The dealer network. For someone who likes their Trek LBS or the Trek brand, at least they will have a viable option rather than forcing those customers to go down the rode to buy a competitor’s bike. With the homogenization of the 120/120 XC bikes, it becomes mostly about support/service/convenience for some people. I think LBS/Brand loyalty will be a smaller and smaller factor in buying decisions going forward, but it’s still somewhat of a factor for many right now.
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To be fair, with the similarities of this design, if they created a competitive price $3,000 less for example, they could make a dent quickly. But they’ll charge $15,000 and continue w their struggles.
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The similarities are striking
MTBs are going through the same design convergence aero road bikes did 10 years ago.
It will take some change to regulations etc to drive the next innovation. On the road that was allowing deeper tube profiles. Not sure what you are going to see in MTB short of course design requiring some evolution to the bike.
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Evie Richards posted she been testing new equipment recently. I’m guessing this is a new Trek Procaliber?
Just finished up the episode this morning on my walk the other day. That’s the vibe I got. Also enjoyed the varying contrast in Riley’s view as an athlete vs Payson when it comes to tech. Riley understands there are people out there who build and test the equipment and he doesn’t need to be involved. He’ll ride what he’s given and trust the team. Payson on the other hand enjoys being involved and inputting his thoughts.
Anyway, I’d be surprised if that new Trek doesn’t run 32s or they’re at least testing it with that frame.
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Anyone have any actual timeline intel on the new Trek or Blur being available? I’m about to buy an Epic 8, but am wondering if I should wait a month or two to see what else comes out.
I am very curious to see how many bikes are running 32s in the World Cup this year and if the industry really thinks 32 inch wheels are better for current tracks. I listened to Payson’s podcast too and it sounds like a lot of brands are testing them but Payson also sometimes likes to talk as if he is in the know more than he really is (just my opinion). We haven’t really seen any prototypes leaked with the exception of the BMC from last year. Trek’s new bike is running 29s, Canyon’s prototype that Luca Schwarzbauer was riding last week had 29s, and Giant just released a new 29er last year. If 32 was really coming this year, you’d think more would be leaked as the season is already starting. Supposedly there is a new epic coming this spring so we’ll see what that brings. Anyways, I am excited to see what 2026 has in store.
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Trek is riding these bikes fully branded in the wild so you’d think a release to the public is imminent. I am also patiently waiting to see what Santa Cruz does with the Blur but haven’t heard anything about a new model.
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Yeah, I don’t think 32 is coming to the big brands this year but they are clearly working on it. I’m dubious and think it will take quite a while to work out the geo issues. I can see it being good for gravel pretty easily, but for mtb to make the bike still agile and feel the way we want it to….that might take a lot of testing to get to.
At this point to drop a 32” frame you’d also need to supply wheels and tires. AFAIK the Aspen is theoretically available in 32x2.4 but as much as I like it there are faster options in a 29.
Everything points to the new Epic being a consolidation of the wc & 8 while leaving the Evo as is for the majority of sales.
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Vittoria has announced the Peyote in 32” as well, I believe.
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And forks? It’s a huge change.
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From what they are saying over on MTBR I doubt there will be a new Blur this year… And it seems that 32” wheels are being tested but not everyone is a fan or convinced they are faster. I guess we will see in May who is running them and the results that come out of it. I think it is going to be a tough sell to get XCO racers to add another Kilo or more to their bike unless there is a clear advantage and they are indeed faster.
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There’s also a new Canyon Lux out in the wild.
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Where are you getting a full Kilo or more?
I haven’t seen anything published, but my napkin math - Subtract the hub weight out of a nice set of 29” XC wheels and tires, it’s well under 2000 grams for the wheel set. A 32” wheel would add about 10.5% to the circumference, so assume about 10% more weight, probably less than 200 grams added for rims, spokes, tires, tape on the larger wheel. Not nothing, but I’d bet the aero penalty is more than the weight.
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The BMC prototype tested and reported on pinkbike… the difference between the 29er & 32 was 1.3 kg.
Yeah, I was just thinking about the wheels, but I guess the frame/fork grow a bit as well. But I’d bet some of that weight is a function of being a prototype. I can’t imagine it would end up being more than a pound if/when it becomes mainstream, but I honestly have no idea what needs to change.
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I have no insider knowledge but over on MTBR some are posting that the pros they know testing them, like them, but the biggest negative being the weight. That said, if they’re faster I’m sure they’ll be racing them
The next question is… will they be faster for everyone? Or just taller, more powerful riders?
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