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:

•  🏁 Comeback: YT is back and has big plans!

•  ⚡️ iXS Cup 2026 - great races in Europe

• 🚵‍♀️ Service: Tips how to keep yourself warm

👇 Quick Picks

🚨 Green light: UCI allows 32 inch Wheels for World Cup?

The UCI has officially said yes to 32 inch wheels in World Cup mountain bike racing. This clears up the buzz that had been spreading about new supersized race setups that some brands were already prepping for next season. For now the standard rules stay in place. That means the front and rear wheel still have to match in size, except in disciplines like downhill where the rulebook allows special cases. So anyone hoping for a mixed wheel XC bike will have to wait a while longer.

🚲 Not Done Yet - Adolf Silva documents his recovery

Adolf Silva keeps grinding through his recovery, and the newest Still Loco episode shows just how intense that ride really is. Every day throws something different at him — small wins, frustrating setbacks, moments that make him think, and others that actually make him laugh. It’s all part of this real process of trying to get back on his feet. The Recon team is fully behind him, hoping this challenge not only pushes him forward but helps him come out stronger than before.

🚵‍♂️ Red Bull with new Matt Jones project - he did it again!

Matt Jones took on a stunt that barely sounds possible. He launched his bike between two moving trucks, trying to hit a gap that exists for less than a second. The trucks, guided by Scania’s autonomous tech, roll toward each other with pinpoint accuracy to create that tiny opening for Matt to shoot through. Matt first made a name for himself as a slopestyle rider, turning heads with his creativity and massive tricks before growing into one of the most-watched MTB YouTubers out there.

INDUSTRY

🚵‍♀️ YT Industries Is Back and Moving Faster Than Anyone Expected

The global bike scene has seen its share of chaos, but the downfall of YT Industries hit especially hard. After months of uncertainty and a formal restructuring in July, the company finally slipped into insolvency at the end of September 2025. For many riders, it felt like a chapter of modern MTB culture was closing.

Only two months later, the story has flipped completely. The brand is already back, and this time it is owned once again by founder Markus Flossmann, who bought the company out of insolvency and plans to rebuild it with a tighter structure, a cleaner strategy and a renewed focus on the riders who supported YT through the tough times. Several high-profile athletes, including Erik Fedko and Dylan Stark, decided to stay on board.

Compared to most industry revivals, this one came at lightning speed. Nukeproof, for example, only returned last week after spending two full years off the market. YT managed a comeback almost instantly. One major reason is the fact that Flossmann made his intention to buy the company back very clear early in the process. The deal is now officially complete.

The new YT is leaner and more focused. Parts of the previous team are staying to keep operations running smoothly and to preserve the knowledge that helped build the brand in the first place. According to Flossmann, the company wants to return to the qualities that originally set YT apart.

A big priority is clearing the backlog of customer orders that were stuck when the insolvency began. YT says that most open cases have now been shipped or refunded. Only a small number still remain. For anyone who has not received a response yet, the company set up a dedicated support address and confirmed that some delays may continue while the new structure settles.

Another major change is the end of the Mill concept. YT now wants to create a global service network with easier access for riders worldwide, especially in North America and the UK. Until that network is ready, a central service hub will take care of all warranty and service requests. Most bikes are already back in stock. Sales in the EU and the UK are planned throughout November, and the US may follow later. All orders now run through the new Young Talent Industries GmbH, which is fully operational.

The goal for the next months is simple: stabilize the business, restart product development and rebuild trust within the community. The new structure is designed to be efficient, honest and focused on performance. YT wants to return to the values that shaped the brand from the start. Flossmann describes it clearly:

“Back to the roots. This is not a marketing line. It is a promise. We are going back to what made YT strong. Bikes without compromise, honest pricing and real passion for the sport. Rough, real and authentic.”

Most of the original team is involved in the restart to keep the company’s identity alive. Young Talent Industries GmbH has been officially operating from the original headquarters in Hausen since November 15, 2025. Flossmann says the relaunch is about much more than paperwork:

“It is about trust, responsibility and credibility. Over the past months we reviewed every single open order and searched for solutions. Nearly all of them are now delivered or refunded, and only a few are still being wrapped up.”

YT admits that, given the pressure and limited resources during restructuring, a few cases may have fallen through. To make sure nobody is left behind, the brand created a special support line: [email protected]
Messages sent there will be handled with top priority until every last issue is resolved.

TECH

⚡️iXS Dates 2026 - the 2nd World Cup-Style Series in Europe?

Two Series, One Huge Season: The iXS Cups Are Back for 2026

The 2026 race year is already shaping up to be massive. With the full calendars for both the iXS European Downhill Cup and the iXS Downhill Cup now out in the wild, riders can look forward to a packed season that stretches from early April all the way into October. Seven stops across seven countries for the European series and six stops in four countries for the national-level Cup mean one thing: plenty of racing, plenty of travel, and plenty of chances for riders to make their mark.

The iXS European Downhill Cup 2026: Seven Countries, Seven Races

For almost two decades the European Cup has been a stepping stone into the highest tiers of the sport. More than ninety races later the series is still pushing forward with a calendar that mixes legendary spots with exciting newcomers.

