For 2025 Pike, Lyrik, ZEB, and Boxxer forks, Rockshoxs top end models will get a new Charger 3.1 damper that has a dramatically wider adjustment range and softer overall compression.The goal was to reduce small trail chatter vibrations and harshness felt at the hands with softer low-speed compression damping while also giving aggressive riders more support. But they also made the bushings better for smoother action, and added user-adjustable mid-valve tuning for even more customization. Heres how they did itCharger 3.1 RC2 Damper Rockshoxs Charger 3.0 already had completely independent high- and low-speed compression circuits, letting you adjust one without affecting the other, which is called cross talk. That independence also means Rockshox can change the damping fluids flow management in one circuit without affecting the other, and thats exactly what they did.The low-speed compression circuit is much softer, with 68% more oil flow. That means it provides much less overall damping in the middle setting, so its better able to absorb the little stuff for a softer beginning stroke. This also helps your tire track the ground better.The high-speed circuit, however, lets you go firmer than beforeif you want. For really aggressive riders, this helps them maintain control on massive high speed hits. For the rest of us, rest easy knowing that it, too, can go softer:The overall tuning range of both high- and low-speed compression circuits is about double what it used to be, so you can more easily find the setting that works for you.If youre just catching up, the RC2 part of that means external low-speed rebound and external high- and low-speed compression adjustment.Upgradeable, modifiable designLike many of their recent damper and air spring updates, the Charger 3.1 RC2 cartridge ($358) is backward compatible with 2023 forks. You can swap in the entire damper cartridge if youre upgrading from a lower level forkor just order the parts kit to convert your Charger 3.0 to a 3.1 damper. The $75 kit includes the piston assembly, IFP spring, tuning shims,and the Charger 3.1 High Flow Piston Tool.Just want to fiddle with the 3.1 dampers tune? Shim Tune Kits ($30) give you an additional Heavy compression tune and two rebound tunes (Light & Heavy) are available, letting you make internal adjustments, too. Stock tune kits are also available in case you need to go back to the original setup and lost the parts.New bushings & air springsNew bushings and new/improved manufacturing processes pioneered on the latest Boxxer have now moved to the Pike, Lyrik, and ZEB, too. Rockshox says this reduces friction.The Pikes V2 Debonair+ air spring gets a hollowed-out top cap to increase the negative air spring volume for easier travel initiation, better small bump sensitivity, and improved traction. This part is also available as an aftermarket upgrade for 2023+ Pike forks.Models & optionsZEBThe 38mm-stanchion ZEB now comes in Boxxer, er, Electric Red. The Charger 3.1 RC2 dampers comes on the Ultimate (2,341g, $1,159), which includes vibration-damping Butter Cups, and Select+ (2,295g, OE only), which does not. Theres also Select (2,309g, $896) with Charger RC damper, and a base model (2,341g, OE only) with their Rush RC damper. All are available from 150-190mm travel, in 27.5 and 29 wheel sizes.LYRIKThe 35mm-stanchion Lyrik gets the same spec options across the line for Ultimate (2,028g, $1,099), Select+ (1,968g, OE only), Select (1,928g, $843), and base models (1,973g, OE only). Travel ranges from 140-160mm in both wheel sizes.PIKEFor trail riders, the 35mm-stanchion Pike covers 120-140mm travel with both wheel sizes and has the same damper options across the models Ultimate (1,887g, $1,049), Select+ (1,828g, OE only), Select (1,778g, $790), and base (1,833g, OE only).Rockshox.comThe post 2025 Rockshox Charger 3.1 Damper Gets Squishier, More Tunable appeared first on Bikerumor.

If my story doesnt show the desperate need for a change in regulation, then I dont know what will"

The fight for the Maillot Jaune at the 2024 Tour de France is one of the most hotly anticipated Grand Tour battles in many years. Just a few weeks out from the Grand Depart in Florence however, Tadej Pogacar stands out as the pre-race favourite.Ex-pro Adam Blythe will be covering the Grand Tour for...

