Welcome back to the #1 MTB newsletter brought to you by RECON, mountain biking’s fastest growing media brand and online store.

On today's ride:

•  🏁 Closing down: YT Industries USA will not exist anymore!

•  ⚡️ The Big Wheel Hype No.2? The Stoll Bikes P32 has arrived

• 🚵‍♀️ Fresh for the cold & wet - Tips for your bike during fall and winter

👇 Quick Picks

🚨 Gore closes the Gore Wear division Due To Economic Reasons

After more than 40 years in the game, Gore is saying goodbye to its performance brand Gorewear, known for its high-quality bike clothing and gear. The company announced it will shut down the Gorewear division by 2026 due to economic reasons. Orders will still be possible until the end of March 2026, and production will continue until then. Don’t worry though: Gore-Tex itself isn’t going anywhere.

🚲 Must-Watch: Tomas Lemoine's Rampage 2025 Documentary

French freerider Tomas Lemoine dropped his Rampage doc on YouTube, giving fans an up-close look at his epic ride and behind-the-scenes moments. He made waves at his first Red Bull Rampage last month, dropping in on his Commencal FRS and claiming an impressive 4th place finish. His run was packed with style, creativity, and serious skill, proving he’s got what it takes to compete with the best on the planet. Now, the Marseille native and his crew are already hyped and gearing up for the next big challenge.

🚵‍♂️ U.S. bike brand Haro is making major internal changes

The company has laid off about a third of its U.S. staff this spring and reorganized its sales structure to stay agile in a slowing industry. Haro CEO Bjarke Rasmussen explained that the move is a response to the current market pressure, partly driven by U.S. import tariffs and shifting demand. Haro aims to streamline operations and stay competitive despite the headwinds. According to reports, similar restructuring steps are also being considered in Europe.

INDUSTRY

🚵‍♀️ No Deal with YT Germany: YT Industries USA Shuts Down

After eight years of bringing its bold “Good Times” spirit to American riders, YT Industries USA is closing its doors for good. The U.S. arm of the German direct-to-consumer mountain bike brand announced that it will cease operations after failing to reach an agreement with its parent company, YT Industries Germany, about the future direction of the business.

The announcement lands at a moment of deep uncertainty for the YT brand globally. In July, YT Industries Germany entered a formal restructuring process under German self-administration law, a move meant to keep the company afloat while it sought new investors. At the time, the brand insisted that its U.S. operations would continue unaffected. Just three months later, that promise has collapsed.

A Rift Between Two Sides of the Atlantic

Behind the scenes, the shutdown stems from disagreements over how to keep the brand running across continents. YT USA had reportedly been negotiating with YT Germany about funding and logistics since the summer, but as the financial situation worsened in Europe, the two sides failed to find common ground.

The breaking point came after the company’s main private equity investor withdrew in July, cutting off the financial support that had kept both YT Germany and its subsidiaries operating. Without that capital, the German headquarters began downsizing rapidly, laying off the majority of its workforce in September.

In the U.S., that uncertainty quickly spilled over. Sources close to the company said that orders, spare parts, and warranty logistics had already slowed down in recent months as shipments from Germany became less frequent. By late October, YT USA confirmed what many had feared: the American office could no longer function independently.

In a statement shared on social media, YT USA expressed gratitude and sadness in equal measure:

A Founder Fighting to Save His Brand

The brand’s founder and CEO, Markus Flossmann, has been fighting to keep YT alive. In multiple German-language interviews, Flossmann described the situation as “deeply personal.” He expressed frustration that outside investors had not matched his vision for the company’s long-term health, and confirmed that he is exploring the possibility of buying the brand back himself.

Flossmann started YT (which stands for “Young Talent”) in 2008 with a mission to bring high-performance bikes to young riders at affordable prices. The direct-to-consumer model helped YT grow rapidly during the 2010s, becoming one of the defining brands of the online bike sales revolution. The brand’s mix of aggressive pricing, stylish designs, and charismatic marketing struck a chord with riders around the world.

Models like the Tues downhill bike and the Capra enduro platform became icons, ridden by some of the most recognizable names in the sport. But like many direct-sales brands, YT was hit hard by the post-pandemic market slump, when the bike boom turned into a global sales slowdown and oversupply crisis.

The Human Cost: Riders Left Without Sponsors

The closure of YT USA and the financial turmoil in Germany have already sent shockwaves through the professional mountain biking world. YT has long been one of the most visible teams in both freeride and racing, supporting elite athletes such as Vali Höll, Andi Kolb, Bienve Aguado, and freeride pioneer Brett Tippie.

For many of them, YT was more than a sponsor. It was a community built on personality, bold marketing, and a genuine love for riding. With the company’s operations in limbo, these riders now face the reality of entering 2026 without confirmed equipment sponsors.

