The Eurobike Rumors: AXS Suspension, 1.8'' Steerer Tubes, a SRAM Motor, Fox's 38mm Fork - Eurobike 2019

Sep 10, 2019 at 9:15
by Mike Levy  
The Eurobike tradeshow is so big and so busy that it's easy to miss the little things while you're dodging roller bags, high on a combo of Haribo, sliced meat, and fizzy water. Little things like, oh, I don't know, a new 1.8" tapered steerer tube, whispers of an eMTB motor from the folks at SRAM, AXS integrated suspension, and what might be an entirely new fork from Fox with 38mm stanchions. And here I was worried that the biggest news from the show was a derailleur hanger...

But first, a disclaimer: While I'm pretty sure we'll see a few of these go from fiction to fact in the near future, they're all still rumors and speculation at this point.





Does SRAM have an eMTB motor?

Are you Team Shimano or Team SRAM? Or maybe just Team Whatever Came On Your Bike? The two component giants combine for so much OEM sales that there are only relative crumbs left for the other guys, but there's something in Shimano's catalog that their biggest competitor has yet to offer: An eMTB motor to go up against their Steps E8000 system. And, in case you haven't heard, the whole e-bike segment is apparently growing like a weed, regardless of what you or I think of them.

With that in mind, it'd make sense for SRAM to offer their own motor in the future, wouldn't it? Sure would, and that's exactly what one persistent rumor has been saying for a while now.

I don't think there's any fire to go along with this smoke though, as not a single source has been able to back it up with anything solid. If SRAM were working on a motor for next year, their OEM partners would likely be well-aware by now as they'd need to prepare their frames and spec a long way in advance. However, all is quiet on that front.

If they did have a motor in the pipe, I'd have expected a more generic ''We're always working on new things'' type of response. Instead, it's an outright denial from SRAM on this one, with them citing their close relationship with Bosch and explicitly stating that there's no eMTB motor in the works from them.
photo
Shimano offers multiple eMTB systems. SRAM? Not a single one.

It's likely that a group of smart people are beavering away on some type of prototype motor deep in SRAM's development centre, or eagerly looking to acquire some intellectual property, but I don't think they have plans to enter that market anytime soon.

Chance of this actually happening (in 2020): 10%






RockShox AXS Suspension is probably on the way.

We're probably not going to see a SRAM motor anytime soon, but there's a good chance that their wireless AXS range will expand from drivetrains and a seatpost to include forks and shocks in the near future. Rather than taking the reactive-suspension route as Fox did with their Live Valve system, I suspect AXS will offer wireless control over both the fork and shock's compression modes, letting riders choose what level of firmness they get at the push of a button.


SRAM Eagle AXS XX1 review
Imagine if your drivetrain, seatpost, and suspension could all talk to each other to offer the best performance?


Remember when AXS debuted earlier this year from SRAM's press camp in Tucson, Arizona? Word is that the Nino Schurter and the rest of the Scott-SRAM team were testing AXS-ified suspension components during the same time, although no one's spotted them being used at the World Cup level yet. Since then, the hastily hidden images we've seen of the shock revealed only that it appeared quite large.

The potential for AXS suspension also brings us to the next logical step: integrating suspension performance with your AXS Reverb. SRAM is by no means doing that, but wouldn't it make sense to have your suspension automatically open when you lower your dropper post? Or, if you're on a cross-country or trail bike, you might set it up to all-but-lock out when your seat is at full height. It'd be a huge development for on-the-fly suspension adjustment. What's SRAM say? Not much - they declined to comment on this one.

We've spent the last few months testing the same Eagle AXS XX1 drivetrain on three different bikes, and it's see everything from long days in the Whistler Bike Park to overnight epics in the Chilcotins in that time without any real issues. One way it could be even better, though, would be integration with your bike's suspension.

Chance of this actually happening: 80%






Is a 1.8" tapered steerer tube standard happening?

When I walked into the SR Suntour booth, I strolled right past a Bulls e-bike with a Durolux long-travel single crown fork before inquiring if there was anything new to be seen. ''Maybe...'' came the answer before I was led right back to that Bulls to look at its strangely large headtube and the fork's massive crown. And the '1.8' sticker on the lowers.


Eurobike 2019
There's a 1.8" tapered steerer tube on the front of this Bulls eMTB.


Yup, rather than the common 1.5" tapered steerer that everyone uses, this SR Suntour Durolux fork has a 1.8" steerer that tapers down to the usual 1.125" at the top where your stem clamps. Sounds like an upcoming "standard" of some kind, right? It isn't likely, thank the Lord, but there were a few hours where I thought I'd be the one delivering exactly that news.

Some digging revealed that yes, there are a few select forks from both SR Suntour and RockShox with 1.8" tapered steerer tubes being made for Bulls, but no there are no plans to offer them aftermarket. So, it doesn't sound like we'll be seeing them on the front of our mountain bikes, and 1.5" tapered steerers aren't being replaced. I don't think.

So, what's the deal with 1.8" steerer tubes? Here's the official word from Mallory Burda, RockShox Brand Manager: “Last summer our product team received a request from one of our customers, ZEG [owner of the Bulls brand], for forks that would be more aesthetically suitable for their eMTB line. In detail, that ask was for larger sized steerer option (1.8” tapered) in a select number of RockShox forks to better match the customer's bike line aesthetics. We assessed the project, and chose to support that request and moved forward with producing the option for Lyrik and our 35 Gold fork models, to be released this summer.

''This steerer option is offered to all other OE customers along with all current inline models. In the end, we treat such requests similar to how we fulfill specific travel needs, or custom decals - available to all, and supported throughout our service centers and distributors.



Eurobike 2019
Eurobike 2019
The Durolux (left) features a 1.8" tapered steerer and a fork crown that looks massive compared to a standard version (right).


Here's SR Suntour's take, courtesy of Darren Salsbury, North American Liaison Manager: ''SR Suntour has been an early adopter to building suspension forks tailored to the demands of both pavement e-bikes and eMTB. Special attention has been given to key structural areas in the wall thickness of lowers, brake interface and crowns designed to handle the increased loads.

''SR Suntour was approached by bike manufacturers that have been dealing with changing structures on e-bike frames in terms of strength, stiffness, and tube shapes. These brands answer is a 1.8” lower bearing and corresponding larger fork crown. E-bikes are pushing the limits of strength, stiffness, and durability requirements for suspension forks due to the increased weight of frames, batteries, and motors combined with riders pushing these bikes harder than ever. SR Suntour agrees with these bike manufacturers that 1.8 makes sense for the added stiffness and strength on certain categories of pavement e-bikes and eMTB.
''

It's likely going to be called 'Supertaper,' and in case you didn't catch it in Burda's response, this isn't coming from suspension companies - it's being requested by just a single frame manufacturer - and it's driven by aesthetics rather than performance. Do the 1.8" tapered steerer and corresponding massive crown improve rigidity? It must, to some extent but, as it was explained to me in the SR Suntour booth, the larger steerer and corresponding fork crown are mainly being used to better match the massive, battery-filled downtubes and large headtubes found on e-bikes.

Here's hoping that's where this whole 1.8" tapered steerer tube doesn't take off, but the cynic in me wouldn't be surprised to see this show up on mountain bikes in the future.

Chance of this actually happening: 40%





Fox might have a 38mm fork coming.

Sticking with the fork theme, multiple sources have confirmed the existence of an entirely new model from Fox called the '38' that, surprise surprise, sports 38mm stanchion tubes. While I haven't seen the fork or had any details confirmed, it'll likely be a long-travel single-crown offering that's aimed at the enduro and eMTB crowds, and it'll get their Grip2 damper. Expect 180mm, or maybe even a touch more, and a burly chassis to keep it stiff.


Richie Rude had two big crashes today bur was still able to win the queen Stage and sits in 3rd just 3 seconds back
Richie makes the 36 look underbuilt. Will we see the Yeti racer using a 38 at the final EWS of the season?


Perhaps the most damning evidence has to be the simple fact that their current range goes from 32, 34, 36... And then jumps to 40. It's almost like it's meant to be, and Craig Richey, Director of Brand & Product Marketing at Fox, sounds like he agrees: ''A 38 would fit nicely into the FOX naming convention so let the rumours swirl. We’re always working on new suspension products to help riders go faster and push their limits.''

Something else that Fox has been working on is a new downhill-oriented shock, first spotted at the World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec. With dials on the bridge like their X2 model and another at the opposite end of the shock, it looks like Fox is close to introducing something new. Word is that a shrunk-down version of their Grip2 damping system is hidden inside, but we'll have to wait and see if that's true.

It's been a minute since Fox has debuted an all-new fork, and with enduro riders looking for burlier options, I suspect this one is highly likely.

