Overview

As the adrenaline-fueled 2024 mountain biking season winds down, we caught up with two industry stalwarts, Jordi Cortes from Fox Factory and Neko Mulally of Frameworks Racing, to discuss the state of race tech, rider setups, and whether all those aftermarket performance gadgets are worth the investment.

Gone are the days when merely fine-tuning your suspension was enough; today's focus is on optimizing your entire bike to make the most out of your suspension setup.

In a recent episode of The Pinkbike Podcast, brought to you by Fox Factory, host Henry was joined by the duo alongside Pinkbike’s own Michael Kazimer. They delved deep into the intricacies of bike setup while reflecting on the rollercoaster season, including the mid-year break due to the Olympics that altered typical racing patterns.

Jordi’s Outlook on the Season: Balance is Key

During their discussion, Jordi expressed his preference for the Olympics-induced break, emphasizing how racing can feel overwhelmingly intense without a chance to reset. “It’s still go, go, go, but being at home between races makes everything manageable,” he detailed, underscoring that a more balanced life ultimately leads to better performances.

As we look forward to next season, the racing calendar appears congested, mainly in Europe. Jordi considers this beneficial from a logistics standpoint, as it simplifies operations and keeps costs in check. In contrast, Neko shared his thoughts on potentially far-flung races in Asia or South America, indicating that clarity and advanced planning are crucial for privateer teams to prepare adequately for distant events.

Finding the Perfect Number of Races

A significant point of contention during their chat revolved around the ideal number of World Cup races: one that balances athlete welfare, risk, and logistics. “We haven’t found that sweet spot yet,” Neko said, acknowledging that while many riders desire more exciting tracks, the reality of venue expenses complicates matters. Places like Lenzerheide have exorbitant costs, thereby straining budgets further.

Jordi and Neko also touch on the importance of proper logistics between races, highlighting the challenges of long-distance travel. Gaps could lead to chaotic circumstances, especially for privateers who often face resource constraints. The suggestion of a “privateer bus” emerged, simplifying transportation among teams and riders.

Innovations in Bike Development

As both experts transition to their off-season roles, Neko has been actively developing Frameworks Racing bikes. He disclosed that ongoing testing has advanced their setups significantly, allowing them to fine-tune critical aspects such as leverage ratios and suspension tuning.

The conversation also ventured into the technological realm, with Jordi and Neko discussing the growing interest in electronic suspension systems. While Jordi is skeptical about its benefits in the downhill racing world, he sees vast opportunities for versatility in trail and enduro disciplines. He pointed out that riders need to focus on the fundamentals of bike setup to reap the benefits of modern technology.

Simplicity in Design: A Winning Strategy

Throughout their talk, the pair emphasized that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in bike design. Neko expressed satisfaction with Frameworks’ four-bar design, citing that it doesn’t compromise performance. Overengineering can often lead to issues; hence his approach favors restraint and functional elegance.

Moreover, Jordi discussed how modern riders often overlook the essentials, like sag and basic adjustments. “Good suspension doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Start with the fundamentals!” he advised, echoing sentiments about how rider psychology can influence performance on the track.

The discussion concluded with them acknowledging the relevance of precision manufacturing in achieving riding performance. Jordi noted, “It’s not just about fancy parts or gadgets; what matters is how well everything works together.”

As we wrap up 2024, the insights from Neko and Jordi offer a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of mountain biking, inviting both casual riders and hardcore enthusiasts to recognize the balance between technology, rider preference, and the art of simplicity. Stay tuned for more updates as they navigate the off-season—and keep an eye out for Frameworks Racing’s next groundbreaking innovations!