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:

•  ⚡️ Hardline VS. UCI - two Races starting the Downhill Elite season

•  🏁  Innovative: Pivot Shuttle LT with many new features

• 🚵‍♀️ Boost Bro: Goldstone Grips by One Components by Jacko

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👇 Quick Picks

🚨 Next One: Red Bull Valparaiso Cerro Abajo 2026

On February 15, 2026, top riders from Chile and all over the world return to Valparaíso to take on the wildest downhill track on the planet at Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo. Legendary Rob Warner will be on the mic, bringing the hype as old veteran Tomas Slavik goes head to head with the young South American guns like Juan Verez, all fighting for the win in Chile. Watch it live on Red Bull TV!🚵‍♂️

🦈 Asa & Aaron’s Choice: Frameworks launches new Bikes

Neko Mulally kicked off Frameworks in 2022 with one clear mission: build the fastest downhill bike possible. Using his years of World Cup racing and tons of time on the bike, he shared the whole journey from first idea to finished product, which quickly caught a lot of attention - he also has top riders like Vermette and Gwin on his team bikes. After two rounds of early orders, Frameworks is now ready to sell both the downhill and enduro bikes as regular products. Both bikes are available as framesets only and come with a Fox Float X2, all the small parts, and the finishing kit.

🫡 World Champs Location selected - Finale Ligure is waiting!

Big news for enduro fans. The UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E Enduro World Championships are heading to Finale Ligure in Italy. From October 16 to 18 in 2026 the best riders on the planet will battle it out in the Finale Outdoor Region for the rainbow jersey. At the same time there is a lot of debate around the series. The enduro disciplines are getting less attention in 2026 and only a small number of teams are still fully involved. Many riders and fans are criticizing this and say enduro deserves way more focus and support. 🏔️⚡

RACING

🔄 From Dirt to Ice: Two Wild Races That Went Totally Off Script

Last weekend delivered two of the most talked about bike races of the year, even though they could not have been more different. On one side of the world, the infamous Red Bull Hardline Tasmania went down in the Australian wilderness. On the other, the UCI Snow Bike World Championships took place in Châtel, deep in the Swiss Alps.

One race was all about massive jumps, brutal drops, prestige and serious prize money backed by Red Bull. The other was about UCI world ranking points, rainbow jerseys and racing flat out on snow and ice with spiked tires. Dirt versus snow. Summer versus winter. Style versus structure.

And still, both events had one thing in common. Nothing went according to plan. But somehow, both delivered exciting battles and unforgettable racing moments.

Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2026

Hardline Tasmania is known as one of the toughest downhill events on the planet, and this year it stayed true to its reputation. Big lines, insane features and zero room for mistakes pushed riders to the absolute limit. Training and seeding runs already showed how unforgiving the track was. Several top riders hit the ground hard. Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet both had heavy crashes, and local hero Brook MacDonald also went down in a serious way. The risk level was sky high from the first run on.

Then the weather stepped in. Heavy rain flooded the track and made racing impossible. Finals were cancelled, and the seeding results were declared as the official race outcome. Not the ending anyone hoped for, but safety came first.

Asa Vermette walked away as the big winner. After taking the Hardline Wales victory in 2025, he backed it up with another win in Tasmania and continued his dominance at the event. In the women’s race, Gracey Hemstreet stayed undefeated at Maydena Bike Park, winning again after her victories in 2024 and 2025. Behind her, Lou Ferguson claimed second place, while Ronan Dunne and Troy Brosnan completed the men’s podium. One of the biggest surprises came from Aaron Gwin, who impressed as the fastest Hardline rookie and finished inside the top five.

Even without finals, Hardline Tasmania once again proved why it is one of the most respected and feared races in downhill racing.

