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Modern mountain bikes are arguably better today than they were twenty years ago. But do they have less soul?
Technology has affected every aspect of bike design over the life of the modern mountain bike, especially with the influx of electronics in the last five years. In the past, electronics were mostly limited to accessories like computers, heart rate monitors and lights. But with more integration in components like transmissions, dropper posts and of course e-bikes, we are seeing bikes with more finger batteries to count. And yes I did the math.
I’m not here to rant about batteries or electronic motors, though I shared my views on the topic in the past. Instead, I want to ask a question: does the introduction of electronics remove the human element from our bikes?
Now, far from being a Luddite, I appreciate the technological advances in our bikes. I actually love it – I’m a total bike nerd and I love checking out the latest innovations. At the same time though, try to approach things with a healthy amount of skepticism. It took me a while to get behind the electronic switch; I just recently added a GX Eagle Drive Group to my personal stability. While I like it, the only thing I really like is that it is very robust, and it is rebuildable – two things that could, in theory, be achieved with a mechanical derailleur. The same is true of electronics Dropper Tranzx I reviewed earlier this year; the wireless-ness of the thing adds nothing to me and in a way, it seems unnecessary.
Free all wirelessness not only creates extra problems in the way of batteries, software, servo motors, but also adds weight and cost, and does not necessarily improve reliability, so what do we do here? Where is the value? This is a real question for product developers out there, because the most innovative product I’ve driven recently that actually improves transmission reliability, the L.at Bikes Super Driveit doesn’t use a single battery.
More than just the electronics, though, it’s how we use them that I have a problem with. Take it Fox Live Valve for example. Live Valve aims to reduce or eliminate pilot input and instead decide in order the rider what the suspension damping must do at all times. by Shimano Auto Shift “thoughtless system” for its STEPS e-bike transmission completely removes shifting from the riding equation, allowing the rider to focus on their bike. Except, isn’t shifting an integral part of riding a bike?
Similarly, SRAM followed with theirs Eagle power train with auto-shift function. Fox no doubt has a newer version of Live Valve coming soon with presumably even less input required from the rider and Shimano also recently introduced. a patent for an AI learning suspension control systempresumably for automatic terrain prediction dropper posts.
I can see the benefit of something like Live Valve for cross-country runners, but I feel like it’s not really necessary for us mere mortals. To me, having a computer control these aspects of my bike takes the heart and soul out of mountain biking, as it does from most any recreational activity. The machine removes the very essence of what it is to be human, and to live and enjoy these experiences.
I love the imperfect nature of mountain biking – no road is ever the same twice, and no two rides are the same. Maybe I miss a turn, or brake too late in a corner. Maybe my suspension settings or tire pressure could be a little different to account for the track conditions. And I like that. I love learning, I love learning. I’m not a runner, so I’m not aiming for perfection in every race. I don’t need a computer to change my gear for me or control my dropper post. Look at the motorsport enthusiasts; yes, there is a place for electronic driver aids, but many will still choose a manual gearbox, or at least an automatic gearbox with a manual override.
Let’s talk about art. We’ve all seen AI-generated images by now, and they’re visible a mile away. There’s something we can’t put our collective fingers on, but something doesn’t seem right. It is because they have no soul, no human element. They are false. If it was generated by a computer, I wouldn’t consider it art, and it’s the same with my bike. Riding a bike is an art form, and I i want to ride my bike I you want to make choices. Even if they are bad, they are mine.
Even on a more minute, intimate level, the electronic components just lack the soul to engage. There’s something about an electronic button that just can’t replace a mechanical shifter for me. Maybe it’s the engineer in me, maybe I’m just in my ways, but the lack of tactile feedback on the current AXS pod makes for a much less enjoyable experience than the satisfying ratchet of an X01 or XTR shifter. I love the feel of a manual gear shift in a luxury sports car; it’s a feeling you can’t replicate with a button. The reason motoring enthusiasts drool over Italian cars isn’t because they’re objectively better than other cars, it’s because they have soul.
Now I know there is a place for all these electronic gadgets. Really, I have. Cross-country racing requires maximum efficiency at all times, which means any way to quickly stiffen the suspension without having to reach for a lever is beneficial. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are those recreational riders who just don’t know or care enough about bikes to delve into their suspension settings, and would rather just be taken care of. I understand, and for those who have money, of course – buy Live Valve. But I would say that quality suspension with few adjustments exists further down the spectrum. The Rockshox Select+ line, and Fox Performance models offer excellent cushioning while costing a lot less, and arguably do it with more soul. Just set your air pressure and bounce, and away you go.
I can also see the case for auto-shifting transmissions. Commuters and recreational riders don’t want to have to think about their gears, or maybe they don’t understand them, and that’s okay. Things like Enviolo automatic transmission hub gears they are amazing, and make for a perfect low maintenance riding experience. Similarly, Shimano Nexus and Alfine Di2 it’s a pleasure to ride and has an auto-shift option, making it a great city, commuter or cruiser bike.
Again, while I see the benefits, it’s just not for me. “Don’t buy then” I hear you say, and I totally agree, but just look at the 2024 bikes available now. Of all the bikes with SRAM transmissions, which are a lot of them, a high percentage of the high-end bikes come with electronic and not mechanical transmissions. Almost everyone who fell in line with UDH now features SRAM Transmission. The writing is on the wall for the high-end mechanical mountain bike group and I don’t like being forced into electronic switching with little choice in the matter. They say people vote with their wallets, but what if there is no alternative? Without wanting to sound like a tinfoil hat wearing weirdo, let’s just go further than the rabbit, and where does it take us?
I certainly wouldn’t like to be labeled a purist, or an elitist of any kind. I’m not saying you don’t produce electronic transmissions. I say give us the choice. We stay analog if we want and find other ways to innovate without electronic gimmicks. The way we’re going, it looks like there won’t be any High-end mechanical transmission options on the market in five years, and that would be a real shame.
People made the argument over 20 years ago that suspension took away the challenging aspect of riding, but look where we are now. I’m sure some of me sound like I’m beating the same drum. All I ask is that electronics do not become the definition of high-end. “High performance” and “computer controlled” should not be one and the same thing. Let me control my bike, let me make bad and good decisions. Allow me to enjoy the imperfect human nature of riding a bike in the woods without trying to control every possible aspect. Because that imperfection is where the soul is.