The season kicks off in mid April under the Portuguese sun in Santiago de Besteiros, where the opening round also doubles as a World Cup qualifier. A month later the circus heads north to Fort William, the iconic Scottish venue that never fails to test riders with rough rock sections and unpredictable weather.

Round three brings a fresh location to the series although most riders will know it well. La Molina in Spain, host of the recent European Championships, joins the tour for the first time. In July the series heads to Les Orres in France, returning after a strong debut last year.

Then the action moves east. For the first time ever the European Cup lands in Szczyrk, Poland. With the bustling city of Bielsko Biala nearby this stop is expected to draw big crowds. After that comes a true classic. Maribor in Slovenia is back with its fast and unforgiving track that has delivered countless iconic races.

The grand finale takes place in September in Verbier, Switzerland. Sitting high in the Alps the venue will again host the title showdown and close out the season in proper mountain style.

European Cup 2026 Dates

• 10–12 April: Santiago de Besteiros (POR)

• 15–17 May: Fort William (GBR)

• 5–7 June: La Molina (ESP)

• 10–12 July: Les Orres (FRA)

• 31 July–2 August: Szczyrk (POL)

• 14–16 August: Maribor (SLO)

• 11–13 September: Verbier (SUI)

The iXS Downhill Cup 2026: Six Stops, Four Countries, One Community

Just a day after the European Cup calendar dropped the national level series followed up with its own announcement. The iXS Downhill Cup 2026 sticks to the formula that has made it popular for years: a mix of new places, long running favorites and a vibe that brings racing and community together.

The season opens in early May in the Czech town of Kouty nad Desnou, where riders face a demanding track with 500 meters of vertical drop over 2.5 kilometers. A few weeks later the tour heads to Willingen, where the Downhill Cup traditionally runs as part of the big Bike Festival and pulls in huge crowds.

Round three brings the series back to Austria. Semmering, a venue known for technical challenges, returns to the calendar and will once again show why it has hosted top level races in the past. The fourth stop takes riders to Spicak, right on the German Czech border. Spicak has been a favorite for years thanks to its tough terrain and friendly atmosphere.

In late August the tour moves to Ilmenau, Germany, home of downhill racing since 1996 and known for the legendary “Absolute Abfahrt” track. The season wraps up in early October in Bellwald, Switzerland, where a full speed track high in the mountains brings everything to a close.

Downhill Cup 2026 Dates

• 1–3 May: Kouty nad Desnou (CZE)

• 29–31 May: Willingen (GER)

• 19–21 June: Semmering (AUT)

• 3–5 July: Spicak (CZE)

• 21–23 August: Ilmenau (GER)

• 2–4 October: Bellwald (SUI)

How to Stay Warm on Winter Rides with Your MTB or EMTB

Winter can deliver some of the best rides of the entire year. Trails are empty, the air feels fresh and sharp, and every climb hits with that “I earned this” feeling. The only real enemy out there is the cold. With the right approach you can stay warm, stay loose and enjoy every minute of it.

Layer Up the Smart Way

The layering system is basically your cheat code for winter riding. Instead of throwing on one thick jacket, stack a few lighter layers that work together.
Start with a base layer that pulls sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating layer like a light fleece to trap heat. Then finish it with a wind-resistant or water-resistant shell to keep the elements off you.

This setup gives you flexibility. Heat up on a climb? Open your zipper. Cold wind on a ridge? Close everything again and you are good.

Protect the Parts That Freeze First

Your hands, feet and ears lose heat faster than anything else. Good winter gloves with proper grip make a huge difference. Thick socks keep your feet warm, but avoid squeezing your toes with super tight shoes because that kills blood flow. A thin beanie or headband under your helmet adds way more comfort than you expect.

Warm Up Fast by Starting With a Climb

One of the simplest tricks for staying warm is to begin your ride with an uphill section. Climbing raises your core temperature quickly and sets you up for the rest of the session. Once your body is warm, flatter sections and descents feel much more comfortable.

Keep Moving and Avoid Long Breaks

Try to keep your pace steady. Quick stops are fine, but long breaks pull the heat out of your body incredibly fast. If you need to pause, pull on an extra layer right away so you keep the warmth you already built.

Use EMTB Assist Levels to Your Advantage

If you ride an EMTB you can use the assist settings in your favor. Turn the support down for the first climb so your body warms up naturally. When the cold wind hits in open areas you can bump the assist up again to stay smooth without overworking cold muscles.

Eat, Drink and Keep the Engine Running

Your body burns more energy when it is cold, so snack regularly even if you do not feel hungry. Hydration is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Warm tea in an insulated bottle is a nice boost on freezing days.

The Bottom Line

Winter riding is all about balance. Dress in layers, warm up early, keep moving and listen to your body. When you get it right your MTB or EMTB rides in the cold can be some of the best sessions of the whole year, and you will finish with a huge grin instead of frozen fingers.

🏁 Video Of The Week

When Matt Jones admits this is the scariest thing, he has ever done, it says a lot:

🎧 Podcast Of The Week

Inside the mind of a madman - Matt Jones is also a loving dad & passionated trailbuilder:

🚵‍♀️ 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!