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Slack Randoms: Honda's eMTB Concept, Explosive Popcorn Makers, Crushing Lithium Ion Batteries & More

Oct 29, 2023
by Ed Spratt  
We use Slack as our workplace communication tool at Pinkbike and we have a #randoms channel that we use to share an assortment of videos and stories from all corners of the cycling world and beyond... We thought a couple of the moments from the past week were too good not to share with a wider audience, so here are some of the highlights.



Honda's eMTB Concept

photo

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show saw the unveiling of Honda's return to mountain biking as it showcased a new eMTB concept.

Looking closer at the concept Honda has used a mix of RockShox's AXS dropper, a Shimano drivetrain paired and a Brose motor system. Honda has equipped the bike with a short rear mudguard that appears like it will do a great job of directing mud and spray straight onto the rear shock.

There's no confirmation that this model will ever enter into production, but this latest concept continues the trend of car companies looking to enter into the eMTB market.

photo

Check out e-BikeJapan’s website for some in-person shots of the concept bike.


Dean Lucas Interviews Joshy "Frotha" Anslow


bigquotes18-year-old Josh Anslow has set the mountain biking world alight with his positive mindset and all-around excited energy, making us all stop and really appreciate everything we have right in front of us.

Even after not achieving his goal of qualifying at the first round in Lenzerhide, Switzerland he was still visually over the mood just to be a part of the world cups, while also pushing himself in the process.

Joshy shows us all that we don't have to win to actually "win" and if you look a little closer at what you do have you will realize you have been winning the whole time.

We sat down in Snowshoe a couple of days before my accident to have a chat about how Josh had managed to get himself to the other side of the world racing bikes and how it's been going so far.

Enjoy!— Dean Lucas


Sam Reynolds Rides Matt Macduff's Big Air Compound


bigquotesBack in August on my Canadian trip to Kamloops Matt Macduff invited me to come and stay at his new house, complete with full big air freeride mountain bike jumps compound! We take a walk around the massive downhill bike jumps, and warm up with an airbag session with some flips and tricks before Matt hits the big line! Part 2 coming soon— Sam Reynolds


Brad Simms Tests Canyon's Trials Bikes



Revolution Bike Park's Latest Update


bigquotesWith the felling work now complete, we take a look around the site and see what state the tracks have been left in.— Revolution Bike Park


Explosive Popcorn Maker at 10,000FPS



Crushing Lithium Ion Batteries with a Hydraulic Press




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142 Comments
  • 227 1
 Has Honda researched or seen any bikes since 2005?
  • 54 0
 Obviously by the position of the mudguard dripping dirt onto the rear shock - the answer is definitively "no"
  • 26 0
 Obviously by the routing of the cables - the answer is definitively "no"
  • 20 0
 A derailleur, seriously?
  • 20 0
 Pedals.....why?
  • 16 0
 cast swingarm is the most over the top thing ever
  • 3 0
 @deepcovedave: automotive industry seals are a bit tougher, though.
  • 4 0
 @RonSauce: you know it brother.. heres the real e honda! www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCCmz59wndo
  • 2 0
 @stacykohut: indeed! Here's the full race. Skip to 55:20 for parde lap, 102:15 for the first race. www.youtube.com/live/RwSDuuTGrDY?si=ZlgsX1jSr2mbtDB6
  • 2 0
 Based on the shock being in a position to make like the specialized endure and blow up. I’m also going to agree no.
  • 3 13
flag blackthorne (Oct 29, 2023 at 20:56) (Below Threshold)
 Why is everyone shiting on the Honda bike? It’s bloody awesome. People complain about wanting something out of the box and when they see it they just mock and complain
  • 3 0
 @Glory831Guy: sick!!!
  • 7 0
 @blackthorne: Why? Because looking at it objectively, they blew it. Weird spec with a weird fender and head tube. This could have been super cool, but they kind of phoned it in. Or ran out of time/budget.
  • 6 1
 And nobody even noticed a missing water bottle holder...
  • 2 0
 @pioterski: I missed that one! Maybe there’s an integrated camelback in the front triangle?
  • 5 0
 Most things in Japan feel ~30 years behind, so being just ~18 years behind is a huge improvement! Cutting edge!
  • 2 1
 Honda stole this design from Redalp! Its like a Redalp Enduro with a motor
Honda was inspired for sure>>> www.pinkbike.com/news/Redalp-Launches-New-Enduro-Bike.html
  • 1 0
 doesnt even matter because like the '91 NSX , its still the best can't even hold a candle to it. LOL LOL
  • 5 0
 @blackthorne: But it isn't, that's the problem. It's just a mix of shit that's been proven to not work (interrupted seat tube, shocks exploding from lateral forces, shocks in the line of fire of trail debris etc). Looks like it's been designed by someone who designs cars, who hates bikes, who was told to design a bike... so they typed in "legendary mountain bike" on Google and drew a San Andres / Trek Y bike hybrid. (and then I read jakewashere who said the same) facepalm
  • 1 0
 Spare parts from the Asimo bin
  • 1 0
 No. This isn't a serious concept. Honda using someone else's motor?!?!? They obviously don't give a crap, same as their pitiful attempts at electric cars and motorbikes.
  • 2 0
 @m-i-l-e-s: except for robots everywhere.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. That thing is terrible. THey'd be better off just going after the Suron market.
  • 2 0
 @konafarker: Are you actually being serious?
That's a completely different looking bike, with a completely different suspension system. There are similarities in the rear end, but that's a very generic design that many brands use/have used, so that doesn't mean anything either.
BTW, what an extremely ugly bike that Redalp is, damn.
  • 1 0
 @stacykohut: real e Honda

