Did Gravesy break out his 4x bike again? Man's a machine.

There are already good strong mech hangers. There are also already mechs that bolt directly through the upper pivot. SRAM make them... shimano used to too. Call me cynical, but I'd bet they had this five years ago when Shadow mechs first arrived. Introduce a weak link (haha) into their own mech designs, let them gain enough market, then bring out the 'solution' one hardware cycle later that renders rival brands unusable on OE spec parts and frames. Why not use a low profile main pivot on the mech? Or make the shadow link plate beefier? Also why not make the bloody link?!? If you're going to press a new 'standard' mech hanger why not make it a standard size and shape for 10mm open and another for 12mm through axle (like X-12 already does)? Reduce costs, add convenience, presently hanger designs are more or less arbitrary, a standard one or two would make ordering and fitting spares easier too, make it like an innertube or a split link so you can just hand one to your mate/that guy you met on the trail if he needs one. This is a crap new standard, it improves nothing but Shimano's bank balance and ability to sabotage other brands...

Isis? Oh joy! Why are Raceface obsessed with finding ways to mount crank arms other than the two pinchbolts/end cap system that Shimano/FSA/Controltech etc use? I mean for God's sakes, they've dug the I-word out of it's grave instead of going with the one that works already, what's wrong with their heads?!? Can't wait to start hearing about wobbly crank arms again, the ISIS spline has such a fine reputation for security.

No no, if the Police catch you they get to mount you...

It makes your frame AND your mech 'obsolete' and means if you get a bike with this mech hanger then you are tied to 2013 Shimano components and nothing else. It's a cynical, nasty move by Shimano, as much as they're hyping it, it's clearly just a mech hanger that they've modified so nobody else can use it.

Faux bar is a marketing term Specialized dreamed up to make other people sound bad. Stop listening to Mike Sinyard and go ride some bikes.

How reliable is that shock? Scott have been chucking out frames with those multi-chamber edifices for nearly a decade now, is this one any more reliable than the last umpteen generations or is it still the reason your bike will ALWAYS be needing a service?

The coatings on those CRC forks and the air shock look extremely interesting, you didn't happen to ask if they were using Molybdenum disulfide in the anodising did you Pinkbike?

Marzocchi (more specifically the parent company Teneco) is in a bit of financial trouble at the moment. I bet the decision had more to do with available budgets than Flyin' Brian. Ah well, Marzo's loss is X-Fusion's gain, lets see them adding some trophies to the pile Mr Lopes!

@ Climberclimb, you'd be fine. PB forgot to mention the best thing about Easton carbon bars, lifetime warranty and no weight limits. Tested that warranty out ealier this year when my very old, very beat up CNT DH's snapped in a crash. Easton sent me a pair of these, no questions asked beside showing the proof of purchase for the old ones, well pleased so I was! Bet no other company would replace a seven year old set of bars for free.