The first round of the downhill World Cup is taking place at Fort William, marking the end of a long off-season. This event has seen the introduction of several new bikes and technologies, including Martin Maes’ non-ebike ebike, the Rockshox Foxxer, and a redesigned rear end on Amaury Pierron’s Commencal Supreme.
One notable innovation is the gold Boxxer fork, which has sparked some controversy among fans and competitors. While it may seem like just a cosmetic change, riders have noted that it actually reduces anti-rise and improves suspension sensitivity during braking.
Kenda has also joined the trend of imitation, introducing their own version of the popular Assegai-style tire. The NS team is experimenting with different casings to find the best performance for their riders.
The Commencal Supreme has an interesting feature with a slim chainstay that can be adjusted for stiffness. This allows riders to fine-tune the flexibility of the bike to suit their preferences and riding style, potentially improving performance on the track. Amaury Pierron has been particularly focused on optimizing the bike’s flex to enhance its performance and responsiveness.
Overall, the first round of the downhill World Cup has showcased some exciting new developments in bike technology and design, setting the stage for a competitive and innovative season ahead.