Mahle SmartBike Systems just introduced the new X30 ebike hub motor, which relies on the same software and ecosystem as the X20 flagship model, and packs them into a robust, versatile design that makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from gravel and road to urban riding and childrens bikes. To achieve this, the German manufacturer reduced the torque of the motor and minimised the systems complexity, while at the same time maintaining the same level of connectivity. Heres everything you have to know about the new X30 ebike hub motor.MAHLE X30 | 45 Nm of torque | 250 W peak power| 1.9 kg | 121 mm Mahle SmartBike Systems is an innovative company that specialises in the development and testing of advanced ebike drive systems. Theyre a subsidiary of Mahle, one of the most important players in the automotive industry, which in 2018 absorbed ebikemotion including all their employees and extensive knowledge and renamed it SmartBike Systems. The headquarters are still in the charming town of Palencia, northern Spain. Here, Mahle rely on modern technologies and an expert engineering team to develop ebike drives, drawing crucial information from a large data pool.Ebike development in exile What Mahles up to in Palencia, SpainIn Palencia, Mahle have a team of around 50 specialists who work in research, development and testing. A key part of testing new ebike motors are the test benches, which were developed in-house by Mahle and enable them to recreate both realistic and extreme conditions. The comprehensive test benches in Palencia include simulations of a wide range of scenarios.Using special chambers that simulate extreme weather conditions, Mahle expose their motors to both hot and cold temperatures, as well as moisture to test their reliability and performance in all imaginable scenarios. The tests are carried out very meticulously and are meant to push the materials to the limits, and thus to ensure that the ebike drives are robust and durable. However, the new drive systems arent just tested in a lab, but also in real life situations in the surroundings of Palencia the ideal testing ground!The new Mahle X30 in detailWith the new X30, Mahle are simply introducing new hardware thats embedded in the ecosystem and the periphery of the familiar Mahle X20 motor and is compatible with all of its parts. The X30 replaces its predecessors, the X35 and X35+, which were used primarily for slim city e-bikes and discreet e-gravel machines. However, the X35 platform was not yet compatible with Mahles latest software, sensor and UI periphery. This means that the app, display, handlebar remotes, e-shifter and, above all, the torque sensor in the bottom bracket of the sophisticated X20 are now finally compatible with the new X30 motor. The sensor in particular should ensure a natural riding experience and motor response behaviour, which was one of the main weaknesses of the previous model. Apart from compatibility, the X30 doesnt sound especially revolutionary, especially compared to the Mahle X20 launched back in 2022.MAHLE X20MAHLE X30Peak power250 W250 WTorque55 Nm45 NmMotor weight1.4 kg1.9 kgSystem weightaround3 kgaround 3,5 kgDiameter112 mm121 mmIntegrated Battery236 or 350 Wh236 or 350 WhRange extender171 Wh171 WhMotor connectionIntegrated into the rear hub External via cableCompatibilityX20 componentsX20 componentsSensorsPAS, Torque & CadencePAS, Torque & CadenceThe motor is bigger, heavier and weaker, but theres a reason for that:Mahle have significantly reduced the complexity of the motors internals, which is meant to increase durability and ease of maintenance. At the same time, the X30 motor is meant to run more quietly, while production costs certainly played a role too. The housing is only around 1 cm bigger, but makes it easier to integrate the motor into the rear wheel though the cable connector isnt quite as clean a solution as the AMC (Automatic Motor Connection) connector integrated into the dropout of X20-equipped bikes. Although the motors cable connector makes it easier for manufacturers to integrate the motor into the bike, the X20s Quick Connect axle is a much tidier and more discreet solution.Sensors, support modes and app functions PAS & torque sensor two options with the Mahle X30 motorModern e-bike motors usually rely