Agree on the NEW Shimano XT and XTR brakes with ICE rotors. PinkBike is pretty sedated on the SRAM kool-aid, so that is why it didn't make the list...

Agree with Bogey that "XTR Shadow Plus rear derailleur" is my top of the list choice!!! SUPER QUIET, CHAIN SLAP GONE, NO DROPPED CHAINS...

You got it all wrong PinkBike in your question and predetermined answers at the bottom. In 3-5 years, 650b will be the dominate wheel size for MTB. XC will be 650b and 29" Trail, AM, DH will be 650b DJ will stay 26". UCI killed 4X.

SHIMANO, SHIMANO, SHIMANO... Shimano's NEW SLX through XTR are awesome easy-to-modulate power and are silent...

The UCI is claiming to dropping 4X due to "environmental impact". If you think Environmental Groups will quit after 4X, your dreaming. DH and XC is next on the list... Environmental Groups are not your friends. Never give money to those groups. Give money to IMBA who fight to retain what MTB access is left.

I like the Kathy Pruitt with the DaKine Nomad pack.

GWIN, SHIMANO, GWIN, SHIMANO, GWIN SHADOW PLUS!!!! GO GWIN !!!

can't we all just get along?

agree with you on the "stupidly low" bottom bracket height. way too much obsession on low bb height where in riding real trails your smacking pedals and guides like crazy...

Dear Mr. Gwin, The US is very proud of you and it is great to see all your skills and training come to fruition. I will be watching you on Freecaster in the Whitehouse next weekend when you are in Windham NY. Sincerely, Barack H. Obama President of the United States of America

Monster Energy drinks help shoulder tissue regeneration... Drink up everybody!!!! :)