New gear everywhere! Shimano, SRAM and Fox have dropped new product launches on us recently and to be honest, if you are not a gearhead, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, our editor has laid out a summary below to make it easier to know exactly what has been launched, why it matters and how to casually mention it in a braai conversation…
By Sean Badenhorst
Press releases announcing new product with embargo dates from Shimano, SRAM and Fox have been pummeling our TREAD Media inboxes in recent weeks. We published the first Shimano release here because it was a big, long-awaited step from the Japanese brand that once ruled the mountain bike world, but which now shares it with SRAM and a few other smaller brands.
So, here’s a summary of the recent launches, why they’re relevant and how to join a braai conversation about them…
Shimano XTR DI2
What is it? Electronic shifting for Shimano’s flagship mountain bike component model. It comes seven years after Shimano last updated its XTR model.
Why is it relevant? While Shimano has offered electronic shifting on road bikes for some time, it has been conspicuously absent in the mountain biking wireless shifting space. This has allowed SRAM to gain significant market share in this segment.
What to mention in conversation: ‘I like the way the new derailleur has been designed to take abuse and bounce back.’
Watch this cool, shortish XTR Di2 video!
Shimano XT and Deore Di2
What is it? Electronic shifting for Shimano’s mid-range mountain bike component models.
Why is it relevant? It’s essentially a trickle down of Shimano’s new wireless shifting technology introduced on its flagship XTR model. It makes it more affordable to have Shimano wireless shifting for more mountain bikers.
What to mention in conversation: ‘It’s interesting that XT is almost 40% cheaper than XTR.’
Pinkbike offers a good analysis of these products here.
Shimano Q’Auto
What is it? A new technology from Shimano that uses your hub friction to charge your electronic shifting. It also works out your individual power patterns initially and then customises automatic shifts based on your torque while pedalling.
Why is it relevant? It’s more for touring, road bikes and gravel bikes currently, but has great potential for all bikes in the future.
What to mention in conversation: ‘Shimano has used elements of Linkglide that is on Shimano-powered eBikes for Q’Auto.’
SRAM Force and Rival AXS in XPLR
What is it? SRAM’s introduction of a 12-speed wireless shifting drivetrain to its Force and Rival models. These models sit respectively below Red, which is SRAM’s flagship road groupset, which has had 12-speed wireless technology for some time. More appropriate for TREAD readers is the simultaneous launch of the XPLR model, a 13-speed version for Gravel Racing.
Why is it relevant? Wireless shifting has been available throughout SRAM’s mountain bike groupsets for some time. Now it’s also available on SRAM’s most popular road and gravel groupsets. With the increasing popularity of Gravel Racing, this is good timing.
What to mention in conversation: ‘The new Force and Rival AXS beats Shimano Ultegra and 105 on both price and weight.’
Bike Radar have published a positive review on the Force AXS XPLR here.
Fox Podium fork
What is it? It’s a new 160/170m travel single-crown inverted suspension fork designed for Enduro Racing and advanced trail riding.
Why is it relevant? It turns the conventional mountain bike suspension fork design literally upside down with the intention of improving suspension action, reducing rider fatigue and enhancing ride feel.
What to mention in conversation: ‘With no fork brace, this inverted fork design will be ideal for the 32-inch wheels that are coming…’
The blokes at Flow MTB have published their first-ride review here.
Shimano GRX Di2 1×12
What is it? It’s Shimano’s first foray into a wireless 1×12 groupset specifically for Gravel bikes.
Why is it relevant? It brings Shimano into the wireless shifting market for the growing Gravel segment.
What to mention in conversation: ‘Did you know that Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence?’
Check out this thorough analysis video from Bikepacking.com
