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:
🏁 From Lake Placid to Mt. Saint Anne - The World Cup Final Approaches
⚡️ Transition Revives Classic Freeride Bike- The Bottlerocket has arrived!
✨ MTB Superbowl: Rampage 2025 Preview
👇 Quick Picks
🚨 Fresh: The all-new Giant Reign E+ has arrived!
Giant Bicycles just leveled up their E-Enduro game! The 2026 Reign E+ rocks a fresh Carbon frame, a slick Maestro rear suspension with 170mm travel, and a removable battery. Powered by the new 48V SynchDrive Pro 3 motor, this beast is sharper, smarter, and more dynamic than ever. The Reign E+ gets a full glow-up—definitely one to watch this season and a fresh breath in the eMTB scene!
🚲 iXS Downhill Cup 2025 #6 – Bellwald: Season Finale in Style
Bellwald wrapped up the 2025 iXS Downhill Cup with pure mountain magic. Around 400 riders from 26 nations hit the high-speed track at 1,700 m for one last epic run. Gianna Nef claimed another win in Elite Women (4:00.863), while Yannick Baechler (SUI – Baechler Brothers) dominated the men’s race. A perfect ending to a wild season!
🚵♂️ Focus Canada: Crankworx calendar 2026
The Crankworx World Tour is gearing up for another epic year of speed, style, and good vibes in 2026. The season launches in New Zealand, hitting Christchurch (Feb 19–22) and Rotorua (Mar 11–15) for back-to-back Southern Hemisphere action. Then it’s off to Canada, where Whistler (Jul 24–Aug 2) returns a bit earlier in the summer, followed by the classic SilverStar (Aug 6–9) in BC. Finally, the tour wraps up with a historic first: Mont-Sainte-Anne (Sept 3–7) in Québec.
RACING
🇺🇸 Final Rounds: FromLake Placid to Mt. Saint Anne
Loic Bruni is keen on the battle with Jackson Goldstone! Photo: UCI MTB World Series
New track. New energy. New chaos.
The first-ever Downhill World Cup in Lake Placid, New York delivered everything fans could have hoped for: redemption stories, heartbreaks, wild speed, and a few names nobody expected to see at the top of the timing sheet.
Nestled in the Adirondacks and framed by golden fall colors, Whiteface Mountain made its World Cup debut in style. The track was raw and unpredictable — a blend of natural tech up top, ski-piste speed in the middle, and freshly built bike-park features to close. A course built with help from the World Cup legend Aaron Gwin himself was always going to demand precision and guts, and by Sunday afternoon, it had rewritten the season’s storylines.
🇦🇺 Luke Meier-Smith’s Dream Win – Giant’s Return to Glory
If there was one headline nobody saw coming, it was this: Luke Meier-Smith taking his first-ever World Cup win, and giving Giant Bicycles its first men’s downhill victory in nearly 30 years. From growing up on a Avocado farm to winning a World Cup without being on the DH podium before - what a legend!
The Australian rode like a man with nothing to lose. Composed up top, wild in the middle, and razor sharp at the bottom, he threaded the needle through every section, clocking a near-perfect run. Behind him, the American crowd erupted for Luca Shaw, who came painfully close to his first home-soil win. A slow first split cost him dearly, but his lower section was pure redemption — fluid, aggressive, and right on the limit - we ware sure his day will come. When he crossed the line, it was heartbreak by just a few tenths.
Luke Meier-Smith was over the moon after winning his first Worldcup! Photo: UCI MTB World Series
German flyer Henri Kiefer continued his incredible late-season form, landing yet another podium and proving he’s no longer just a breakout name — he’s now a genuine podium threat at every stop amd the first male downhill pro rider from Germany, who seems to be capable of winning against the Likes of Goldstone, Dunne or Bruni.
👑 Vali Höll’s Long-Awaited Return to the Top
It took 474 days, but Vali Höll is finally back where she belongs: on the top step of a World Cup podium!
After a rollercoaster year that saw her dominate consistency charts without a single win, the reigning World Champion came into Lake Placid looking calmer, lighter, and hungrier than ever. Perhaps it was the weight lifted from finally resolving her uncertain team future after the YT Mob’s closure — or maybe it was just Vali being Vali again, okay this time she was on the top step as a privateer deluxe, as she self described her status.
Either way, the Austrian superstar made the technical upper woods look effortless and the new jump line look like her private playground. When she crossed the line, over two seconds up on veteran Myriam Nicole, the relief was visible — a mix of joy, release, and vindication.
Photo: UCI MTB World Series
Behind her, Nicole once again proved her resilience after a challenging mid-season slump, while Sacha Earnest, the former BMX star and junior phenom from New Zealand, earned her first elite podium just a year after moving up — a sign of big things to come.
With the win, Höll officially sealed the 2025 Overall World Cup title, her third in four years.
🔥 Junior Power: New Names, Same Madness
The juniors lit the track on fire.
