New lighter-weight RockShox SID spotted with Flight Attendant terrain-sensing moduleTrek has unveiled a groundbreaking 32-inch cross-country (XC) race bike prototype, featuring an unreleased RockShox SID Flight Attendant fork. This innovative machine made its competitive debut at the penultimate UCI World Cup round in Soldier Hollow, Utah, with Evie Richards piloting it during the event. (bikeradar.com)
Design and Features
The prototype closely resembles Trek’s previous 29-inch XC model, maintaining a top-mounted rear shock design with flexstays in the rear triangle. This configuration not only enhances suspension performance but also allows for the inclusion of two water bottles in the front triangle—an advantageous feature for marathon races where hydration opportunities are limited. (bikeradar.com)
Addressing concerns about the suitability of larger wheel sizes for smaller riders, Trek has ensured that the 32-inch wheels are compatible with various frame sizes. Evie Richards, standing at 164 cm, demonstrated the bike’s versatility and performance during the race. (bikeradar.com)
Wheelset and Tires
The bike is equipped with a wheelset featuring PolyLight braided Dyneema polyethylene spokes, similar to those found in Berd’s 32-inch Hawk32 Gold wheelset. While the rims appear to be a different profile, they are likely Trek or Bontrager prototypes. The tires are Pirelli prototypes, indicating a collaborative effort to develop components tailored for the 32-inch wheel size. (bikeradar.com)
RockShox SID Flight Attendant Fork
A standout feature of this prototype is the RockShox SID Flight Attendant fork, designed specifically for 32-inch wheels. This fork incorporates design elements from RockShox’s ZEB and Lyrik models, including a plastic portion on the arch that likely covers mounts for a mudguard. The inclusion of the Flight Attendant system suggests that the fork has been optimized for the unique demands of 32-inch wheels. (bikeradar.com)
Industry Implications
The introduction of Trek’s 32-inch XC prototype, coupled with RockShox’s development of a corresponding fork, signifies a significant shift in the mountain biking industry. While 32-inch wheels have been explored in the past, their adoption has been limited. Trek’s commitment to this wheel size, along with the support from component manufacturers like RockShox, suggests a growing trend towards larger wheels in cross-country racing. The performance of this prototype in competitive settings will likely influence future design and manufacturing decisions across the industry. (bikeradar.com)
As the mountain biking community observes the performance of Trek’s 32-inch XC prototype, it remains to be seen how this innovation will impact the evolution of cross-country racing and the broader cycling landscape.