Prototype Magura eLECT Rear Shock - Taipei Show 2014

 most of us here run dual crown forks with 8" of travel and the same goes to the rear. We spend thousands of dollars buying some of the most advanced suspension tech on the planet. with HS & LS compression and even HS & LS rebound. We ride and trust carbon fiber bikes on the most technical race courses in the world. That would have been a dream only a few years ago. We use apps like strava to make biking social. Hell we will even spend 200$ on a headset that will change the degree of our fork by 1. I dont see anything wrong with more tech. If you actualy care about bikes loosing there simplicity you should ride a steel single speed hardtail with an elastometer suspension fork. Bikes are way beyond simple already.

 @Waterwater,

I think there is a difference between overdone electronics, a concept that is so complex and wayyy over the top it's just pointless, VS. simple electronic-assistance technology, something that keeps things minimalistic while increasing efficiency and retain the bare human element. We definitely have been seeing a lot of crazy electronics, but I think something like this is pretty simple to begin with. Just firms up or opens up the shock's ports depending on attack angle and accelerometers.

Imo, would help because it can be perfect for trails that have tons of varying terrain, instead of just sticking with one preset for the shock or getting off bike for each section and dialing it in, can have a shock that just simply reads the inputs and adjusts according, which in my books, could be a very useful and nice feature given the read-outs and adjustments are accurate.

 Water is correct. I confirm. There is the scientific comparison in which bicyclist needs the less energy to move own mass, among all moving animals, machines etc. Electronics needs electric power. Why should one spoil this masterpiece of mechanics by adding electric devices that make the bike less efficient overall?

 I don't think its the technology per say. Having electronic parts adds a whole other aspect to the bike, there is outside power, and I don't like that. Keep advancing bike parts by all means, but keep electronics and outside power out of the equation.

 besides some crazy stupid F1 suspension there is almost nothing out there that is significantly better then a fox 40 or a Emerald. The idea of speed controlled dampening, bladder dampers, fully tuneable shims, and not to mention the fact that you can tune every aspect of the suspension with 2 fingers makes it more advanced then 99% of mass produced suspension

 electronic for F1 .. lol

 cikudh en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_suspension do a little research.

 I never said anything about minimalism. I am all for progression and development, but not in this direction. I even approve of new wheelsizes. Again, I like how mountain biking is up to the rider and the bike, nothing else. It makes riding much more personal.
As I said, some people will appreciate the development in technology that is electronic suspension (or any other bike component), but to me it takes away some of the magic of a mountainbike. It makes bikes&riders dependent on this outside power, which takes away some of the freedom associated with just swinging your leg over a bike and going on great adventures. Biking takes me away from the world, and into this magical place where it is just me, my bike, the trail, and nothing else. The thought of having to check my battery capacity on a long ride almost makes me cringe, as it will be a constant reminder that escaping is impossible. Disagree with me all you want, but I won't have anything electric on my bike unless I absolutely have to.

 It's funny how they show the handlebar with nothing else on it. Can you imagine that remote plus a shifter plus a brake lever, gunna have to go with the 32" bar I guess!

 Water is correct again. I confirm. Except for the wheelsizes. Let he be forgiven.

 I can see the potential advantages for racers or people who want the best and most adjustable kit. At the moment I'd like to keep my bike simple and purely mechanical but in the future... who knows. As long as we get to keep the option of standard mechanical shocks this technology won't harm anybody.

 @georgy291 The F1 suspension involves an onboard computer correcting milion times per second every parameter of each suspended wheel in order to keep the car horisontal all the time. It's partially because it is so low over the track and there is still air flow underneath sucking it down up to 2 times the weight. If the tiny space between the floor and track is closed there is no air flow and no downforce.

 @jedrzeja finally someone who knows what they are talking about

 I'm going to keep my opinion on electronic-based bicycle technology fairly short; if it improves the riding experience without causing any perceived compromise (that is where personal preference comes in), then why not? (road bike story) I wasn't the biggest believer in Di2 when I first saw the technology come out, but after I got to build & play with a bunch of Di2 bikes & ride one of my co-workers I changed my mind partly. The ergonomics are better, the shifting is just awesome even under load & is even across all gears, braking in the drops is easier, yadda yadda. I would use it on a race bike since I'm looking purely for performance, but I would still opt for mechanical if it were my training/fun bike because it's cheaper, simpler & I still prefer the feel of throwing my shifter through the gears. My point is that until you get to try the technology you should reserve polarizing & absolute judgements.


P.S. Just a thought on the "I don't want to rely on a battery" crowd: without giving too much away, there may soon no longer be a need for a battery that needs to be charged, the technologies are out there they just need to be refined & applied properly. Would your opinion on electronic bike components change if you didn't have to worry about charging them or them dying?