Aletha Ostgaard continued her run of dominance in the junior women’s category, making her Canyon cllctv team proud and taking her third win of the season with the calm precision of a rider well beyond her years. Right behind her, Tilly Melton gave the home crowd another reason to cheer, while Ellie Hulsebosch, fastest in qualifying, had to settle for third after a wild near-crash in the woods.
Over in the men’s race, the Alran–Vermette rivalry delivered again. Max Alran put down a stunning run that, unbelievably, would’ve placed him second in the elite field — a ridiculous show of speed that left even the pros shaking their heads. Asa Vermette, just behind him, was keen to make the US fans happy and looked smooth and confident, with Tyler Waite rounding out the podium.
Austria’s Rosa Zierl, despite finishing fifth, stayed firmly on track for a potential double crown — both World and overall titles — with just Mont-Sainte-Anne left to go. We think she is ready for it!
Who will follow Sacha Earnest from the junior to the elite podium? Photo: UCI MTB World Series
⚡ The Battle for the Overall: Bruni vs. Goldstone
For the elites, the Lake Placid results tightened the screws on the championship fight.
Loïc Bruni rode smart, pushing hard but not risking it all — a fifth-place finish that keeps him just over 70 points ahead of Jackson Goldstone heading into the final round. Goldstone, meanwhile, looked blisteringly fast early on but couldn’t string the perfect run together, slipping off pace in the mid-section.
It’s now simple math: if Jackson wins at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Bruni needs a top-three to hold the crown. One mistake from either could flip the entire championship.
🇨🇦 Eyes on the Finale – Mont-Sainte-Anne Awaits
Now the circus moves north to Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, the spiritual home of World Cup downhill. The track hasn’t changed in years, and that’s exactly how riders want it: rough, physical, and brutally honest. It’s the kind of course that rewards heart as much as skill.
Will Luca Shaw repeat his podium run at the last stop in Mt. Saint Anne? Photo: UCI MTB World Series
Bruni knows it well — he’s been top five there almost every year since 2015. But Goldstone? He’s never lost a World Cup on Canadian soil. The pressure’s on, and both men know what’s at stake.
On the women’s side, the overall title may already belong to Höll, but there’s still history to be written. Both Monika Hrastnik and Camille Balanche will line up for their final professional World Cups before retirement, giving the finale an emotional edge.
If Lake Placid was the birth of a new chapter in World Cup history, Mont-Sainte-Anne promises to be its grand finale — legends, legacies, and the final word on a season that’s had it all.
New school old school - you decide! Photo: Transition Bicycles
Transition just dropped a bomb for everyone who still yells “freeride lives!” Introducing the all-new Transition Bottlerocket — a no-compromise, full-send machine built to bring back the wild days of huge drops, sketchy lines, and big smiles.
Some will love it, other will hate the paintjob! Photo: Transition Bicycles
Back from the Dead (But Meaner)
For a lot of riders, “Bottlerocket” hits hard — it’s the bike that helped put Transition on the map back in the mid-2000s. It was cheeky, fun, and didn’t take itself too seriously. Now, the name’s back, but this isn’t some lazy reissue. The 2025 Bottlerocket is a completely new beast, designed with Transition’s top freeriders like Talus Turk, Jackson Riddle, Nico Vink, and Hannah Bergemann.
Transition straight-up said they built this thing for sending, not spinning cranks. You can pedal it, sure, but it really shines when you’re off the ground.
There are two builds:
180/180mm Single Crown — freeride setup with gears and a dropper ($4,699)
200/200mm Dual Crown — full park mode with DH parts and a solid post ($5,199)
Frame only — $2,499
Frame Talk
At first glance, it’s got that classic Transition silhouette — low slung top tube, tidy lines, and a proper four-bar layout. But look closer, and you’ll spot some fresh tricks.
The lower frame section is now a one-piece gravity-cast unit, meaning fewer welds, tighter tolerances, and a super clean look. It’s a flex-free zone where the BB, main pivot, and shock mount all come together. Transition’s even using robotic welding for consistency.
73mm threaded BB, Boost 148 rear end, and ISCG-05 tabs
Bolt-on frame protection & chainstay guards
Short, fast and playful! Photo: Transition Bicycles
Two paint jobs: 🎿 Snowstorm White (throwback to 2009) 🌺 Disco Flamingo (yes, it’s pink and yes, it’s awesome)
Suspension & Ride Feel
No weird new-age tech here — just a proven Horst-link four-bar system with up to 200mm of travel. Out of the box, it ships with a Marzocchi air setup, but it’s totally coil-friendly if that’s your jam.
On trail, the Bottlerocket feels like a time machine — in the best way. It’s poppy, playful, and ridiculously easy to throw around. That short back end and stiff frame make every lip and root a launchpad. It’s not about KOMs or race times — it’s about grins per mile.
I took it through some flowy Cumberland trails and even hit a dirt jump park, and it handled like a giant BMX with suspension. Spins, flips, manuals — it all feels natural. Basically, it’s a big, squishy dirt jump bike, and that’s meant as high praise.