on a pedal assist sensor (PAS) and torque sensor. The PAS sensor only detects whether the cranks are turning, while the torque sensor also measures how hard youre pedalling. Using both sensors enables a very natural-feeling assistance, because the software knows exactly whether youre pedalling normally or sprinting. On the other hand, if the motor only relies on a PAS sensor, it can cause the bike to respond abruptly to the slightest input, leading to a very jerky, on-off feel to the assistance, particularly in the stronger support modes. With the Mahle X30 motor, bike manufacturers can decide for themselves whether to employ both sensors or just the PAS. Its also possible for manufacturers to adapt and optimise the motor mapping, i.e. the characteristic map for response behaviour, in cooperation with Mahle to suit their bike and area of application.The torque sensor is tucked away in the bottom bracket. As a result, the hub motor knows how hard youre pedalling and can adjust the assistance accordingly.The different support modes of the new Mahle X30 motorSince the new Mahle X30 is embedded in the X20 ecosystem, it will also share the same support modes: green, orange and purple, which deliver 25, 50 and up to 200% assistance. Theres also the ominous blue mode called Smart Assist, which dynamically adapts the support level to the riding situation by calculating an optimum support intensity using different sensors and parameters. To work out the optimum support, the system takes into account amongst other things the current speed, speed changes, the riders power output, the riders weight, pedalling cadence and the gradient using an inclination sensor. However, this mode isnt an option if the manufacturer decides to forgo a torque sensor. Smart Assist mode also requires an active connection to your smartphone via the Mahle SmartBike app, as this does all the calculations to determine the appropriate assistance level.No phone, no ride! The Smart Assistance mode requires an active smartphone connection.The functions of Mahles SmartBike AppNot only does Mahles SmartBike app allow you to track your rides and upload them directly to Strava, but also lets you fine-tune the individual support modes. The three setting parameters are:Peak Power: maximum power of the support modeReactivity: the speed at which the support kicks in and the way in which it doesAcceleration: how progressively the maximum power increasesThe system can even be paired with a heart rate sensor to regulate motor assistance depending on your heart rate. To do this, you either enter an upper limit value for your heart rate, or a range within which you want your heart rate to stay. If your heart rate gets closer to the upper limit value, motor support increases in order to reduce the effort, and with it your heart rate.Mahles launch partners for the new X30 hub motor Mahle landed three strong partners for the launch of the X30: Husqvarna in the kids bike segment, Stevens for urban bikes and Bianchi for electric road bikes.With Husqvarnas kids bike, even young riders are limited to the 25 standard km/h threshold of ebikes. The compact system is hardly visible, even on the small childrens bike.Stevens provide the platform for the X30 on urban bikes. The Mahle system also fits inconspicuously in the slim alloy frame.The battery of the Mahle X30 is integrated discreetly into the aero down tube of the Bianchi e-Oltre carbon racer, while the motor is tucked away behind the cassette.Our first impressions of the versatile Mahle X30 rear hub motorWe had the opportunity to test the new Mahle X30 motor in Spain on a Bianchi e-road bike, an unbranded gravel bike and a Stevens city ebike.The versatile Mahle X30 motor system is integrated seamlessly into all three bikes, without interrupting the frame silhouette, which is often the case with mid-drive motors. The X30 is also discrete in terms of background noise: even on slow climbs, where ambient noises are louder than the airflow, the electric motor in the rear wheel is barely noticeable. According to Mahle, the bigger housing and simplified design allowed them to minimise the amount of noise produced by the motor. And thats really noticeable: the X30 is significantly quieter than the more powerful X20 drive.The X30 also delivers more subtle