Chance of this actually happening: 90%

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

203 Comments
  • 175 4
 Pretty sure the 1.8" tapered steerer IS going to screw us all. Hope you enjoyed your industry-wide, universal standard while it lasted, boys.
  • 70 72
 On the other hand, if a 1.8" steerer is what it takes to stop fork crowns from creaking after a year of use, I'm all for it. I've had 5 forks from 3 different companies and they all creak after 12-18 months.
  • 48 9
 I just don't think increasing diameter is the right way to go with tackling steerer flex. I think improvements in headset design might actually do more in enhancing stiffness.
  • 12 54
flag IllestT (Sep 10, 2019 at 15:35) (Below Threshold)
 How come Fox don't make a 34 with double crown?
  • 62 1
 @aerius30: I thought that creaking came from the press-fit interface between the crown and the stanchions. If that's the case, a wider steerer tube wouldn't do anything to address that issue. But I do wonder if the wider stanchions on that Fox 38 might be the answer to your prayers.
  • 23 1
 Banking on a 1.8" to 1.5" shim already in the making. Unless everybody is still busy making after market dropper post remotes...
  • 94 4
 It's frustrating that Fox don't need to make a whole new fork to simply make the 36 better. The diameter of the stanchions isn't the sole determining factor when considering fork flex (and creak). They're flexy because the crown and drop outs simply have insufficient material.
Make a super chunky crown and give it a 20mm axle with proper pinch clamps and call it the "Fox 36 GE" (good edition).
Done
  • 9 30
flag kleinblake (Sep 10, 2019 at 16:21) (Below Threshold)
 Except this is actually a good thing as single crown fork stiffness is absolute dog shit
  • 4 3
 @aerius30: you'll need more than that. I have had many creaky forks, and all creaked at the stanchion/crown join.
  • 4 1
 1.8 frame to 1.5 fork headset seems sole enough. Just machine a different crown race even, and done. This is nothing compared to boost and it's variations.
  • 20 0
 @IllestT: I'd go another step. Lighter weight dual crown setups are coming. Mojo has a kit for 36 Fox forks to make them dual crowns. Reasonable weight and they are trying to address the bushing surface area and accelerated wear of bushings. As bikes get slacker and longer travel fork flex and accelerated wear become real issues that are not being addressed currently by the major mfg's. MRP Bartlett is sort of targeting this need , but are probably the only one.
  • 4 0
 @chasejj: would be exciting to see more USD designs as well which should make bushings more durable as well.
  • 3 0
 Hopefully Works Components is already on it, as they usually offer headsets as reducer kits in various angles and sizes. That way we can get 2-degrees slacker within the massive steer tube space using even straight old steer tubes as well as the usual tapered.
  • 2 1
 @dylandoe: you would think the new 1.8 bikes would already have plenty slack geo, being the newest of the new. Id you need a works Anglesey right away, I would think you bought the wrong bike, no?
  • 2 0
 @IllestT: I kinda agree with this. I have had ZERO problems with my older RC2, and am keeping it healthy for as long as possible.
  • 5 0
 @IllestT: for a while the e bike 36 was just that. Thicker walls for the stanchion tubes and the old 20mm pinch bolt axle. Way better than what’s currently available from fox
  • 6 0
 Well. Fuck.
  • 7 1
 @IllestT:

At this stage, doing another material for the stanchions, crown and lowers would do more for fork stiffness than increasing the stanchion diameter 5.5%.
  • 10 0
 That is designed for brand-new cyclists who commute with a battery at 40 kmp with Tektro brakes and zero idea about handling of an 18 kg bicycle. Basically in case if they ride into something and ram someone their frames won't crack.
  • 15 1
 1.5 fork in a 1.8 frame - enough adjustment for that exact head angle you want.
  • 23 4
 I’m holding out for 1.799
  • 1 1
 Bent forks at the steer tube before, still riding a 1.125" straight tube. The bigger the better in my opinion. Still remember heating my old steer tube, and trying to bend it back.
  • 9 2
 @milldrop: Totally agree. The E-bike crowd is 90% clueless joeys and 10% complete shredders.
  • 4 1
 Nah... it's more like I think Richie makes the 36 look underbuilt...
  • 1 1
 @alexsin: it’s coming from SRAM, their Dub offering to match the cranks.
  • 14 1
 @IllestT: Don’t u just love that 20mm thru is the answer we had all along?!...
  • 19 1
 The whole point of unnecessary ebike specific standards is to keep the prices identical, and prevent cross compatibility. The Ebike trend is increasing the total number of available second hand parts for all kind of bikes. In theory, component prices should go down, and it should be easier to find parts as there are more and more bikes. But instead of just adding more standards that are common through all kind of bikes, the industry adds standards that cleaves categories and prevent cross compatibility. SUNTOUR you are on the kill list. I hope a lazer sharknado eats your factories
  • 2 0
 @IllestT: then put a coil spring in it and write Marzocchi on the side?
  • 2 1
 @aerius30: Hmm this is very strange, I have tried so many forks in my days and from all the offerings out there. Never had a creak noises. Not to mention I am not the guy who shine-wipe his bike after every ride
  • 4 0
 @zede: comment of the day
  • 1 0
 @Kramz: haha. How'd that pan out?
  • 3 1
 @fattyheadshok: you're exaggerating wildly there. 10%, madness...
  • 3 0
 @IllestT: Increasing diameter is a more weight-effective way to increase rigidity than simply increasing wall thicknesses. Hence why the 20mm axle is also... better.
  • 4 0
 They could have gone double crown with most of the offset in the crown so you have plenty of turning radius.
  • 2 0
 "It's been a minute since Fox has debuted an all-new fork" lol Beer
  • 1 0
 @del1986: @They are fat, you are not ?
  • 2 0
 @IllestT: FOX 36 PEE (Properly Engineered Edition) :-)
  • 2 0
 @Kramz: you are brave..
  • 1 0
 @alexsin: very good
  • 2 0
 @NinetySixBikes: yes, a shim that allows a larger object to fit into a smaller space. Brilliant.
  • 1 0
 @JohanG: exactly. This could be tits.
  • 2 1
 @zede: woke
  • 2 0
 @SintraFreeride: bring back the Stratos MX6 and FR4 I say! #alltheoffset
  • 2 1
 @pimpin-gimp: I think fork brands should start building dual crown forks for regular trail riding. The small weight penalty is worth the added stiffness and the badass look! Mojo rising has a dual crown fox 36 which looks sweet!
  • 1 0
 @IllestT: so pretty much 2010's fox 36?
  • 89 4
 “...forks that would be more aesthetically suitable for their eMTB line.” Didn’t Myth Busters already address whether it’s actually possible to polish a turd?
  • 58 3
 Ha ha headlights, large fenders, larger tires and forks, bigger brakes, a motor... hmm I could have sworn I've already seen a two-wheeled thing that matches this exact description.
  • 16 1
 @highfivenwhiteguy: they're just in denial. it's like marrying your second choice and trying to give the look of the "chosen one". I've seen it, it will end in tears.
  • 8 10
 @highfivenwhiteguy: except MX bikes aren't allowed on MTB trails
  • 1 2
 @matt-15: Why wouldn't mountain cross bikes be allowed? I mean I get it not everyone was thrilled with the attempt to bridge the gap between enduro and all mountain bikes but that doesn't mean they should be banned from trails.
  • 3 1
 Yes, and you can...
  • 10 3
 @matt-15: You're not wrong, but this is the kind of logic that (in the US, anyway) might get MTBs banned from MTB trails too.
  • 64 1
 AXS bottlecage?!?!
  • 18 1
 AXS tire valves
  • 27 1
 AXS cable ferrules.
  • 37 1
 @HopeFbn: Technically SRAM owns Quarq, which makes the Tyrewiz, a wireless tire pressure monitoring system

