Pinkbike Awards: Innovation of the Year Nominees
An innovation is most often defined as being a new method, idea or product that offers some sort of advantage over whatever came before it. That explanation can certainly be applied to the nominees this year, with all five putting forward a compelling argument that they either allow us to go faster or further, not to mention with less effort, than ever before. From being able to run less tire pressure without drawbacks when it comes to reliability, the ability to alter a bike's geometry while on the move without having to rely on a proprietary shock, to smarter shifting that can be programmed to think for you, it's clear that 2014 was a big year when it comes to technology that promises to actually make a difference. All we need to do now is decide which of the five products below is worthy of being labelled the best Innovation of the Year.
Schwalbe Procore
Reliable tubeless tire setups are only now becoming the norm in most scenes, but the next step in tire and rim technology is already apparent: Schwalbe's dual chamber Procore system that, somewhat ironically, reintroduces a tube into the equation. It consists of a small volume, high-pressure tube (55 - 85 PSI) with a bead attached that's installed inside of a large volume tubeless tire pumped to between just 10 and 20 PSI. The special tube helps to hold the tire onto the rim, so the chances of pulling a bead off are close to zero, and it also protects the tire from being pinched from sharp, hard impacts. Insane traction is likely the first thing that comes to mind, but there's another, less obvious reason that Procore could be the next big thing: better suspension performance. Jo Klieber, Syntace founder and the man who kicked off the development of the system, explained to us that when he added the highly pressurized tube inside the tire, the spring rate of the tire would ramp up faster when the two began to compress in unison and thus would activate the suspension in a more seamless and gradual manner. If successful, the dual chamber system could allow the rider to use lower pressures and at the same time force the suspension and tire to react as a single unit to small bumps.
Canyon's Shapeshifter Technology
Enduro racing may be the butt of a lot of jokes lately, but it's also going to be the reason that trail and all-mountain bikes that we'll all be riding in a few years will be so awesome. An EWS racer's needs to be aboard a machine that crushes the downhills but can then also be ridden back up with minimal effort should make for some pretty interesting bikes as things develop further, and Canyon's Shapeshifter technology is one of the more interesting developments in this regard. It uses a supplementary air actuator, hidden mostly out of view behind the rocker arm, that actually changes the location of the upper shock mount in order to alter the leverage. The upper mount moves by just 15mm, which doesn't sound like much, but it takes the Strive CF from 160mm to 130mm of travel, as well as raising the bottom bracket by 19mm and steepening the angles by 1.5 degrees. Canyon says that Shapeshifter adds a total of 200 grams to the bike, and that their team has been using the system throughout the 2014 EWS season. The design allows nearly any shock to be used due to the Shapeshifter system being entirely separate from it, meaning that you're not locked into using a proprietary damper, which is the downside to other convertible systems on the market.
Specialized's New Demo
Specialized didn't just go back to the drawing board for their new Demo, they did so while also combing both existing and fresh concepts to come up with a bike that's an improvement on its predecessor on all fronts when it comes to going fast. The move to larger wheels was an obvious one, but their investment in carbon construction saw them nearly forego aluminum altogether, with it showing up only in a few vital locations on the frame where bearings are pressed into it. Even the higher end Demo's rocker link is carbon - it's a mostly hollow piece with internal carbon ribs that are strategically placed to increase both strength and rigidity. The bike's suspension, while looking quite different from the previous Demo, does actually function in a very similar manner, although it's been moved down so low on the bike that the main pivot now rotates concentrically around the bottom bracket. It's fair to say that the new Demo is probably one of the most exciting new downhill bikes of recent times.
Shimano Di2
Di2 isn't likely to make cable operated drivetrains obsolete anytime in the next decade. It's also not going to become self-aware and try to kill you or anyone else. It is going to cost more than many complete, dirt worthy mountain bikes, though, but no one is forcing you to purchase it (unless it does become self-aware and decides to do exactly that). However, what it is going to do is push both shifting technology and system integration towards new levels of awesomeness. The Di2 derailleurs know exactly where each cog and chain ring are, and they can actually communicate with each other to compensate for cross-gearing, not to mention the fact that you can select a synchronized mode so it will make sequential shifts, operating both the front and the rear derailleurs, by pushing only one button on the right-side shift module. In recovery mode, Di2 can readjust itself and resume normal shifting after a crash or impact has compromised its original settings - let's see your mechanical system do that. In the future, we expect a battery that's not only connected to the Di2 drivetrain, but also to your electronically controlled suspension, and even a GPS system. Many riders will hate on it - we're scared of batteries, aren't we? - and it's not about to replace traditional systems, but it is going to lead to some very exciting times.
