Ask the experts

**Tailwind** · 10-17-2024, 11:30 AM

Anyone have any details on new Shimano launches?

I noticed during yesterday’s Rocky Mountain Element Launch they have two models they’ve indicated are coming in “early 2025” but didn’t provide parts spec for them. At a glance, it seems like there are two good gaps for Shimano builds and the lack of detail seems to scream “updated XT and XTR” as I think we’re not expecting
Major suspension updates.

**toast2266** · 10-17-2024, 12:06 PM

I have no specific info, but given that multiple companies have released frames without accommodations for derailleur cables, I'd bet that wireless XTR will be dropping sometime soon.

**Dee Hubbs** · 10-17-2024, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Tailwind

Anyone have any details on new Shimano launches?

I noticed during yesterday’s Rocky Mountain Element Launch they have two models they’ve indicated are coming in “early 2025” but didn’t provide parts spec for them. At a glance, it seems like there are two good gaps for Shimano builds and the lack of detail seems to scream “updated XT and XTR” as I think we’re not expecting
Major suspension updates.

Originally Posted by toast2266

I have no specific info, but given that multiple companies have released frames without accommodations for derailleur cables, I'd bet that wireless XTR will be dropping sometime soon.

There are new Shimano groups in the wild. Pinkbike has already released photos of the new brakes, and builders/manufactures are under a super heavy embargo with the new Shimano drivetrain stuff.
In a recent podcast with Gerald from Open Cycles, there was much discussion around their new frame and whether it will accommodate a UDH hanger, and he keep saying that it will accommodate SRAMs UDH needs as well as the new need for "the other" company. They joked that that's enough they can say without getting in too much trouble.
I know for a fact that Rocky's Element C90 and C50 with be spec'd with Shimano drivetrain and brakes. This is directly from someone inside Rocky, but that all that can be said for now.

**XtrPickels** · 10-17-2024, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by toast2266

I have no specific info, but given that multiple companies have released frames without accommodations for derailleur cables, I'd bet that wireless XTR will be dropping sometime soon.

I just lost my ProDeal, so something good must be coming...

**Tailwind** · 10-17-2024, 02:39 PM

Thanks for confirming my tin foil hat theory on the Element (which looks like a sweet bike by the way).

That's interesting to say the least. I am looking at a new XC Race bike for next year. I've been thinking used but I'm not wanting transmission... so I may wait to see what Shimano drops.

On that note - anyone have any current votes for the current "Best" endurance XC race bikes? I'm looking at doing 3-4 of the NUE 100 mile events next year, Kokopelli in a day and other long rides. Current bike is a 2022 Pivot Mach 4 that I like but I'd love slightly more progressive Geo and just a fresh bike as this one has a lot of miles. Short list is currently New Mach 4, Epic 8, Allied BC40 but anything else people really like? Bikes like the Revel Ranger are cool but I'm looking for a lighter frame and a bit firmer suspension design.

Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

There are new Shimano groups in the wild. Pinkbike has already released photos of the new brakes, and builders/manufactures are under a super heavy embargo with the new Shimano drivetrain stuff.
In a recent podcast with Gerald from Open Cycles, there was much discussion around their new frame and whether it will accommodate a UDH hanger, and he keep saying that it will accommodate SRAMs UDH needs as well as the new need for "the other" company. They joked that that's enough they can say without getting in too much trouble.
I know for a fact that Rocky's Element C90 and C50 with be spec'd with Shimano drivetrain and brakes. This is directly from someone inside Rocky, but that all that can be said for now.

**jm2e** · 10-17-2024, 02:54 PM

I’m so looking forward to bikes that force us to do headset routing and force us to use $900 electronic derailleurs. Maybe we can get a new BB “standard” too!

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**funkendrenchman** · 10-17-2024, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by XtrPickels

I just lost my ProDeal, so something good must be coming...

A brake with a static bite point?

**Tailwind** · 10-17-2024, 05:16 PM

**Wireless brakes with a e-daptable bite point that optimizes bite points based on sensors on your wheels.

Originally Posted by funkendrenchman

A brake with a static bite point?

**ghosthop** · 10-18-2024, 07:39 PM

Maybe a post for the fatherhood thread.

Does anyone know if there is a difference beyond the weight/seat shape between the frame mounted Thule Yepp 2 Maxi and Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi? I've read on at least one mommy blog that the frame mounted versions have some suspension and that the heavier Y2M has more suspension than the YN2M.

**D(C)** · 10-19-2024, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by jm2e

The extender (Air Valve Adapter) is $6 at Universal Cycles.
I might have an extra one if you need.