Vali Höll, who clinched the 2025 World Cup overall title and World Championship in YT colors, confirmed that she will race as a privateer next season. Andi Kolb has already found a new home with the Santa Cruz Syndicate, but several others are still negotiating uncertain futures.

The ripple effect extends beyond the athletes. YT’s marketing, events, and media teams have all been significantly reduced, ending years of iconic video productions and community activations that helped make YT a cultural force rather than just a brand.

A Reflection of a Larger Industry Crisis

YT’s struggles are not happening in isolation. The entire mountain bike industry is facing a challenging reset after the unprecedented highs of 2020 and 2021. Massive overstock, falling demand, and tightened consumer spending have hit even major players hard.

Brands such as Kona, Pivot, and Norco have all downsized their operations this year. Many companies are quietly reducing athlete sponsorships, cutting marketing budgets, and scaling back their race teams. Industry analysts estimate that the global MTB market shrank by nearly 30 percent between 2022 and 2024.

YT’s fall, though, hits differently. For many riders, it represented a brand that was more than just a logo on a downtube. It was an attitude — playful, fearless, and irreverent.

The End of an Era — or a Pause Before the Rebuild

While YT Industries USA is officially shutting down, the story may not be over yet. Flossmann has publicly said he is exploring ways to buy back the brand and relaunch under new ownership, free from the financial complications of the past few years.

If that happens, the company could potentially re-emerge leaner and more focused, returning to the core values that made it popular in the first place.

Until then, riders and fans around the world are left with a mix of nostalgia and hope. For the thousands who rode their first bike park laps or World Cup races on a YT, this feels like saying goodbye to an old friend.

Whether it’s truly the end or just the beginning of a new chapter, one thing is certain: YT’s legacy in mountain biking is already cemented.

The brand’s motto still rings true — “Good Times” — even in tough times.

TECH

🚲Stoll Bikes P32: Game-Changer or Just Hype?

Something big is rolling into the mountain bike world and we mean really big! The buzz around 32-inch wheels is impossible to ignore. Some riders are calling it the next logical step in MTB evolution, while others dismiss it as the latest oversized marketing stunt.

So, what’s actually happening? Are we on the brink of a wheel-size revolution, or just another spin of the industry hype cycle?

The Big Idea

If you’ve been following tech news lately, you’ll have seen the whispers turn into headlines. The bike industry’s “next big thing” isn’t electronic, wireless, or AI-powered! No, it’s simply bigger wheels.

The concept is simple: 32-inch wheels promise smoother rolling, better traction, and faster speeds over rough terrain. They’re meant to be the next step after the now-standard 29-inch format, offering even more rollover capability and efficiency for taller riders and long-distance racers.

Manufacturers are calling it the missing link between comfort, stability, and raw speed. But, of course, that’s the sales pitch. The real question is whether these massive hoops genuinely offer performance gains, or if they’re just another way to get riders to open their wallets again.

Hype vs. Reality

Here’s the truth: 32-inch bikes are still extremely rare. They’re like Bigfoot sightings, because everyone’s heard about them, but almost nobody has actually seen one on the trails.

A handful of prototypes exist, and most of the current data comes from controlled tests or early factory rides. The buzz online is split right down the middle. Some riders are fired up about the potential for insane traction and speed. Others think it’s a solution looking for a problem, an answer to a question no one really asked.

Still, innovation in the bike world has always walked this line between excitement and skepticism. When 29ers first appeared, people said they’d never replace 26-inch wheels. Now, you can’t find a race bike without them. Could 32s follow the same trajectory?

Stoll Bikes and the P32: “The Future Is Big”

Leading the charge is Swiss brand Stoll Bikes, known for their ultra-premium carbon frames and small-batch precision engineering. Their new project, the P32, is the first full-suspension production-ready 32-inch mountain bike.

Stoll’s team claims that the oversized wheels dramatically reduce rolling resistance while improving grip and maintaining stability at higher speeds. They’re not just scaling up existing bikes either, they started from scratch, building geometry, kinematics, and suspension specifically around the 32-inch platform.

The result is the P32 prototype, a cross-country/downcountry machine that looks futuristic but very rideable.

P32 Prototype Specs

• Frame: Stoll Bikes P32 Carbon

• Fork: Intend 32” prototype, 100 mm travel

• Shock: Fox Float, 100 mm travel

• Wheels: Bike Ahead Biturbo 32” Carbon

• Tires: Maxxis Aspen 32x2.4”

• Drivetrain: SRAM Transmission XX

• Brakes: Shimano XTR

• Weight: 13.0 kg (28.6 lbs)

The first production models are expected to drop in April 2026 (size M) and June 2026 (size L), with geometry tailored for taller riders. Prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but with full carbon construction from Bike Ahead Composites in Germany, expect five-digit figures.

