Figured it’s time to make a new thread for this as we should see a few big releases in 2021. I shared my thoughts on the 2021 S-Works Epic in an IG Live Q&A last night. It’s long, but if any of you have questions about how the bike compares to a handful of others, what I have changed, what I am planning to change, and details on the bike itself (including the brain), give it a watch. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CKvDWdWFuKS/?igshid=1xjdys1ef95e8 Bike’s I’m looking forward to seeing this year: New Scott Spark - Why did they wait to release it? Because last year’s releases were better than what they had, or did they strategically wait to one-up those releases, or was the wait purely for marketing purposes to coincide with Tokyo? Also, why is Nino running 110-130mm forks and running 120-130mm of rear travel on his current Spark, and what does that mean for the upcoming bike? New Santa Cruz Blur - A new one is coming and while I want to see some crazy light implementation of the suspension design on their longer travel bikes, I’m not sure we will. But, I have heard it should be very light. New Giant? - Seems like it’s been a while since their XC bike has been discussed as a true contender at the top spot. Would like to see them push the envelope. New Trek? - The Supercaliber is innovative, but paired with dated geo and doesn’t feel very refined when riding (a bit bouncy and unplanted feeling). New Yeti? - I’m not sure it will be a full-on XCO bike, and I can’t emphasize this enough – I have no internal insight or knowledge into this release – but I feel like they realized they left a lot of XC riders out when they replaced the 100 with the 115. Would be good to see them have a proper XC bike again. New Canyon Lux? - The Lux is a generation behind in geo and needs an update. I still think something was wrong with Pinkbike’s climbing data, because if that was true, we’d see everybody moving to a Canyon Lux and winning every race, lol. But it would be cool to see such an approachable bike brand have a true competitor for XC. New BMC Fourstroke? - I love the idea of the fourstroke, but the suspension damping was SO heavy. It made it ride too much like a hard trail and although it feels fast, it sacrifices a lot of momentum preservation and stability with that uber stiff damping. Also, it’s not the lightest bike. With Pauline on the bike this year, it would be awesome to see them release a new XCO weapon with their forward-thinking model. Any others y’all are excited about / want to see?

I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve heard someone mention any brain shock, and it was not followed by a complaint. Seems like a great piece on paper

Thanks for clarifying. Sorry for the bad luck. As a designer, I love the idea of the Brain. As far as riding and living with it… I will never own one of them because of servicing difficulties.

When it works it’s the best system I have ever used and it feels like a cheat code. The fact that I’ve had nothing but issues with them and I want another should speak for itself.

High praise. I’d love to hear reports of the newer models to see if those issues are still around.

[image] First Look: Bontrager RSL Integrated Bar & Stem - Pinkbike Two new super-lightweight bar/stem combos from Bontrager. Looks quite interesting. I’m not sure if my OCD could cope with going for a different bike brands parts, but this looks really good. Still expensive, but seems to have good options and really good weights. Looks lighter and possibly cheaper than the Syncros option, that I had read on the weight weenie forum wasn’t as light as a bar and stem combo. Dream build would be a one piece bar stem and a Zirbel set up (ideal on a bike without lockout levers :man_shrugging:) https://www.zirbel.ch/en/#products

As someone who loves his Bontrager road one piece bar, and runs a 60x750 on my MTB, the sizing options are disappointing, but my wallet is happy

I guess that’s the problem with one-piece, less flexibility. Are you running a zero rise 60mm stem?

Yep, and with all the spacers under it too

2021 XC Bike Thread

Equipment

jesse_v July 7, 2021, 6:58pm 559

I have an '18 as well. I bought it used, and the shock immediately needed servicing, which was going to cost so much I just ditched it for a regular Rockshox Monarch RL. See deets here: De-Braining my Epic

Topic		Replies	Views
2020 XC Bike Thread Equipment bike	1078	47371	January 18, 2021
New XC MTB for 2020 - What to Get? Equipment bike	184	30749	November 9, 2020
What new XC MTBs are expected in 2026? Equipment	342	14715	June 13, 2026
2024 XC Bike & Equipment Thread Equipment bike-setup , bike , wheels , tires , power-meter	1606	56337	September 6, 2025
What makes the perfect XC race bike? Help me decide on what to buy/build Equipment	19	1833	August 1, 2024

2021 XC Bike Thread

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

We Are Here to Help!

2021 XC Bike Thread

Related topics

Get Faster with Adaptive Training

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

We Are Here to Help!