Tech Randoms: Les Gets XC World Cup 2023

 same, a whole lot more interesting then the DH imo

 Not sure, but I'd really like to get two of the new pods for each bar an I can setup my shifting like my gravel bike and then use the bottom button on either bar for the dropper.

 @bmied31: that's actually not a bad idea... I find the bottom button on the new pod quite awkward to reach (if you set it up so the top one is comfy) and this would solve that annoyance... Still wouldn't solve the "issue" of not being able to shift with your index finger from the back of the pod like you could on the old one (or in this new one Nino is using)

 Probably a test paddle for the Ultimate pod.

 Something as fast rolling as the Renegade with more cornering knobs/traction would be a great addition.

 Yep, they don't look much different than the ones I used nearly 20 years ago. Great balance of grip and speed.

 I never got the hate for cable on pinkbike. It's pretty funny because PBer also hate integration. Being able to adjust you setup between 3 mode is great. The spark is close to a trail bike in open mode which is awesome but you absolutely need more support when pedaling hard, so intermediate mode is perfect whenever a lot of pedaling is involved. Locked for road or out of the saddle effort on smooth surfaces. Nothing beat that for performance XC riding. Automatic adjust between mode is a nice little touch but is no game changer because adjusting yourself just work.

 was just thinking that, awfully heavy brakes for an XC rig. Stopping power really does allow you to go faster though.

 @dsciulli19: that’s really only true if you have the braking traction to make use of the bigger rotors though. I’d think with the minimal tires most of these racers are running, the advantage of the larger rotor would be minimal. Doesn’t take much lever force to lock up a semi slick even with a 160mm rotor.

 I don't see that many beefy brakes besides the magura mt8's on the cube (which are still 2 pot)... The 4 piston Level are actually lighter than the 2 piston variant for whatever reason, and everyone else seems to be running 2 piston xtr or 2 piston level.

 @shreditlikeitshot: was wondering the same. Why go 2 piston if 4 piston is lighter and better for braking? Maybe it's just a commercial thing to clear the inventory; if pro uses 2 pistons, people will buy 2 pistons... but I can't see any reason why someone would go with the level 2 pistons.

 @LMich: I mean, 2 piston is not bad per se. Formula makes a great 2 piston brake (cura) that is way more powerful than level 2 piston and might even be better than level 4 piston. The only advantage I find is that it's a bit easier to get them set up right and have the two pistons move nicely together. On the other hand, if your tires don't have traction, even 6 pistons won't slow you down faster

 I think it's one of these:

global.keter.com/ge_de/msdl-17199301werkzeugwagen-mit-5-schubladen.html

global.keter.com/ge_de/msdl-17200395werkzeugwagen-mit-7-schubladen.html

 @jcrr #34 is Victor Koretzky's bike, and #39 is Christopher Blevins' bike. It's the rider's choice which bike they ride at each race. Usually it's a choice between their sponsor's full suspension and hardtail race bikes, but unlike most companies Specialized makes two different XC race full suspension models alongside their hardtail model.

 (just) Epic (Brain), Epic Evo*, Epic World Cup. [*run suspension as sold to the public (sans lockout), run with regular/manual lockout, run with flight attendant automatic/electronic lockout].. plenty of choice for Specialized Factory Team riders.. ‍

 @jf45: Over the course of this season, judging by the Factory Colorways, some of those frames look like they're an Epic Frame minus the Brain with either a standard lockout or the Flight Attendant. Some of the Non-Brain bikes head angles also look too steep for an EVO Frame.

 you ask for a drink... and they bring over something kinda wet, not really hot and charge you as if it's made of gold.

 m.pinkbike.com/news/review-rockshox-flight-attendant.html

 @scar4me: this is underrated, well done

 A few of the riders came from the old Santa Cruz/FSA team. Rockriddr has been on the circuit but for sure really blew up in a good way this year.

 The team has come alive this year, but Decathlon/Rockrider/B'twin have been on the circuit few years back (early 2000s I think ?)
I also think that Ford is a late addition to the sponsors' list, but it's cool to see a big player involved on an XC team !

 Julian Schelb's Berria Bravo from the STOP&GO marten defense MTB team.

 @casey79: Berria *Mako. Which is one and the same frame as a Thomus Lightrider.

 At first, I read your comment as 'French croissants going on a Lapierre'