support when riding uphill than the more powerful X20 drive. The lower 45 Nm of torque is particularly noticeable below 12 km/h, a speed that plays a particularly important role when climbing, especially on unpaved surfaces. If you ride mainly on tarmac as tends to be the case with road and urban bikes the support is still perfectly acceptable and pleasant. In contrast, when riding a gravel bike on a rough fire road, the lack of power is more noticeable and requires you to work harder on steep ramps, in the highest support mode.Uphill and downhill: on steep climbs, the Mahle X30 requires more physical effort to develop its power, especially on gravel paths.When riding on level ground, the X30 works effortlessly and, depending on the terrain, develops its power very naturally though its not as punchy as the more powerful X20. We were particularly impressed by the riding experience in Smart Assist mode. However, this requires you to pair the bike with your smartphone first to set the desired intensity. Then youre ready to go: with an intensity of 40%, the motor of the Bianchi felt the most natural, and once you try Smart Mode, you wont be looking back. The set and forget approach also works well for chilled urban cruising, making Smart Mode the perfect choice in the city. If you exceed the 25 km/h threshold, the motor is barely noticeable and decelerates smoothly, except when youre in the most powerful mode. In support mode 3, youll notice clearly when the hub motor doesnt support you anymore. That said, riding without assistance beyond the 25 km/h threshold feels almost like riding an analogue bike that feeling of resistance you get with some mid-drive motors doesnt exist.Going downhill, the Mahle X30 ensures outstanding weight distribution. With the Bianchi, riding downhill feels extremely natural, without the rear wheel understeering or pulling you to the outside of corners. On gravel, the higher rotating mass is noticeable, especially on bumpy descents, resulting in a slight lack of traction. Due to the higher inertia, the rear tire no longer sticks to the ground as eagerly when things get rough, bumpy and fast.Although we were unable to test the kids bike in any detail for anatomical reasons, its reasonable to assume that the lower torque is perfectly fine for smaller, lighter riders. The same applies to the battery efficiency, which means that the smaller 236 Wh battery should be more than sufficient. This also benefits the bikes system weight and, above all, integration into smaller frames.Who is the new Mahle X30 motor suitable for?The Mahle X30 is a jack-of-all-trades. Whether its a kids bike, gravel rig, road or urban bike, it cuts a fine figure and allows for a very slim, discreet frame silhouette. In direct comparison with the X20, the reduced torque isnt noticeable in most situations, and only heavy riders might long for a little more oomph on steep climbs. The low noise level and Smart Assist mode do the new X30 ebike hub motor a world of good. The latter in particular ensures a very natural, intuitive riding behaviour, which is mainly due to the torque sensor. If you like a particularly natural ride feel, youll rarely miss motor power with the Mahle drive. Gravel riders will have to accept some slight compromises in riding behaviour.Our conclusions about the new Mahle X30 rear-hub motor The new Mahle X30 is weaker but bigger than its X20 counterpart. However, it can be integrated seamlessly into any bike, and its meant to be less complex, which is probably good for durability. Moreover, it comes with smart networking features and fits straight into the existing ecosystem of X20 accessories and software. Particularly impressive is the Smart Assist mode, but remember, this is only available on bikes with a torque sensor.TopsVery quietExtensive software and app ecosystemEnables seamless integrationFlopsHeavier than the X20Low torque at slow speedsPlug connector on the rear wheel not as easy as the AMC solution on the X20For more info, visit mahle-smartbike.com Der Beitrag New Mahle X30 ebike motor New hardware for sophisticated software erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

