthal 1XR Chainring
Renthal 1XR Chainring. At present, SRAM's alleged clampdown on narrow-wide sprockets does not extend outside of the USA.

SRAM isn't the only one in the narrow-wide patent game. Shimano has either applied for or acquired various patents using the tooth profile as well. At present, everyone is tight lipped as they have begun researching their game plans. If SRAM prevails, then good on them. After all, it was SRAM who developed it for the market in the first place. If they don't, we can all breathe easier knowing that our chainring options might be greater than SRAM or a noisy chainguide. We shall see.






Posted In:
Industry News


Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

282 Comments
  • 512 12
 Sram dont be that company.
  • 321 20
 Don't become Specialized... lol
  • 107 3
 That Renthal ring does look particularly nice and made in UK....
  • 71 4
 There are only 11 f**ucking gold rings
  • 5 1
 Beat me to it.
  • 86 1
 Sram didn't even invent the narrow /wide chainring therefore it seems a bit rich suing people for something you have ripped off yourself. It's a different story if they invented it. Then they would have my backing.
  • 40 5
 Haven't we been here before with SRAM enforcing the patent and then rescinding due to public opinion???

I thought we had also gotten over using the word "death" a little to liberally in SRAM advertising, sorry journalism, given the events of the year but there we go.

P.S Eagle is a stupid name and XX1 chainline is already bad enough.

PPS, I have SRAM top to toe on all my bikes so am far from a hater, just not a fan of a few things Smile
  • 18 5
 in all seriousness, SRAM can beat all the other aftermarket option with this product..

www.sram.com/sram/mountain/products/sram-x-sync-steel-chainrings

if only they make it in more popular BCD configuration, there will be no need to sue anyone.
  • 125 9
 If you can't beat them, sue them. It's the American way.
  • 5 3
 @fartymarty: sorry who first invented it then?
  • 47 0
 Seems like PB are a little slow on the SRAM patent news -

They have or had filed court dates against Praxis Works, Raceface and Wolf Tooth - Looks like the Wolf Tooth case didnt even make it to court and the Praxis is also dropped.

They are attempting to sue Raceface for putting the text 'SRAM' on one of their GXP chainrings - thats just a petty act as they know this wasnt false advertising and simply Raceface marking the ring as being SRAM fitment.

Its likely it was pointless going after WT due to their lack of resources - no point in taking a case if you cant get damages unless you just want to shut them down, which it doesnt look like they could achieve either.

Doesnt look like SRAM is getting anywhere anyway - Pinkbike you may want to take a look here - search.rpxcorp.com/lit/ilndce-319502-sram-v-wolf-tooth-components

EDIT - If you look through the documents it even appears although Raceface are filing a counter claim against SRAM stating their N/W chainring patent is invalid....SRAM reply stating they deny this and want a trial by dury..... Popcorn at the ready
  • 55 35
 @Boardlife69: this is a prime example of why the rest of the world think that America is a complete joke and it's going to be the laughing stock of the world if Trump becomes president.
  • 2 8
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 4:13) (Below Threshold)
 @AllridersAgency: raceface
  • 9 2
 @joecantello: Thats not in the slightest true, where did you get that idea?!

Raceface and all of the copy brands copied SRAM in using this design in the bike world, the argument is that it was previously used for some othere non bike related application.
  • 3 3
 @AllridersAgency: As I understand it was developed for 1x touring bikes years ago.
  • 8 2
 @fartymarty: Quite incorrect, SRAM developed the narrow wide design for their MTB application and it was not used in the bike world until then. Before that it was some kind of agricultural patent which is where the argument lies, if that was not there SRAM would be taking everybody to the cleaners.
  • 8 7
 @joecantello: I will certainly laugh if the Orangutan takes office but the world will be a scary place with him in office.

Back on topic - at least Sram are only going after US companies. Hope and Renthal are safe. The outrage would be huge if Sram took on them.
  • 3 0
 @fartymarty: The only reason they have initially gone after the 3 mentioned companies is they are based in the USA so US patent law applies - It would cost a lot more to go to the UK to start legal action.

Hope and Renthal are large companies but hardly supply any narrow wide rings anyway - Superstar, Works Components, etc etc all supply many more sizes and fitments of chainring.
  • 1 0
 @rifu: Banless makes stainless steel chainrings. 104 bcd currently available

allegro.pl/listing/user/listing.php?us_id=41973167
  • 3 0
 @Racer951: I stand corrected. I thought Raceface was Canadian.... or at least they used to be. Do US patents still apply in Canada?

Plus I am sure any company who makes something takes legal advice on patents before making it.
  • 12 0
 I have 3 bikes with top of the line Sram and all of my bikes use RS suspension so you can count me among the ranks of the Sram fanbois. Sram really does not have to do much to please me, but my god they are really fucking it up this year. with the only best option being Shimano I feel like a united states voter, choosing not the best but the least awful.
  • 3 0
 They're already that company
  • 78 19
 With all due respect, Santa Cruz sued the sht out of many companies for VPP but it is Spec that gets the flak every single time because Pinkbike audience decided to choose them as a scape goat. There were no comments about suing before retarded Cafe Roubaix lawsuit came along, but some of you guys hated Spec for too short chainstays or proprietary shocks. Load of opinionated, witch hunt bollocks that draws nothing more but sympathy towards that company, at least outside Pinkbike circles. Try to toss same crap but insert Yeti or Santa Cruz (at least before it wassold) and we'll see how far you get with that before someone calls you a hate monger. How dare you insult a company that supports Ratbo or Peaty?! But it was perfectly fine to throw sht at that Christian loonie ginger boy on a wrong bike from a huge, money greedy corporation. It is nothing more but stupid referal to Sam Hill getting wrecked and some idiots decided to blame the bike. Sam Hill your hero boy who rides flat pedals and drifts a lot. Just because you can't manage associations your brain is making when looking at a fricking bicycle doesn't entitleyou to project all sorts of stupid crap that you have in your head on one company, because your dear mr. Hill and Brendog rode for themwith not as much success as they did in their other "legendary brands".

Sram was the company that put this groundbreaking design solution to the masses, revolutionizing chain retention to much bigger extent than clutch rear mech ever did. Chain guides were never cool, they were a necessity. I smashed or seized rollers on each single guide I had, each roller costing around 40$. And I Am a weekend warrior. Sram deserves this money and I personally see nothing wrong with lawsuit spree against companies who capitilized like crazy on XX1. They even gave you a steel N/W ring for those who whine about planned obscolescence. Sram has revolutionized MTB drivetrain to much bigger extent than Shimano has done in last 15 years. They deserve gratitude.
  • 6 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Santa Cruz also sued or threatened smaller manufacturers regarding patents on floating shocks. I assume they didn't touch Trek but I'm not sure...
  • 4 2
 @joecantello: "...In Birmingham they love the governor. BooHoooo. Now we all did what we can do..."
  • 19 5
 @joecantello: I bet when Americans were busy inventing mountain biking we were thought of as a complete joke..
  • 1 0
 @rifu: I just picked up an oval ring. I think I like it, and Sram won't ever risk selling an oddball product like that.
  • 2 0
 @Jack-T-Media: and could they not make the master link in the chain gold too?!.. What a hack job!
  • 4 19
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 7:27) (Below Threshold)
 @fartymarty: thats good that they are only sueing US companies. If they went after Hope then there would be some deaths at SRAM HQ.
  • 9 13
flag fercho25 (May 3, 2016 at 7:29) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: there is a pretty big difference between defending your patent and just being a plain a*shole suing someone saying their bike design is the same as the ones you produce is miles away to driving a backpack company to bankruptcy because their name sort of sound the same as one of your extremely generic bike names.

According to your logic waki we should hate dave weagle because he defended his patents against trek and giant.

