The mountain bike has been evolving for over forty years now. It's probably fair to say that the time of rapid innovation and experimentation is behind us. I mean, there hasn't even been a new proposed axle standard this year. Even so, many companies are still chipping away at the now well-honed machine that is a modern mountain bike, thinking up new ways to make it a little more comfortable, safer or quieter.
The ability to shift gears without pedaling is potentially a pretty big advantage. Picture riding a rocky section with a steep climb afterward. Shifting into a lower gear without having to spin the cranks and risk clipping a pedal could make the difference between making it up the climb or stalling. Sure, you can do this with a gearbox drivetrain, but they sacrifice the ability to shift while pedaling, which is even more important.
Shimano's system doesn't stop there. It also has a mode that can automatically shift gears for you (when you're pedaling or when you're coasting) based on your speed and optimal cadence. That means if you start a descent in first gear and pick up speed, the bike will be in an appropriate gear for whatever speed you're going when you next turn the crank.
This second feature won't be to everyone's taste - some people like to be in full control of their bike even if it means making more mistakes. But for an inexperienced rider, especially, it could avoid those heart-stopping moments when you start pedaling and find no resistance.
For now, this tech is only for ebikes - the motor is used to spin the chainring which allows it to shift. But just because something doesn't apply to every bike, that doesn't make it any less innovative.
Most high-end helmets these days feature Mips, or something similar. It's the yellow layer inside the helmet that allows the helmet to rotate relative to your head in a crash; the idea is to reduce the rotational forces on your head which can cause brain injury. The Fox Proframe RS is the first helmet to use an evolution of this concept called Mips Integra Split. Instead of a separate plastic layer inside the helmet, the helmet is constructed of two different-density layers of energy-absorbing foam, where the outer layer can slide over the inner layer in any direction, like a spherical bearing.
In addition to that rotational system, the “Split” name comes from the inner shell being made up of two halves that can articulate between 10-15mm on sets of elastomers which Fox calls “woofers,” offering a further degree of freedom to absorb energy. According to Fox, the combination of an EPP inner liner with an EPS outer layer is "optimized for a variety of impact speeds to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash."
According to Mips, the new system offers the possibility of better ventilation and a better fit than a regular Mips liner too. When Matt reviewed the helmet, he noted excellent ventilation and none of the squeaking that regular Mips liners can suffer.
If the overall shell shape works for you and you're in the market for a DH-certified enduro helmet, then Fox's Proframe RS should be at the top of your wishlist. It's tough to beat the trifecta of weight to ventilation to protection. Although the price point is higher than most, the overall package is well thought out and offers unrivaled safety features in its class.— Matt Beer
The idea of being able to adjust the saddle angle for climbing and descending isn't a new one. Go to a hill climb race and most riders will tilt the nose of the saddle down; for downhill, it's normal to tilt the saddle nose up. Specialized's Wu dropper post tilted the saddle automatically while it dropped, but the actual dropper travel was only 115 mm, it only worked with 34.9 mm frames, and if you wanted the saddle up it had to be tilted down - there was no option to mix and match height and angle.
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The Aenomaly SwitchGrade is a simpler approach that bolts to many existing dropper posts and allows the rider to adjust the tilt manually with an under-the-saddle lever. That means you have to reach between your legs to adjust the angle, but according to Matt Beer who reviewed it, that becomes easier with practice. Aside from simplicity and compatibility, this approach also means you can have a neutral tilt for flatter pedals or a steep downward tilt for steep climbs, and you can make that decision independently of the saddle height. Matt said the downward tilt was such an advantage on steep climbs that he really missed it when returning to a regular fixed saddle: "like the first time you tried a dropper post - you don't know what you're missing until it's taken away."
The ability to tilt the saddle nose upwards for descending is another advantage; it effectively increases the dropper travel by moving the tail of the saddle further out of the way, and it reduces the risk of catching your nether regions on the saddle hull.
We're not saying anyone needs one of these, but especially if your climbs are steep, it's a relatively simple and effective way to improve climbing comfort and descending safety.
E-bike drive units have a fundamental problem. The electric motor likes to spin at a few thousand RPM for maximum power and efficiency, but humans like to pedal at about 100 RPM or less. This means the bulk of an e-bike drive unit is not the electric motor, but the reduction gears required to allow that difference in speed. These usually take the form of pulleys and belts of intermeshing gears that step the RPM down in multiple stages. In these systems, the motor axis is offset from the crank spindle, with gears or belts connecting the two, creating a bulky, oval-shaped drive unit.
