{"id":433,"date":"2022-01-07T15:05:03","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T14:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=660549"},"modified":"2022-01-07T15:23:23","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T14:23:23","slug":"these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"These are the tech trends that will define mountain biking in 2022 | Our predictions for the year ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By George Scott\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 07 January 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The start of a new year is always a good opportunity for the BikeRadar team to gaze into the crystal ball and make our tech predictions for the 12 months ahead.<\/p>\n

Having outlined our road and gravel trends for 2022<\/a> earlier in the week, now it\u2019s the time for our MTB team \u2013 Luke, Rob, Max, Alex and Tom \u2013 to discuss what they expect \u2013 or hope \u2013 to see this year.<\/p>\n

From electronic suspension and kit for pint-sized shredders, through to integration, the continuing rise of downcountry bikes and the long-lasting impact of the Covid pandemic<\/a>, here\u2019s what mountain biking is set to look like in 2022. Just don\u2019t hold us to it\u2026<\/p>\n\n<h2>Electronic suspension hits the mainstream<\/h2>\n<h3>Luke Marshall, technical writer<\/h3>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-648814\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Rock-Shox-Flight-Attendant-shock-a7fb690.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Rock\" shox=\"\" flight=\"\" attendant=\"\" shock=\"\" title=\""Rock\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The new RockShox Flight Attendant system is designed to create the most efficient ride possible.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Mick Kirkman \/ SRAM<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>For 2022, I\u2019m interested to see how electronic suspension tech will be used in racing and how that filters down to everyday riders.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, I saw a lot of secret electronic tech being used on the race circuit. For example, Lo\u00efc Bruni ran some form of prototype \u00d6hlins electronic suspension during the 2021 downhill season, with a thumb trigger button on his handlebar and an unknown device hidden under a secretive carbon cover on his <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/specialized-demo-2020-mullet-bike\/"\">Specialized Demo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Myriam Nicole and Greg Minnaar\u2019s bikes raced at Lenzerheider had Fox electronics attached to their rear shocks, labelled Live Valve. Nicole\u2019s bike even had a repurposed Shimano EP8 mode selector on the handlebars.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, Tom Pidcock, the men\u2019s Olympic cross-country champion, raced on what looked like <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/pro-bike\/tom-pidcock-bmc-fourstroke\/"\">prototype SR Suntour electronic suspension on his blacked-out BMC Fourstroke<\/a>. I\u2019m keen to see the Olympic champion back racing mountain bikes this summer \u2013 fingers crossed he is, and maybe we\u2019ll find out a bit more about that.<\/p>\n<p>While <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/rockshox-flight-attendant\/"\">RockShox Flight Attendant<\/a> was released this year, it was limited to a few specific full-bike builds from the likes of Trek, YT and Canyon. It\u2019s also currently aimed at trail riders, whom RockShox thinks will benefit the most from it.<\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-639180\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Tom-Pidcock-Tokyo-Olympics-3-512fb29.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Tom\" pidcock=\"\" riding=\"\" a=\"\" bmc=\"\" fourstroke=\"\" at=\"\" the=\"\" tokyo=\"\" olympics=\"\" title=\""Tom\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Tom Pidcock riding a BMC Fourstroke at the Tokyo Olympics.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Alex Broadway \/ SWPix.com<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>However, it was also spotted on Charlie Murray\u2019s Specialized Enduro at the Crans-Montana Enduro World Series round in Switzerland.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll also be keeping an eye open to see if the Trek Factory Racing Enduro team employ it to hunt possible advantages on an ever-increasingly competitive enduro circuit.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m always interested to see what turns up on the race circuit, not least over the next year or two, as that\u2019s often where we see the latest tech first.<\/p>\n<p>On that note, I\u2019m in the process of testing a whole load of suspension forks, and I\u2019m all for the irony of making suspension products more complicated if it makes life easier for the end-user.<\/p>\n<p>But will we see frame designs that currently don\u2019t allow space for these shocks change to take advantage of this new tech? Or maybe it\u2019ll be so unobtrusive you might not even notice it\u2019s there\u2026<\/p>\n<h2>The next generation has it better than ever<\/h2>\n<h3>Robin Weaver, technical editor-in-chief<\/h3>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-657155\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/2022-Orbea-Rise-H-electric-mountain-bike-8-b59bcda.