Yeti's Switch Infinity Suspension
Yeti's Switch Infinity design employs a bearing carrier that moves vertically on two Kashima coated tubes from FOX, with the setup controlling the bike's wheel path: initially, as the bike goes through its travel, the carrier moves upwards, giving it a rearward axle path for improved pedalling and small bump absorption. As the rear wheel goes deeper into its travel the mechanism moves downwards, reducing the amount of chain tension for better big hit performance. Yeti's vice president, Steve Hoogendoorn, explained the difference: ''With the older eccentric we essentially have a really, really short link – something that's less than 15mm, whereas the mechanical analogy for the rail is the exact opposite. Instead of creating a short link, we're creating what's essentially a link that's an infinite length long. We're able to tune wheel path and anti-squat extremely precisely and accurately, which we couldn't do as easily with the Switch.'' It's also claimed to be 100 grams lighter than the original Switch design, and can run smoothly when submerged in quicksand for a decade. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but some impressive testing details from Yeti have us believing that isn't too far from being the case.
Stay tuned for more PB MTB Awards nominees all month.
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Edit: Didn't realize we were talking about tubeless outside, tubed inner. I thought it was tubed outer tubed inner.
Other procore-like systems:
www.deaneasy.it/en/news/7-deaneasy-test-by-365mountainbike.html
forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/ghetto-home-made-procore-dual-chamber-diy-928600.html
@DrPete I view Procore is a cheaper alternative, with compromises, to wider rims which accomplish the same thing with less weight. And you should still use sealand even with procore, it won't stop small punctures in any way
For that matter, how long have bead lock wheels existed? as these are all ways to make a beadlock setup that works without split rims, & provides pinch flat protection that isn't needed in a 4X4 tire.
If mtb'ers really want flat protection, a development of a super light mousse would be the answer. THAT would get me interested.
forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/ghetto-home-made-procore-dual-chamber-diy-928600.html
I can't see what's exciting about the Demo at all.
Definitly behind Procore for the win, Canyon and Yeti as second. Di2 is not new, it's new to MTB only.
Not that I don't think it looks amazing and would love to own one of course
Hopefully they die then!!!
They may have slightly lower the center of gravity by re-innovating the too-low concentric bb pivot, but Specialized compromised virtually every other aspect of suspension performance to accomplish that.
At least they probably won't have to worry about any other company copying this horrific abortion of a suspension design. Although now that Specialized is copying their pivot, Rotec is trying to rise from the dead again like a zombie from the past;
www.mtb-mag.com/en/interbike-rotec-prototype
What is ironic about this amazing technology is that Shimano introduced it right when front derailleurs have almost totally disappeared on mountian bikes. If they released this 3 years ago, it would have had incredible selling potential, but because chainring and derailleur technology has brought 1x into the MTB mainstream forever since the release of the original Dura-Ace Di2, all the new XTR system has is exactly what the 2010 Dura-Ace promised: crisper shifting quality.
If Procore eliminates this its not even a fair contest
I'm also most impressed by procore as an innovation out of this group, but still take a few issues with it for the everyday trail riding. It's a bunch of added weight that still runs the risk of punctures from thorns and sharp rocks that sealant remedies. So how do you solve this? Double redundancy? Procore, tubeless tires, and sealant? I think for the everyday rider aka not in dh racing situations, light and wide rims and tubeless tires with sealant is pretty f'ing reliable without giving up much anything in terms of performance.
