That’s a really interesting thought. It really ties into suspension design though. Some bikes are just going to be much more efficient climbing with them “open” versus some that are not. I’ve been on a Supercaliber since it first launched in early 2020 (?late 2019). That bike is really efficient and I keep the suspension open the vast majority of the time, including when climbing seated. I do still lock it out though when out of the saddle as that is when I start to notice the bob.
Trek recently launched their FA equipped Supercaliber for the masses. Their pro’s had been on it for a year or so already. I wonder if on a super efficient bike like the Supercaliber that the benefit from FA is going to be marginalized.
On the flip side, something like the new Lauf Elja, with it’s single pivot design, probably benefits a lot more from FA.
I think the key there is “properly dampened”. I can’t see a single dampening profile for every condition being faster. For me, the biggest value of adjustable suspension isn’t locked vs. unlocked, it’s the ability to choose between different levels of dampening. Sure, I like my suspension locked when I’m climbing smooth stuff out of the saddle, but I could live without the ability to lock out. But having a full super-plush “open” and a more supporting “pedal” dampening mode is faster (in my opinion). And I think the electronic stuff will evenutally take us to a point where the dampening/rebound is on a real-time dynamic slider rather than a 2 way or 3 way switch.
My mechanic is also WC mechanic and they use telemetry and suspension tunning for every race (they also tune tires, pressures and other based on telemetry data) … he tunned my suspensions and difference is like night and day… bike is much much more in sync and balance…
Just in case some of you guys are wanting to know some of the pro teams are using a motion instruments system 2 to pre-tune the bikes before the races.
I debated getting one of these systems but went with a ShockWiz instead as I found one at a crazy deal.
For anyone else though, you can check it out here;
Depends on what’s left over from the Synonym that you have to swap over or sell. But Personally - I like the sound of the Epic 8 Flight Attendant Frame and Shock.
I’ve got less than $9k into my epic 8 expert after upgrading to flight attendant, xxsl powermeter, and a axs wireless dropper. A little discounting required to get to that, but nothing crazy. And if I get off my butt and sell the old shock, damper, and dropper, it would be even less.
I was super confused by that as well! Maybe the new frame weight assumes a 300 gram shock.
@wintermute the element is basically a trail bike in a trench coat to sell it as an xc bike. I’ve ridden my buddies a few time and it’s super fun! But I would never buy one, and I’m basically the user this was designed for: BC coastal enduro rider that races XC races with technical, challenging, and long descents. But that’s such a narrow use case, I’d rather have something a bit “racier” and less downhill oriented.
A few months ago I posted in here asking for some advice about upgrading my S-works stumpy to something a little more XC race focused. Thought I would come back and post up what I decided on and leave some pictures of the final product. Special shout out to @teddygram for helping me order up a custom wheel set that helped me get under 10Kg. That’s with two power meters for testing purposes, one bottle cage, k edge Garmin mount and my winter tires.
Two rides on it and I can comfortable say this bike rips. I’ve set PRs on both outings both climbing and descending. Excited to really put some power down and see how much faster it can be.
Build details:
2024 Sc Blur size L
Rockshox SID Ultimate 120mm 3p
Sidluxe Ultimate 3p
Shimano XTR 2 pot brakes
Nextie Omega wheel set with DT240exp hubs
XX1 Axs Mech and crank
Xcadey Spider PM w/wolftooth ring
eThirteen Helix Race cassette
Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.35 f+r