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""2022\" orbea=\"\" rise=\"\" h=\"\" electric=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\""2022\" bike-8=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The Orbea Rise is among the latest crop of lightweight electric mountain bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Orbea<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Whenever I get asked about the future trends of mountain biking, I have to do quite a bit of head-scratching. That\u2019s not because the industry is moving particularly slowly, but we\u2019re at a point in mountain biking where we\u2019re seeing more in terms of evolution rather than brands conjuring up totally new concepts.<\/p>\n<p>Where to start, then? The trend towards lightweight <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-electric-mountain-bikes\/"\">electric mountain bikes<\/a> seems to be gathering pace thanks to the likes of the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-orbea-rise-h\/"\">Orbea Rise<\/a> and Specialized\u2019s Levo and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/specialized-2022-kenevo-sl\/"\">Kenevo SL<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>No doubt there will be more to come this year \u2013 good news for riders who want assistance on the climbs but still want to retain that \u2018regular bike\u2019 feel on the way back down.<\/p>\n<p>Like Luke, I can\u2019t ignore RockShox\u2019s Flight Attendant, either. While Fox\u2019s Live Valve system has been around for a few years, it hasn\u2019t really taken off in the mainstream. Could this all change with Flight Attendant, thanks to wireless wizardry and smarter packaging? Maybe.<\/p>\n<p>But for me, as a father of two, one of the most exciting trends for 2022 has to be just how good kids\u2019 kit and bikes are getting.<\/p>\n<p>While companies such as shoe brand Five Ten have catered to smaller humans for some time now, it seems that a number of other brands are keen to ensure the future of the sport is properly taken care of.<\/p>\n<p>At the most recent Eurobike show, we saw the new Schwalbe Big Betty tyre, now offered in both 20in and 24in sizes, while RST launched a fork \u2013 called the Beast \u2013 to fit 24in wheels. Urge helmets unveiled the new Deltar full-face lid in two youth sizes, with the same tech as the brand\u2019s adult helmets.<\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-650673\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/10\/Specialized-Riprock-24-2-3b702e9.jpeg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Specialized\" riprock=\"\" title=\""Specialized\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Specialized\u2019s new Riprock is aimed at the next generation of shredders.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Paris Gore \/ Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>And more recently, Specialized launched the totally overhauled range of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-specialized-riprock\/"\">Riprock kids\u2019 bikes<\/a>. These mini-trail machines have been designed for kids from four to 12 years of age and, compared to the outgoing Riprock models, feature slacker head angles, shorter chainstays and lower stack heights. The 20in and 24in standard bikes both come with a rigid fork, while the top-end Expert gets a 100mm-travel Manitou suspension fork.<\/p>\n<p>As I said, these are just some examples to illustrate how good things are getting if you\u2019re a pint-sized shredder, and there\u2019s loads more out there.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, with the demand on the bike industry as it is right now, and the parts shortages we\u2019re all seeing, it may be some time until we actually see what comes of all of this.<\/p>\n<p>Who knows, maybe we\u2019ll have to wait until 2023 for any of it to come to fruition. Still, we\u2019re not exactly in a bad place right now when it comes to tech, so waiting a little longer isn\u2019t going to make riding bikes any less fun.<\/p>\n<h2>Integration comes to mountain biking<\/h2>\n<h3>Max Wilman, videographer<\/h3>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-639164\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Scott-Spark-2022-97d84df.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Nino\" schurter=\"\" scott=\"\" spark=\"\" title=\""Nino\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The 2022 Scott Spark, as ridden by Nino Schurter and Kate Courtney, has a hidden shock.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"\/><\/div>\n<p>In 2022, I\u2019m looking forward to seeing further integration on mountain bikes.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-scott-spark-rc-spark-900\/"\">new Scott Spark<\/a> and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-cannondale-jekyll\/"\">Cannondale Jekyll<\/a> both hide their <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/the-ultimate-guide-to-mountain-bike-rear-suspension-systems\/"\">rear shocks<\/a> neatly in the down tubes, and I want to see more clever bike designs like this.