Greg's Weekly eMTB Briefing - 2nd February 2026Right then, what a week it's been. Trade shows are dying faster than my will to live during another Brexit debate, Trek's finances are looking shakier than a 2012 Brose motor, Germans are making €16k bicycles (because of course they are), and New Jersey has decided cyclists need more paperwork than a mortgage application. Grab a brew and let's dive in.
Trek Is In Serious TroubleThis is the big one, and if you only read one story this week, make it this. Escape Collective dropped a bombshell report on Trek's financial state and it's genuinely concerning. After 18 months of "all red" sales dashboards, January finally showed an uptick - and Trek celebrated by doing MORE layoffs. Classic.
The pandemic-era decisions are coming home to roost in spectacular fashion. They borrowed heavily to finance warehouses stuffed with bikes nobody's buying. They aggressively acquired independent bike shop chains in 2020-2021 to control distribution - and one former employee says their store now operates at just 20% of pre-acquisition volume. That's not an asset, that's a liability with a shop front.
Rising debt costs, tariffs, and "significantly diminished brand prestige" (their words, not mine) are all piling on. One of the biggest names in cycling heading into their 50th anniversary looking properly wobbly. This could have ripple effects across the whole industry if it gets worse.
Full story on Escape Collective
Shimano Bins Off Eurobike EntirelyThe trade show exodus continues. Shimano has completely pulled the plug on Eurobike 2026, joining Bosch, Schwalbe, and Riese & Müller in what's becoming the industry equivalent of everyone sneaking out the back door before the bill arrives. They're citing "shifting visitor patterns and rising exhibition costs" which is corporate speak for "nobody's turning up and it's costing us a fortune." The show's now down to 3 halls from 5 and a day shorter. At this rate, Eurobike 2027 will be held in Klaus's garage with a few folding tables and some warm Fanta.
Full story on Pinkbike
The Dedicated Faster: German Engineering, German PricesSome absolute madlad ex-F1 engineer called Sven Brueck has built a lugged carbon eMTB that costs more than most people's cars. The Dedicated Faster starts at €11,900 and if you tick all the boxes, you're looking at €16,000 for what is essentially a very sophisticated way to get muddy. Fair play though - 175-195mm adjustable travel, configurable chainstay length, Maxon Air S motor pushing 90Nm. It's basically what happens when motorsport engineering meets mountain biking and money is no object. One for the lottery winners and dentists.
Full story on Pinkbike
Orbea Rallon RS - The eBike That Doesn't Want To Be OneOrbea's gone full hipster with the Rallon RS, fitting it with TQ's tiny HPR40 motor that puts out just 40Nm and 200W. For context, a proper full-power motor does 85-100Nm. At 17.5kg it's properly light for an eMTB, but opinions are divided. Pinkbike reckon it's "missed the point of being an e-bike entirely" while BikeRadar are gushing about the "natural feel." It's the beer shandy of eMTBs - technically counts, but why would you?
Full story on Pinkbike
Bosch Drops Anti-Theft Nuclear OptionBosch has rolled out a properly clever anti-theft update at CES that basically turns your nicked bike into a digital paperweight. Mark it stolen in the eBike Flow app and anyone who tries to connect gets a warning that it's stolen. The original owner gets notified, and the bike is permanently locked out of all Bosch digital features - no mode switching, no updates, nothing. It's like having a bouncer for your battery, and it's free from the end of January.
Full story on Bosch
New Jersey Goes Full Bureaucrat On eBikesThe Garden State has decided what eBikes really need is more paperwork. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation making New Jersey the first US state to require licenses, registration AND insurance for e-bike riders. Registration is $8/year, you've got until July 2026 to comply, and the law also bans online e-bike sales in NJ for a year. Cycling advocacy groups are furious - especially since there's currently no way to actually register an eBike with the state. Classic government move.
Full story on Pinkbike
FROM YOUR FORUM THIS WEEK
Specialized Rumours Thread - The Gossip Mill Is Working OvertimeThe speculation is absolutely flying in this one. @mtbandi's local bike shop has been whispering about a Levo 4 "Evo" with a coil shock and more travel front and rear - basically the Kenevo replacement nobody's admitting exists. Then @Citylad77 drops the bombshell that Specialized have apparently done a deal with DJI for their motor and battery setup. Can you imagine? The Big S running Avinox power?
But the best bit? @Pizzman's been told about something called "Project Specialnox" by his LBS, who said he was "the only one they could tell." Sure mate, you and everyone else with ears. Meanwhile @shenzi105 just wants a lighter trail bike to compete with the Amflow - don't we all.
The thread's already had moderator intervention after it descended into a debate about the definition of "woke." Peak forum behaviour. Never change, lads.
Join the speculation
EP801 Motors Dying Mid-Ride - This One's Worth Knowing AboutIf you're running Shimano and your motor's been cutting out randomly, you're not alone and you're not going mad. @mxjames171 kicked off a thread about their EP801 dying after 30-60 minutes of riding - completely dead, only comes back to life after plugging in the charger. Doesn't matter if the battery's at 90% or 20%, it just... stops. About as useful as a chocolate teapot when you're halfway up a climb.
The good news? @digitale had the exact same problem on a Spectral:ON and traced it back to a dodgy wiring harness that Shimano knew about and replaced under warranty. So if you're experiencing this, don't let your dealer fob you off with "have you tried turning it off and on again" - there's a known issue here. Get in the thread and share your experience.
Help troubleshoot
Norco Range VLT Gen 4 - The "Should I Upgrade?" ThreadAh, the eternal question. @chasmoftheclam kicked off the inevitable discussion about the new 2026 Norco Range VLT Gen 4, and 46+ replies later, we're no closer to consensus. The thread's got everything: geometry comparisons, "my Gen 2 is still perfect" energy from @Zed. who reckons if the Gen 4 is anything like his old one, it'll be mint, and the classic "but is it REALLY that different from Gen 3?" debate.
If you're sitting on a Gen 2 or Gen 3 wondering if now's the time to upgrade, this thread's got real owner opinions instead of marketing waffle. Worth a read before you hand over your hard-earned.
Join the discussion
Bosch 32km/h Unlock - The "Don't Tell Your Insurance" ThreadRight, this one comes with a disclaimer: I'm not recommending this, it definitely voids your warranty, and your insurance company would have kittens. But it exists and people are doing it, so here we are.
@Rudie is offering to remotely unlock Bosch Smart System bikes to the US-spec 32km/h limit for €40. No physical chip needed, works on bikes with ABS, done via TeamViewer while your bike's connected to a laptop. It's a software solution, which means it's tidier than the old dongle approach but also means there's probably a digital trail somewhere.
Is it worth voiding your warranty for an extra 7km/h? That's between you and your conscience. But if you're curious what's involved, the thread lays it all out.
See what you're getting intoStay muddy,
Greg
Got news I missed or spotted something good on the forum? Tag me @Greg Watts or drop it in my forum.
Last edited:
