Feels like, aside from the Epic 8, everything else is very long in the tooth. Anyone know what we can expect next year?
Trying to decide between standing pat with my 2021 Orbea Oiz and waiting…or updating it with Flight Attendant…
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Scalpel and Anthem got updates this year so definitely not them. Yeti ASR is only 2 years in so probably nothing there either.
Most obvious one is the flex stay Top Fuel will be coming, wouldn’t be shocked if the Blur/Blur TR gets an update, Ibis Exie is being blown out right now so maybe that too, going to assume Cervelo has exited the XC market.
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The Cannondale Scalpel was updated late 2024.
No more AI Offset and PF30 BB
Now it’s 120mm Front and Rear, Boost and threaded. I think slightly slacker too.
Rumors are going over on MTBR that there’s a new Epic coming and the WC is done.
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Didn’t the Epic 8 just come out a year ago?
Canyon Lux feeling ancient at this point and zero top flight builds on their website presently…
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Early 2024, so sneaking up on a couple years. I’d be surprised to see an update to replace the epic 8 this soon, I assume it’s a top seller based on how many I see. I could see a new variation to replace the WC (which I never see at races and I assume doesn’t sell). A 32” version seems like a long shot, but that’s all I can think of.
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I am with you. You would think they would ride the Epic 8 wave another year or two. I guess we are talking 2027 models… but who knows.
IDK how much opportunity there is for advancement. Many (most) XC bikes going to flex stays illustrates that there isn’t much benefit for fancy rear suspension kinematics on bikes with 120mm or less travel. The operative characteristic is the position of the chainstay main pivot wrt the bottom bracket as it relates to anti squat. The front has tended to get slacker, getting toward 66 HTA from 68 and 69 prior. This reflects XC course have more rough and technical descending sections that before, which is all good. IDK what’s next…maybe 32” wheels?
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I have a friend that said he was invited out to a specialized XC bike release in the spring. Who knows if its a new epic or maybe its them bringing 32 bike to market.
Feels like the bike came out last year
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My bet is that 2026 will be a weird year for XC releases. Brands that had a release schedule for this time are probably holding their breath trying to figure out if it’s better to just go straight to 32 with some retooling or release the 29 anyway to try to amortize some of the expenses at the risk of ending up with inventory by the end of the year.
I also bet that the whole 32 XC thing is way more advanced than what the public realises. I keep hearing about more and more tires from different big brands being tested, as well as wheels. There’s no way big OEM tire brands like Schwalbe and Maxxis are opening tools in isolation from the big bike brands. The only component that so far I’m yet to hear much about are forks, curiously
Will be interesting to see how the 32 inch tires pan out. In a recent PinkBike article they had to add 1.3kg to the bike to test lap speed. While they said the ride “felt better,” it took some time to get used to and gave up some agility. Will the advantages be enough that XCO racers add another 2-3pounds?
I know people said this with the move to 29ers way back when and it was overblown, but I’m personally skeptical about the 32” wheels. As someone who is only 5’6”, I’m not convinced it isn’t going to feel just too big for those of us at the smaller end of the height spectrum.
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From what I’ve hear so far, it seems to be a resounding yes
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If a 32” Epic is coming next year I’d assume it would coexist with the 29” model (although that one comment I read on MTBR suggested it wouldn’t be 32”). I’m curious how smaller framesizes will be coping with those large wheels. I’m 6’2” on a large Epic 8 and slammed stem. I could handle the increase A-C of 32mm with a negative rise stem. No idea how that increased axle to crown height would affect bike design on smaller frames. The proportions of the Chisel my wife rides in size S looks already ridiculous with 29” wheels on 2.4” tires. Exciting times ahead. That BMC prototype looks pretty cool, I must admit.
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32 inch wheels will be the next big trend in mountain biking, like it or not …I don’t think the 29” 120 f/r flex stay design can really be much improved upon in all honesty. Hold on to what you have and see what the next 12 months brings.
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As a short rider, 29” wheels feel ginormous on a MTB. I can’t imagine bloody 32” wheels.
Yeah I hear you…but what I have is 4 years old, 69 degree head tube (not sure it matters that much for me given I ride on Long Island where it’s dead flat lol), and I’m restless, lol!
Does anyone think we will really see production model 32ers from a big company this year? It seems like a multi year process to create a new iteration of something like the Epic, and that is before you throw in the monkey wrench of the new wheel size and geo to figure out. Whatever comes out in a given year was being worked on 2-3 years ago most likely. And it was only earlier this year that tires became available, right? It does make me think I shouldn’t buy a new mtb though, for fear that 32 makes 29 less re-sellable whenever it does happen.
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First company to blink is going to lose the 32” fight. Releasing a frame with limited tires and wheels will undoubtedly be a flop.
I still think we’re 3-4 years out from a big player going full 32”.
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Unless someone (besides BMC) comes out with an auto down dropper seatpost, what more would you want?
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