In TQ's design, the motor is concentric around the crank spindle. The motor drives the crank via a harmonic pin ring system, which features an inner gear with fewer teeth than a stationary outer gear. The inner gear is non-concentric to the outer gear, so it precesses around the inside of the outer ring, and this in turn drives the crank 17.5 times slower than the motor is spinning.
This is a lower reduction ratio than most e-bikes (many have reduction ratios of 50:1), but TQ achieves this in a single step, and they say that because their motor spins more slowly it makes for less noise. While the output torque is low (50 Nm rather than 85 Nm in the most popular systems), that's all some riders want. TQ makes up for it with an impressive lack of noise, intuitive response, class-leading weight (1,830 g), and a compact form factor that means e-bike manufacturers don't have to compromise on kinematics or geometry.
When we tested the Trek Fuel EX-e (one of the first bikes released with the TQ motor), we were impressed with the low weight, regular-bike geometry, and near-silent ride.
By the time we see these XT Di2 drivetrain rolling out to the market Shimano will be pretty much 4 years behind SRAM and their technology still isn't wireless AND only for eMTBs. This is not even funny anymore, it's straight up sad for Shimano and this can't seriously win an innovation award.
That and If I cable tie my cassette to my spokes I can do the shifting while coasting bit on my 3 year old e8000 mechanical xt equipped ebike. I could have got the next model up with 11spd di2 xt, which was really appealing because it backs power off on the motor while shifting, which is good for longevity of drive trains, but Im still on the xt mech the bike came with so it cant be that bad without that. Auto shifting, which I see as the most polarising new feature (and only real new feature) I'd see having limited use in mtb, we need to anticipate, a computer can't do that like we can using our eyes. All in all, yes, a swing and a miss compared with axs (which, I know isn't flawless, but is pretty damn good).
@gnarlysipes: All of you ought to just run acoustic derailleurs and stop giving companies money for such a pointless product. If you want real innovation, make SRamano actually start working on gearboxes rather than forking over the same amount of money for an electronic version of ancient technology.
@colebmx: used to be the case but def not anymore with their 12 speed offerings. Yeah it shifts under load waaaay better for the first five rides, but then then you basically need to buy 2 new derailleurs a year to maintain that performance. Rebuildable clutch my ass, it’s just a tolerance and soft plastic issue
@MI-Corey: someone told me, that Sram has all the patents, which stops Shimano from making something similar to AXS.. but as you say.. there is a lot of smart people at that company
@lenniDK: Fine. Nonetheless, its becoming obvious industry investment in niche electromechanical versions of what we already had is stagnating any rapid progress toward solving the inherent problems of modern bike drivetrains.
Personally, I would rather have the simple and obvious mechanical solution rather than bluetooth and a damn automatic transmission on my bike. How do either of those make riding better or more accessible? The only innovation there is innovatively high prices.
Minor tweaks instead of major overhauls is a sign that mountain bike design is finally reaching maturity. Thank goodness, it only took 40 years to get here.
If you’re ever in the Okanagan, shoot me a message, I’ll let you try out my @Aenomolyconstructs Switchgrade. It’s fairly innovative, and so far anyone who’s tried it on my bike, loves it. Full stop
@CTDchris: Who can’t keep stock now? Sure, a few products from a handful of companies are sold out but am I the only one that noticed the unusually high number of massively discounted bikes, components, and gear this Black Friday? It started well before Black Friday, too. I’m going to be very disappointed the next time I have to buy shoes, a derailleur, tires, or a helmet that’s not 40-50% off.
@gnarlysipes: here me out man, It’s a big ol world out there, and we all don’t live in the same places, with the same access, with the same cool bike shops, etc. Some places, and get this, still experience bike, and parts shortages. Trying to find a GX replacement chain here, no bueno my man, no shop has em, no idea when they’re getting them…..Now, are there other chains available, you bet, but that still counts as a shortage right?
I also get frigged off by constant complaining about this and that, and sometimes it feels like people do it, just to do it. That’s annoying, I’m with ya
@iammarkstewart: f*ck no, I don’t even really want a reimbursement, I’d settle for a rethink on $50 tire valves as a product of the year. I’m losing faith in this place, and the blind following of some of the people who consume it
@onawalk: Who's blind? @mikekazimer and some others used it and liked it. Kaz didn't pay as it's part of his job, some did and are satisfied. Same as you are with this gizmo. Not sure why the valves are your hill to die on. People will buy the or not, they'll flourish or they won't. Some people see the value, you don't, that should be good enough.
Personally, I don't have a problem with my saddle position so I think this is overpriced for a manual gizmo that just adds stack height and, on my current bike, might make the next longest dropper unusable for me. But I'm not ranting about y'all being blind and buying overpriced gizmos. Everyone has their own take, you don't have to repetitively tell us those who like expensive valves are blind consumers. It's a neat idea, just not for me. Right now.
And honestly, we're all blind if we're buying anything in the last 3-5 years in this industry.
@iammarkstewart: that’s fair, I realize I’m way offside, and overly fired up.
The “blind” comment was uncalled for, and did nothing to further my point. Apologies
If you’re ever in my neck of the woods, swing on by, and take my bike, with Switchgrade installed for a ride. Like most of the reviews have noted, the benefits are much more noticeable once you go back, and I’m willing to put my money where my big mouth is, and I think that’s important.
Hell I’ll extend that invite to just about anyone, come on by, let’s trade bikes, and go for a ride.
@onawalk: I get it. I won't be in BC for the next long while but sure, I'd take you up on that. But everything you've said about the Switchgrade someone else could say about the valves. It's just perspective.
In general, right now, if you gave me almost $300 USD to spend on "mtb something", it wouldn't be the valves or the Switchgrade. Because I have other priorities. Honestly, I think the Switchgrade is very cool, but not for me at this time. It may become the second coming of the dropper, where after a few raised eyebrows at first it becomes the thing you can't ride without. I'm glad it is the schnizz for you, and I'm glad someone made it because no cool thing came from nobody making it. Be it a valve or the right bib short.
I’m comparing what are from any valve review I’ve seen as marginal gains, to my experience, and other reviews on something that is much more than marginal gains. Again, I’m willing to eat my words, I figured that PB, for essentially no cost to them could do the same. Obviously they don’t need to, I just hoped they would. Cause let’s be honest, $50/$70 tire valves as a product of the year nominee is a friggin stretch
My Talas fork has this effect when lowered for climbing- along with other advantages for climbing like steeper head angle. With adjustable travel forks off the market I guess this is considered a new feature / innovation.
No contest, Switchgrade is the best thing that's happened in a minute. Little tweak here and there and I'd imagine tons will have them in the future. Love it!
@regdunlop: travel adjust forks are the worst (unless its rs coil u turn, only system that was reliable) and dropping the bb height on most modern bikes would be a bad idea, and at best it would make 1 degree or so of difference to the seat angle, not 20 degrees ish.
@inked-up-metalhead: we believe what we believe I guess, preconceived notions are hard to change. If I’m honest, I loved travel adjust forks, I mostly used them on smoother climbs, so pedal strikes weren’t really an issue for me. I think it’s a great idea in theory, and would love to try a modern interpretation on my Spire
@inked-up-metalhead: traval adjust forks allow you to climb with great traction and then have proper geometry for descending. Sure, some modern geo may have advanced a bikes versatility, but i would hardly call them "the worst". Quadra 21r forks are the worst in my opinion, or maybe cantilever brakes, but not travel adjust forks.
@onawalk: Where's the preconceived notion? I had a pike coil u turn, 2 lyrik coil u turns, a lyrik 2 step air and 2 different talas forks. The 36 talas I had was hands down the worst long travel suspension fork I've ever used followed by the 32 talas, followed by the 2 step air. I've got plenty of experience with them, I used to really like the idea, and for a hardtail designed for 130-160mm of travel as I had, it did work well, the 160 setting was only good for dh, so I used the lower setting 80% of the time and just popped it up for rougher trails, but the extra complexity, weight, less sensitivity and then on a full suss designed for a 160mm fork, they became redundant to me/stopped being practical due to bb height. There's a reason theyve more or less gone away...
@woofer2609: the worst as in 'the worst version of any given fork'. And again, modern bikes with low bbs can't stand a 10-15mm drop for anything but pavement/gravel climbs, which don't really need adjustment for, nullifying the point.
@inked-up-metalhead: cool beans trigger, I think you read my comment with a bit more sarcasm than I had intended, if that’s my fault, apologies. I was more referring to the general idea of pre-conceived notions, but your experiences with travel adjust forks is cool.
As far as them not being a thing anymore, well that might have more to do with the engineering, and execution not quite being up to the idea. Mark my words, it’ll be back, and the idea and engineering will be a bit more fleshed out, and it’ll be the new “have to have” ……much like $50 tubeless tire valves!
