{"id":50784,"date":"2023-06-12T18:49:56","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T16:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=733774"},"modified":"2023-06-12T19:35:43","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T17:35:43","slug":"7-unreleased-downhill-bikes-and-more-prototype-tech-from-the-lenzerheide-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/7-unreleased-downhill-bikes-and-more-prototype-tech-from-the-lenzerheide-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"7 unreleased downhill bikes and more prototype tech from the Lenzerheide World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

New bikes from Specialized, Santa Cruz, Pivot and more <\/p>

By Finlay Anderson\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 12 June 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The opening round of the UCI Downhill World Cup in Lenzerheide was the first chance of this season to see what new tech brands and teams have been cooking up over the off-season.<\/p>\n

And wow, what a feast it was for tech-hungry racing fans \u2013 Specialized, Trek, Pivot, Deviate, Santa Cruz and Mondraker (phew!) all had prototype bikes between the tapes.<\/p>\n

There were also new tyres from Schwalbe, as well as an updated RockShox Boxxer fork. A prototype version of Canyon\u2019s K.I.S steering stabiliser was also seen and new SRAM Code brakes look to be in the works.<\/p>\n

Read on for full details on all of this and more.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also got a full gallery of the best XC tech from Lenzerheide coming. Keep your eyes trained on the homepage or subscribe to the BikeRadar newsletter to get the latest tech news straight to your inbox.<\/p>

Troy Brosnan\u2019s prototype external Canyon K.I.S Sender<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Canyon K.I.S system works as a steering stabiliser.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Troy Brosnan ran an external version of Canyon\u2019s K.I.S (Keep It Stable) system on his Sender downhill race bike<\/a> at Lenzerheide.<\/p>\n

The K.I.S system was designed in collaboration with fellow German component manufacturer, Syntace and made its debut on the Canyon Spectral, which was released last year<\/a>. The adjustable system is concealed within the top tube on the production bike.<\/p>\n

The K.I.S system attaches the steerer of the fork to a set of coil springs via a super-strong synthetic fibre band. This provides a self-centring effect on the bars that helps to improve stability, both in a straight line and in corners.<\/p>\n

We can certainly see the appeal of a little extra composure at high speed on a track as fast as Lenzerheide.<\/p>\n

As far as we could tell, Troy seems to be the only Canyon CLLCTV rider running the system, on his otherwise standard Sender CFR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lo\u00cfc Bruni\u2019s top-secret Specialized Demo<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Look at the size of that chainstay!<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Despite a full season\u2019s worth of teasing, we\u2019re still no closer to seeing exactly what hides under the bonnet of Lo\u00efc Bruni\u2019s prototype Specialized Demo.<\/p>\n

However, while teammate Finn Iles was still using a neoprene sleeve, Bruni\u2019s Demo was equipped with a 3D-printed cover, which revealed a little more of the prototype Demo\u2019s frame.<\/p>\n

The huge alloy chainstays are the key talking point. These look as though they\u2019ve been machined from a single block of alloy.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The bike uses carbon tubes bonded to alloy lugs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Elsewhere, unlike the all-carbon monocoque production Demo, this prototype frame uses carbon tubes bonded to what appear to be alloy lugs. A similar design is used on Atherton Bikes\u2019 production bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We imagine this approach is employed to enable Specialized to test different frame geometries or designs in a relatively short space of time without having to invest in a full carbon mould.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
We reckon the three-button controller controls the compression damping of the bike\u2019s suspension system.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Also worth noting is the three-button electronic controller mounted under Bruni\u2019s left-hand grip. We\u2019ve previously seen the Frenchman using an electronic rear-shock lockout, but the third button suggests he now has access to an additional compression setting.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The prototype bike uses a totally different construction method compared to the existing Demo.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Interestingly, Specialized Gravity\u2019s latest signing, Jordan Williams, raced on the current-generation Specialized Demo.<\/p>\n

He smashed his elite World Cup debut, taking the win and finishing just under half a second ahead of his teammate Bruni, who claimed second place.<\/p>\n

New RockShox Boxxer and SRAM Code brakes<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
An update to the RockShox Boxxer looks imminent.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

RockShox and parent company SRAM have also been busy over the off-season.<\/p>\n

RockShox-supported riders, like those of Trek Factory Racing Gravity, are running a new Boxxer triple-clamp fork.<\/p>\n

While the current Boxxer uses 35mm stanchions, this prototype model looks to have substantially chunkier uppers.<\/p>\n

A closer look suggests it\u2019s also fitted with the brand\u2019s latest Charger 3 damper, as well as RockShox\u2019s ButterCups technology<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/picture><\/div>
It was hard to miss this blazing red SRAM Code caliper.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/picture><\/div>
The brake was paired with what we\u2019re pretty certain is a production version of the existing Code.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWe also spotted a SRAM Code<\/a> caliper with a distinct red splattered finish on the back of a Trek Factory Racing Session downhill bike.\n

Prototype SRAM products are often given a different finish. This red caliper was first spotted last season.<\/p>\n

Unusually, this was paired with what we think is a production-version Code caliper up front.<\/p>\n