All they have left to do is rename it
  • 28 0
 AXS bike bell
  • 21 0
 AXS wireless release clip-in pedals
  • 44 0
 Pair an AXS remote with your iPhone FaceID so that your CamelBak spray water straight in your mouth.
  • 55 3
 AXS Dildo Saddle so every time you sit down you are reminded of how SRAM feels about its customers
  • 2 0
 @matt-15: and integrate it on the AXS software, which... might not be a completely bad idea after all.
  • 41 0
 The sram motor series will be named the AXS Powers.
  • 5 0
 @Ron-C: Ouch! Especially given that it'll be under development at SRAM-Schweinfurt.
  • 1 1
 @HopeFbn: these literally already exist, but they are under Sram's Quarq brand. I imagine they will eventually get rebranded as AXS.
  • 2 0
 @highfivenwhiteguy: and integrate it on the AXS software, which... might not be a completely bad idea after all.
  • 3 0
 AXS armpit zippers
  • 3 1
 @HopeFbn: it’s called tirewiz
  • 2 0
 @HopeFbn: Make 'em self-inflating and on-the-fly pressure adjustments could be a thing. I mean, I believe the technology exists, though I certainly hope to never see it.
  • 2 0
 @highfivenwhiteguy: at least sram doesnt make an ebike motor
  • 2 0
 AXS Flip-chip
  • 52 0
 180 x 38 mm fork? Sounds like something you'd throw on a freeride bike. Freeduro! Freecountry?
  • 15 0
 Sounds like Fox trying to get one-up on the Manitou Mezzer...
  • 3 2
 @GLOB-2018: could be, but to me it seems more like a competitor to the MRP Bartlett, a "short" travel dual crown fork
  • 11 2
 All the "Enduro" bikes being sold now are freeride. Most are over 6" of travel and extremely tough.
And nobody seems to use them for Enduro, instead using shorter travel options.
  • 6 0
 I've already had a fork that fits that description, it's called a marzocchi 66 from 2008-2010 I think. Mine was a combination of all those years, it's dead now.
  • 3 3
 it exists. ive seen it. it was on an eBike. ...sorry bro.
  • 22 0
 Chances I'll buy one, 80%
Chances I'll notice a difference from my Fox 36, 1.8%
  • 2 0
 Sounds like a Manitou Travis...
  • 8 0
 @NorCalNomad: can't forget the 40mm Totems
  • 7 0
 Downduro was the word you are looking for. ^^
  • 6 0
 Its what the Lyrik shouldve always been. Its just a Pike+ currently.
  • 1 0
 @Duderz7: I still have one with 1.5" straight through steerer... So it still fits very few frames because their head tubes are tapered

Great fork though
  • 1 0
 @nordland071285: mine is an 1 1/8 steerer, but it's on its 3rd set of seals and won't hold oil as the chrome coating is flaking off. Bums me out. I'd love to run it on my demo9
  • 52 0
 Yeeesss now RockShox will be inclined to bring the Totem back!!!!
  • 12 0
 2nd this, we need freeride bikes to be a thing again.
  • 10 0
 The Totem makes me think Fox should just skip the 38 and bring out a single crown 40. Using the 40 lowers on two models would reduce manufacturing costs, too.
  • 15 0
 @ninjatarian: But what would Fox do with all that free space between 36 - 40!!!
  • 13 0
 In a couple years, the 36 will be for trail bikes (up to 150mm), and the 38 will be the new must have for "aggressive" riding.
  • 3 0
 @zyoungson: they already are, just being called enduro now.
  • 1 0
 @mtnrush666: and then RockShox will come out with a 40mm singe crown work. Oh, oh no wait a second...getting that deja vu feeling.
  • 3 0
 They’re coming out with a 38mm fork as well with I believe 200 post mount ...just wait Wink
  • 3 0
 @mtnrush666: this. The 32 is already being phased out, it's just a matter of time.
  • 10 1
 A 36mm dual crown for rowdy riding needs to happen. 38mm SC just prolongs creaking. 36 dual crown, huge bushing overlap, 20mm BOOST, 200mm PM, Huge win.
  • 1 0
 @ismasan: We are only just starting to see them. Wouldnt call it a resurgence yet but it needs to happen, big bike that can be pedalled = the dream.
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: 0% chance of happening
  • 44 3
 Sram will release their eBike motor before any real testing; the first generation will get recalled; the circle of disaster will continue...

Am I missing anything?
  • 23 3
 It will have a charging system running at 28.99 volts and crank arm mounts that are proprietary to SRAM. Since most E-motors use ISIS mounts they will call is ShariRAM.
  • 20 0
 And hydraulic lines from the computer to the motor
  • 13 0
 And the buttons will get stuck down whenever it's hot, cold, sunny, cloudy, or if you ever look at it the wrong way
  • 2 0
 @Fix-the-Spade: the irony being Truvativ was a developer of the ISIS interface
  • 6 0
 it will sound like a bunch of turkeys being slaughtered when you aren't pedaling
  • 2 0
 It will have no mowing cranks, just an AXS an controller Wink
  • 2 0
 Gen 1 they will sell for 10 years while claiming it's the best then come out with another one, change the name and tell everyone that "yes, the last one sucked but this one is way better. Why don't you trust us?" Then that one will get recalled. Finally around gen 3 or 4 they will actually get it right, but at the same time it will now be obsolete because SRAM themselves came out with a new standard and the process will start over. It's the circle of life.
  • 23 0
 Maybe we're looking at the Fox 38 wrong. What if it is a "light-duty" dual crown fork with 170-190mm of travel, meant for freeride bikes, similar to the MRP Bartlett, rather than a single crown 36 on steroids. I mean the 36 already goes up to 180mm with a single crown, why have two long-travel single-crown forks?
  • 37 3
 Why? Ebikes.