Actually the least of my problems with sram is the legal action they have a right to do it i will question it being this late cause they allowed compnies to put effort in to developing this products and only now will take legal action thats were the questionable action lays. My problem is with boost and eagle being a 1 by 12 not that they are bad thing is just that we all know (even sram) that is not going to be enough and a couple years down the line the hub standard r will change all over again bringing the 1 by 14 we should have now but sram rather milk the cow slowly.
  • 2 1
 @AllridersAgency: they have been around for almost a century,used in farm implements and agricultural applications.
  • 2 0
 @motoxxxer26: I like it. No searching for it when you actually need it.
  • 8 3
 @Jack-T-Media: Yeah, but 11 doesn't work with the prose, so I took artistic license. Art is rarely fatal.
  • 25 2
 @fartymarty: Dave Weagle didn't invent dual-link rear suspension nor did he invent the concentric dropout pivot, His patents descrbe a domain within those designs or a novel application for their use. SRAM doesn't need to have invented the concept if they can defend a unique application for it that is legit.
  • 6 16
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 7:47) (Below Threshold)
 @Racer951: if sram took on Hope or Renthal in a UK court it wouldn't stand and get thrown out. Thak f*ck UK law is better than US law.
  • 9 1
 Not gonna lie: I was wondering how all these other companies were making n/w chainrings without getting sued.
  • 6 4
 SRAM already are 'that company' and have been all along. I blinked and suddenly people thought it was a good idea to buy SRAM stuff..? They've taken a massive bite out of Shimanos customer base and now they're worried that the likes of OneUp et al is gonna do the same to them so they've decided it's now time to get off their arses and enforce these BS patents. They're not protecting their intellectual property, they're using their patents to attack other up and coming players. Some of these smaller companies who're coming into the drivetrain world are doing great things for the consumer, this move by SRAM will not improve on that situation.
  • 16 5
 @fercho25 - my online banter is hard to grasp, I was sht at writing so I'm not surprised you misenderstood my logic. So I still have to defend my point by saying that I didn't mean what you say since I meant or at least believe the opposite. What I meant was that many people here accuse Spec for certain actions nearly exclusively, while a huge portion of companies behave in exactly same way. They are big companies, mass producing stuff in one or another part of Asia, use proprietary equipment, make generalized geometries to cater to average Joe, instead of going Geometron with Gearbox, finally suing other parties. While Spec may provide the whole package I wouldn't give them horns without giving it to Trek, SC, Giant, Scott and many others. I may not like many aspects of Specialized's way of running the business, at least I won't paint them as exemplary, but after all I am just trying to get people out of that blind spot that majority of industry looks like that. So owning, let's say a Kona or Transition and tossing crap at Spec is just hipocritcal because many aspects of the way those businesses are run corelate with each other. Just because these companies are smaller and say they believe in some values doesn't mean something is different with their production.

I am happy I can afford a bike from a small company doing their bikes according to high environmental, social and economical standards. But I take it as a privilege that I am very appreciative of. Not everyone does that, because they may not have this bit more money, or they don't give a sht, or they don't make as informed choice as I hope to believe I do.

The whole thing that is fkd up with Spec hating is selective ethics and getting on a high horse riding through the swamp of inflated moral standards to which they cannot live up to themselves. I did sht loads of that in my "green-leftist" period, it was nothing but uninformed rage against things bigger than me. Sometimes it is easier to throw sht at the wall instead of trying to knock it down.
  • 9 2
 @Skootur: specialized at one time tried to stop a pacific northwest city from having a festival called stumpfest (lots of logging in the NW corner of the USA) because it sounded too close to their trademark stump jumper name. Would have been a great time to set up a tent and sell some bikes but they chose legal action.
  • 2 1
 wow.
  • 5 21
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 8:39) (Below Threshold)
 @fumetsu: inventing something is to think of a new idea. The US did not invent mountain biking. What actually happened was that some genius in the US put fatter tyres on a cruiser and took it up a mountain. The same can be said for skateboarding (surfers put wheels on a surf board so they could have fun when there ia no swell).
  • 2 0
 @AllridersAgency Sir Joseph whitworth.
  • 26 4
 @joecantello: Why all the anti-American hate? Did one of us Yanks steal your girl and your sandwich?
  • 10 1
 @TheR: why even respond?
  • 20 4
 @WAKIdesigns: Don't bother, you aren't going to change it. Fanboys will find a way to hate no matter what. SRAM can charge $360 for a cassette that requires a proprietary driver and they're worshipped, but Shimano dares offer a truly revolutionary electronic drivetrain and they are attacked to no end because it's expensive. Likewise, Dave Weagle can sue anyone who looks at his designs wrong and he's the godfather of the mountain bike, yet Specialized does it and they are the devil.

It has nothing to do with "ethics" or "standards" or "principles". The Specialized hate is just fanboys who want a reason to hate...so they've latched on to ancient history and will never let it go. Doesn't bother me one bit, that's one less buyer making an offer on the bike I want...and one less rider crowding the trail i'm riding cause he's warranty'ing his direct-sale frame.
  • 1 1
 @motoxxxer26: so funny, so true.

so hack.
  • 3 3
 @TheRaven: But Dave usually tries to work with people who infringe upon his patents before he takes them to court. Specialized just likes to sue for dumb ass reasons and history proves it. But after that Volagi and Cafe Roubiax incident and legal cost to go with it, they became humbled from the cost and embarrassment it left with customers.
  • 5 4
 @BeardlessMarinRider: I'm far from you. I hate everything about SRAM, except the reverb dropper post, Shimano gang or die!...
  • 4 1
 @Jhou: It's not "trying to work with people", it's a requirement of the system. Both Weagle and Specialized make offers of compliance with their defendants before going to court. Neither WANTS to go to court if they don't have to. It just costs more. Both were out of line many times in their pursuits. But again, Weagle gets the benefit of the doubt, and Spec is just EEEEEVIL.
  • 5 4
 @Woodbridge2: Wow the Reverb dropper post is about the most unreliable product SRAM makes (now that Avid brakes are no more). That would be the last item I would expect for a hater to exempt. Personally, I like their forks...despite being maintenance-intensive...they are brilliant when working, cheap, and great looking too. My only problem with their drivetrains is the price...well, that and their shifters, but it's not that I think they're terrible, just that Shimano's shifters are so much better.
  • 10 17
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 10:51) (Below Threshold)
 @TheR: because you go round the world invading countries for money but when there are human rights violations and genocide in countries you ignore them. And 80% of the population are religious wackos.
  • 14 2
 @joecantello: I would say with those kinds of gross generalizations then, that you would fit right in here. The U.S. is like Pinkbike commenters, the wackos make 80% of the noise, but that doesn't mean they're 80% of the population.

BTW, where do you think we got the word "imperialist"?
  • 6 5
 @joecantello: Roll on Trump for President, i personally cannot wait , lol !
  • 7 7
 @joecantello: HA. We can't even figure out our own concept of "human rights", the last thing you want is us trying to impose our hypocritical "progressive" mess on the rest of the world.

I'm also surprised you are worried about the "religious wackos" as they are well contained and outnumbered by the much larger population of hypocritical liberals. That's what worries me the most. They make the religious wackos look pretty inviting.
  • 9 2
 Not a fan of Good Month or Bad Month
  • 3 0
 @TheRaven:
Pretty hyperbolic argument considering the entire gx 1x11 groupset can be had for under what you state as the cassette price.

As far as the xd driver, unlike other proprietary standards, this one is necessary to allow for the extended range of the cassette.

I personally dig di2, and my own personal rig is using xd 10-42 sram cassette with xt derailleur and shifter. That being said, shimano doesn't offer what i I consider a viable 1x11 drivetrain, and this is supported by the fact wolftooth has developed a "non proprietary" driver for several brand hubs which allows for a 10 tooth cog.
  • 4 2
 @WAKIdesigns: you are proabably right, but f*ck it! this is the internet, and I refuse to be rational, also at this point hating on specialized is so much fun.
  • 3 1
 @SoDiezl350: First, GX is roughly equivalent to SLX, and the entire 1x11 SLX drivetrain will sell for about $50 more than the GX cassette alone. That said, no hyperbole, as SRAM does, IN FACT, charge $360 for a 1x11 cassette. Nowhere did I say you couldn't get a cheaper SRAM 1x11 casssette, if you are willing to sacrifice shift quality.