@inked-up-metalhead: given the choice of adjustable travel vs. fixed, i think the advantages of dual position or TALAS outweigh the fixed travel versions...for me. To each their own, but I can't be alone in this, as Dual Position Pikes don't last long on PB B&S. I didn't notice much of a difference between my TALAS and a same year Float, and ended up keeping the TALAS, which is still rollin' 19 or 20 years later. Of course, to each their own, and low bb's do play into this.
It’s a sad sign that most innovations are for E-Bikes… there is only a limited R&D budget at most companies and in recent years a good portion is going to develop products I’m not interested in. Self shifting motorized bikes just are not my cup of tea.
As nice as this new MIPS system seems there's simply no way I would pick that as the "innovation of the year" when it is only available on a Fox Proframe. Already know I'm going to get hate for saying this, but that helmet doesn't seem safe. I've personally witnessed a chin bar snap clean off on one, and it's a phenomenon that has been well-documented across the internet.
Not MIPS' fault obviously, but to hand that award to a product so notoriously faulty would be a shame.
@bikewriter: i think it depends a lot on the helmet. I own a giro montaro, 100% aircraft and the smith fullface. The fit is only bad on the montaro and the noise is only a problem on the smith. The aircraft ist hot but its a dh helmet after all.
Yep, I have found TQ motor to be more efficient in utilizing power then my high powered system. I actually get more ride time, vertical, mileage on TQ bike (Fuel EXe) vs my Bosch 4 system bike (Rail) in despite the Rail battery being much larger. TQ makes for a more efficient system altogether with proper support for all my rides so far. Definitely a step in the right direction. Have dealt with over a 1.5 years of repetitive structural/mechanical/electronic issues with full motor bike due to heft and weight of system I think.
That’s really good to hear. Backs up my own experience. I actually get the most ride time, mileage and vertical on my mountain bike. Works really great. Doesn’t even need a battery. Eats a lot of food though.
@RexRacerX: Me too, almost. Been on Hightower exclusively over past 7 weeks and no battery/juice to fret, so makes that part of ride nice, it just climbs really slow
TQ is an energy hog on Boost. Get 3200’ on a Rise in full boost with 360wh, 3000’ on a Levo SL with 320wh, 2400’ on a EXE, 4000’ on a Shuttle. TQ is the worst
@vanillarice19: Interesting! I guess I was stoked to get 4100ft on EXe last weekend in Trail mode the whole time. About 3000ft tops on my Rail in Tour at same location, but bike is 10 lbs heavier and Tour setting stronger than Turbo on EXe
The Fazua Ride 60 is another one to look at. It is the TQ motor's competition. It is lightweight and has similar performance.
For a few years, I have been waiting for a lightweight ebike because I knew that was going to be the right fit, but none were on the market except Specialized Levo SL and I didn't really care for the price or the bike. However, some of my overuse injuries got worse 1.5 years ago, so I bought an ebike. However, I quickly realized that I did not need all that power.
Right after I bought my ebike, they released these lightweight motors in several ebikes. Just my luck, but I'm sure this year many bike manufacturers will be releasing a lightweight ebike, so there will be more options.
@valrock: Mark my words, when you get older or if you get any injuries or overuse injuries, you will be getting an ebike for sure rather than sit on the couch typing how much you hate ebikes. lol
@jgusta: the TQ is very efficient in low and middle modes. It’s just when you use it in Boost it drains very fast.
It’s like comparing MPEG’s between a smaller 2.0L 4cyl engine running at 8000rpm (TQ) vs a larger V8 engine running at 4000rpm (EP8RS) which is not the max power of the V8 that can easily Rev to 6000rpm for much more power than the 4cyl. Now running that 4cyl at 2000-4000rpm, it will be way more efficient. TQ is the smallest and when you use max boost, it’s just not as efficient. I also can get 4500’ on an EXE in about 3:05 moving time in mixed Eco and trail on super steep sections. But I got 5950’ on a same size battery Rise in 3:20 doing the same trail when I did my own Range test. On my Voima 750wh, I’ve done 6800’ in 2:05 moving time . Longest ride to date is with the Rise with 2 252wh range extender, did 10,600’ but ran out at 10,400’, this was 5:40 moving time
@vanillarice19: That is wild with the Rise! I have two, 625 w/hr batteries for my Rail and think my max was about 7400ft (ECO/Tour).