Big headtubes
Big stanchions
Big tires
Big riders

How'd this get past my filter?
  • 4 0
 Yes! Plus, like the Barlett, the dual crown form factor allows you to get more travel out of the same axle-crown, which is a big advantage to long-travel 29ers.
  • 2 1
 Please Fox make this happen! I’ve been dreaming of these things for a long time. I’d 100% be your first customer for a 38DC in 180!
  • 6 1
 Somebody ought to bring back a revamped Zzyzx. Wish I never sold mine. it was a thing of beauty. Didn't ride so great by today's standards, but I'd still love to own one.
  • 1 0
 @HurricaneCycles: you can already buy a 180mm 40.. or even a 180 Ohlins 38mm stanchioned dual crown ..
  • 17 0
 Seriously why don't they just use dual crown forks on E-Bikes?
  • 86 0
 Can't do bar spins...
  • 4 16
flag loganflores (Sep 10, 2019 at 16:35) (Below Threshold)
 Probably the damage you would do to the fork and frame in a crash at high speed. I would think maybe I’m wrong that a person who bought a dh bike would on average have more bike handling abilities than someone first trying out biking on a ebike. Imagine your fairly green and crash and destroy your frame and fork on your second ride would you recommend it to your friends.
  • 5 3
 Several Class 2 ebikes do have dual crown. I guess if you're willing to twist a throttle you're willing to have your ride look like a motocross bike with pedals.
  • 13 0
 Probably cause marketers want the distinction from a motorcycle.
  • 9 0
 imagine an AXS trottle....OMG the future is so bright, that's impossible to see anyting
  • 8 0
 Anyone remember when Giant tried to make Overdrive head tubes a thing? I'm glad that died, and I hope the 1.8 steerer tube never gets past this point.
  • 4 0
 I remember and hope this will have the same fate
  • 1 0
 I think it's funny that they are primarily doing it for aesthetics, which is probably why 1.5" died.
  • 5 0
 Off-topic, but will there be a Manitou Mezzer review in the foreseeable future? This interests me more than the next Fox iteration, promising 400% performance increase to all previous forks that were supposed to be 400% better than their predecessors... (although now they can boast about a real 13% stiffness increase)
  • 4 0
 SRAM knows that motors (and the battery) are going to be a commodity part. The special sauce will be the software that controls it. No reason to develop something special now. Eventually they will put their AXS stamp on a unified control system for everything
  • 10 3
 SRAM ebike motor? Who's playing catch-up now?
  • 5 0
 I've had my eye on Fox 36 forks, but have felt like my smooth terrain doesn't deserve enduro level stuff. But I guess now I don't have to feel like as much of a poser. Cool.
  • 1 0
 Just buy a 100mm XC bike and put a Fox 40 on it. Hardtail -> fox 40. Road bike -> fox 40. Everything gets a 40.
  • 3 0
 "this isn't coming from suspension companies - it's being requested by just a single frame manufacturer - and it's driven by aesthetics rather than performance. Do the 1.8" tapered steerer and corresponding massive crown improve rigidity?"

Just put a phat crown on a regular steerer tube you daft buggers
  • 5 1
 AXS smart rims. They automatically adjust spoke tension and stiffness for optimum traction and suppleness and are self truing...
  • 3 0
 I have wondered why there was no wireless shock controller for a while. LiveWire was a bit overboard, but an AXS integrated shock switch control is right up my alley.
  • 1 0
 Same. A push button remote (on/off) is all you need for a remote lockout, not some huge lever that goes where the dropper lever should go.
  • 5 0
 still rockin' my 1.5 steere Totem …. tee hee
  • 4 2
 What's the point of 38mm stanchions when no one seems to be able to get the CSU right on any of the current crop of high end single crown forks? I'd love if these things stopped developing creaks.
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike's slo-mo huck to flat videos they did sometime back clearly illustrate that there is SIGNIFICANT flex in single crown forks as well as bicycle head tube design. I'm all for making stuff more burly. The other side of the coin is how inherent flex from frame and wheels helps how the bike grips the ground. Somehow need to find a happy medium...
  • 1 0
 I sure hope the Fox 38 rumor is true!

