5 downhill tech trends from Not A Race – from lead weights and huge rotors to smart sensors

BikeRadar's recent report from the "Not A Race" event highlighted five emerging downhill mountain biking tech trends. Among these innovations were the increasingly common use of lead weights for chassis tuning, the adoption of significantly larger brake rotors – some extending to 240mm – and the integration of sophisticated smart sensors for real-time data acquisition. These developments, observed at a key testing ground, signal a shift towards more precise and data-driven equipment optimisation in gravity disciplines.

This focus on marginal gains reflects the hyper-competitive nature of modern downhill racing, where fractions of a second can separate podium finishers. The integration of lead weights, once a niche modification, suggests riders are seeking to fine-tune bike stability and traction beyond standard suspension adjustments. Similarly, oversized rotors address the immense braking demands of increasingly fast and technical courses, while smart sensors represent the sport's embrace of telemetry, mirroring advancements seen in road cycling and motorsport.

Ultimately, these trends underscore the relentless pursuit of speed and control. While some innovations might remain experimental, the industry's keen eye on rider-driven modifications at events like "Not A Race" often dictates the future of production bikes.