One note: if you hear a rattle, check your cable housing — early test bikes missed the foam wrap.
Jumplines on the Bottlerocket - a dream! Photo: Transition Bicycles
RECONs Take:
The new Bottlerocket isn’t trying to be the fastest, lightest, or most “efficient” bike on the hill. It’s built to make you ride like a kid again — boost jumps, blast corners, and laugh the whole way down.
In a world obsessed with “longer, lower, slacker,” Transition just said: “Nah, let’s make it fun again.” And honestly? We’re here for it. 🤘
SCENE
🔥 Red Bull Rampage 2025: What You Need to Know
The ladies are back - the women class is hungry to conquer hill! Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
The countdown is on — only a few days left until Red Bull Rampage 2025 kicks off. But before we dive into what’s next, let’s take a quick look back.
Rampage 2024 was pure chaos in the best way possible. Brandon Semenuk claimed another legendary win with one of the most technical and stylish runs we’ve ever seen — full of precision, creativity, and that classic Semenuk flow. On the women’s side, Robin Goomes absolutely sent it, taking the top spot with a fearless line and massive tricks that pushed the sport to a new level.
Now, it’s almost time to see who’ll rise to the occasion in 2025. Here’s your quick guide to what’s going down: the spots, the schedule, the livestreams, and the stacked list of riders ready to drop in.
Semenuk won’t start, but Johansson and others will bring some Slopestyle influence! Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
🏜️ The Spots: Familiar Ground, Fresh Lines
Rampage is sticking to some classic Utah zones this year — but don’t expect a rerun.
The men are heading back to the legendary site from 2016, 2017, and 2021 — yeah, the one where Semenuk threw down that insane tailwhip drop and Cam Zink and Kyle Strait conquered the “Raw Chute.” Expect heavy hits and creative rebuilds on those steep sandstone faces.
Meanwhile, the women will take on the old 2014–2015 venue, also used for Red Bull Formation 2022. It’s wide open, super creative terrain — perfect for riders who like to mix it up and experiment with bold lines.
🗓️ Schedule: When It’s Going Down
Women’s event: Thursday, October 16
Men’s event: Saturday, October 18
Both start at 10 AM local time (6 PM CET)
Before the big show, riders will spend the week digging, shaping, and dialing in their dream lines. Expect daily updates, behind-the-scenes clips, and tons of hype on social media and the official Rampage channels.
Going big will never get old at Rampage! Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
🎥 Livestream: How to Watch
You can catch all the action live on Red Bull TV or the Red Bull Bike YouTube channel — free and worldwide. If you’re in the U.S., the broadcast will also be available on ESPN+.
Grab your snacks, charge your laptop, and get ready for some of the wildest freeride moments of the year.
🏆 The Riders: Who’s Dropping In
Women’s Lineup: Robin Goomes 🇳🇿 • Georgia Astle 🇨🇦 • Casey Brown 🇨🇦 • Vaea Verbeeck 🇨🇦 • Camila Nogueira 🇦🇷 • Chelsea Kimball 🇺🇸 • CJ Selig 🇺🇸 • Hannah Bergemann 🇺🇸 • Harriet Burbidge-Smith 🇦🇺 • Janelle Soukup 🇺🇸 • Kirsten Van Horne 🇨🇦 • Vinny Armstrong 🇳🇿
Men’s Lineup: Szymon Godziek 🇵🇱 • Tom Van Steenbergen 🇨🇦 • Thomas Genon 🇧🇪 • Carson Storch 🇺🇸 • Adolf Silva 🇪🇸 • Aiden Parish 🇺🇸 • Bienve Aguado Alba 🇪🇸 • Cam Zink 🇺🇸 • Dylan Stark 🇺🇸 • Emil Johansson 🇸🇪 • Finley Kirschenmann 🇺🇸 • Hayden Zablotny 🇨🇦 • Jaxson Riddle 🇺🇸 • Luke Whitlock 🇺🇸 • Reed Boggs 🇺🇸 • Talus Turk 🇺🇸 • Tom Isted 🇬🇧 • Tomas Lemoine 🇫🇷
A stacked lineup of Rampage legends and hungry new blood — all ready to send it big in the Utah desert.
Tom Van Steenbergen wants to prove he can do the impossible again! Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
🚀 RECONs Take:
Same desert, new madness. Red Bull Rampage 2025 is shaping up to be another wild ride — massive drops, jaw-dropping tricks, and some serious progression on both sides.
Mark your calendar, clear your evening, and get ready to witness freeride mountain biking at its absolute peak.
🏁 Video Of The Week
Rampage is back - watch the new video about the best 2024 moments in Utah:
🎧 Podcast Of The Week
From an Avacado farm down under to winning a DH worldcup - LMS made it:
🚵♀️ 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 Nic Bean, Marc Brodesser, Michael Sikand and Justin Rausch