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It’s a bit annoying, but you can fairly quickly remove the revive assembly that’s blocking the air valve, if you don’t have the valve adapter. See page 21 of the manual.

https://bikeyoke.com/media/c4/cd/55/...5GMtEAWk40-Nnp

**jackstraw** · 10-19-2024, 11:22 AM

Been riding more lately and still relatively new to this area. It's a lot more long downs and jumps than my primarily techy past. So I'm realizing that I'm right leg dominant, meaning my right is always back on the downs and jumps and my ski-knee just started yelling at me. Switching to left leg back is hard, funky, and fun. It takes a conscious effort to stay on it for sure. Just funny because it's this way with all sports, but I had never really experienced it riding. Although when I think about hitting a hip going left is always preferred to going right, but with wheels on the ground I don't seem to have a stronger side. I'm an old phuck, but still trying to improve this game.

Any you guys actively trying to improve your game?

Oh wait, this is the experts thread...you all are beyond it and just trying to maintain now

**toast2266** · 10-19-2024, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by jackstraw

Any you guys actively trying to improve your game?

I don't know that I'm actively trying to improve, but I'm semi-actively trying to not get worse as I get older.

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**evdog** · 10-19-2024, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by toast2266

I don't know that I'm actively trying to improve, but I'm semi-actively trying to not get worse as I get older.

Same, lol.

I do try to switch forward leg a bit and I've gotten more comfortable with having the right leg forward on tech sections and steeps. But can't do it on jumps still.

**Huskier** · 10-20-2024, 02:33 PM

I broke my left thumb going down the big girl slide at the country fair with my toddler. I have it taped/braced/immobilized into something like a lobster claw. And I'm thinking to myself: You know what I bet a lobster could ride a bike. But lobsters probably can't actuate their dropper posts. Does anybody know of a solution for a right-handed dropper lever?

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**VTskibum** · 10-20-2024, 02:53 PM

^^^ Some of the dropper levers are ambidextrous, especially the vertical push levers bs more shifter style horizontal activated ones.

Mostly not trying to lose it, but have made some skill gains past few years. Re-learned wheelies in my 40s, which I hadn’t done since I was a kid.

I’m not slow, but I’m doubtful going to be getting back to my power numbers from my XC racing days.

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**carlh** · 10-20-2024, 02:55 PM

Put your normal lever on top of the bar on the right side.

Originally Posted by Huskier

I broke my left thumb going down the big girl slide at the country fair with my toddler. I have it taped/braced/immobilized into something like a lobster claw. And I'm thinking to myself: You know what I bet a lobster could ride a bike. But lobsters probably can't actuate their dropper posts. Does anybody know of a solution for a right-handed dropper lever?

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**Huskier** · 10-20-2024, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by carlh

Put your normal lever on top of the bar on the right side.

Both bikes' levers are bolted onto a common clamp that also holds my brake. No open posts.

Oh wait, unless I opposed both my brakes too. Hmm...

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**toast2266** · 10-20-2024, 05:08 PM

Wolf tooth makes a lever that can actuate in any direction. More or less the same as the old crank brothers levers. Could probably find a way to position it on the right side that worked ok.

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...xoCFwcQAvD_BwE

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**John_B** · 10-20-2024, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Huskier

Both bikes' levers are bolted onto a common clamp that also holds my brake. No open posts.

Oh wait, unless I opposed both my brakes too. Hmm...

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Swapping brakes from side to side sounds like a great way to break your other thumb...

You should be able to buy a separate clamp for your lever and potentially move it to the other side.

**Huskier** · 10-20-2024, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by John_B

Swapping brakes from side to side sounds like a great way to break your other thumb...

You should be able to buy a separate clamp for your lever and potentially move it to the other side.

Yep That's what I ended up doing. Props to Ride Bikes for having the solution sitting on the shelf.

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**jackstraw** · 10-20-2024, 08:33 PM

Remember when we didn't have dropper posts?
Yeah, that sucked, but we didn't know any better.

**rideit** · 10-20-2024, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by toast2266

Wolf tooth makes a lever that can actuate in any direction. More or less the same as the old crank brothers levers. Could probably find a way to position it on the right side that worked ok.

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...xoCFwcQAvD_BwE

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I have an extra one of these that I used before having a thumb reconstruction, it worked really, really well for that purpose. I used it about ten times, if anyone wants it, maybe $25. ?

I set it up so I operated it with my left hand index finger, and not my thumb.

**evdog** · 10-20-2024, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by jackstraw

Remember when we didn't have dropper posts?
Yeah, that sucked, but we didn't know any better.

Funny considering we were just talking about improving skills : )

**rideit** · 10-20-2024, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by toast2266

Wolf tooth makes a lever that can actuate in any direction. More or less the same as the old crank brothers levers. Could probably find a way to position it on the right side that worked ok.

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...xoCFwcQAvD_BwE

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I have an extra one of these that I used before having a thumb reconstruction, it worked really, really well for that purpose. I used it about ten times, if anyone wants it, maybe $25. ?