<\/p>\n<p>That might be to the disgust of mechanics, and probably some of you. After all, integration has been a key trend in road cycling for some time now, and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/opinion\/internal-cable-routing-has-gone-too-far\/"\">it\u2019s not always popular<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For mountain bikers, a shock hidden lower in the bike can provide an overall lower centre of gravity, which in turn can result in a more grounded and well-balanced ride quality.<\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-658620\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem-36cbfd1.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Focus's\" c.i.s=\"\" stem=\"\" routes=\"\" cables=\"\" through=\"\" the=\"\" and=\"\" headtube=\"\" to=\"\" tidy=\"\" up=\"\" cockpit.=\"\" title=\""Focus-Jam2-CIS-stem"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The C.I.S stem on the Focus Jam routes cables through the stem and head tube to tidy up the cockpit.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>James Stewart<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Integration isn\u2019t just limited to a hidden rear shock, however. We have also seen bikes such as the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-focus-jam-thron\/"\">Focus Jam<\/a> with cable integration through the cockpit. I don\u2019t see why anyone other than top-level XC riders would be looking at this for its aero benefits, and even then those gains are minimal \u2013 but I just can\u2019t help think it looks pretty neat.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, the likes of Trek and Specialized have paved the way for internal storage options on some of their mid-range and top-spec bikes. I\u2019d like to see this space-saving solution trickle down to the budget end of the spectrum.<\/p>\n<p>Because let\u2019s be honest, who wants to carry all those snacks, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-inner-tubes\/"\">inner tubes<\/a> and tools on their back these days?<\/p>\n<h2>Progressive geometry needs to be adopted everywhere<\/h2>\n<h3>Alex Evans, technical editor<\/h3>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-658230\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/12\/AL_MBUK_27102185-3e395ca.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Saracen\" zenith=\"\" elite=\"\" lsl=\"\" title=\""AL_MBUK_27102185"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Alex wants progressive geometry to be a feature on a wider range of bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Andy Lloyd \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>For me, it\u2019s all about geometry.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/the-ultimate-guide-to-bike-geometry-and-handling\/"\">Mountain bike geometry<\/a> has come a long way in the last few years and there\u2019s now an almost unanimous acceptance that, for <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-downhill-mountain-bikes\/"\">downhill bikes<\/a>, <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-enduro-bikes\/"\">enduro bikes<\/a> and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-trail-bikes\/"\">trail bikes<\/a>, longer, slacker and lower geometry, with steep seat tube angles, makes a bike easier to ride both up and downhill.<\/p>\n<p>Every step we take towards the Goldilocks geometry figures has a marked improvement on how much easier, less break-neck dangerous, and more fun it is to ride fast.<\/p>\n<p>There needs to be a widespread adoption of this type of forward-thinking geometry that doesn\u2019t discriminate between disciplines or rider ability and terrain type, although there are a few exceptions, such as slopestyle and dirt jumping.<\/p>\n<p>After all, who wouldn\u2019t want a bike that\u2019s easier and more fun to ride?<\/p>\n<p>And to top it off, assuming you\u2019re already buying a new bike or frame, geometry is a free upgrade. It\u2019s not like swapping out a basic fork or shock for a more advanced one, and tweaking a frame\u2019s numbers is arguably more beneficial than plenty of costly aftermarket upgrades.<\/p>\n<h2>More of the same for 2022, for better or worse<\/h2>\n<h3>Tom Marvin, technical editor<\/h3>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-634619\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/06\/Transition-Spur-X01-Carbon-04-4945379.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""Male\" cyclist=\"\" riding=\"\" the=\"\" transition=\"\" spur=\"\" x01=\"\" carbon=\"\" full=\"\" suspension=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" through=\"\" woodland=\"\" title=\""Transition\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The best downcountry bikes are remarkably capable, both uphill and down.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Steve Behr \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>I always struggle to pick a trend for this type of feature. Last year, the latest breed of <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-cross-country-bikes\/"\">cross-country<\/a> and downcountry bikes topped my list of tips, and in the past I\u2019ve talked about tyres and geometry at least a couple of times.<\/p>\n<p>Truth be told, I think in 2022 we\u2019ll see more of the same. Downcountry bikes really did prove to be a \u2018thing\u2019 in 2021, and the pace won\u2019t slow in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>The downcountry market seems split between bikes that are XC rigs with a longer stroke shock and fork, and those designed from the ground up to be fast and efficient, while still being remarkably competent when the trail descends.