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Sea Otter: New long-travel bikes

One of the stoutest-looking thru-axle dropout and derailleur hanger combinations we've seen

  • The lighter and simpler 303 RDH complements Yeti's existing 303
  • The stout-looking rear end offers 7
  • The swingarm activates a rail-controlled linkage for a more precisely controlled shock rate.
  • In spite of the complicated look the prototype Yeti 303 RDH is essentially a single-pivot bike.
  • After a successful initial run on the 303 , Yeti has expanded its rail technology to other models.
  • The prototype 303 RDH is rife with intricate machining work.
  • Full downhill frames are still equipped with 1 1/8
  • The beefy dropouts help keep the rear wheel in plane.
  • The 303 RDH uses the rail to control shock rate but the 303-7 uses it to control the wheel path.
  • The rear end of the 303-7 provides a rearward axle path for better square-edge bump performance.
  • There's a lot going on here.
  • The sensitive parts of the centrally located rail are somewhat shielded from rear-wheel muck
  • The unique suspension kinematics requires the use of this complex forward pivot.
  • A small swing link adds rigidity to the rear end.
  • As on all of the Yeti prototypes , there's a lot of machine work involved here…
  • …and here.
  • The head tube on the 303-7 is a standard 1 1/8
  • Looks like we'll all be waiting a while for this one.
  • The Yeti 303-R prototype offers just 5.4
  • The Fox Racing Shox DHX Air rear shock is controlled by the linear motion rail.
  • The 303-R is intended for use with a single crown fork, hence the tapered head tube.
  • Yeti's unique AS-R 7 mates an aluminum front end with a massive carbon rear.
  • Yeti eliminated the driveside chain stay to improve clearances…
  • …meaning the single-sided non-driveside chain stay is appropriately gigantic.
  • Likewise, the AS-R 7's main pivot is hugely oversized to accommodate the loads.
  • A small swing link is included here, too, to help with rear end stiffness.
  • The upper shock link is carbon fiber, too.
  • Get used to seeing a lot more of the 1 1/8
  • Ellsworth has revamped its popular Moment frame.
  • Frame weight is the same as last year but the swoopier tubes and beefier rear end increase stiffness
  • The new Moment down tube takes two turns on its way from the head tube to the bottom bracket shell.
  • The rear end features the same ICT suspension geometry as before.
  • The new chain stays are way bigger than before , which should make for more predictable handling.
  • The new rocker arms have a sleeker look and are also now mounted inboard of the seat stays.
  • The seat stay bridge includes plenty of room for an Ellsworth logo.
  • Tire clearances on the new Moment are vastly improved.
  • Foes displayed a new prototype RS7 frame, intended as a lighter weight complement to the DHS Mono.
  • In typical Foes fashion, the RS7 is built with heavily shaped aluminum.
  • We haven't ridden this prototype ye , but the inclusion of Foes' Curnutt shock is a good sign
  • A tiny swing link is fitted beneath the bottom bracket shell.
  • One of the stoutest-looking thru-axle dropout and derailleur hanger combinations we've seen
  • A floating rear brake mount should help keep the rear wheel firmly planted.
  • Intense Cycles' new M6 FRO is ready to race. As we all know, red paint always makes things faster.
  • The rear end has 231mm (9.1
  • A small scallop on the driveside of the swingarm makes room for the chain to pass.
  • The M6 requires a rangy 10.5
  • The 1.5

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One of the stoutest-looking thru-axle dropout and derailleur hanger combinations we've seen

© James Huang