32 Inches in Action

Early feedback from Stoll’s testing team suggests that 32-inch bikes roll smoother and carry speed more easily than even the best 29ers. The larger contact patch increases grip in corners and improves stability on descents. On long, fast trails, they simply feel unstoppable.

But there are trade-offs. Handling is noticeably slower, and tight corners demand more muscle and anticipation. For smaller riders, these bikes might feel like steering a bus through the woods.

In other words, 32-inch wheels could be a revelation for tall riders or marathon racers, but they won’t replace 29ers anytime soon.

A Growing Movement

Stoll isn’t alone. Zinn Cycles in the U.S. has been experimenting with 32-inch bikes for years, including custom full-suspension builds for riders over 6’4” (1.93 m). BMC has also developed 32-inch prototypes for their World Cup XCO team, with tire support from Maxxis, who created the world’s first 32x2.4-inch Aspen.

That’s a clear sign that the industry is at least testing the waters seriously. Once big players like BMC and Maxxis commit, it’s no longer a fringe idea.

Pros and Cons of Going Big

Advantages
✅ Smoother ride with massive rollover ability
✅ Higher momentum on flats and climbs
✅ More traction and efficiency on rough ground

Disadvantages
❌ Slower steering and reduced agility in tight terrain
❌ Frame geometry limitations for smaller riders
❌ Limited suspension and tire options (for now)

So, Revolution or Hype?

Right now, 32-inch wheels sit at the crossroads between innovation and experiment. For taller riders, they could finally offer bikes that feel truly proportional. For racers, they might unlock a few extra seconds on marathon courses. For everyone else, they might just be overkill.

Either way, it’s exciting to see mountain biking pushing boundaries again. And not just in electronics or materials, but in the fundamental shape and feel of our bikes. Whether it’s a genuine leap forward or another tech fad, one thing’s for sure: the future of mountain biking is looking bigger than ever.

SERVICE

🍂 Keep Your MTB or E-MTB Happy Through Fall & Winter

When the trails get muddy and the temps start dropping, your mountain bike (or e-MTB) needs some extra love. Here’s how to keep it rolling smooth all season long — and ready to shred again when spring hits.

🛠️ 1. Autumn Tuning — Get Winter-Ready

Mudguards are your best friends.
Stick some front and rear mudguards on — they’ll save your face, back, and drivetrain from all that nasty trail soup.

Lights on, ride on.
Days get shorter, so slap on a solid front light and a flashing rear. Even on daytime rides, visibility is key.

Grippy tires = happy trails.
If you’re still rocking summer tires, think about switching to something with softer compound or deeper tread for better traction in wet, cold conditions.

🧽 2. After-Ride Care — Beat the Mud Monster

Don’t let the dirt sit.
After every muddy ride, rinse your bike gently (no pressure washer straight on bearings, please). A bucket, sponge, and mild bike cleaner do the trick.

Dry it off.
Wipe down the frame, chain, and drivetrain. If water sneaks into the nooks, it’ll corrode stuff fast.

Lube smart.
Use a wet lube for your chain — it lasts longer and repels moisture better than dry lube. Just don’t overdo it; wipe off the excess.

⚡ 3. E-MTB Owners — Battery Care Is Key

Keep it warm(ish).
Don’t leave your e-bike battery in freezing temps. Store it inside when you’re done riding.

Charge right.
If you’re not riding for a while, store your battery at about 60% charge — not full, not empty. That keeps the cells healthy.

Clean with care.
Avoid spraying directly on the motor or display — use a damp cloth instead.

🧰 4. Maintenance & Storage — When You’re Not Riding Much

Keep it indoors if you can.
Cold garages or sheds are fine, but avoid freezing temps and high humidity.

Give your drivetrain a check-up.
Clean and re-lube your chain, inspect the cassette, and make sure your derailleur is shifting cleanly. A bit of preventive maintenance saves you from expensive repairs later.

Suspension TLC.
Wipe off the fork and shock stanchions after every ride. If your suspension feels sticky or rough, it’s probably time for a quick service or new seals.

🚴‍♂️ 5. Bonus Tips

• Drop your tire pressure slightly for better grip on wet trails.

• Check your brake pads: wet, gritty rides eat them up faster.

🔧 In Short

🏁 Video Of The Week

Tomas Lemoine was a Rampage Rookie in 2025 and he delivered:

🎧 Podcast Of The Week

Legend on the mic Rob Warner about Rampage, his ADHD journey and the future:

🚵‍♀️ Giveaway Period Finished

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Forbidden Dreadnought 3 MX Giveaway. The winner is Kate M. from New Jersey and she has gone for her first shred on it! Stoked is an understatement… More to come, and keep your eyes peeled for the next giveaway bike!

This newsletter is written with ❤️ every week by the Recon Team with a special shoutout to Marc Brodesser!