RockShox rejigs its top-end damper, it's gone ligher but you can wind it back on again: plus there's a ton of updates to the Zeb, Pike and Lyrik forks, and Super Deluxe and Vivid Coil shocks. RockShox has a new damper for its Pike, Lyrik and Zeb forks: called the Charger 3.1 it promises a more Continue reading

Just like the new Charger 3.1 dampers for their forks, the 2025 Rockshox Super Deluxe and Vivid Coil shocks get updated compression damping circuits for more tunability and control. But they do it in different ways2025 Rockshox Super DeluxeThe new Super Deluxe damping circuit and adjustments mirror the forks Charger 3.1 updates. The oil flow path through the low-speed compression circuit is more open, allowing more flow for less overall damping.This makes it smoother and faster on little stuff, but with an increased adjustment range so you can tune it to match the forkand your terrain and riding style. Each click has a more dramatic effect on suspension performance, so its easier to tell whats changed. Pair it with the forks to keep front and rear feeling similar, and use their Trailhead app to get things dialed.A lighter rebound shim speeds up the transition from compression to rebound, so the shock can switch directions more quickly. Translation: Fewer hangups in technical terrain.The Super Deluxe Ultimate gets all this with the RC2T version with external LSR, HSC, and LSC, plus a Threshold lockout lever to firm things up for climbing. An optional Hydraulic Bottom Out helps slow things down in the last 20% of travel to prevent harsh bottom outs, which is handy for bikes with out much of a ramp at the end of their travel.MSRP is $599-$629, claimed weight is 458g. Various Select+, Select, and base models also available for OE, so you may find some without the external compression adjustments coming on bikes. But the Ultimate version is the only one available aftermarket.Upgrades & mods galoreWant to tune it further? Or upgrade your existing 2023+ Super Deluxe? Youve got options. For existing Super Deluxe owners, you can get the new higher-flow compression circuit (plus a required shim kit) to give your shock the softer compression damping. The RC2T external reservoir with the damping adjustments doesnt change, so as long as your shock has that, youre good to go.But if it doesnt, you can add that, too with the RC2T Ultimate Reservoir Upgrade ($230), which also fits Super Deluxe Coil, and Vivid Air and Coil shocks, too.The new DebonAir+ Linear XL air canister ($97) gets it closer than ever to the feel of a coil shock, with a larger positive air volume thats more supple at the beginning of travel. Heres how it compares to the other two air can options:And it fits up to eight bottomless tokens for a wide range of adjustability. The only fitment limitation is that the Linear XL air can wont fit on Flight Attendant-equipped Super Deluxe rear shocks.2025 Rockshox Vivid CoilThe 2025 Vivid Coil gets a new position-sensitive damping system called TouchDown. Its more sensitive at the beginning of the stroke to handle the small stuff, then more supportive through the middle and end. And adjustable HBO (hydraulic bottom out) lets you fine tune the amount of anti-bottom out support it has in the last 20% of its travel.It does this by bypassing the compression damping altogether for the first 10% of its travel. This is basically used up when youre at sag, but when youre ripping through rough terrain and the rear suspension is getting full extension, its helping that first bit take full advantage of a coil shocks inherent sensitivity.The next 70% of your travel is controlled like normal with proper (and adjustable on some models) compression damping, then the last 20% gets the added support of the adjustable bottom out damping.On the outside, a new stroke-dependent coil bottom out bumper softens the blow when you do reach full compression, but wont prevent you from getting there.Its available in two versions, Vivid Ultimate RC2T (regular) and Vivid Ultimate DH RC2, the latter losing the Threshold lockout lever because youre not pedaling your DH bike up anything. Springs are available in black or red ($39) in weights from 350lbs to 900lbs in all strokes and lengths, and all coils fit the Vivid, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe coil shocks.Rockshox.comThe post Rockshox Super Deluxe Air & Vivid Coil Shocks Get More Reactive Compression Damping appeared first on Bikerumor.