www.amazon.com/STREET-FIGHTER-SCALE-HONDA-STATUE/dp/B01LXIIXPM
  • 1 0
 Mountain Cycle San Andreas : www.pinkbike.com/news/now-that-was-a-bike-mountain-cycle-san-andreas.html
  • 1 0
 @davemays: sure, but you've gotta order the robots via a fax machine or a pager or something...

(Speaking of Japan being behind: my reply, also behind. I blame the flag next to my name, rubbing off on me...)
  • 101 0
 That Honda looks like a Mountain Cycle San Andreas and a Trek Y33 one night stand, accidental baby.
  • 53 4
 You’re old.
  • 20 0
 @itslightoutandawaywego: Now THAT was a great/awful time to be riding.
  • 5 0
 I was thinking a 3 way with a Specialized 1998 fsr, a intense e bike and a polygon
  • 1 0
 The pivot location reminds me of my old Iron Horse Yakuza!
  • 10 3
 With fetal alcohol syndrome
  • 2 0
 @jakewashere I both love and hate that I instantly related to this comment. Thanks for the laugh.
  • 3 0
 @itslightoutandawaywego: We wake up and feel it, no need to be told it too mate
  • 2 0
 @carlitouk: Best definition of the old days.
  • 1 0
 if they increased the travel to 200mm and added a dual crown and a coil, I would want it.
  • 1 0
 It reminds me a bit of the GT Fury. An earlier version, like Mick Hannah raced.
  • 1 0
 Reminds me also of the late 80’s Rotec
  • 1 0
 Late 90’s….and yes, I am that old
  • 57 0
 The fact that bike is not named the E Honda is a complete tragedy to my nostalgic arcade spent youth.
  • 1 0
 Props bro.
  • 5 0
 Round 1… FIGHT!
  • 7 0
 I was trying to think of another Streetfighter pun, but I'm drawing a Blanka.
  • 4 0
 @chakaping: That comment required a lot of Guile.
  • 4 3
 Honda CEO asking Ken if they should actually build this bike. Ken: Sure you can!
  • 4 0
 @bmar: R yu serious? How do, Ken?
  • 2 0
 If this comes to market it would be a Major Buy, son.
  • 2 0
 You Win.
  • 39 0
 When you order the Honda RN01 from Wish
  • 1 1
 Haha!
  • 20 0
 That Honda frame & swingarm profile brings back memories of the Unobtainium Honda gearbox DH race bike of their Glory Days.

However they really should have went with a gearbox on this one too. Pinion comes to mind. Oh and Showa suspension would have been cool AF as well.
  • 9 0
 Maybe I should have written "gearbox" because the old Honda turned out to be a centermounted cassette & derailleur inside the housing. But it was still clever, reducing unsprung weight and getting rid of the possibility of a derailleur strike.