 Yes, it would change my opinion on electrics if I didn't need to worry about charging. I agree on the racing part, I say go for it. I'm talking from a privateer racers/everyday riders standpoint, and I think I've made my point about electronics in those applications. I will try electric suspension if I ever get the chance, but as of now, I won't buy it for myself, and I don't think that opinion will ever change. It might be a sort of false romanticism, this idea of a mechanical instrument controlled by me, and only me, but I like it. A lot. If people want to run electric suspension, let them. I don't hope it causes some industry shift, where attention is taken away from the mechanical aspect of suspension/shifting and focused on the electric. It might be because of my point of view, but that would slightly break my heart. Industry, please don't.

 water^4: Agreed. Electronics takes the "fun" out of things. It also puts into darkness the riders personal and physical ability. When electronics become to advanced, all of a sudden everyone is good and the aids tend to easy out the drivers/riders errors.

Thats why I like kart racing. Purest form of racing. Its you, a metal chassis, engine, and ur hands. Thats it.

 You got 'er Water!!!! The simplicity of the bicycle is what makes it so hard for all the money grubbers to keep on because there's only so many ways you can reinvent the same old thing. Adding a bunch of gimmicky battery junk is like making the wheel size 5.5% larger or axles 25% smaller. Some dumb f*cking thing to sell to dumb f*cking people. If I'm gonna have a bunch of f*cking batteries turning motors all over my bike there damn well better be one spinning my back wheel. Say'n?

 Not to burst anyone's bubble about F1, but active suspension was banned a few years ago. The only settings now are done before qualifying but they do still have an on board sway bar adjustment.

As for a bike application, in auto mode, I've always wondered if it changes settings so quickly, would it recognize if you were pulling up to bump jump something or manual to bump jump. Think the shock will say, "We're going uphill" and lock out the rear. There's always a manual mode, but that defeats the purpose. They are being used on OEM's first, if it's the next best thing to cold beer, they could be on most cool bikes the next few years. RS and Fox having been working on them, so it could happen.

 my favorite part about this is really the wireless handlebar adjustment. I have doubts on the adequacy of the auto adjusting. What I would really like to see is a pre set feature where you can choose between various pre made setups. Hill climb, flat , technical, descent, etc. I think that is truly where the technology should be heading.

Unless the shock can actually read the terrain ahead, like some high end cars with their lasers and cameras and computers I dont see the auto adjust being anywhere near perfect, and to create a system like that for a bicycle, that can read a bike trail...Many many years away from being possible/affordable.

 Electric this, electric that, just knock it off!

 I'm all for the conservation of mechanical biking, but let me ask you this... How many of you leave your iPhones behind when going for a ride?...thats what I thought.

 Why the worry. Supply will stop once demand stops.

 ^ haha me too...
or how many bikers have sensors, gps mounts, hid lights, gopros, etc
just something to consider. There are a lot of gadgets out there. I find no issue with them, but if im gonna have one it better not take away from the riding experience. How many ways are there control your suspension damping manually? I dont see any aspect of biking to be lost in this technology. if its reliable, not distracting and doesnt make me bankrupt, then it just might be a wonderful option

 Exactly! The beauty of the engineering is that nothing is there to prevent the rider from hanging all of the control over anything on the bike right under him or her. Keep electronics out of the mix. The only people i see this appealing to is the riders who aren't really committed to the raw excitement and fun, but want a new toy to gadget out and ride down the street two times, and leave it on the garage

 Sorry Magura, looks like the second line of electronic dampers never to be used

 I'd like to see where this brings us in about 10 years from now... When the system has been adjusted to almost perfection and your bike sets up the suspension by itself when you hit a different kind of trail. No more idiotic knob spinning, no more annoying click-counting, just riding! = MORE FUN!

When dropper posts saw the day, people were complaining about the weight... And when hydraulic actuation was involved, people were complaining about bleeding it... Yet MANY riders use them now. Why? Because they make your ride more fun!

People really need to stop complaining about the electronic hype. When they don't replace your legs with an engine, what's the fuzz all about? Are you going to buy an unsafe 20yo car without airbags, brake assistance etc, because it's all mechanical? Well go ahead... I'm sure it's "better".

 Personally, i like being able to atty my own to my exact preference, programming free. And when the battery dies, then what? There's no manual override. No thanks. Magura, don't make anti lock brakes and change the way i skid too...

 I will gladly accept electronics on my bike if it will improve the function. Electrically controlled dropper post for example. The advantages are so blatant. As a marathon or xc racer I'd be really interested in electronically controlled suspension as well. Me as not being a racer is not... www.pinkbike.com/news/ks-electronic-wireless-dropper-post-first-look.html

 thats a lot of crap for a switch I would never use

 What if you could rig up a small flexible solar panel to power the system? Also, this is not new tech... Noleen did this back in the 90's, and then Cannondale did it too, just without the angle accelerometer. What about lights? Do you also feel they are bad for requiring batteries? I would love to see how well you would do riding a technical trail in the woods in the dark! Electronics are everywhere, do you ride with a cell phone/GPS/MP3 player? What about Go-Pro?

