Troy Brosnan teases new SRAM DH AXS on Red Bull Hardline Tasmania bike – and that’s not the only unreleased thing about it
The Future of Downhill Mountain Biking: Electronic Tech Takes centre Stage
Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, returning this weekend, is showcasing more than just grueling downhill racing. Australian rider Troy Brosnan is giving the world a glimpse into the future of the sport with his Canyon Sender CFR, equipped with unreleased electronic components from SRAM and RockShox.
SRAM AXS Transmission for Downhill: A Decade in the Making
For the first time, SRAM appears to be bringing its wireless electronic shifting technology, AXS, to the world of downhill racing. It’s been 10 years since SRAM last released a downhill groupset, and many riders are still using older models. Brosnan’s bike features a new derailleur that utilizes the direct-mount UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard, mirroring the design of SRAM’s GX AXS Transmission. The battery is integrated within the bracket connecting it to the UDH mount.
The groupset maintains the black and silver aesthetic found in other SRAM flagship groupsets. The range appears to be a seven-speed system, paired with a matching crankset design.
RockShox Flight Attendant: Beyond Cross-Country and Enduro
RockShox is pushing the boundaries of suspension technology with its Flight Attendant system. Brosnan is testing an unreleased RockShox Flight Attendant Boxxer fork and Vivid rear shock, initially seen mid-last season. Notably, the fork no longer carries the “Blackbox” label, suggesting a potential release to the public in the near future.
The system is similar to the Flight Attendant range used in cross-country and enduro disciplines, utilizing data from accelerometers to adjust the damper settings between Open, Pedal, and Lock. However, the application to downhill racing, where a lockout is rarely needed, remains to be seen.
A mystery component labelled “Linear XL” at the bottom of the fork stanchion suggests a potential supplementary air chamber designed to reduce ramp-up during compression.
Geometry and Anti-Chain Suck Innovations
Brosnan’s Canyon Sender CFR incorporates adjustable geometry, allowing for up to 8mm of reach adjustment via adjustable cups. He’s also continuing to experiment with a modified rear triangle featuring a bonded aluminium insert for stiffness adjustability, first spotted last year at Lenzerheide.
To combat pedal kickback, Brosnan is utilizing an Ochain device, which was acquired by SRAM last year and appears to be seamlessly integrated into the bike’s design.
The Rise of Electronic Dampers in Downhill
SRAM isn’t alone in exploring electronic dampers. Öhlins was previously seen experimenting with an electric shock at the Les Gets UCI World Cup last year, indicating a broader industry trend towards electronically controlled suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SRAM AXS Transmission?
- SRAM AXS Transmission is a wireless electronic shifting system currently available for other mountain bike disciplines. It’s characterized by its direct-mount design and simplified setup.
- What is RockShox Flight Attendant?
- RockShox Flight Attendant is an electronically controlled suspension system that automatically adjusts damper settings based on riding conditions.
- What is a UDH?
- UDH stands for Universal Derailleur Hanger, a standardized interface for mounting derailleurs to bike frames.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Red Bull Hardline Tasmania this weekend for more insights into these cutting-edge technologies in action.
Want to learn more about the latest in mountain bike technology? Explore more articles on our site or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.