Journal / Field Notes

THE
JOURNAL

Field notes and technical deep-dives distilled from our white papers. Motor architecture, suspension setup, biomechanics, and the science behind the ride.

Featured

Motor & Drive Systems2026-08-08

Four Ways to Move a Bike

Power delivery, efficiency, pedal feel, and app control across the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, Bosch Performance Line SX, TQ HPR60, and maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S. A direct comparison of four drive units that answer the same question differently.

12 min readRead Article

Geometry & Sizing2026-08-08

Sizing a Mountain Bike: What Actually Works

An honest take on the sizing methods currently in use, including ours. Height charts, stack and reach, road-derived fit systems, and where the TGI method diverges.

8 min

Industry Outlook2026-07-28

Peak vs. Nominal: Reading Motor Power Specs Honestly

A 600 W peak rating tells you almost nothing about how a motor performs on a 40-minute climb. Here is how to read power, torque, and continuous ratings without the marketing fog.

7 min

Geometry & Sizing2026-07-22

Why Reach, Not Height, Should Determine Your Frame Size

Rider height correlates poorly with cockpit fit. Our S-Volve sizing system uses reach as the primary metric because it is the dimension that actually governs how you ride.

6 min

Biomechanics2026-07-20

Q-Factor: Why Your eMTB Cranks Are Wider Than You Think

Q-factor, the horizontal distance between crank arms, has real biomechanical consequences for your hips, knees, and ankles. Mid-drive eMTB motors push cranks wider than analog bikes.

6 min

Industry Outlook2026-07-15

The Power You Buy vs. The Power You Use

There is a measurable disconnect between the motor power riders request at purchase and the power they actually deploy on the trail. Understanding that gap changes how you spec an eMTB.

5 min

Motor & Drive Systems2026-07-10

Why the Maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S Changes the eMTB Conversation

At 2 kg, the Maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S is the lightest full-power mid-drive on the market. But the story is not about weight. It is about what that weight enables.

6 min

Suspension2026-07-05

Dialing In Your Suspension: The 85 kg Reference Tune

Suspension setup is not guesswork. Our white paper covers a universal method and brand-specific procedures for seven suspension houses, including a dedicated DIRTLAB CP reference tune.

7 min

Fitness & Training2026-06-20

eMTB Riding Retains 94% of Analog Heart Rate

A BYU pilot study found eMTB riders retained 94% of the average heart rate they reached on analog mountain bikes. The fitness argument against eMTBs is weaker than you think.

6 min

Biomechanics2026-06-10

Clipless vs. Flat Pedals: Debunking the Efficiency Myth

The idea that clipless pedals make you more efficient is one of the most persistent myths in mountain biking. The evidence says the story is more nuanced.

7 min

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