Give me a break!

 There is a difference between an electronic gadget like a GoPro or a GPS and something which your entire ride is dependent upon, like electronic suspension. That argument is pretty invalid. Solar panels etc. won't change my view on electronic bicycle components, and I think I have made my point several posts ago.

 GoPro GPS, headlight, phone, mp3 player or whichever device in use in biking It's only additional weight for other purposes. Bike performs without it as well, or even better. Electronic suspension is integral part of machine, and no power means no performance.

@whatyousaid A mobile phone is emergency device.

 I couldn't agree more with you, but I see a big difference between electronic controls that enhance reliability, and electronic devices that automatically set the bike without rider intervention (and perhaps not even noticing it). I think the main difference depends on rider activation, not on battery operation.

 Pretty much. There's always something to complain about apparently.

 The reality is, the 26" wheeled do it all bike already exists in many forms, its be done and re-done, refined to the point of excellence and component manufacturers are so good at what they do components last for over a decade now so your bike will run flawlessly for years-onward....... all new innovation is now pointing in new directions because Brands can't just keep offering the same thing riders already have on their bike that still works fine, but the whiners still want new products and bikes that are the exact same as they already have, too blinded by consumerism and an addictive-dependence on constant 'new year model' marketing to realise the bike they currently have is doing just fine and will continue to do so for another 5+ years - they want innovation but don't need it as they already have it.....

- "I hate 650b, someone bring out a new 26" bike!" - you already have one!...
- "electronic suspension sux can't someone bring out something the exact same as I already have!?"....
- "Enduro specific is laaame, I want downhill products!"... you already have a downhill bike for f@cks sake, Brands can't sell you what you already have!

If you don't like the new products being pushed, don't buy them, just stick with your current bike as it will last another 5 years or more!

...aaand rant over!

 beep bop boop

 I completely agree that the electronic tech is reliable, and this kind of technology and innovation is great to have on the market. I could be wrong, but I don't think that the problem is that people have is they don't understand it. For me, part of biking has always been that mechanical feeling. I just enjoy having cables gears and adjusting everything myself. Don't get me wrong, this kind of tech is amazing and i'm sure people would love it, but then there's people who just enjoy the mechanics of bikes. Oh and I actually had to take my piece of crap TV in a few weeks ago to get fixed.

 people dont like it because batteries

 Haha can't wait for time when I drive 1/2 hour to trailhead just to find that I forgot to charge batteries.... you will find this beauty in bushes

 they have a fall back that you can set your self with fingers like a normal shock

 I hear ya. I'm starting to save for something mid range. Came close to buying a brand new Spec Enduro Carbon Pro 3 years ago, it was on sale, down from $5400 to $3250... But my wife thought that was still too much. Kicking myself for not buying that because the new aluminum Evo is $3300 and the Carbon Expert is $6600. And yes I've pointed it out to my wife, "Man, I want this bike". My wife: "WHAT? It's $4200!! No way!" Me: "You know, I could have had a one with better parts for $3250..." Wife: "Yeah, should have listened to you".

 Ha, mate, if I wasn't married I'd have a 10k bike (or 2) for sure!

 The bit when you went wrong was when you considered her opinion about a mtb.

 Well, I took her to the shop to buy a bike for her, cuz she wanted to ride mtb with me. Well, her Myka disc now has slicks for road riding only, so you see where that went. I do like riding with her and at least she's riding. Anyway, salesman says "It's the last day of our sale, 40% off any high end bike". The conversation was slightly heated. If she wasn't there, I would have bought it... And paid $1600 for it

 I'm new to the sport, and so are those I'm riding with. I spent $600 on a 2009 Sortie 1. It has everything I need to ride any trail that is not beyond my ability. The people I ride with are the same, brand new, their abilities are pretty limited. Yet... they made sure to get brand new "entry level" giants at $2800... and I'm seriously wondering how in the hell those bikes are going to allow them to have $1200 worth of fun more than I'm going to have when we ride together?

If you have the money... more power to you. But the more I learn about bikes and this sport, I just can't even figure out how my bike even pedals since it cost 1/8 of a popular bike from the current year.

 That's cool that you're new. Your Sortie 1 is still pretty current with the Knuckle box suspension. I'd say you got a very good deal, your bike was $1600 new. The answer to your question, almost everything on a more expensive bike is better some how, parts are more durable, weight, design, etc. The Carbon bike I mentioned above weighs 29.5lbs with 160mm of travel which is probably 3-4lbs less than yours. I won't get into the differences of those 2 bikes, cuz they are completely different in terms of use. But a lighter bike usually takes less effort to ride. If you ever get the chance to ride a new, $3000 bike on a trail, you'd feel it right away. On second thought.. Just ride yours, it'd save you thousands of dollars a year.. Haha.. Seriously..