For a rider covering tens of miles at a time there is a lot more to consider when it comes to the benefits and drawbacks of a system like this in its current form. Mostly from the primary tire still being susceptible to punctures from thorns/glass/wood/rock etc... and looking rather time consuming to perform a trail side flat tire repair. How do you repair a flat to the outer tire when out on a trail ride??? Remove the procore system and insert a regular tube I guess or inject a sealant to plug the puncture. You've already introduced a lot of weight over a conventional tubeless setup that to add sealant to the system seems excessively heavy, although extremely robust. I dunno. Just trying to weigh the pros and cons for for someone just out trail riding. Maybe the additional weight of this system+sealant wont mean so much if the ride quality really improves That much and makes flats virtually nonexistent.
ProCore is one development that can be used, at a reasonable cost, by anyone.
- Something that prevent flat tires and improve traction
- A device that change geometry, travel, and stiffness of the rear suspension, just by pressing on a lever.
- a bike that has nothing new except bling bling yellow shock, plastic everywhere, and still an archaic rear mech.
- An archaic rear mech with electronic to make it looks modern.
- A swich infinity which is an old switch that don't infringe any patent.
The three last things are'nt innovation compared to the first two, IMO.
What about usable innovation ?
When I read all comments, sounds like no one reinvented the wheel. Astonishing.
Innovation is not only about reinventing the wheel, it's maybe just to take an old idea and to engineer it better for usability and performance.
The first carbon V10 was much more "dramatic", and was actually an improved design, unlike the new Demo.
I get it. You hate Specialized. It wouldn't matter if Gwin won 7 races next year on the new frame, or if every reviewer said the new bike was the best in history - you would never buy a Specialized.
That's kinda sad.
Ever seen a DH bike with a bottom bracket concentric pivot? Ever seen a DH bike made of all carbon fiber, with a one sided seat stay?
In-no-vate (verb) - make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
This is a change in something established (the Specialized Demo dates as one of the first modern DH bikes), that introduces new carbon manufacturing techniques to their line up, using a suspension idea that is not currently being used by an DH bike and only used in one other, older bike model from obscurity. By any one of the literal definitions of the word "innovate" the Specialized Demo is innovative and original in its design. Name one other bike similar to it, or another bike model to ever undergo such a dramatic 1 year transformation.
What everyone is missing here is NOT that the bike is carbon fiber - that's not why its being listed as innovative, and this speaks to the original posters misguided complaint. It is that the fundamental design is unlike any other bike that has ever existed in full suspension. The bike has a bottom bracket concentric, horst link suspension, and a monocoque, 1 sided seat stay frame. No bike in history has been designed in this way, AND it is a radical departure in terms of look and operation from the previous platform. Hence: innovative.
We've gotten here because of small incremental improvements, so I guess we shouldn't poo-poo too many small incremental improvements, spin-offs from MX, etc.
Let the innovations continue and we will do our part to bitch about them.
The switch stuff is original but doesn't massively change the axle path so not sold on that yet but il try it if I can.
Procore is useless unless you race Dh and have lots of money. As it's to heavy and just not needed for normal riding.
Elec gears not needed and not new.
And the spec demo frame is a aesthetic thing for me like a single sided swing arm on a motorbike. (I like it alot) but nothing relavant
Innovation is sort of lacking this year I'd say
cheers and now you can give me neg props
If you can get over the fact that you are buying from one of the larger bike companies on the planet, you realize you are buying a world class frame with no obvious drawbacks or quirks.
Also - every single major publication in history disagrees with your feeling that Specialized is "average" as a bike company. I am not even asking that you trust reviewers if you don't want to. But I can say that I am going to trust their opinions WAY more than anyone on Pinkbike who just loves to hate on any particular company.
Your buddy must be a shit rider or the worst luck ever. I had a Demo and a 2009 Enduro - and I never had to do any major repairs to either bike or the components.
just don't bother to replay please.. you just say what you hear about other's hater's
im done here!
ditto on the Demo and electronic shifting... maybe if they put it in a gearbox id be interested
I work all day with computers, technology, electronics, etc, etc. My bike is my way to get far away from all of that techo crap. I feel I've had a good ride once I hit an area without any cell phone coverage, I smile, take in the epic views and remember why I started riding a bike as a kid. Then shred up the trail like a demon.
haha
"What are you doing in your room dear?"
"Uuuuuhh...unpacking my new brakes."
"But you've been there for over an hour...and where did the box of Kleenex go?"
"Uuuh, don't come in. I'll be out in a minute!"