The only difference between SRAM's 1x11, and Shimano's 1x11 is a tooth. Oh and like $200-500 in cost. Both are "viable" (actually excellent), both have top-quality and entry-level options. If that one tooth bothers you that much, there are no less than 5 different expansion options out there, and every one comes out cheaper than the SRAM factory-stock equivalent.
  • 2 0
 Geez I hope we don't have to go back to Sram's narrow wide design. Only held a chain half the time..
  • 2 1
 @TheRaven: depends what you mean with progressive guys. Joe Rogan or Milo Yiannopoulos? I personally don't give a flying fk about Spec as a company, I like their bikes, accessories, saddles and tyres. I just like hitting the Pinkbike "establishment" in the face on that case because it's emotion driven bullcrap, taking js awayfrom real issues, like companies doing production in Asia behind closed doors, maybe they have something to hide (pouring rests of frame paint right into the river), maybe they don't. Off course Spec is silly with those idiotic lawsuits, doing them more harm than good. But well, reality kind of fine tunes that.
  • 1 1
 @Boardlife69:

It's hard to remain neutral (as the Swiss have so valiantly demonstrated) when your economy relies on more than skiing, watches, and chocolate. Oh, and wheels... You guys do make darn good wheels.

Did I cover everything? Ok, cool!
  • 6 6
 @joecantello: Says the guy from a rather small country with their queen's head on money all over the world! But let me get this straight, you think the Brits contribute more money and protect more people around the world without us leading the way? Just asking.
  • 1 0
 @RollinFoSho: just an ugly one then. aghaaahaaa Ah Ah ha.
  • 4 3
 @WAKIdesigns: your use of the term 'retarded', apart from being offensive and lazy, invalidates your otherwise considered opinions. I might not agree with them, but i do read them. When you use terms like that, or other Pinkbike staff and forum members do, I stop reading. What a shame.
Surely you can do better.
  • 4 0
 @Moto4fun:. Somesay we ruled the waves once?somesay we had to scuttle our navy and open up trade in all four corners of empire to a certain country in return for gold and men to defeat a particularly terrible german.human cost was terrible.gold cost is still being paid...
  • 2 2
 Another reason why I will never buy SRAM! Pissing off the majority of the mountain bike community would not be good for business!
  • 2 0
 @AllridersAgency: Holy shit people!!!! The "narrow wide" concept was used back when this style chain was invented about 100 years ago. nothing to do with bikes. It was first popular in the agricultural industry so far before mountain biking was even a thing. The biggest reason we didn't see it was due to front mechs
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: @RichardCunningham: i didnt mean anything by it. i love your work and was just having a piss around. Thanks for writing all of these brilliant articles that a free for us to access!
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: As I understood (and wrongly so as pointed out above) thick / thin teeth had been used in cycling prior to Srams use if it. If infact they had taken something and developed it for MTB use then fair play to them. If they have just taken over a patent like SC and Intense did from Outland then also fair play as they saw a way to develop the use of the product further. My bavkground is engineering but buildings not "made" things. As such I get "design" and "numbers" but not the legal side of it all as such I think my tune has changed on this one... Anyway it will be interesting to see how this develops.
  • 4 0
 Even if everyone else has to stop making NW rings, which I highly doubt is going to happen, just stock up. Three or four rings for the next five or six years... By which time gearboxes will have become a viable alternative.

Have you seen the news today about Apple trying to sue a company in China for using the name iPhone? Well the Chinese basically told Apple to get stuffed.

America is great at some things... Such as keeping us all safe from the c*nts of the world. Unfortunately it seems they also like litigation a bit too much over there.

Go Trump!
  • 5 2
 @jaame: Go Trump?! What the hell mate? You can't be possibly... Naaaaaaaaah Big Grin

If SRAM cuts out almost everybody, what's the worst that could happen? You'd have to use their chainring and it would mess the color scheme of the bike? Jimmy built a murdered black V10cc for 11k and wanted a green chainring to go with Monster Energy logo, how sad for hiiiiim
  • 4 1
 @WAKIdesigns: The worst that could happen? The company who offers a $360 cassette has exclusive rights to a hugely popular piece of MTB tech? What do you think is going to happen to the price? You know as well as I do that if Specialized held the patent to "rear suspension on a mountain bike" and were about to start enforcing it, we'd have guys trying to plan a revolution in here.

As for Trump - look at the alternatives. No one has yet been able to convince me that there is a viable choice that is any better. Basically, we're screwed no matter what. So why not?
  • 1 3
 @TheRaven: hold it right there.
So is ok for specialized to charge around a third more than any equivalent competitor bike. And that is with the shittiest in house components ever!
But is not ok for sram to charge more for an engineering masterpiece that literally revolutionized the bike industry and has no direct competition?

Double standards evrywhere!
  • 4 0
 @fercho25: Specialized bikes are priced right on with their competition. Hint - their competition is NOT YT, Canyon, Rose...etc.

Specialized Stumpjumper Expert (X1) - $5899
Trek Remedy 9.8 (XT) - $5499
Intense Spider 275C Pro (X1) - $6599
Pivot Mach 4 Carbon (X1) - $5899

Specialized Enduro Expert (X01) - $5999
Trek Slash 9.8 (X1) - $5499
Intense Tracer 275C Pro (X1) $6699
Pivot Mach 6 Carbon (X01) - $6099

What "in-house" components? Specialized doesn't manufacture SRAM components.

And just to complete my point, although everyone here should already know these prices (CRC):

XTR (9000) Cassette $180 - XX1 Cassette $410
XT (8000) Cassette $70 - X1 Cassette $220
SLX (6000) Cassette $50 - GX Cassette $130

Double standards indeed!
  • 1 3
 @TheRaven: neither are intense nor pivot more like giant and scott. From the examples you showed up trek is the only viable one and is cheaper with better components. bontrager is not the best thing in the world but wont give you so much trouble as specialized components.
  • 3 0
 @fercho25: Based on what? All of those listed are DIRECT competitors to Specialized. In fact, i'd take Spec and Trek's carbon frames over Intense or Pivot's ANYTIME. They are simply better built.

And get off the components dude. I listed equivalent level components in each case with only one exception - the Tracer 275C pro has an all X1 build, whereas all the others are a mix of X01 and X1. Despite that, as you can see, the Intense is still significantly more expensive.

Go ahead, be a hater, I don't care. But facts are facts. You said spec charges 1/3rd more than ANY competitor. I proved that incorrect.
  • 3 0
 aa
  • 3 1
 @TheRaven: While I mostly agree, I would still say that Srams cassettes are significantly better than Shimanos; at each level the build quality is higher and the weight significantly lower, as well as having a wider range.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: Weight is a fact, no question. Build quality? I don't see how you can make that assertion due to the extremely dissimilar construction methods. I would say the X01 and XX1 cassettes are definitely top quality units, but I do not agree that the pinned cassettes are as tight as Shimano's offerings. Also, wider range is a fact, but if you really are going to sit here and say that charging a $200 premium for 1 tooth is acceptable then it's very hard for me to take you seriously. I have ridden both XX1 10-42 and XTR 11-42 and on the trail could not tell you the difference on range alone. I did not feel like I had any more speed available to me on XX1.
  • 2 0
 @TheRaven: that one tooth is a 10% change. I can definitely feel the difference. I have an xt 11-42, and my friend has XX1 on the same bike (enduro 29er), but he as a 30t front ring and I have a 34t and they top out at about the same speed on this section of a trail I have ridden a million times. However, it feels like he has an extra gear and a half when in the lowest and climbing, due to his smaller front ring. A 10% change in the front is near going from a 30t to a 34t.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: So we disagree on the effect...but even from your point of view, with the difference you feel it makes, can you honestly say it's worth $200? I mean $200 can now buy you two GOOD 11-42t cassettes and a rear derailleur. The X1 10-42t cassette is roughly $220 alone...the entire XT drivetrain is $250. Do you really feel that that pricing is reasonable?
  • 4 1
 @hamncheez: my problem with 10-42 cassette is that I tend to wear out 11T cogs on cassettes much quicker than the rest, which often happens on the way to/from woods. I tend to ride on hard gears like 34t front, 36t rear, on a 26er(right now after 3 months of lifting heavy weights and HIIT, I easily climb on 1-1 ratio on 275 160bike with 1,5 ply tyres) but even so I am unable to spin out 36t chainring on flat asphalt. So my big problem with people who claim they need wide range is that they need like 32t front to 42t for climbing, spinning circles at 90 RPM+ but suddenly they become track cyclists on lower range, needing 38t front or more for pedalling on flat or on downhills, while top DH riders often use 36t chainrings on WC tracks. So if I did have majority of slow twitch fibers in my muscles, I'd rather use granny ring without front mech for long climbs than have 30t chain ring for 11-42 or 10-42 cassettes.
  • 3 2
 @TheRaven: everyone outside US went berserk on hating on Bush administration, but I must say I personally haven't experienced Obama to do things differently as far as foreign interventions are concerned. Same stuff, just the guy appears smarter when he is talking. I don't expect Trump to drop nukes all over the place even though he makes such impression on me, that he would love to go on dick showing frenzy with Putin. Well He does sound stupid, but not retarded, which was the case with W. Politicians don't do much, they jusy make you look stupid outside of your country. Hence I deny being Polish after latest elections hahaha Big Grin
  • 3 8
flag Boardlife69 (May 4, 2016 at 11:17) (Below Threshold)
 @jaame: America is keeping no one safe. They are the ones creating the c*nts of the World. And if I lived in a country that had U.S drones flying over everyday I'd be the biggest c*nt ever. Sorry America, I say this with love, but you guys (I mean your gov't) is the world's biggest a$$hole.
  • 1 3
 @WAKIdesigns: Obama has bombed more countries that Bush did. He's killed more people with drone strikes that have a 90% 'unintended kill rate' (innocent kill rate) than any other head of state in history. He just gets a pass because of his political party.