Final results based on seeding runs after finals were cancelled due to heavy rain

Men

1. Asa Vermette – 3:15.805

2. Ronan Dunne – 3:17.937 (+2.132)

3. Troy Brosnan – 3:18.098 (+2.293)

4. Bernard Kerr – 3:21.918 (+6.113)

5. Aaron Gwin – 3:22.330 (+6.525)

Women

1. Gracey Hemstreet – 4:08.534

2. Lou Ferguson – 4:13.378 (+4.844)

UCI Snow Bike World Championships Châtel

For the third year in a row, the UCI Snow Bike World Championships returned to Châtel, France. With world titles on the line in Super G and Dual Slalom, the snow covered slopes turned into a battleground for speed hungry riders. Big names showed up, including MTB legend Cedric Gracia and freeride icon Vincent Tupin. Plenty of World Cup racers also jumped at the chance to race bikes on snow and ice.

The Super G kicked things off, and Lisa Baumann once again showed she is in a league of her own. She flew down the course at over 63 kilometers per hour and won by a massive margin. No one came close. Vicky Clavel and Morgane Such took silver and bronze behind her.

In the men’s race, Pierre Thevenard reclaimed the world title after losing it last year. Vincent Tupin finished second with just over one second separating them, while Dylan Levesque rounded out the podium. As night fell, the Dual Slalom finals were held under floodlights, creating an unreal atmosphere on the ski slope. Riders went head to head, pushing hard in every run.

Lisa Baumann doubled down and secured her second rainbow jersey of the day, extending her unbeaten streak that has lasted since 2024. Clavel and Such once again finished second and third. In the men’s final, Vincent Tupin took revenge and grabbed the title after beating Cedric Gracia in the final. Dylan Levesque won the small final, locking out the podium for French riders.

Super G

Men

1. Pierre Thevenard – 1:42.33

2. Vincent Tupin – 1:43.36 (+1.03)

3. Dylan Levesque – 1:45.46 (+3.13)

4. Cedric Gracia – 1:46.36 (+4.03)

5. Ian Guionnet – 1:47.51 (+5.18)

Women

1. Lisa Baumann – 1:58.27

2. Vicky Clavel – 2:05.58 (+7.31)

3. Morgane Such – 2:08.87 (+10.60)

4. Chloe Cres Clement – 2:14.93 (+16.66)

5. Elke Rabeder – 2:18.04 (+19.77)

UCI Snow Bike World Championships Châtel

Dual Slalom

Men

1. Vincent Tupin

2. Cedric Gracia

3. Dylan Levesque

4. Kelian Vanreusel

Women

1. Lisa Baumann

2. Vicky Clavel

3. Morgane Such

4. Elke Rabeder

Two Worlds, One Outcome

From dusty landings in Tasmania to icy corners in Châtel, both events showed how unpredictable bike racing can be. Different formats, different surfaces, different goals, but the same level of passion and commitment from the riders. Plans fell apart, conditions got wild, but the racing still delivered. And that is exactly why these events matter so much to the sport.

📏 Pivot Shuttle LT 2026: Big Travel, Big Ideas, Big Energy

With the Shuttle LT MY2026, Pivot is clearly not playing it safe. This long travel e enduro bike is built for riders who want full control, tons of adjustment options and serious power on demanding trails. Everything starts with a completely redesigned carbon frame that feels purpose built rather than recycled from previous models.

The new frame delivers around 162 to 165 mm of rear travel and uses Pivot’s proven DW Link suspension system. The bike can be set up either as a mullet with a 29 inch front wheel and 27.5 inch rear wheel or as a full 29er. On top of that, Pivot went all in on adjustability, giving riders more setup freedom than most e mountain bikes on the market.

One standout detail is that Pivot does not simply scale frame sizes up or down. Each size is individually engineered with its own carbon layup, flex characteristics and geometry. The result is a consistent ride feel no matter if you are on a small or an extra large frame.

Geometry and Setup Freedom Everywhere

The Shuttle LT is packed with smart adjustment features. There are multiple flip chips built into the frame that allow riders to fine tune the bike to their style and terrain. You can change wheel size configuration, adjust the suspension progression and even modify the chainstay length by plus or minus eight millimeters. This has a massive effect on handling, especially when combined with modern drivetrain systems like SRAM Transmission.

A real highlight is the seat tube. Pivot introduced the so called SlackyMcSteepTube system, which allows you to adjust the seat angle. By flipping an insert, the seat angle can be changed from a steep 78 degrees to a more relaxed 76.5 degrees. The steeper option is perfect for long climbs and efficient pedaling, while the slacker setup feels smoother and more playful on flowing trails.