Could front and rear-specific downhill brakes from SRAM be in the works?<\/p>\n

Prototype Trek Session<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The idler pulley is sandwiched between the chainstay on the existing Trek Session<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Trek Factory Racing riders have been testing what looks to be a prototype Trek Session with a redesigned rear triangle.<\/p>\n

The production version of the bike sandwiches the idler pulley between the front end of the chainstay.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
We reckon the placement of the idler pulley is adjustable on this prototype bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We reckon the external pivot is adjustable, with riders able to move it forward or backwards to tune the bike\u2019s anti-squat and kickback characteristics.<\/p>\n

The front triangle looks to be shared with the current model.<\/p>\n

New Intense prototype<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Intense Factory Racing was testing a new bike at Lenzerheide.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Intense Factory Racing has come prepared with a new prototype for the 2023 season.<\/p>\n

Compared to last year\u2019s test mule, the new Intense prototype has a more conventional frame design, with the shock mounted through a split seat tube.<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s bike featured a massive rocker link and six-bar design. This has been dropped in favour of a more standard four-bar system.<\/p>\n

In fact, the new layout is very similar to the current Specialized Enduro<\/a>, though this bike features a high pivot with an idler pulley.<\/p>\n

Schwalbe Tacky Chan<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Schwalbe-sponsored riders were testing a range of prototype tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Schwalbe\u2019s prototype \u2018First Ride\u2019 hot patch could be seen all over the pits on many of the brand\u2019s top sponsored riders\u2019 bikes.<\/p>\n

While many were running First Ride versions of the well-known Magic Mary, we also spotted a new Schwalbe tyre with a blacked-out logo and an unfamiliar tread pattern.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The \u2018First Ride\u2019 moniker denotes a prototype product from Schwalbe.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Fitted to the rear wheel of Thibaut Dapr\u00e9la\u2019s Commencal Supreme DH, we reckon this looks a bit like a mash-up between the Magic Mary and Maxxis DHR2.<\/p>\n

With widely spaced lugs and ramped centre tread, we think this could be a new mixed-condition rear tyre.<\/p>\n

The worn Sharpie job cloaking the name suggests the new tyre could be called the Tacky Chan.<\/p>\n

The new Pivot Phoenix prototype has two chains<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This prototype downhill bike from Pivot features an unusual idler pulley layout.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The award for the most talked about bike in the pits goes to the Pivot Phoenix prototype.<\/p>\n

Like Specialized, the bike uses aluminium lugs paired with carbon tubes to reduce the time required to make a prototype.<\/p>\n

It uses a high-pivot DWF6 suspension design. This is based on Dave Weagle\u2019s DW6 linkage \u2013 a design used on, among others, Atherton Bikes\u2019 Downhill.200 bike.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The bike is very different to Pivot\u2019s existing downhill bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A rocker link connects the seatstays to the frame and actuates the shock, with two short links connecting the elevated chainstays to the seat tube.<\/p>\n

Unlike most high-pivot bikes<\/a> with an idler, this prototype Pivot uses two separate chains, with one chain running from the primary chainring to a separate chainring\/cog mounted above it. The second chain then runs from this to the cassette.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Downhill bike or Meccano set?<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This setup results in improved chain wrap around the cogs. It can also be used to alter the gear ratio by changing the size of the upper cog\/chainring, potentially enabling riders to use a smaller chainring on the crankset, improving ground clearance.<\/p>\n

Santa Cruz V10.8 prototype<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The V10 is a true legend of the downhill world.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Now in its eighth iteration, the legendary Santa Cruz V10 looks closer to the finished product than most prototypes we spotted in the Lenzerheide pits.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The suspension kinematics of the new bike have been updated.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve been told the suspension curve of the new bike is more linear. This should make it easier to tune and provide a more predictable ride feel.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Each rider got a custom paintjob.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Despite still being under development, the Santa Cruz Syndicate riders were treated to a custom \u2018racing red\u2019 paintjob. Each paintjob also included a shout-out to the rider\u2019s mechanics \u2013 a nice touch.<\/p>\n

The Santa Cruz V10.8 has already proven itself, with Laurie Greenland and Jackson Goldstone piloting it to fourth and sixth place, respectively.<\/p>\n

New Mondraker prototype<\/h2>\n
\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The juicy details on Mondraker\u2019s new downhill bike were hidden beneath a cover.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Mondraker is racing on a new test mule for the 2023 season.<\/p>\n

This aluminium prototype is all about adjustability.<\/p>\n

While we couldn\u2019t see under the fabric frame cover, we were told the new bike has three adjustable bottom bracket positions, enabling riders to dial in their perfect bottom bracket height.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This brace can be swapped to adjust rear-end stiffness.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A removable seatstay brace also enables riders to modify rear-triangle stiffness to suit.<\/p>\n

Rear-end stiffness can impact, among other things, grip, so it\u2019s an area riders pay a lot of attention to.<\/p>\n

\""Lenzerheide\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Drop-in headset cups can also be swapped to adjust front end geometry.<\/span><\/figcaption> Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A drop-in reach-adjust headset enables riders to fine-tune their position on the bike.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s less clear what is going on suspension-wise. We don\u2019t think it\u2019s a high-pivot design, but it\u2019s very hard to tell at this stage.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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