After riding a long line of RS Pikes and Lyriks, the Fox 36 Grip 2 blew my mind with its incredible composure and mid-stroke support (almost too much mid stroke support with the Vorsprung Luftkappe). As a big guy I can huck into the worst, rockiest landing and know what the airspring and damper are going to do every time. It rides so high in its travel normally that according to my shockwhiz its dynamic sag averages 5-10% less than its static sag! It never wallows or bottoms with a metallic clang and never suddenly and unexpectedly blows though its travel. The same cannot be said of the RS forks I've had. It may not be the softest fork on the hands but it has saved my a$$ more times than I can count.

However, for a fork with such an amazing air spring and damper, the chassis is a wet noodle. Even with my headset over-tightened to the point that I'm going through Cane Creek Hellbender bearings in 8 months, the headset still makes noises ever time I brake through a rock garden or while turning in steep rocky terrain (due to steerer flex or elongation I presume). With the stock quick release axle there was so much torsional flex compared to my Lyrik with torque caps that I immediately bought One Up's more rigid replacement axle which was a noticeable improvement but still not as good as the Lyrik IMO.

I'm seriously considering trying out the new Manitou Mezzer, but am worried that it will never be able to match the damping support and air spring performance of my Fox 36. A single (or short travel dual) crown Fox 38 sounds like just the ticket!
  • 1 0
 i have just had to buy a new jump bike. my old one was 24" with BMX hub spacing. Amazing bike, odyssey and profile everything except for the NS frame. But I couldn't get parts for it no more. And this is what the industry is doing, forcing us to buy a new bike every couple of years, assuring us that the new standard is stronger, when, really, the bikes we already have are more than strong enough. Boycott the market!
  • 1 0
 1.8" is a 100% a sure thing now its been featured here. Already people here are talking of incorrect reasons why this would be better and didn't even take the time out to read the article properly. With people like this about everything new = better in their eyes. Manufacturers love idiots like these as its basically a license to print money as each year many people will look to buy a new bike with this on it as a perceived improvement. Honestly tapered steerers were a fairly recent addition in the scheme of things and if they couldn't have figured it out then then why now.
  • 2 0
 "And, in case you haven't heard, the whole e-bike segment is apparently growing like a weed"

I totally misread this first time through...
  • 3 0
 Fox 38 - still creaks - just bit louder than 36..

Hope the 37mm Manitou Mezzer appears soon on the shelves. Smile
  • 1 0
 Should be available now. Check with your local distributor.
  • 1 0
 As always it's all about the looks " for forks that would be more aesthetically suitable for their eMTB line"

My proposal is 2" - it should last at least 2,5 years before its too old.
  • 1 1
 Honestly I've been waiting for a 38mm stanchion, with more and more bikes moving to 180mm of travel, the 36 is starting to be too thin, a large reason why I've stayed away from 180mm travel because I feel like there would be too much flex, so having 38mm stanchions would encourage me more to use 180mm.
  • 1 0
 That asx suspension sounds sick. My next bike is going to have the drivetrain I think and the dropper. Being able to make those adjustments with the press of a button on my fork and shock would be awesome.
  • 1 0
 Better off working on making the frames more sleek because right now ebike frames oversizedness look ridiculous. Trying to beef up the fork to match the oversized ugly frame is not a long term solution
  • 2 0
 Why stop at 1.8. The future will hold something bigger until too big is established. I vote 1.5/2.0 taper
  • 1 0
 Shows a picture of a production 1.8 fork "Chance of this actually happening: 40%" welp tooling is dropped and this is 100% real.
  • 3 4
 If more than 1 manufacturer has already gone to the trouble of getting tooled up to produce 1.8” steerers, then like it or not, it’s coming!!!!! Making tooling to forge crowns is not a cheap, 5 minute job, they will want return on that investment. I give it 6 months before they are appearing on normal MTB’s.

Dual crown forks already exist, if strength is an issue, use them!!! That won’t happen tho, because they want eMTB’s (aka Mopeds) to look as similar to a “normal” bike as possible to help sales.

Form before Function, exactly how you don’t want to design and engineer a new product!!!!!!!