I'm more in sticker shock today then you are. I started mtbing 23 years ago, back in the day $2800 got you a custom bike, custom paint, full XTR, a bike rack, a new dog, a keg of beer and pizza for 20 of your closest friends. I have only built frames up for the past 10 years, so even if I bought each part individually on sale, I was saving money spending $3250. It would have taken some serious money moving, saving, borrowing, to buy it, I don't have that kinda money laying around.

As for having more fun for the price, I've ridden about 30 bikes, owned 10 and loved 4 of them. Two of those bikes were entry level bikes. The design of a bike plays a bigger roll than the shiny stuff hanging off of it. 4 of the bikes, I hated, they were top of the line. Too flexy. One steered like a bathtub in a land slide. Broke the frame 2 times on another one. One just rode bad in a straight line.

At the end of the day, it's how much fun YOU have. I've seen guys on Huffy's high fiving after a ride. That's awesome..

 Yes! mechanical stuff will wares out, rusts, requires reoiling and gets filled with crap and siezes. Electronics Dont ware out, aren't dust sensitive and can be sealed away from moisture.

 are you implying that there are no moving parts on this rear shock? lel

 Yes that's true but vibration and electronics don't go well together (even minimal vibration over time can cause damage) unless they are very well insulated and one good solid hit to the shock in a crash ?

 Skim reading posts when suddenly, "vibrating", "wet" and "dirty" appears lol

 Ha! Yeah if it's dry and you vibrate it somehow gets all wet and dirty lol

 @jaron-g1 "electronic in a vibrating wet dirty environment can anyone else see a problem here?"

Nope. I see it everyday workin 24/7 since 2007 so no, I don't see any problem.

 Actually I work on aeronautical electronics have done since 95. and know very well the effects of these factors on circuitry and wiring especially if exposed to moisture from even condensation. I'm not saying it's a certain thing just a possibility and really there is something to be said about the K.I.S.S. theory. And simple fact is you can achieve these effects on damping in shocks mechanically just as efficiently as electrically as both are reactionary and not predictive adjustments.

 reactionary and not predictive adjustments. we are absolutely ok on this point.

 Yep I think a better system for damper control which also could use a Bluetooth system would be a magnetically adjusted fluid inside the shock less need for valve adjustments as viscosity of fluid changes the dampening leaving far less parts to be used or physically adjusted.

 But bigger battery in this case... It's already working on Corvette if I remember.

 Yep but battery technology will soon catch up with solar cell charging etc.

 Good ideas mate! I see your point and makes sense! In 5 years this might be the norm, the beginning is here.

 I guess you don't use a mobile phone abroad,
and spend 40-60 hours in one-go on you MTB???????
Instead of criticise come with a better idea.

 this is basically a worse version of the brain shock. it seems like its intend to do the exact same thing, so why make it so its batteries can die on you?

 Exactly. The Spesh Brain was always a band-aid.

 $ Cha-Ching $
We have a winner

 I would expect the shock could be calibrated to the "resting" position in the bike

 bike lights?

 I really don't ride at night

 how about bike lights? and electric cars are not shitty, hope will stop the US invading country's for oil!

 The United States awful foreign policy is not worth getting into lol. Electric cars are kind of considered shit, because they aren't up to the standard gasoline or diesel cars have set. There isn't access to power everywhere and it makes travel more difficult and a bigger ordeal when driving distances. Also, until electricity is cleanly generated even electric cars have a carbon footprint. Though electric cars are no doubt the future, they aren't up to standard yet. A 1915 Ford Model T beat the 2014 Tesla Model S from Detroit to Nikola Tesla's old Laboratory in NY; the Tesla had to stop for long periods of time to charge.
Butttt anywayyyy back to bikes. I'd stillll rather have a regular mechanical suspension (which probably is more environmentally friendly than the electronic one ) Though I like the wireless adjustments!! No more reaching down for switching between shock tunes...that would be mighty handy!

 Thank you for saying that......you're like me.

 Grade 8 hex bolts are this years hottest kit!

 'The humans are dead, the humans are dead. We poisoned their asses, with poisonous gases'.

 The beginning of Skynet.

 And apparently also the year of shock bolts from your local hardware store

 for fast assembly/reassembly at bike shows. It's not even on a working bike.

 So funny you noticed that! Haha!

 any bike with this crap will never be a "working bike"

 so fixing a fox 40 is cheap?

 Hang on the electric shifter, dropper post and brakes are on there way whether we want them or not...i am good without all that shit..

 I mean the shock itself aesthetically, rather than functionality. The remote looks terrible.

 You are correct....