RockShox has announced an overhaul of its forks range, with the Pike, Lyrik and ZEB now featuring an updated Charger 3.1 damper that's said to broaden the adjustment range of low- and high-speed compression.The American brand has also updated its Super Deluxe rear shock, with a redesigned main piston and reservoir allowing for optimised oil flow.Alongside these updates, RockShox has released a new Vivid Coil rear shock, which uses the brand's TouchDown position-sensitive damping system and features an adjustable hydraulic bottom-out.The forks and shocks are available to order now, with RockShox also offering the Charger 3.1 damper separately as an upgrade to existing RockShox forks.RockShox's parent company, SRAM, has also recently released its 250Wh Powertrain Range extender and AXS Pod Rocker Paddle.Charger 3.1 RC2 damperThe new damper features ButterCups. - RockShoxRockShox says its new Charger 3.1 damper sees updated plumbing in the low-speed compression circuit to make the oils easy-flow path even easier, enabling 68 per cent more oil to flow through when the adjuster is set to open.This is said to reduce compression damping, allowing for greater traction control while reducing low-speed trail noise.High-speed compression damping has increased in the closed position, with RockShox increasing the size of the pyramid.We've seen red ZEBs on a couple of pro-riders' bikes this year. - RockShoxTo match the increased oil flow, a new internal floating piston has been developed, which is said to improve consistency and control.A new shim kit priced at 29 / $30 / 32 gives the damper two compression and three rebound tunes for you to customise.The Lyrik will also feature the new Charger 3.1 damper. - RockShoxRockShox also says it has given the damper a new mid-valve check spring, which aids in further reducing compression damping for more traction.The new damper will feature in the new Pike, Lyrik and ZEB, as well as being available separately for 345 / $358 / 386, and is compatible with the previous-generation forks.It's good to see upgrades available in the RockShox ecosystem. - RockShoxFor those who already have a Charger 3 damper, RockShox is offering a Charger 3.1 RC2 upgrade kit, which includes a new piston assembly for 72 / $75 / 80.New bushingsThe new bushings are said to decrease friction in the forks. - RockShoxWhile the new damper is the standout update, RockShox has also introduced a new bushings package that's said to give the forks the overall lowest friction.The bushings are larger than on the previous generation, with the brand saying it has applied what it learnt when developing its Boxxer downhill forks to the range.Changes have been made to the lower legs to accommodate the bushings, so unlike the new damper, these cant be retrofitted to the previous generation of forks.The Pike has a reworked air-spring curve. - RockShoxThe new Pike features a hollowed-out top cap, which maximises the fork's negative air chamber.This is said to make initiating the fork travel easier, while improving traction and small-bump sensitivity.Elsewhere, the ZEB Ultimate is now available in an Electric Red colourway, similar to that found on the Boxxer Ultimate.RockShox Vivid CoilThe Vivid Coil is supplied with a black spring, but a red one is available as an upgrade. - RockShoxThe Vivid Air shock was released last year, and weve seen sneak peeks of its Coil counterpart in the UCI World Cup and Red Bull Hardline pits this year.The shock is designed for the gnarliest trails, being equipped on some of the best enduro bikes and downhill bikes.Like the air shock, the Vivid Coil features the brand's TouchDown technology, which offers position-sensitive damping that's said to be forgiving at the beginning of the stroke while remaining composed at the middle and end.This is done by bypassing the compression damping in the first 10 per cent of the shocks travel.After that, 70 per cent of the stroke rides on compression damping before entering the last 20 per cent, which is controlled by an adjustable hydraulic bottom-out.A lockout features in the damper. - RockShoxThere are five tuning settings for the adjustable hydraulic bottom-out, allowing for a wide range of rebound tunes that better fit your frame's kinematics.Alongside this, RockShox has also developed a new stroke-specific bottom-out bumper that maximises the shock travel.RockShox Super DeluxeAn Allen key is required to alter high-speed compression. - RockShoxThe American brand has also updated its Super Deluxe rear shock with redesigned high-speed and low-speed compression damping.Oil flow has been improved, and there are now five low-speed compression damping adjustments, which the brand says are more noticeably different from one another.A high-flow piston and lighter rebound check plate have also been added to smooth the transition between damping circuits and improve suspension tracking to the ground.

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Stage 4 of the 2024 Tour de Suisse took place on Wednesday afternoon, giving the general classification hopefuls a first summit finish test. In the end, it was UAE Team Emirates' Adam Yates who proved strongest of the GC men, finishing second on the stage and moving into the Maillot Jaune.A little...

Looking for the best mountain bike flat pedals, no matter what your budget? Here's our comprehensive buyer's guide to all things flat pedal.Big ol' pile of flattiesLooking for the best mountain bike flat pedals, no matter what your budget? Here's our comprehensive buyer's guide to all things flat pedal.