2026 is heating up! New motors, bigger range, exciting innovations – and a real shocker from Germany.
In this episode of the MTB Report, we cover the most important news from the bike world:
👉 Rotwild R.EX Ultra – with DJI/Avinox motor and 864 Wh battery – a true statement for range and power [https://www.rotwild.com]
👉 Santa Cruz Vala AL 2026 – aluminum instead of carbon, cheaper, stable, but without flip-chips and XXL frame size [https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/de-de/collections/vala-al]
👉 Avinox goes mainstream – DJI partners with Rotwild, Commencal & Amflow [https://www.avinox-ebike.com/]
👉 YT Industries in trouble – restructuring, canceled orders, and what this means for you [https://www.yt-industries.com/]
👉 Trade show trends – 32-inch wheels, inverted forks, and futuristic show bikes
🎧 Honest insights, simple tips, and updates that actually matter for beginners, amateurs, and adventure riders.
What do you think: Which bike will be your Hammerbike 2026?
🎥 YouTube: Radical Life Studios
🎧 Spotify: #MTBlife & MTB Report
📲 TikTok, Facebook & more: @RadicalLifeStudios
think radical – lebe radikal
This is your MTB Report.
Empty report kind of shows. [Music] Think radical, live radical. Welcome to the MTB Report, your podcast magazine from Radical Life Studios. Today we’re taking a look at what’s moving in the bike world. Let’s begin with Rottweil. They’ve just dropped the REX Ultra, an EOL mountain with 160 and 150 mm of travel DJI/Ainox motor and a massive 864W hours battery. The bike weighs in at over 23 kilos, but in return, you get range for really long adventures. This is a statement. Range plus power packed into a bike built for big rides. For beginners, it’s probably too expensive. But here’s the point. Bikes like this show us where the industry is heading. If you love long distances and big climbs, it’s worth paying attention to these high range concepts. And then Santa Cruz follows up the new VAL 2026. Aluminum instead of carbon. Bosch Gen 5 motor with 600 W hours battery, optional range extender, 160 and 150 mm suspension, and a mullet setup. Why aluminum? Simply because it’s cheaper. MSRP starts at around €5,300. Aluminum is heavier than the carbon version, but just as strong. Unfortunately, that the flip chips are gone, so there are fewer adjustment options, and there’s no XXL frame size. Tall riders will still have to go carbon. The VAL is Santa Cruz for everyday riders, more affordable, stable, and much more accessible than the carbon variant. Tip: If you’ve always wanted to ride Santa Cruz, but the price kept you away, this is your chance. And the handling is still great. Bad news from Germany. YT Industries is facing serious problems. The brand has entered a process of self-administration. Basically, a light form of bankruptcy where they try to restructure their finances. YT has emphasized that service and support will continue. But many customers are reporting canceled orders and missing refunds. So, what does this mean for you? If you already own a YT bike, keep a close eye on spare parts and service availability. And if you’re thinking about buying one, it might be wise to wait and see how the situation develops. It’s another reminder that in the bike world, it’s not just about technology and marketing. The stability of the brand matters just as much. Next up, Avenox. DJI’s ebike brand is stepping on the gas. At Eurobike 2025, several partners showcased bikes with Avanox motors, including Rottwild, Comment, and Amplow. This could really shake up the drive unit market. Bosch and Shimano have been dominating for years, but if DJI gets serious about power and range while building partnerships, we’ll soon see real alternatives. tip. If you’re planning to buy an EMTB, pay attention to the motor too. In the future, that choice could mean much more variety. At Eurobike, we also saw some crazy stuff. 32-in wheels, inverted forks, and show bikes like the Commenco Meta SX with Avenox. All still concepts for the future. Trade shows. Point to where the development is going, not necessarily what you’ll find in stores tomorrow. Let yourself be inspired, but don’t base your buying decisions purely on trade show hype. Better to wait until real tests are out. So, what sticks with us? Rottweil shows with the O.ex Ultra that range and power can set new standards. Santa Cruz makes the VA al more affordable. A smart move for anyone who’s long dreamed of riding Santa Cruz. Avanox is gaining momentum. New motors mean more choice, maybe even better prices. Trends are exciting, but in the end, what matters is, does the bike fit your style and your daily rides? The MMTB report tip: test before you buy. Don’t get blinded by big names or shiny new trends. At the end of the day, your trail and your fun make the decision. Think radical. Live radical to go. That was the MTB report. Subscribe on YouTube or listen on Spotify. Ride safe and we’ll see you on the trail. MTB report. [Music] break new players. I want to leave. [Music] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]