I doubt that a 1st gen system would weigh less than an iPhone, but given the lower weights/forces in mountain biking and motorcycles I am certain that they could manufacture a system that would be a usable weight. Even if the system was to weigh as much as a 5 year old system for full size motorcycles, it would only be 1.53 lbs of non-rotational weight. That is less than a half full water bottle.
I can speak personally when I say that a lot of my spills have happened because of skidding out or going over the bars in hard braking.
Just like there was resistance to nearly every innovation (suspension, aluminum, carbon fiber, disc brakes, dropper posts, carbon wheels, etc.) it is often hard to imagine that something could be useful - but given enough time innovation keeps on coming. I bet we have useful ABS brakes within a decade.
Complete abS (excliding battery) for mx weighs over 2lbs, so for mtb it will weigh at least a half. Traction control though should be of highest concern of anti-el-bikes lobby as it will minimize potential erosion on uphills
now go use your car's abs on loose gravel or mud! Get back to me! I think you'll find your saab/volvo with be a couple of inches shorter.
Truth. A little perspective on this overused buzzword.
And Shapeshifter seems to accomplish same as Cannondale's been doing with DYADRT2 shock, albeit a bit differently. Promising.
PS - How about Marco what's his name winning the Pro GRT DH in Mammoth on his Lefty Supermax Strut? Put one of those on the front end of the one-sided-seatstay Speshy!
I'm surprised that wheels did not figure higher, 27.5 and 29 though been around a while, have had a greater impact on the industry than virtually anything else, requiring frame redesigns to work around the new sizes, forks, tyres, brakes etc... even the Spesh Demo featured is designed around a 27.5... The redesign of the wheel has pushed manufacturers to consider innovations in frame design and suspension.. consider the new Mondraker Summum (and who wouldn't), surely more innovative than the Spesh ?
The Tube cost me 10 Bucks and have^nt had a flat or lost tire pressure yet in 5.5 months riding 3-4 times a week on rough terrain..Go figure.
BTW..I was'nt even using a Maxxis UST Tire!!!!
My vote is is for Yetis Switch Infinity.
I'm surprised it didn't take off better. Iirc they had an article in MBA testing the wheels and they hit a curb at full speed bending the rim (substantially) and it held air.
Specialized..... Judges in the field of invention will take into account all these PB constructive comments. Are they?
lol
Okay. Nuff said.
Didn't think so.
I like how you admit it was not usefull before, you don't even sound very convinced it's an improvement.
A one sided seat stay isn't an improvement, 2 other (crappy) brands have used the concentric bb on DH bikes, and the first carbon v10 was more stunning than the new Demo. Now you can finish swallowing.
I haven't seen "one sided seat stay", but if your goal is to have an easy access to the shock, Kona Operator have a better layout.
Concentric main pivots, like a rotec, morpheus, or cavalerie falcon?
Yes, I can name a bike that has changed a lot, the commençal supreme (v2 vs v3)
I can't name 2 carbon dh frames, but I don't care, I don't like plastic&charcoal made bikes.
Are you an engineer? Do you have any of they dynamics figures or calculations for frame testing in front of you? If not, you literally (by the definition of the word literally) have not idea how the new frame performs. You haven't ridden it. You don't know anyone that has - and even if you did, unless they are at least a CAT 1 rider I wouldn't place stock in their opinion. And the people who HAVE (testers and pros) are all saying that it is improving on an already great product. The Specialized team has had not problems racing the new frame, posting great results in a super tight World Cup race. You have no background with the product itself to tell me if a one sided seat stay is, in fact, an improvement or not. I know we have been down this path before - so before you come back with a response, please understand that if taken objectively, all of these sentences are 100% valid critiques.
Your assertion that the first carbon V10 is "more stunning" is a subjective statement. Since this is an article about "innovation" I would argue that altering an existing platform to carbon is not innovative - but redesigning a frame that went largely unaltered for 10+ years, to a design that has never been done before, does qualify as "innovation" based on the literal definition of the word "innovation".
Procore ALSO really good idea which will change mountain biking more, but see this type of puncture resistant idea challenged by other tyre manufacturers
I have some other solutions that I would be stupid to print on hear with out protection IP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but any manufacturers out there interested let me know?