Dan Bacon of Wheelbased on Integration, Active Suspension, & the Future of MTB Tech (Ep.85)

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Mountain bike tech is evolving rapidly, and patent applications are a great window into what’s coming down the pipeline, so we figured it’d be interesting to check in with someone who’s extremely clued into what’s going on in that space — Dan Bacon, of Wheelbased. We get into it about cockpit integration (and how I hate it); electronic brakes(?!?!); active suspension; auto makers joining the fray; and a whole bunch more.
Figure from Ohlins' active suspension patent application.

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Mountain bike tech is evolving rapidly and patent applications are a great window into what’s coming down the pipeline, so we figured it’d be interesting to check in with someone who’s extremely clued into what’s going on in that space — Dan Bacon, of Wheelbased. We get into it about cockpit integration (and how I hate it); electronic brakes(?!?!); active suspension; automakers joining the fray; and a whole bunch more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • SRAM integrated brakes (6:28)
  • Shimano electronic brakes (13:35)
  • Ohlins active suspension (19:27)
  • SRAM active suspension (27:13)
  • Shimano automatic dropper post (38:16)
  • Automakers getting into bikes (41:02)
  • Dan’s Big Idea (48:26)

RELATED LINKS:

Mountain bike tech is evolving rapidly, and patent applications are a great window into what’s coming down the pipeline, so we figured it’d be interesting to check in with someone who’s extremely clued into what’s going on in that space — Dan Bacon, of Wheelbased. We get into it about cockpit integration (and how I hate it); electronic brakes(?!?!); active suspension; auto makers joining the fray; and a whole bunch more.
Figure from SRAM's integrated handlebar / brake patent application

1 comment on “Dan Bacon of Wheelbased on Integration, Active Suspension, & the Future of MTB Tech (Ep.85)”

  1. I haven’t had a chance to listen but I read through some of the wheelbased articles. It seems like in a few years bikes will be mostly electric. E-bikes will have complete integration with the main battery. Active suspension will be outstanding for bikes designed around it. No need for high anti-squat or high pivot idlers which compromise suspension performance or reduce drivetrain efficiency. E-bikes might have fully electric gear boxes. Interesting trajectory we’re on. I’m not sure how I feel about it. A few years from now analog bikers will be looked upon similarly to those who ride single speed mountain bikes.

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