<\/p>\n<p>Personally, I\u2019m more into the dedicated downcountry bikes \u2013 ones where the design focus has been aimed squarely at doing everything well, rather than shoe-horning a little extra travel into a race bike.<\/p>\n<p>The reality is, the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-downcountry-mountain-bikes\/"\">best downcountry bikes<\/a> suit the riding many of us actually do, week in, week out. With ever stouter (yet lightweight) forks, such as the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/forks\/suspension-forks\/2021-rockshox-sid-ultimate-fork-review\/"\">RockShox Sid<\/a> and <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/2022-fox-34-fork\/"\">Fox 34<\/a>, and surprisingly effective tyres from Maxxis and Schwalbe \u2013 I\u2019m looking at you, Rekon and Wicked Will \u2013 a bike with 115 to 120mm of travel and decent geometry is going to handle the bulk of what a UK trail can throw at it.<\/p>\n<p>As my colleagues have already covered, we also saw the release of SRAM\u2019s Flight Attendant in 2021. However, I was surprised to see no tie-in with the <a href=\""https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/forks\/suspension-forks\/quarq-shockwiz-first-ride-review\/"\">ShockWiz tuning system<\/a>, and that Flight Attendant was focused more on longer-travel bikes.<\/p>\n<p>With that in mind, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see a ShockWiz-type addition to the system, as well as some sort of integration onto XC bikes, where pedalling efficiency is key.<\/p>\n<div class=\""image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\""padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(max-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/webp"\"><source media=\""(min-width:\" data-srcset=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\""image\/jpeg"\"><img class=\""wp-image-653108\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/11\/giant-fox-live-valve-controller-0b29707.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" width=\""620"\" height=\""413"\" alt=\""giant\" fox=\"\" live=\"\" valve=\"\" controller=\"\" title=\""giant\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\""caption-hold"\"><figcaption class=\""wp-caption-text"\"><span class=\""caption-copy"\"><i class=\""icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Will Fox\u2019s Live Valve suspension system get a reboot in 2022?<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\""im-image-caption"\"> <i>Tom Marvin \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>And if that doesn\u2019t come from SRAM, perhaps Fox\u2019s Live Valve will see a reboot, or another competing system from elsewhere in the market \u2013 Tom Pidcock\u2019s BMC Fourstroke was seen with some sort of electronically linked SR Suntour suspension in Tokyo.<\/p>\n<p>In many respects, 2021 was a torrid year for the bike industry and consumers alike. Massive growth in demand through 2020, the impact of Covid on manufacturing globally, supply-chain issues, Brexit and the increasing costs of materials have made it a tough place at times. Getting hold of bikes and components, whether you\u2019re a punter, journalist or brand, has been challenging on an unprecedented level.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, I don\u2019t think things are going to change significantly in 2022. It\u2019s likely that many manufacturers will still be suffering from significant delays, the price of raw materials is unlikely to decrease and shipping delays aren\u2019t going to solve themselves overnight. In the UK, we\u2019re still getting to grips with the impact of Brexit, too.<\/p>\n<p>So, my second prediction for 2022 is that things are going to remain difficult. Order books will take months to clear, bikes are going to continue to seem more expensive than ever and deals will be thin on the ground. Brands that used to be synonymous with value may align pricing with their more-traditional counterparts.<\/p>\n<p>Roll on 2023.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By George Scott Published: Friday, 07 January 2022 at 12:00 am The start of a new year is always a good opportunity for the BikeRadar team to gaze into the crystal ball and make our tech predictions for the 12 months ahead. Having outlined our road and gravel trends for 2022 earlier in the week, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":434,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead.jpg",1800,1200,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/01\/these-are-the-tech-trends-that-will-define-mountain-biking-in-2022-our-predictions-for-the-year-ahead.jpg",1800,1200,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By George Scott Published: Friday, 07 January 2022 at 12:00 am The start of a new year is always a good opportunity for the BikeRadar team to gaze into the crystal ball and make our tech predictions for the 12 months ahead. Having outlined our road and gravel trends for 2022 earlier in the week,…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/433"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}