Anyway this new one sadly seems to lack refinement & innovation so I would prefer they do more Engineering before going to market.
  • 5 0
 Yup, would’ve wanted to see a Showa fork for their re-entry into the mtb world as well. Really like the looks of that swing arm though!
  • 7 0
 Actually, my first thought was my old riding partner's Mountain Cycle Shockwave.
  • 1 0
 At first I thought it was an homage to that bike, then I saw the rear mech and SC fork.
  • 1 0
 Honda should have stayed with RN01 bike design and just adding the e bike motor
  • 18 0
 Guys we need more moto companies to help spur the development of mtb, can't wait to see what they bring.

Moto: Let's see, single pivot swingarm looks cool, and hey what do mtbs use rear fenders for, how bout let's shade the rear shock from the sun or something Smile
  • 11 1
 That image of Revs bald as.....(there is no joke I can make here that isn't wildly over the line....even for me. lol), is really sad yet...hopeful?

sad to see it in that state, because it contains some of my favorite Welsh tracks, but also happy to see them not just giving up and abandoning it. Lots of work, but doesn't look like it's stopping them!
  • 14 1
 Honda is trolling you ebike lovers.
  • 10 2
 when a honda engineer from 2005 somehow time traveled to 2023 and tries to design a bike by just googling the latest trends without understanding why and how they are used.
  • 9 0
 Popcorn explodes with heat, who knew? Would like to see that Honda blown up though.
  • 1 0
 It should be introduced to the hydraulic press guy!!!!
  • 7 1
 Hopefully Honda is listening here - We have enormous respect for the Honda brand- The name Honda carries a reputation of both high value and technical innovation - Unfortunately this concept bike is not on par with the expectations of greatness for Honda
  • 5 0
 Great stories by Joshy Frotha, but, damn man...if he doesn't get himself into some curly situations. Kinda find it hard no-one helped him out or that he didn't reach out for help from some of the other racers. Hopefully he makes it back on tour next year, and hopefully there is a tour for him to belong to.
  • 9 0
 Y’know it’s ugly when the folks at Orange are laughing and pointing
  • 3 0
 Even Redalp's spitting coffee out its nose
  • 6 2
 How can Honda make such a beautiful, lusted after bike for many years... So nice in fact, it stands in the pantheon of the nicest ever made... Then, this... I dunno by'. She's not a looker thats for sure.
  • 10 1
 The rear fender is strategically placed so that it collects all the mud and water, then runs directly down onto the rear shock seal.
  • 7 0
 @tremeer023: I think the main reason they have it is because otherwise you'd have a huge amount of dropper post hanging down below
  • 1 0
 I doubt the current Honda marketing person who dreamt this bike up even knows that Honda had a championship mountain bike 20 years ago....
  • 8 1
 Hondamn that ugly.
  • 2 0
 Carryonda
  • 6 0
 I'm not fonda it.
  • 2 0
 My anaconda don’t want none
  • 2 0
 Wonda if it looks better downonda
  • 4 0
 The Frotha interview story about how he managed to actually get to America for the WC should be an Amazon Prime movie......what a dude.
  • 6 1
 Back to the drawing board Honda!
  • 3 0
 "This is so dangerous even I don't want try this at home," When something is too dangerous for a Finnish guy who lives in the woods, the world trembles.
  • 5 0
 The hydraulic press channel never disappoints.
  • 1 0
 That was educational. I knew battery disposal was important for containing hazard but not had it depicted quite that dramatically
  • 1 0
 In regard to the article... Honda is a motor company, not a car company. I'm sure there was some end goal with this concept that is beyond any actual real world application and I'd be surprised if anyone on the motorsports side of the business touched the project. It def. looks like a parts bin project and I imagine it was in response to Yamaha bringing their eMTB to the show.
  • 1 0
 Has anyone realized that Honda has had their dealing with off-road 2 wheeled vehicles for the last nearly 5 decades. Honda knows what they are doing but maybe bicycles aren't their calling. They even have electric dirt bikes. They're a proven company I think they should be welcomed in the e-bike world.
  • 1 0
 I guess the moral of the battery story is, it is safe to throw the e-bike battery in the garbage since it won't cause a dumpster truck fire screeching down your street! Big Grin