For the record I have nothing against e-bikes, they are huge fun, but they should be marketed as what they actually are. They are called Mopeds, MOtorised PEDal bikes. They’ve been around for decades. The word was invented in the 50’s.
  • 3 1
 Fox = “We have a new 38”

Rock Shox = (Hold My Beer) Brings back the Totem!
  • 2 0
 My Giant Trance came with an oversized steer tube.....attached to a fox 32 fork. Thanks Giant.
  • 4 0
 Fox 38 Stepcast.
  • 5 3
 Very hot in the pants at the thought of a 38 fox. Also, and as always and forever, fuck ebikes.
  • 2 0
 Why stop at 1.8" and not go to 2"? It's not even an imperial fraction nor is it a metric equivalent. Major OCD right now.
  • 1 0
 A clever alternative to AXS suspension: Don't set up your suspension like a git. Even on my 160mm DHX2 I rarely hit the climb switch when I'm climbing 2k feet.
  • 1 0
 Fox 38 fork rumoured. Rockshox says hold my beer and brings out a new190mm travel 38mm stanchioned Totem.
  • 1 0
 MTBing has officially become 1.8x more elitist and bad for the environment.
  • 2 0
 Forgive my ignorance but whats on Richie Rude's wrists?
  • 7 0
 Timing chips x 2.
  • 2 0
 Timing chips, they use them at the EWS. Someone can prob chime in why there's one for each wrist
  • 2 1
 maybe some sort of medical information in case of injuries and/or backup timing equipment in case you rip off the transponder on your fork
  • 4 0
 @Mkrol: In case one fails.
  • 1 0
 @Mkrol: The second is just a backup.
  • 1 1
 38mm stations and 1.8 steer tubes... Why have a dual crown fork line then? 2022 will be the year of Dual crown 200mm Single crown DH bikes
  • 2 1
 When it comes to E anything I’d rather call Elon and have him figure out a system
  • 2 0
 GCN reviews a full suspension gravel bike
  • 2 4
 I've been dreaming for years now of a bike with a control unit, wirelessly controlling dropper post, shifting, suspension, geometry, and tire pressure. It would have settings from fully automatic ie. when you hit a climb your seat rises, suspension locks, geometry changes, tires harden, and gearing is automatic, to any number of pre-set choices for any of the components. All the technology exists, make it Shimano!
  • 5 0
 Can I have some of what you're smoking?
  • 2 0
 This is what happens when you all start complaing about creaky CSUs...
  • 2 1
 More interested when / if SRAM is going to roll AXS down their product line. AXS on GX level kit.......
  • 3 2
 E bike filter is broken again!! Absolutely love it when I don't see E bike content! Please bring back the E bike filter.
  • 1 0
 Can't they just increase wall thickness instead of changing outer diameter?
  • 2 1
 Meh. I'll just blame it on the ebikes
  • 2 1
 If they’re gonna change it, make it metric. An actual measurement... Razz
  • 4 0
 Nah that’s the second step.
Third step is Metric DUB, 0.01mm narrower than common sense.
  • 1 0
 Fox 40 ftw...talus system for climb height...why not best fork ever
  • 2 3
 I know this is pinkbike comment section suicide, but: am I the only person who actually likes ebikes, but hates the idea of electronic transmission/suspension?
  • 1 0
 Yes
  • 3 2
 @ Mike Levy. Puck your electric moped stories and your worthless filters.
  • 1 0
 Fox 38? Okay, so where is new RS Totem then?
  • 2 0
 Boxxers should be 38mm!
  • 1 0
 Possible new fox suspension!! I just got a tingly feeling down there.
  • 1 1
 why would you want 1.8" ive never seen or heard of any 1.5" snapped?!
  • 2 0
 Just because
  • 2 1
 BULLShit.
  • 3 4
 SRAM ebike system to debut on a Santa Cruz. You heard it here first...
  • 14 16
 More STUPID from the predatory bike industry. I won't be sad the day many go bankrupt when the next recession hits.
  • 3 2
 This. Bikes are willingly going the way of the US motorcycle market, the next crash is going to be a blood bath for the industry. I like the new Ripmo AF. Might even buy one, even though it's more bike than I need locally. But I love it because it gives Ibis a presence when everyone's budgets tighten up that Yeti, Intense, others won't have.
  • 3 5
 HURRY ROCKSHOX, I CAN'T HOLD IT ANY LONGER, RELEASE THE AXS SUSPENSION!!!!!
  • 20 23
 faq u bike industry! Blank Stare
  • 47 18
 Yeah screw innovation! lets go back to 3x drivetrains, elastomer suspension and fixed seat posts!
  • 23 5
 @mtbforlife4: this has nothing to do with innovation and you know it! The same bike industry that doesn't even have the quality tolerances for the price we pay is always trying to keep you up with "new solutions" that you eventually have to buy or risk having a obsolete bike -> loosing money. But yeah, maybe is just me.
  • 1 0
 @mtbforlife4: no thank you
  • 1 0
 @mtbforlife4: ...just cry me a river ...but 1.8 headtube...really ?? Where is the innovation in that?
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