On my 29er, here in the Rocky Mountains, I would strongly benefit from a wider range than 11-42. On this section of a trail I often ride:

ridewasatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/lance.jpg

I easily run out of gears with my 34t ring. Climbing a 29er with 34x42 is not fun, either. Here is part of the climb for that trail (its a loop):

www.strava.com/segments/1430073?filter=overall

It averages 9% grade, with sections that are very steep. I'm OK fit, and its hard to fight the temptation to walk up the tricky climbs. My 34t ring is worn out, so I just replaced it with an oval 32t to make climbs more manageable, so I'm losing even more on the top end.
  • 1 3
 @hamncheez: I have the same issue you do. That's why I run the OneUp 45t extender on my XTR cassette. So i'm climbing with a 32x45, and still have that 32x11 on the smooth descents. Admittedly, I almost never make it to that 11t because finding a place where that kind of speed is possible, let alone sane, is a rare event. But the 45t is a life saver.

Why not just use a SRAM cassette you ask? Simple - the cheapest non-pinned cassette is the X01, which would have run me abour $320 back when I built the bike. I would have also needed an XD driver, an additional $70. Instead, I picked up the XTR cassette for $160 and the extender kit for $75 (end of year sale). Saved almost $150, achieved same end result.
  • 1 8
flag fercho25 (May 4, 2016 at 12:24) (Below Threshold)
 @TheRaven: oh my god! im literally speechles by your idiocy. there is no point in this discusion knowing people like you exists means specialized will always have a market. gl hf.
  • 3 0
 @fercho25: I'll give you a hint - your speechlessness is not due to any of my traits, positive or negative. That said, we're all thankful for it.

Keep on hatin'. Won't miss you on the trail.
  • 1 2
 @WAKIdesigns: Well said. I would add that a lot of us inside the US also went berserk on hating the Bush/Halliburton corporation/government. I do wish I could un-see the mental image you accurately created of Trump and Putin in an oligarch-driven dick frenzy. Maybe it would end with the two of them in an embrace that would not be fatal to the rest of us?
  • 1 3
 @Hamncheez it seems that you are riding that sht the wrong way around Big Grin As to Obama and drones I am not brief with drones or weapon development programs but it seems to me that is has little to do with policy of the man at the office, rather the fact that military pushed for testing drones under Obama administration. Nevertheless there was an ideogical background among neoliberal loonies like Rumsfeld to go to Afghanistan. I wonder what measures US gov takes to grab Saudis by their balls or are we too deep in this sht so that both sides have too many stories on each other. I guess that thing answers itself. I just wonder how can US and EU spend so much effort fkng up everything around instead of bombing the crap out of Saudis and take over the oil wells. Just stupid uninformed divagations on my side.
  • 3 2
 @WAKIdesigns: So believe it or not but Trump has actually said some sane things about US/European foreign policy:

"Each of these actions [has] helped to throw the region into chaos and [given] ISIS the space it needs to grow and prosper...It all began with the dangerous idea that we could make Western democracies out of countries that had no experience or interest in becoming a Western democracy."
  • 9 0
 Bikes, guys. Bikes. If I wanted all the political B.S., I'd go to Facebook.
  • 3 4
 @TheR: hallelujah! Jesus f#cking Christ BORE off you lot^^^ .life must just be ace around your gaffs?anyone know how to turn off my dashboard?
  • 1 2
 @WAKIdesigns: couldn't have said it better!! Cheers!
  • 6 1
 @TheR: you think this place is any better when talking bikes? Conspiracy nuts, fundamentalist wackos, insecure young men who have it all figured out, a staggering lack of empathy...same stuff!
  • 2 0
 @owl-X: we talked the last crap out of bikes with Hamncheez and TheRaven on countless occasions. Trump is simply an extremely juicy subject.
  • 1 1
 @rifu:
Uh, probably not.
MX/Off-Road riders have had the choice between light aluminum sprockets and heavy steel sprockets for decades, and overwhelmingly they/we have chosen aluminum.
We're not just talking weight here, but weight on your gears, and heavier cogs equals slower acceleration/deceleration.
There's a lot more people who are willing to pay more for the benefits of aluminum, then pay less for the much heavier, albeit longer lasting steel.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: More politics... bukes are boring :p
  • 1 1
 Sorry bikes.. fat sausage thumbs
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: oh I'm fascinated by the ascendancy of Trump too. Just saying that Pinkbike comments section is probably incapable of reasoned discussion. It's for yelling!
  • 2 4
 @Earthmotherfu and TheR. If you're bored here, go ride your bike. The beauty and the shame of the internet is that it is a black hole of wasted time and doesn't really owe you an avoidance of boredom. This is not any less true just because Pinkbike is a bike site. Personally, I don't waste any of my riding time reading or commenting here-I use time I should be working instead! TheR-My Facebook feed is full of bike stuff as I've learned to avoid the wackos there, if not here.
  • 3 3
 @codypup: who the feck are you?feck off you feckin ejit.feckin fecker.
  • 2 2
 @codypup: second thoughts please stay...I know who you really areWink
  • 2 0
 @Earthmotherfu: what do you say to a shot down Getman pilot? Get out of the Fokker you f*cker!
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: have you heard the joke about the german prison commandant?
  • 2 2
 @WAKIdesigns: when saying liar,I pretend to slap you around the face with a soft leather glove.try it tommorow..perhaps improvise with a 661 repeater gloveSmile
  • 1 0
 Too late. This piece is behind the times. SRAM filed patent infringement lawsuits in Chicago against RaceFace, Praxis Works, and Wolf Tooth in February. Now SRAM is wearing the jackboot and is trying to put its foot on the neck of two small, innovative US companies with great products (Praxis and Wolf Tooth).
  • 1 0
 @Racer951: Let RaceFace and SRAM duke it out -- one giant company vs. one big company (Fox). Don't bring the little guys (Wolf Tooth and Praxis) in SRAM or you will have become what you set out to destroy back in the early 1990s -- the Microsoft of bike components.
  • 1 0
 @Boardlife69: Sure is lol
  • 118 1
 We no longer make narrow-wide rings Ours are wide-narrow Boom No worries bike industry, no thanks necessary. Happy to help
  • 18 0
 The skinny fat ring.
  • 9 0
 Or the work experience kid makes them all wonk. It's his first day, give him a break.
  • 5 0
 @T-Bot: I've been working in a bike shop for close to half a year now and if anything goes wrong we just say that I'm the work experience kid
  • 8 2
 That's right...SRAM's "Narrow Wide" rings have the even numbered teeth wider than the odd numbered teeth. Our "Wide Narrow" rings have the ODD numbered teeth wider than the EVEN numbered teeth. Completely different.
  • 9 0
 @Boardlife69:

Biggie smalls ring?
  • 53 5
 I see the word SRAM. Quick! To the hatemobile!
  • 10 0
 Type "SRAM" in to Google Translate
  • 13 0
 Its slovenian for shame if you cant be assed doing it
  • 13 0
 @HardtailsAreGnarly: check it in Polish Wink
  • 5 0
 In Polish it is a statement. Almost as if you were proud of it...
  • 2 0
 If I ever come up with a company name I'm definitely going to Google translate it just to avoid that sort of incident.
  • 2 0
 Borat used the word to describe testicles.
  • 46 1
 Rach at the start hut there, texting her winning time to the hot seat.
  • 46 0
 "Hey Tracey, I'm sorry for what you're about to see"
  • 12 3
 @RedBurn: "watch this. LOL. kthnxbai. xoxox"
  • 6 2
 Maybe she's starting Strava so she can finally take that QOM. ;-)
She is Crushing it this season and has an awesome attitude about it. Fantastic season overall.
  • 2 2
 @nickkk: lol, i imagined this situation, tracey replying something like "stfu Frown "
  • 1 0
 @RedBurn: Hahahaha
  • 30 3
 just use magnets or gearboxes..there i said it
  • 11 1
 Just mention the G word and im salivating.
  • 51 0
 @fartymarty: gregarious gargantuan gorillas greedily gargling green grapes
  • 13 0
 @Jimmy0: I upvoted viatch's comment just so it doesn't fall in the under the threshold section, so everyone can see the gold you produced. Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @commencal661: Thanks Broskie !
  • 15 0
 Seems like PB are a little slow on the SRAM patent news -

They have or had filed court dates against Praxis Works, Raceface and Wolf Tooth - Looks like the Wolf Tooth case didnt even make it to court and the Praxis is also dropped.

They are attempting to sue Raceface for putting the text 'SRAM' on one of their GXP chainrings - thats just a petty act as they know this wasnt false advertising and simply Raceface marking the ring as being SRAM fitment.

Its likely it was pointless going after WT due to their lack of resources - no point in taking a case if you cant get damages unless you just want to shut them down, which it doesnt look like they could achieve either.

Doesnt look like SRAM is getting anywhere anyway - Pinkbike you may want to take a look here - search.rpxcorp.com/lit/ilndce-319502-sram-v-wolf-tooth-components

EDIT - If you look through the documents it even appears although Raceface are filing a counter claim against SRAM stating their N/W chainring patent is invalid....SRAM reply stating they deny this and want a trial by dury..... Popcorn at the ready.
  • 3 0
 I hope Raceface prevails. A general "narrow-wide on bikes" patent isn't novel, or specific, & shouldn't be any more valid that all the "do a thing... but on a computer" patents that are finally getting smacked down.

If their patent is more specific to tooth shape, I have serious doubts that anybody infringes.
  • 3 0
 This needs to be higher up.

My commentary: it's amazing how much money gets spent on these frivolous IP fights. The consumer ends up paying for this, as the cost is ultimately built into the price. Companies don't erode their margin for this kind of stuff. Instead they slowly lace the cost of this into their products. It's a very short sighted take tactic that doesn't account for the equity of growing your technology through competition. There is no better metric then to see what consumers are actually buying!
  • 1 0
 Racer951 - PB did an article on this already, I believe it was last year
  • 15 1
 A ton of political comments....easy to beat up on the US....many of us should look in the mirror of our own country's politics to see a real mess.
  • 19 17
 amen brother. its funny how every country hates the USA, yet we are the melting pot of the world. I don't see anyone else in the world wanting to move to any other country......and the only reason other countries think we are a mess is because of the libertards trying to take over with their liberal, socialist ideals. rant over. as for the good and the bad, Loic earned it and deserves it. Rachel continues to dominate with no one in site to contend with her. 1x12, 1x11, 1x10, 2x9, 2x10.....who cares, get your bike set up with the proper gearing that suits your riding style, fitness and trails. thank you to all the companies who are innovating and giving us choices. compare today's bikes and components to 25 years ago and I am liking the present. just like other sectors of manufacturing, progression and innovation have accelerated the choices and quality of products hitting their respective markets, making it a win win for everyone.
  • 5 10
flag Torrey23 (May 3, 2016 at 7:22) (Below Threshold)
 @bigbird: Ok I'm not gonna start this argument.
  • 7 26
flag joecantello (May 3, 2016 at 7:36) (Below Threshold)
 @bigbird: your a f*ckwit aren't you! I wonder how many wars the US have started and LOST. At least our country isn't run on religious beliefs, unlike yours. Did know one ever teach you that jesus is a myth.
  • 16 3
 @joecantello: it's hard to take your anti-religious banter seriously when you can't even spell.
  • 6 8
 @joecantello: did no one ever teach you that England is only sustained through the U.S. help? That's right how many times has England lost a colony? If only England could hold on to colonies as well as they could tap about how Jesus isn't real.
  • 6 2
 @bigbird: "I don't see anyone wanting to move to any other country", you can't be serious
  • 10 0
 @joecantello: Bigbird might be saying something stupid, but your country has an official national religion, with the Queen being the head of the Church of England. America was founded on the idea of the separation of religion and government. Every government is flawed and broken in some way. Its fine to criticize other governments or your own, and its fine to take pride in your country/culture at the same
  • 6 4
 Like most English speakers around the world, I used to take pleasure in bagging America out... Until Obama got into power and basically allowed all the arseholes to flourish. You don't know what you've got till it's gone. Americans are pretty annoying at times but at least they are civilised and speak English. Look at the mess we're in now. The bloody savages rising up with their funny languages and cultures. Just learn to line up will you? And stop spitting on the floor! Please Americans, in the name of developed civilisation as we know it, vote Trump!
  • 1 1
 @Scatchy00: take a look at global immigration and emigration stats and then come back and talk.
  • 23 9
 It's a bad month because we lost Prince. R.I.P.
  • 5 8
 McGarry, Mirra and now Prince when will it stop!
  • 11 19
flag torero (May 3, 2016 at 5:27) (Below Threshold)
 Meh...
  • 13 11
 It is a bad month because imperialism does not stop perpetrating genocides ... Syria, Ukraine...
  • 15 2
 Hundreds of thousands of people die every day, its just the celebrities that get the media attention. Stop hero worshiping and the perspective changes. (No disrespect to Prince, his music was good but does that mean we should all mourn him?)
  • 9 0
 who ?
  • 6 1
 and chyna
  • 6 2
 @torero: yes!! True. Everyone giving negative props are dumbasses. They care more about a single artist rather than hundreds of thousands dying in Ukraine and Syria!
  • 7 3
 @dannygoesmtb and@torero: I am pretty sure some 5 year old child in my town will die of cancer before the summer... Would you shed a tear? As brutal as it sounds you are not able to care for everyone... especially when you can't do anything else about it than mention them. You are not really going to go after Putin or find cure for cancer... how about you start growing your own food and never ever use a car and health care, so that you don't need a drop of Saudi oil, which sponsors ISIS, which in turn fks up Syria, which in turn makes West support Assad to fight ISIS. Will you give up your lifestyle with mountain bikes and would you like everyone to follow in the same path, which would require the most cruel tyranny to implement? ISIS tries to turn the world into medievaltimes with medieval values, I guess they are the guys to follow right? The core values.

I guess the death of Prince and Syria are two different bits of two different pies... Somewhere close to you some homeless dude wishes to talk to somebody, while on the other side of Milkyway a planet full of conscious life forms waits for a nearby red giant go supernova which will wipe them out and turn all they were into star dust.

