Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek into the world of mountain biking! The future of downhill racing is here, and it's electric!
This weekend, the Red Bull Hardline Tasmania event will showcase some of the most daring riders on the planet, battling it out on a course that will push their skills to the limit. Among them is the talented Troy Brosnan, who's bringing a bike that's not just a winner, but a glimpse into the future of the sport.
Brosnan's Canyon Sender CFR is a full-carbon fiber beast, engineered with adjustable geometry to give him the ultimate control. But that's not all - this bike is packed with unreleased electronic components from SRAM and RockShox, taking suspension and shifting to a whole new level.
Let's dive deeper and uncover the secrets of this cutting-edge machine.
Canyon Sender CFR: The Ultimate Downhill Weapon
The Canyon Sender CFR is a high-pivot downhill bike, designed to tackle the toughest terrain. Canyon has taken a unique approach with this model, offering adjustable cups that allow Brosnan to fine-tune his bike's reach by a significant 8mm. This level of customization gives him an edge on the track.
Last year, we caught a glimpse of Brosnan's bike in Lenzerheide, where he was testing a modified rear triangle with an aluminum insert. It seems he's stuck with this setup, as the oversized rear brake mount hints at a stiffer, more responsive ride.
RockShox Flight Attendant Boxxer: The Secret Weapon
Brosnan has been riding with an unreleased RockShox fork and rear shock combo since last season. The fork, now without the Blackbox label, suggests it might be hitting the market soon. This system resembles RockShox's XC and enduro Flight Attendant range, but the mystery lies in how it operates the damper.
Current electronic systems use accelerometers to adjust the damper settings based on the bike's position and the terrain. However, with downhill riders rarely needing a lockout, we're left wondering when this feature would be useful. Other brands, like Öhlins, have also been experimenting with electronic dampers, as seen with Finn Iles' electric shock at the Les Gets UCI World Cup.
A unique feature on the fork stanchion is a small air chamber labeled 'Linear XL'. This could provide extra air compression space at the end of the stroke, reducing ramp-up and offering a smoother ride.
SRAM DH AXS Transmission: The Revolution
Last year, we spotted a mysterious derailleur on Brosnan's bike, partially hidden under a thin piece of tape. It's now clear that this is SRAM's long-awaited electronic downhill groupset, AXS. After providing the mountain bike world with electronic shifting, it was only a matter of time before AXS made its way to downhill racing.
It's been a decade since SRAM released a downhill groupset, and many riders still swear by their old setups. The new electronic groupset carries over the design principles of Transmission, directly bolting onto the bike via a UDH mount. The battery placement is similar to the GX AXS Transmission, integrated within the bracket, offering a sleek and efficient design.
The AXS groupset appears to be a seven-speed system, with the derailleur matching the new crankset's design. This level of integration and customization is a game-changer for downhill racing.
Brosnan has also added an Ochain device to his bike, acquired by SRAM last year. This device reduces pedal kickback, further enhancing his control and performance.
So, what do you think? Are electronic components the future of downhill racing? Will we see more brands adopting this technology? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions on this exciting development in the world of mountain biking.
