If you're into your new MTB product because you want the latest kit or are just wondering where it's all going next then you'll have seen loads of new tech on the 'proper' bike websites already. Sea Otter in California normally stirs a load of new stuff up, and then there are the early season races and the product camps that people fight through ash clouds to get too.
After spending so much time playing who can see the fattest flier in airport lounges last year, I've handed my passport in to the Kesteven authorities (that would be my wife) until Interbike in September. That doesn't mean that next year hasn't arrived in my corner of the world yet, it just got here by van not volcano dodging. Anyway I'm blathering on when you just want the techy stuff.
SRAM XX. Just installed on my new Tallboy and so far extremely impressive: Once I'd managed to get the previously loved XX brake pads back apart far enough to spin on the rotors rather than binding they've been crazy powerful. So dry here that I can't comment on pad longevity though yet.2x10 in it's lowest format gives me all the gear ratios I need even on a long haul big wheeler, although I have nearly blown my O ring a couple of times on long gradually steepening climbs. Shifting is flawless though, particularly up front and with just two chainrings there's less duplication even if the gears are slightly closer spaced than usual.It feels a lot less clicky than previous SRAM though and more like Shimano which I'm not sure is a good thing yet.
Shimano 3x10. Still a bit confused by this one. Tighter range across the chainset and cassette will be loved by dirt roadies who like to spin exactly the right gear up a long climb like Cwm Carn or something. The short steps between gears meant I kept feeling like I wanted to shift a gear and a half each time on singletrack though, but then you could say that about the SRAM block too. I've only ridden it for about an hour though so the new tighter spacing will probably soon be what I'm expecting. Shifting quality is sweet as silk, but again it's not seen any wet to really test it for filth survival. Shame they've done nothing to make either XT or SLX to look new though, which is where I reckon SRAM will really score.
Fox 2011
Now this has only been a very quick blast on my home trail but the new gold legged Float I was flying was outstanding. Almost like when Fox first came out in the way overall control and smoothness went up a notch over anything else we'd ridden before. We've only ridden the one fork though and it's been the inconsistency and random notchy, spikey performance of a lot of Fox's we've ridden this year that's been the major issue with them.
Coming soon?
I'll fill you in more on the Tallboy, how the Hammerschmidt feels when we finally find a headset that fits the Nicolai and how much we love DT Swiss forks now. I think Blogs are meant to be short and pithy not a rambling mess like this though so you'll have to wait a few days for that.
In the meantime enjoy riding whatever you've got.