I've often wondered about the possibility of another agenda.
Let's say, 10 years ago, when frame design started trending toward the current numbers, engineers had already figured out what numbers were optimal and they jumped right in. People bought them and there was really nowhere to go from there. No way to sell them on the next-big-thing. No reason to upgrade.
A better business model might be:
"I bet we can sell way more bikes if we make small incremental advances, giving us room to sell them on the next logical progression every couple years".
I think the reason we're seeing companies suddenly turning their sights back on XC is because we've finally hit that "perfection" with the longer travel market. At some point (and I think we're there) there's just very little to justify buying the next model.
March 25, 2024, 10:54 a.m. - Brad Nyenhuis
I've often wondered about the possibility of another agenda. Let's say, 10 years ago, when frame design started trending toward the current numbers, engineers had already figured out what numbers were optimal and they jumped right in. People bought them and there was really nowhere to go from there. No way to sell them on the next-big-thing. No reason to upgrade. A better business model might be: "I bet we can sell way more bikes if we make small incremental advances, giving us room to sell them on the next logical progression every couple years". I think the reason we're seeing companies suddenly turning their sights back on XC is because we've finally hit that "perfection" with the longer travel market. At some point (and I think we're there) there's just very little to justify buying the next model.