I hear ya with the TQ. I ran turbo the whole ride yesterday and only got 75 minutes max, like 2,000ft, 10 miles. So ECO/Trail mode for me from here on that unless shorter ride. I do very much appreciate how the TQ performs on the pedally DH’s! Zero drag, constant acceleration when on the pedals and no noticeable motor cut-out at al, making it feel so fun to jam on. Feels like accelerates much better/more efficient than full powered ebike in these pedally descent environments like a regular bike with some forward boost to keep the momentum going, so fun!
It's too bad that there are so many comments in all of these awards sections bitching and moaning about how 'xyz' should be in this or that category or got robbed... I can see why Levy dislikes these articles so much, lol.
Anyways, writers, I appreciate your words and I know you've put more thought into these awards than most of us ever have.
MIPS should only be nominated for successfully ripping off Bell, who introduced this technology in 2017 with the Super DH and “Spherical Mips.” The only innovation is that MIPS appeared to add another “split.”
Gripes aside, the Fox does look like an awesome helmet.
You really don't need to put those gripes aside, the proframe is infamous for dangerously losing its chin bar in the event of a crash. I've seen it happen myself.
Looks cool, but your face won't after you use one.
I would have put the fillmore valve in that list. Seriously. It‘s years we get the same stuffs with sole "innovation" a new color or at best a valve cap that integrates a core remover. No one tried to solve the problem. Until Santa Cruz/Reserve. I bought a set and was convinced. So I got some more for other bikes…
None of this stuff is as inovative as the shit that Mathew Fairbrother came up with while biking to the EWS's, like cutting holes in his sleeping bag to keep warm while riding or putting tire tubes on his bike box to use it as a backpack.
My Bell Super DH has this as well. Carefully phrased: Spherical Technology integrated with MIPS. Maybe the Bell is two technologies integrated together while Fox Pro Frame was done all in one?
I'd say innovation of the year should go to the accountants at santa cruz. They're innovation was adopting the pricing structure of gucci purses to mountain bikes! It was revolutionary!
LMAO this was the innovation of the year across the bike industry. Sure, e-bike motors or electronic wireless derailleurs seem innovative but really they're just a mode of innovative price gauging to sell 5-figure bicycles
The Pinkbike holiday party really should have been putting headset cable routing on this list, then just sitting back and hitting refresh on the comments section.
Wish they'd put in headset cable routing just to see people's reactions.
Or maybe make a worst innovation of the year category and have just that in it, no competition
I would more like to see ease of maintenance innovation, and more durability than gimmicky engineering in my future bikes. Pivot squeaks and internal routing are the Bain of my existence right now. The bike industry has done amazing things to improve my riding, now lets see if they can keep my bike out of the shop and on the trail.
Definitely my pick would be the TQ-HPR50 motor and Fazua Ride 60 motor (not on the list) because they allow for lightweight ebikes. PBers will downvote this, but every hardcore PB mtb-er will be getting an ebike in the future even if they don't see it right now.
MIPS and all that is BS. You'd have to barely bump your head for that to work. I've gotten concussions and didn't actually hit my head. Just the sudden stopping of your head and your brain bashing against your skull is all it takes. SNL had a skit a few years ago with NFL players wearing huge bubble wrap helmets. That might actually work!
125 Comments
Personally, I would rather have the simple and obvious mechanical solution rather than bluetooth and a damn automatic transmission on my bike. How do either of those make riding better or more accessible? The only innovation there is innovatively high prices.
I’ll let you try out my @Aenomolyconstructs Switchgrade.
It’s fairly innovative, and so far anyone who’s tried it on my bike, loves it. Full stop
You were the only one that noticed
It’s a big ol world out there, and we all don’t live in the same places, with the same access, with the same cool bike shops, etc.
Some places, and get this, still experience bike, and parts shortages.
Trying to find a GX replacement chain here, no bueno my man, no shop has em, no idea when they’re getting them…..Now, are there other chains available, you bet, but that still counts as a shortage right?
I also get frigged off by constant complaining about this and that, and sometimes it feels like people do it, just to do it. That’s annoying, I’m with ya
I don’t even really want a reimbursement, I’d settle for a rethink on $50 tire valves as a product of the year.
I’m losing faith in this place, and the blind following of some of the people who consume it
Personally, I don't have a problem with my saddle position so I think this is overpriced for a manual gizmo that just adds stack height and, on my current bike, might make the next longest dropper unusable for me. But I'm not ranting about y'all being blind and buying overpriced gizmos. Everyone has their own take, you don't have to repetitively tell us those who like expensive valves are blind consumers. It's a neat idea, just not for me. Right now.