Come with me and you'll see the world of pure imagination...
  • 6 1
 @WAKIdesigns: lol too bad I'm from Ukraine and tons of my cousins and uncles are fighting their right now and I'm joining the US air force to hopefully get send there to help too. So yeah I actually am doing something about it and I gave up mountain biking and a lot more for that
  • 4 3
 Joining the army is so dumb. Don't fight for their interests. Fck sionism
  • 4 2
 @dannygoesmtb - seriously? You think that US soldiers will be dropped over Ukraine to fight what effectively is Russian army? Are you out of your fkng mind? Sorry for talking this way but you may need it: are you out of your fkng mind?! Yes it must have been a long time away from your country, do you have any idea about geopolitics and "Buffer zone" dynamics? You know what your country and mine (Poland) are, along with Czech Republic? Do you know why is it called a buffer zone? Because Russians would never dare to launch a nuclear strike, they would do a tank and infantry rush against Western Europe, and you know how allies would stop it? By dropping nukes on our countries, not on Russia. We were meant to be cannon meat, serving both sides. So sorry, Uncle Sam does not give a tiniest fk about your country. They are just like Russians, they are humans and they don't even blink to press the red button. Wake up. And realistically speaking nobody will fk with Putin, ever. Just like nobody will fk with US or China or Saudis or anyone with at least a bit of power. Those political Western games of appearances against him are laughable. They won't do sht and they will profit from it at any given occasion to raise their ratings.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: that's what they said about Hitler ! We can't do anything to stop him because he has so much power. Let's just let him take Poland and Czechoslovakia. Great deeds are done by the courageous not those who fear.
  • 4 3
 @dannygoesmtb: bullcrap, US economy benefitted greatly from the war, good boys had to die over seas. It was a completely different world 70 years ago, power of private interest was nowhere near what it is today. Corporates won't spend their money on protecting Europe's end of food chain. There is no other value in protecting Ukraine, than political appearance when talking crap about Putin. You have to realize who you are and where you came from. You are a rat serving the lion, we both are nothing more but work force, so if you don't have to, don't fight for that Fkr. Enjoy his lair. Putin took Ukraine because access to Black sea is a startegic assett to him and because nobody gives a fk about Ukraine so he knew there will be no resistance. Good old Russian strategy of pushing and poking. It's not easy to be stuck between Germany and Russia but that's life.

If you want to join military be my guest, but your reason to go there is not about protecting Ukraine. If you don't get that US nor Europe will never intervene in Ukraine to then there's no talkingto you anyways. You want to be told what to do every day, you want people to tell you what's black and white, you desire discipline and you want to adapt a set of values. Ukraine is just an excuse ideology. I need soldiers, yes. So I don't need to fight someone's wars and experience the horrors of war. God bless natural selection.

Prince, thank you for this moment of epiphany. Purple rain, puuuurple rain.
  • 5 3
 Holy sht you got brainwashed man... I am dying to come to US and see the scale of propaganda with my own eyes. It's fascinating for me to see the methods of manipulating society to such extents. I watch the House of Cards lately and you know what strikes me? That through all my education in Poland I've been told I am worthless, that Poland is worthless and we never got taught about power and politics. We were brought up to be great subordinates, effective employees.
  • 5 5
 @WAKIdesigns: f*ck you man. My uncle died protecting his country. From all soldiers and veterans f*ck you. The US promised the Ukraine protection in return for nukes. along with the fact that Ukraine is rich in resources. Just because your socialist country doesn't want to do shit to help innocent people doesn't mean America shouldn't either. Yes America has done lots wrong but it helps millions through aid and military protection.
  • 5 1
 @dannygoesmtb: Slovian countries are buffer zone. When Hitler annexed Czecho Slovakia, invaded Poland, allies did nothing despite big mouthed guarantees of support. During cold war the strategy of Soviets was to rush Western Europe with tanks and infantry and Allied response to that was to Nuke buffer zoneto wipe out that attack. Russians knew about it so they were building nuke proof bunkers for their chief staff at the territory of Poland and Czech Republic for such occassion. They were hoping that allies wouldn't dare but strategic plans to nuke Poland were in US and GB. Lt. Kuklinsky became a spy and exposed those locations of those bunkers to US. A10 Thunderbolt and US/EU development of strike helicopters was meant to take care of the remnants of nuclear strike. So sorry in case of any sht going down it is your family getting a nuke on their head and few months after Putin and Trump shake their hands. All the West knows about second World War is Hitler, ask your fellow Americans how much they know about Stalin, ask them about great famine, where Stalins policy killed more Ukrainians (they died of famine miagine that) than Hitler killed all people during second World War.
You can check everything I wrote about. Nobody will drop soldiers over Ukraine. You've been away for very long.
  • 3 1
 Don't forget that our politicians are in pockets of private corporations who sponsor their campaigns and manipulate government actions. Then Putin is a dangerous bully, yes, which is both good and bad thing. Sucks to be his neighbor, fantastic to have him by the table when China is sitting next to you and holds you by your balls economically. Whatever resources Ukraine has, they are not worth fighting for when we have abundance of easily accessible oil and minerals in Middle East and Africa. H&M, Nike, Goldman&Sachs, Lockheed Martin, Shell don't give a flying fk about Slovian countries. Get it.
  • 3 2
 @WAKIdesigns: yeah you make some great points about Americans not knowing about Stalin and the great holomorod. But US has already sent troops into Poland and soon into Ukraine to create a buffer for Russia. My good friend in the Marines is deploying to Ukraine next month. I know the US gets awful rep for being a shitty country with shitty politicians but it does help out as much as it can and there are good politicians too. I was in Egypt last year helping Sudanese refugees and everyone else helping were American. Not chinese or English or French but American. Americans help more than any other nation period. Look it up. That's why I'm proud to live in a god fearing country that wants to help others and they will help Ukraine. Peace and respect to all brothers and sisters in arms!
  • 2 0
 @dannygoesmtb: and WAKIdesigns, wow you guys have an interesting debate going. I'd side with Waki, on this and say good luck to danny BUT this is really not the place for such a debate, some of us come here to see stuff about bikes!
  • 3 1
 @dannygoesmtb: you mistake me for US hater, I could not be one without being a hipocrite, since I live a lifestyle that is possible only thanks to US military interventions. There are too many Euros babbling anti US crap. I commented on what seemed to be a high horse comment. Yes Nato military is deployed in Poland because that is a sensible thing to do, but no aggression is intended from either side. It is superpowers showing penises to each other. I know I sound cold like if I didn't give a sht but grand politics is a mechanism like plant growing, earth spinning around the su, and in that sphere (not personal life) the worst things happen when we act on feelings and it doesn't matter if it's love, hate or fear. I am also not anti-military.

However I do not agree with you that US brings good. You act in the best interest of your country, businesses and people using them, whether it is good or wrong is irrelevant. You do what you are capable of, every living organism is geared to expand. This is what molecules do if given enough time and favorable circumstances. There is no way in the whole world you can talk about good in Middle East, since from 1930s you traded with the most horrible people in the region, that is Saudis, and turned the whole place to mess we have today and for years to come. Again at Europe's and China's benefit. Then you sped up evolution of human race by expanding the use of fossil fuels, you injected free market economy. It's no good and evil man, just a lifestyle, that right now turns to wasteful crap we buy at Wallmart for money we don't have.

If we ever get to nuclear fusion and hopefully birth control (2kids per family) world will look like a different place, I am looking forward to it. You guys in military won't need to stick your heads out so much. I am thankful for your work but not any more than for my accountant , engineer coworker or lady cleaning toilets. We need each other in a very cold way, let's leave feelings for our close ones

Cheers mate!
  • 1 1
 @dannygoesmtb: holomorod is a fake. Nazi advertising!!
  • 3 0
 @torero: yea just like Katyn. Nazi propaganda right there. Or maybe not... Which one suits your argument? Also why would you be so interested in things from 1930s when Western money flow into Saudi hands which sponsor ISIS which is turning much worse than Saddam and Taliban combined? Any clue how many civilians are butchered so we can fill our tank? Or tanks of tractors used to grow our food. We are effectively turning that area into middle ages. Europeans are better at it though since we used such practices since hundreds of years in Africa. Belgians successfully sent Kongo back to bronze age, the only difference is that instead of spears they have Kalashnikovs. But the stuff that's in all our computers is dug out like in history books. People crawling into holes and digging with primitive tools.

