The downhill World Cup kicked off at Fort William with a lot of new bikes and tech on display after a long off-season. Among the highlights were Martin Maes’ non-ebike ebike, the Rockshox Foxxer, and the modified rear end on Amaury Pierron’s Commencal Supreme. The gold Boxxer on Pierron’s bike caught attention, although some questioned the practicality of the choice.
Cube has been teasing a production bike for a while now, and it seems like it may finally be ready. The brake-arm on the bike reduces anti-rise, helping riders have more control when braking hard for turns. Kenda has also introduced a new tire similar to the popular Assegai style, showing that imitation is a form of flattery in the mountain biking world.
A closer look at the Commencal Supreme reveals a thin chainstay that appears to offer adjustments for stiffness. Amaury Pierron seems to be experimenting with different ways to control how the bike flexes, possibly aiming to optimize performance by isolating the flex away from the shock. Overall, there are many interesting developments in the mountain biking world to keep an eye on this season.