It was definitely worthwhile to see how dangerous lithium ion batteries are, especially when they're compressed. Definitely won't be putting them in the garbage!
  • 4 0
 I am enjoying Nordic Flea destroying things.
  • 2 0
 Would be cool to See the E-Honda on the hydraulic presse, though..
  • 4 3
 when are car/motorcycle companies going to realize that no one wants their shit bicycle designs? literally every single one sucks donkey balls.
  • 2 0
 Yamaha introduces a new ebike that’s a bit goofy looking and no room for a water bottle… Honda: ‘hold my beer’…
  • 1 0
 That Honda bike..... ugh. The fender leading all debris onto the shock is funny. The bike looks like it probably weighs 90 lbs and would be sold at AutoZone.
  • 1 0
 Car companies entering the bike market? No, no. You forget Honda does Motocross, ATVs, and UTVs. Most likely that division developing the eMtb, not the auto division.
  • 1 0
 Just woke up from a 20 year coma. Did a Norco VPS and a Santa Cruz Super 8 have a date?
  • 2 1
 That new Honda looks like a horrible budget Y-frame copy-cat department store bike, but extra extra fancy. I can't unsee it.
  • 2 0
 Looks more like a sur ron than a mtb
  • 4 1
 Kill it with fire!!
  • 2 0
 Frotha is out of focus!!! Anyway, love listening to so much positiveness
  • 2 0
 That battery crushing guy is literally Nandor
  • 1 0
 That Honda is objectively fugly. Who is the industrial "designer" out there that lets that pass though?
  • 1 0
 Why does a brand just not make a normal cool bike… KTM is a good example of a bike brand making a OK’ish looking bike.
  • 1 0
 Hondas just messing with everybody, the real one’s probably pretty crazy.
  • 1 0
 hello 1998 and the time when there was no such thing as dropper posts and no hydration needed.
  • 1 0
 That thing is uglier than the Ibis ebike...... and I didn't think that was possible.
  • 4 4
 As if the new Prelude wasn't adequate proof of Honda's decline over the last 20 years
  • 6 0
 There’s a new Prelude??!!
  • 1 2
 @itslightoutandawaywego: concept, but in typical Honda style it looks production ready.
I'm sure it will be a very nice electric car, but I owned four 3rd-gens and this just doesn't hit the nostalgia target for me.
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: *hybrid
  • 1 1
 @gnarnaimo: oh cool, glad to have that wrong. That kind of helps retain the sporty-cruisey vibe but I will be shocked if there's a stick
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: no stick. But does look good.
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: There won't be, that's already been made public
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: @BermJunky: so am I the only one who doesn't like it? To be fair they absolutely nailed some references; taillights, rocker panel details, hood lowered in the middle, sunroof (electrochromic, I assume). But get off my lawn with that roofline / c-pillar.
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: I don’t necessarily disagree with you. But it does look good on screen. I’ve learned to wait until I see design in front of me, that’s all. I think some of the lines may look more dynamic. We’ll see!
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: I don't really care. I just hope it doesn't suck to work on as that's my job.
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: I had a Prelude mk5 (in dark metallic blue) and absolutely loved how it looked, but the handling was quite disappointing. This new one looks really good IMO, and I'm sure it'll be more fun to drive.
  • 1 1
 Don't know. That new prelude looks what the intended target is looking for. Preludes have always been coupé for retired people.
  • 2 1
 Back to the design phase, Honda. Jeebus that’s ugly.
  • 2 1
 Umm that's not a bike pinkbike groms
  • 2 0
 Honda, Lol.
  • 3 3
 if Honda decides to actually move into the industry, they'll own 30% of the market in under 5 years...
  • 2 0
 That Honda is VOMIT
  • 1 0
 You know what’s an ugly bike…
  • 1 0
 looks like an Orange mtb with motor
  • 1 0
 You can probably hide there, but it's called Lenzerheide
  • 1 0
 Honda Type R E-bike, VTEC Baby!
  • 1 0
 Nobody:

Car and moto brands: "Let's make emtb's but uglier."
  • 2 0
 Hey, making emts's even uglier is quite a feat, I'd say.
  • 5 5
 Nice moto by Honda Motorcycles. Thanks for sharing.
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