Developing a new bike in secret is a delicate process for companies, as it requires testing and riding at high-profile events while also avoiding undermining current bike sales. One such brand that is semi-secretly developing a new version of their Sender downhill bike, which appears to be in its final stages. The prototype features an angular carbon chassis, finely finished aluminum hardware, and neatly secured cables.
One major difference from the current Sender model is the high-pivot suspension design, similar to Norco’s prototype downhill bike. This development aligns with predictions that downhill bikes may become more specialized for racing, with complex suspension linkages. In this new design, the main part of the swing arm that determines the rear axle path is the seat stay, which moves in a fixed, rearward arc. Connected to the rear axle pivot is a floating chainstay that pulls on a triangular link rotating around the bottom bracket. This system compresses the shock through an arm on the upper part of the link, pushing on a swing link. The forward shock mount is detachable, potentially allowing for adjustments to geometry or rear wheel sizes. The pivot placements suggest the shock rate can be adapted for either a coil shock or the Fox Float X2. More details on the new bike may be revealed at Fort William.