And honestly, we're all blind if we're buying anything in the last 3-5 years in this industry.
The “blind” comment was uncalled for, and did nothing to further my point. Apologies
If you’re ever in my neck of the woods, swing on by, and take my bike, with Switchgrade installed for a ride. Like most of the reviews have noted, the benefits are much more noticeable once you go back, and I’m willing to put my money where my big mouth is, and I think that’s important.
Hell I’ll extend that invite to just about anyone, come on by, let’s trade bikes, and go for a ride.
In general, right now, if you gave me almost $300 USD to spend on "mtb something", it wouldn't be the valves or the Switchgrade. Because I have other priorities. Honestly, I think the Switchgrade is very cool, but not for me at this time. It may become the second coming of the dropper, where after a few raised eyebrows at first it becomes the thing you can't ride without. I'm glad it is the schnizz for you, and I'm glad someone made it because no cool thing came from nobody making it. Be it a valve or the right bib short.
I’m comparing what are from any valve review I’ve seen as marginal gains, to my experience, and other reviews on something that is much more than marginal gains.
Again, I’m willing to eat my words, I figured that PB, for essentially no cost to them could do the same.
Obviously they don’t need to, I just hoped they would.
Cause let’s be honest, $50/$70 tire valves as a product of the year nominee is a friggin stretch
If I’m honest, I loved travel adjust forks, I mostly used them on smoother climbs, so pedal strikes weren’t really an issue for me. I think it’s a great idea in theory, and would love to try a modern interpretation on my Spire
I think you read my comment with a bit more sarcasm than I had intended, if that’s my fault, apologies.
I was more referring to the general idea of pre-conceived notions, but your experiences with travel adjust forks is cool.
As far as them not being a thing anymore, well that might have more to do with the engineering, and execution not quite being up to the idea.
Mark my words, it’ll be back, and the idea and engineering will be a bit more fleshed out, and it’ll be the new “have to have” ……much like $50 tubeless tire valves!
I didn't notice much of a difference between my TALAS and a same year Float, and ended up keeping the TALAS, which is still rollin' 19 or 20 years later. Of course, to each their own, and low bb's do play into this.
Not MIPS' fault obviously, but to hand that award to a product so notoriously faulty would be a shame.
Me too, almost. Been on Hightower exclusively over past 7 weeks and no battery/juice to fret, so makes that part of ride nice, it just climbs really slow
Get 3200’ on a Rise in full boost with 360wh, 3000’ on a Levo SL with 320wh, 2400’ on a EXE, 4000’ on a Shuttle. TQ is the worst
Interesting! I guess I was stoked to get 4100ft on EXe last weekend in Trail mode the whole time. About 3000ft tops on my Rail in Tour at same location, but bike is 10 lbs heavier and Tour setting stronger than Turbo on EXe
It’s like comparing MPEG’s between a smaller 2.0L 4cyl engine running at 8000rpm (TQ) vs a larger V8 engine running at 4000rpm (EP8RS) which is not the max power of the V8 that can easily Rev to 6000rpm for much more power than the 4cyl.
Now running that 4cyl at 2000-4000rpm, it will be way more efficient.
TQ is the smallest and when you use max boost, it’s just not as efficient.
I also can get 4500’ on an EXE in about 3:05 moving time in mixed Eco and trail on super steep sections. But I got 5950’ on a same size battery Rise in 3:20 doing the same trail when I did my own Range test. On my Voima 750wh, I’ve done 6800’ in 2:05 moving time .
Longest ride to date is with the Rise with 2 252wh range extender, did 10,600’ but ran out at 10,400’, this was 5:40 moving time
That is wild with the Rise! I have two, 625 w/hr batteries for my Rail and think my max was about 7400ft (ECO/Tour).
I hear ya with the TQ. I ran turbo the whole ride yesterday and only got 75 minutes max, like 2,000ft, 10 miles. So ECO/Trail mode for me from here on that unless shorter ride. I do very much appreciate how the TQ performs on the pedally DH’s! Zero drag, constant acceleration when on the pedals and no noticeable motor cut-out at al, making it feel so fun to jam on. Feels like accelerates much better/more efficient than full powered ebike in these pedally descent environments like a regular bike with some forward boost to keep the momentum going, so fun!
Gripes aside, the Fox does look like an awesome helmet.
www.bellhelmets.com/technology/spherical.html
Innovation, fixing the supply chain issues
& making my freezer door stay shut.
/s
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