But yea, keep bringing up Nazis, makes you feel better about yourself for sure. Such inmoral people those brown shirt basterds. Monsters! Thank our good Lord we don't have such people inthe world anymore. Jesus is proud of America. Not from gay martiage though.
  • 1 1
 The only thing certain in life is death. I don't give a stuff about anyone dying whom I have never met. Everyone dies, it's just a matter of when. At least those refugees had a better life than those poor fetuses who were aborted before even spending a single day on this glorious planet.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I am planning to become an android and own a little planet by some white dwarf. Or just go to the mountains by the age of 65 and die of hypothermia brfore my kids need to start changing my diapers.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: It's funny you say that because my parents had a suicide pact for the very same reason. I always used to rip them for it, saying they'd never go through with it when age 72 came around. Well didn't I feel like a wanker when the cops came round to tell me the sad news.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I am planning to pick up high altitude mountaineering after my kids move out from home. That increases my chances by a good bit Big Grin isn't it romantic to die doing what you love?
  • 2 0
 TLDR; WAKI and GI Joe just had a cute little D&M about war, politics and how we are a bunch of consumerist pigs. Let me know if it kicks off again, I'll be at Walmart buying a plastic vegetable spaghetti maker.
  • 10 1
 It would be nice to see some efficiency comparisson of a 2x11 to 1x12 system across the whole range of gears. That might be the only advantage of the 2x due to better chain angle.
  • 11 1
 Better chain line, shorter rear derailleur (better shifting, less chain movement, less likely to hit rocks etc), less unsprung weight, shorter chain, more range than 500%...
I'd say better chain angle isn't the only benefit.
With di2 becoming more affordable, even people wanting one less lever to operate may consider 2x11.
And with the different paths chosen by Sram vs Shimano I'm curious to see the outcome.
112 vs 211!
  • 7 1
 I far from love a front mech but the chainline on XX1 at each end of the cassette is very poor and a bit "grindy", especially with some of the full sus bikes I've ridden. I do love the simplicity of 1x but I could easily go back to a front mech with syncro shifting- that is one of the massive attractions of Di2 for me.
  • 3 3
 @Uuno: Yes, but the insprung weight is IMO negligible (and not an issue on hardtails anyway). Is about 100g such a difference? Shorter rear derailleur? Well you still need qite a long derailleur for the full 500% range on 2x setups.
Personally if I had to chose between 1x12 Eagle and electronic 2x XTR, my heart would go for Eagle. Di2 does not convince me at all. I cannot justify electronics on MTBs just for the sake of: "it's easier to push the button".
  • 3 6
 2x11 is always better.
  • 1 0
 @Uuno: @Uuno: Another huge issue is the newer frames that don't support a front derailleur. Its much easier to design a bike when you ditch the FD...that being said three years ago big evil Specialized made a 29er with huge tire clearance that sports 430mm chainstays, 155mm travel, no BOOST spacing, and still could run a FD. Too bad they had to ruin it with their proprietary 142+ hubs...
  • 2 0
 Here's a decent article that measured drivetrain loss. Found larger cogs more efficient than small ones. In that sense 1x12 is bad because the 10t cog is less efficient than 11t. Of course they couldn't have tested with extreme chainline of the 1x12, so may be even worse.

www.ihpva.org/HParchive/PDF/hp50-2000.pdf

Interesting that efficiency went up with chain tension.
  • 1 0
 @Uuno: 211>112
  • 10 1
 Any month I get to ride a bunch is a good month! So far so great! Ride on my mtb family!
  • 6 0
 Its a bad month because here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a elevated bike path near the sea colapsed and killed 2 persons that fall down to the rocks and sea. Rio spent 15 millions dóllars to built this shity bike path to the olimpic turista but it was all bad made with bad project and material.
  • 8 0
 "difficult racing weekend that we will see in 1026"
Whaaaat year you say!?
  • 11 0
 Richard is getting old and his memory may play games at mixing the time of his youth and present time Big Grin
  • 32 0
 It is the year 1026. Plague runs rife. The lords sit in their castles, fat with 2.8" tyres. The Freeride crusade wages on.
  • 8 0
 Outside the castle walls the lycra clad XCers bemoan the front mech, and try to avoid being hucked on by an adrenalin pumped freerider rocking 300mm monster T's
  • 2 0
 @HardtailsAreGnarly: reminds me of 2002
  • 6 0
 Man that Alchemy is sexy. Love everything except for the font/logo. IMO it could be better... but that may just be my personal eperience.
  • 5 1
 Front derailleur isn't going anywhere unless with have 1x11 or 1x12 drivetrains all the way down to Altus. Vast majority of front mechs are sold in sub Deore groups and there, quite frankly, the business case seems to revolve around same logic we have with megapixels in cameras. More for the same money is better, gears included, derailleurs included. It is abasic, primitive reaction of an uninformed mind. The "Less is more" logic sounds like some decadent sht to vast majority of human beings in nearly every discipline of life. "The Death of front derailleur" is just a smart marketing campaign, nothing more.

Having said that... Single rings for life!
  • 6 1
 Everyone moaning about SRAM's step but after all it's all business. Real world ain't no fairy tale with free stuff and kind companies.
  • 3 0
 You are correct, on the other hand if the competitive cycling is to be a sport, that's not only for the top 10% richest there should by some radical re-think from the industry or UCI or I don't know whom.
  • 3 0
 @RichardCunningham - I have noticed a few times recently where you gloss over the fact that e*13 already offers an 11s cassette with nearly the range of Eagle or One up conversion - 489%vs 500%. This means that a consumer neither has to getto rig a shimano cassette or spend crazy money on a whole eagle group. You must be aware of that so just wondering why it never gets mentioned by you....
  • 2 0
 Good point ckost. ^^^ The e*thirteen cassette is impressive. My reason for soft-selling e*thirteen's new cassette is that it uses design elements that are new to the industry (like its twist-lock segment between the large and small cog clusters) and I'd like to get some time on the system before I commit to it.
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: Thanks RC. The IMO the interlocking teeth that join the cassette parts certainly are less daunting/scary than alternatives. You were not soft selling the e*thirteen cassette....you were totally glossing over it and not even mentioning it as an option. ;-)
  • 5 0
 Why does everyone say bruni crashing at Lourdes was bad luck? He was in control of the bike, he crashed, gwin was the better rider that day.
  • 9 3
 Bruni has had it long coming! Stoked for the guy!!
  • 6 4
 I can't see what's wrong with front mechs?
Over 10 years ago I thought, what's the point of having a granny ring so I started using a 11-23 cassette and I still don't use my 26t granny but it's there just in case. I use the 44t though.
I can't stand having a jump of more 2t on the back so I'll be keeping my close ratio gearing
  • 2 1
 Your trails must be utter shit.
  • 2 1
 @scottzg: Wales, Scotland, the Alps?
  • 2 0
 Haters are going to hate...fan boys will only applaud what they like and diss the competition without rhyme or reason. In the end business is business, and all companies that want to get ahead in an industry that isn't exactly raining with money will do what they need to do to keep the cash flow in their pockets. In case no one reads any industry news, cycling isn't a healthy industry in terms of sales...money. It gets worse each year for all companies involved.
  • 2 0
 Top Gear's Hammerhead Eagle i-thrust is the only thing I can think these days when I hear about something with "Eagle" in the name.
images.hgmsites.net/med/top-gear-er-ev-2_100233721_m.jpg