DW Link Suspension Feel

The DW Link rear suspension is a key part of the Shuttle LT’s character. It uses a virtual pivot design with two short links that guide the rear wheel through a carefully controlled path. On the trail, this translates into great small bump sensitivity, strong traction and excellent support when pedaling. The bike stays calm under power, does not sink too deep into its travel and remains active when things get rough.

Motor and Battery Power

For 2026, Pivot finally goes all in with Bosch’s latest motor technology. Depending on the version, the Shuttle LT comes with either the Bosch Performance Line CX or the CX R race motor. Both deliver up to 100 Nm of torque, 750 watts of peak power and support levels of up to 400 percent.

The CX R version stands out thanks to its exclusive Race Mode. This mode is designed for maximum performance and instant response, which can feel aggressive and raw. Riders who want a smoother feel can fine tune the settings in the Bosch app or switch to Turbo mode instead. The CX R is also slightly lighter due to high end internal components like ceramic bearings and a titanium crankshaft.

Power comes from a Bosch PowerTube battery with 800 Wh capacity, which can be removed from the down tube. If you prefer a lighter setup, a 600 Wh battery can also be used with an adapter. For extra long rides, the Bosch range extender is compatible as well. The system is completed by the Kiox 400C display, cleanly integrated into the top tube.

Final Thoughts and Pricing

The new Pivot Shuttle LT is a serious statement. It keeps everything riders loved about the previous generation and adds meaningful upgrades that actually matter on the trail. With its playful yet stable ride feel, huge adjustment range and powerful Bosch drive system, it easily ranks among the most exciting e mountain bikes of the 2026 season. If you are looking for an e MTB that feels fast, agile and customizable, the Shuttle LT should definitely be on your list.

Pivot offers the Shuttle LT in three versions. The Ride model starts at 9,299 euros. The Pro version comes in at 12,299 euros. At the top of the range is the Team edition, priced at 14,999 euros.

SCENE

New OneUp Goldstone Grips Bring Pro-Level Control to Downhill Riding

With the new Goldstone Grips, OneUp Components drops a fresh signature grip made together with downhill superstar Jackson Goldstone. These grips are clearly built for riders who push hard and want to feel fully connected to their bike. The main idea behind them is simple: more control, more confidence, and a hand position that feels solid even when the track gets rough.

The most eye catching feature is the large outer flange. At 38 millimeters wide, it gives your hand a strong support at the end of the grip and helps stop it from slipping outward. Especially in fast corners or heavy braking zones, this can make a real difference. The flange is shaped so you can actively press against it, which helps keep the bike stable and controlled when things get intense.

Another key element is the raised palm area. OneUp wanted to add comfort without making the grip feel bulky. The grip itself stays fairly slim, but right where your hand takes the most pressure, there is extra cushioning. This gives a nice balance between direct bar feel and added comfort on long or demanding runs. Together with the outer flange, your hand naturally settles into a defined spot on the grip, which creates that secure and confident feeling many racers are looking for.

The Goldstone Grips also use a dual density rubber design. The main body of the grip is made from a softer compound that feels tacky and comfortable, while the outer flange uses a firmer material. This helps protect the grip ends from damage during crashes or when the bike hits the ground.

On the underside, pronounced finger ribs add extra traction for your fingertips. This improves control when pulling on the bars, especially on steep sections. There is also a special cutout in the core under the thumb area, allowing the rubber to sit closer to the handlebar. The result is better damping and a more comfortable feel right where many riders feel vibrations the most.

Designed as a true race grip for downhill and gravity riding, the OneUp Goldstone Grips are built to handle high loads and rough trails. They come in five colors and retail for 29.99 euros. For riders who want a locked and confident hand position without sacrificing comfort, these grips definitely look like a serious option.

🏁 Video Of The Week

The one and only Sam F****** Hill is still shredding, watch the new Dc<oumentary:

🎧 Podcast Of The Week

What happened in Madydena at Hardline - let’s hear more about it:

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