If you talk to Aaron from Lahar he'll say GT copied his first bikes when they started their gearbox program. Could be possible but its probably a good thing since GT are now bring the technology to the masses.
Aaron would probably also point out the phenomenon of "synchronicity"... iirc he didn't claim to have been the original/only inventor of gearboxes in bicycles?
If I'm not mistaken, and EC can correct me on this, but Mongoose is supporting more riders through EC's brainchild, the Tribe. I remember reading somewhere that Tribe members are able to use the Mongoose trailer/mechanic in emergency situations (ie, like any mx manufacturer support at a Regional or Loretta Lynns qualifer I guess!) at no cost. It may not be factory level support like Neethling or EC receive, but it's a damn good grassroots program that not many other companies out there offer. From the sounds of it, the Tribe and the mongoose support system is only going to continue growing.......hopefully we'll see the 'goose stuff a little more on the east coast this year, maybe EC will even come to the US Open or one of the Snowshoe races?!?!?!?! Eh, EC, what'cha think?!?!?!!
Hahah, I've got a DH bike I'm pretty happy with right now, so until something else totally sweet comes along I'm fine with what I got.It's the 2nd month of 2008 and you're going to wait until the 09 models are available?
I think the companies are doing what they can. You look at most teams, and they're not what they use to me. Goose, has EC, Needles, and John Hauer on the Factory team, with two guys on the freeride side. Plus EC tribe team, which mongoose is helping out. GT has more than Bryn, he may have been the only rider at the open, but they have Jill, two XC guys, a ton of BMX guys, plus the Jelly Belly road team they sponsor.
Boxxer WC's air's can be set to 7 inchs. I have done it, just put some spacers in with the rubber bumpers.
That's one hot nugget!