I hope SRAM's drive train works better than that car.
  • 1 0
 Why aren't SRAM Eagle and Rachel Atherton in the Good Month section?
If you are having a hard time finding enough items to for the Bad Month section, do something more interesting than inverting Good Month items into Bad Month items or change the article title to "Good Month or Good Month".
  • 5 0
 You mean unforced error..
  • 1 0
 yeah, what he said^^^
  • 2 0
 @RichardCunningham: And now you've edited it and made me look like i can't read... Smile
  • 3 2
 i still didnt get it.. why would you bother getting 1x12 speed.. and waste another grand. while you can change you highest gear to 50t with the aftermarket one and still using 1x11spd.
i guess if the answer "it looks cool Brah!" then i cant argue Smile
  • 2 1
 Valid question but it will come OEM on bikes then trickle down the GX working class level in a year or 2.
  • 1 0
 Getting to a large spread isn't that hard, but with 11 speeds you have bigger jumps in the middle than 12 covering the same range.
  • 4 1
 I saw Trump talking about that Alchemy bike, he said not only is the price 30 percent taller than Asian made frames, the average worker is 30 percent taller too.
  • 5 1
 What's really funny is that 50% of that frame is made in Asia..."The front triangle of that frame is manufactured in Denver, CO, while the rear is made in Taiwan." - Bike Mag
  • 3 0
 Exactly. This bike isn't made in the USA. That doesn't matter to me but I do find the hype around this bike to be misleading.
  • 3 0
 @RichardCunningham You guys going to set the record straight here? Making just the front triangle Stateside doesn't warrant this "Made in America" rapture.
  • 2 0
 @chezotron: If that is true, I wonder why they are doing that. Why not just make it all here? Must not be profitable enough.
  • 4 0
 @dfiler: Mr Trumps rebuttal: "who cares about bike magazine? They're jerks. No one cares. The bike is made in America. No one cares. It's a good bike. Those jerks wear fanny packs."
  • 2 0
 @Peregrinebikes: I guess because it would take the frame price above $4k or maybe they don't have the knowledge to make a smaller tubing. Either way it's a lot of cash for a bike that's only half made in Murica. Most articles I've seen about it just somehow left out the part about the back triangle.

Looks damn sexy though!
  • 1 0
 @hifiandmtb: Vernon asked that question during his taped interview in a number of ways - and in every case, the response was that Alchemy was making the entire frame in Colorado. For honesty's sake, I hope that they are either cutting the molds for, or are already making their own rear triangles in house.
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: These articles all have a comment about the rear end being produced in Taiwan:
a href="http://www.bikemag.com/gear/bikes/all-mountain-bikes-gear/alchemy-arktos/#fjIu4tLKq3KjlUKX.97" rel=nofollow">Bike Mag/a>br />
www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/interbike-2015/first-look-alchemy-arktos-mountain-bike
singletrackworld.com/2015/09/alchemy-arktos-is-the-belle-of-the-interbike-2015-ball
www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/news/article/alchemy-changes-tack-with-carbon-full-sus-ride-45256

"a carbon full suspension mountain bike that is partially constructed in the United States."

They likely cut the mold as that's the easier part. Why they aren't constructing the rear triangle in their shop is beyond me though.
  • 2 1
 SRAM, I like what you've done recently (Reverb, XX1, Pike, Guide, NOT patenting the XD driver...) and I vote with my wallet.

But, if a SRAM guide ring becomes my only option, I will certainly get the 36 instead of the Lyrik on the next bike.
  • 1 0
 @joecantello You obviously don't know much about British history do you if you are having a go at other countries for invading and getting rich.......

Also, which is the first nation America looks to for backing in these invasions? Us. And we oblige by joining in as well.

Think before you speak. Any good troll would at least have a fact or two to spout.
  • 1 1
 [...] Until someone figures out a better way to keep a wiggly chain on a spinning sprocket when it is being fed at obtuse angles from an off-center cassette cog [...]
can you notice anything here? how about finally embracing gearboxes, as they are inarguably superior?
  • 2 0
 We have. Framesets are underway. Using the Pinion P-12. Can't wait to get on these. We currently are doing two 160mm framesets and a 203mm frameset. Just waiting to get stuff from the machinist.
  • 1 0
 @Peregrinebikes: nice looking frames you have
  • 4 1
 More like SRAM sentences riders to shitty chainlines and frequent cassette and rear derailleur replacements...
  • 4 1
 You know you can still run other setups than 1x12, right?
  • 4 0
 @nfontanella: And I do! I just don't like the tone that the media is presenting it with... like it's the only option and everything else is 'dead'.
  • 1 1
 If SRAM is the only one that can sell their NW chainrings, and their chainrings only work with their cranksets, then maybe it's worth the cost and trouble to enforce a patent. Otherwise, margins on chainrings probably aren't that great and the money is more in cassettes, derailleurs and shifters. Sending out a few letters and filing some simple suits is pretty cheap, going to court is not and needs to have a good payback. I just don't see it here, so not too worried. I will keep running my RaceFace cranks and NW chainring, SRAM X1 derailleur and shifter, and Shimano 11-speed cassette. Works just as well as my matched X1 drivetrain.
  • 4 4
 Piece of advice for SRAM; What comes around goes around. Basically if sram start sueing everyone else who makes narrow wide chainrings they will become the most hated company in cycling.
  • 3 0
 MRP Wave ring. There are other options for the future beyond narrow wide.
  • 1 0
 Im sure all the people with a bit of muscle don't mind the loss of the front derrailler but, I'm sure slow poke in the back of the pack is cursing under his breathe.
  • 1 0
 Alchemy bikes, I love what you're doing. I make more than 98% of Americans, but I need to save up for one of your bikes. But once I can afford it, I'm in!
  • 4 1
 Was at Cairns... Insane!!! It's the popes year!!
  • 2 3
 It is kind of amazing how the MTB "press" (a mouth piece for the industry really) keeps ignoring the limitations of SRAM 1050 and just repeats its advertisement.

Let's see: terrible spacing (20% jumps 10 to 12 and 42 to 50), 10 speed wasted between 12 and 42, significantly heavier weight, terrible chain line, and mandatory long cage derailleur that will be oh so great in rocky terrain!

The range? A dual 26 38 has significantly more range. And perfect spacing, 22 speed, medium cage derailleur.
  • 2 0
 RIP front D, except for the pic you have of one up in the +'s section. Got it!
  • 3 1
 -Bad thing, PinkBike where are they fails of the month we are already the 3rd.
  • 1 0
 sometimes its easier to throw $hit at the wall than to knock it down....I like that, pass me some $hit brother I don't feel like knocking any walls down today
  • 2 1
 "SRAM Eagle sentences the two-by drivetrain to death" - no it doesn't. FD from Shimano are more than fine ant their front swing model are really the way to go.
  • 2 0
 Good news is shimano bad news is sram. Go figure
  • 2 0
 $100 Saint 2x9 over Eagle every day.
  • 2 1
 April has been the best month baby "GO SRAM" screw front derailleurs they where no good for anybody! yaaaa
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike, the real bastion of informed and insightful political commentary.
  • 1 1
 "the season looks to become a slug fest between a number of riders who are and are not riding for Specialized"

Isn't this true every year...
  • 4 4
 Dear SRAM, I've shattered every bike part you've made. Don't worry about suing, nobody's trying to copy you're shifty designs.
  • 1 0
 How do you program shifting through an app on your cell phone??
  • 2 1
 With all these new toys, its a great Month for us all in the sport.
  • 3 3
 Why show renthal? They are taking Raceface, Wolftooth and Praxis Works to court.
  • 2 0
 To show that there are other companies making them overseas which won't be impacted by the lawsuit.
  • 1 0
 Its imperative if you are a journo
  • 1 0
 Just a little more than 3 km cost 15 million dóllars full of corruption
  • 1 0
 +++ FEST SERIES HAS BEGUN
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham what was the last chainguide you rode that was "noisy"
  • 1 0
 The noise wasn't the chainguide, chain was installed wrong
  • 1 0
 Give me a break SRAM. And electronics.
  • 1 0
 For me, that's an all good month.
  • 3 3
 Why is getting rid of the front derailleur bad news ?
  • 3 3
 Because the chain is too twisted, you need a pin in the longest derailleur and derailleur is more exposed to the stones.
  • 3 0
 The article was trying to say its a bad month for the front derailleur, not that loosing it is bad.
  • 1 0
 Well done Loic!
  • 4 4
 Proofread
  • 3 5
 Buh bye front derailleurs. I just can't see that as a bad thing.
  • 1 3
 This > "...teeth that would make an Englishman blush." Ah, luv it.
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