The Weird, Smart & Handmade Mountain Bikes at MADE 2026

Why MADE matters: the show attracts more than 200 independent builders and brands and thousands of riders; last year drew over 6,500 attendees. For small builders, MADE is where concepts are stress‑tested in public — from radical kinematics to fabrication techniques — with immediate feedback from riders and dealers.

Actionable angle: if you’re a retailer, product manager or curious rider, take photos of suspension layouts and ask about pivot bearings, travel curves and shock mounting hardware. Those details often indicate whether a concept can scale to a production run and what aftermarket service it will require.

Expect to see more than one take on unconventional suspension: link-driven single-pivots with idlers, multi-link four-bar variations, eccentric-link systems and split‑pivot reinterpretations. Builders use these layouts to tune leverage curves for traction, small-bump compliance and firm mid-stroke — things mainstream bikes chase by firmware or insert tuning alone.

Product notes: look for frames specifying effective rear travel (e.g., 140–160mm for lightweight trail bikes or 160–170mm for aggressive trail/enduro) and explicit leverage curves on the builder spec sheet. Pay attention to shock fitment specs (standard eye-to-eye lengths and stroke: e.g., 230x62.5mm or 230x65mm) because nonstandard geometry often means you’ll be limited to specific shocks such as Fox Float X2, RockShox Super Deluxe or Cane Creek DB Inline variants. Action: if a bike uses an idler pulley, ask about bearing size, sealed vs open bearings, and replacement pulley parts — small parts are often the weak link on custom designs.

Flip chips and multi-position lower links are common, but the newest moves are continuous or multi-step adjustments that change reach, head angle and BB height together — not just a degree or two at the headtube. Makers are experimenting with eccentric headtubes, adjustable link stacks and modular dropouts to create bikes that can be tuned for trail, enduro and even light bikepacking duty.

Spec advice: when evaluating adjustable geometry, look for stated ranges (for example, head angle change of 1.5–2.5°, reach change +/-10–20mm, BB drop change +/-10–20mm). Those numbers tell you whether the geometry shift will be worthwhile or just marketing. Practical tip: bring your current bike’s reach and stack numbers to compare on-site; a 10–15mm reach change can be more impactful than a 0.5° head angle tweak.

Titanium builders continue to expand beyond XC and gravel into capable trail bikes. Expect to see lightweight Ti trail frames with modern geometry, integrated headtube stacks and brushed or bead-blasted finishes. Makers such as Moots and Firefly have long proven the metal’s ride quality; this year smaller US builders are refining tube profiles, hydroforming and brazing/fillet work for stronger, more affordable builds.

Specs to watch: Ti frames will typically use Ti-6Al-4V tubing or butted proprietary blends, often paired with full-width Boost spacing and internal routing for stealth dropper posts. If you’re considering a titanium trail frame, ask about tube wall thickness, expected frame weight (many modern Ti trail frames are in the 2.7–3.4kg range for frames only), warranty and recommended torque specs for titanium bolts. Action: be realistic about price and turnaround — domestic custom Ti frames often carry premium lead times and require measurements or fit sessions.

Gearboxes keep popping up at MADE in ever-more practical forms. Pinion and other gearbox suppliers have matured their housings and integration methods so framebuilders can offer near-standard geometry while delivering a sealed drivetrain option that reduces maintenance and allows cleaner builds.

What to look for: gearbox frames will list compatibility (e.g., Pinion P-line or equivalent) and detail mount points for chainlines and belt drives if they support Gates CDX. If you’re testing a gearbox bike, ask about service interval estimates, tooth counts (for equivalent gear ratios) and whether the drivetrain supports 1x or internal gearing. Actionable tip: gearbox bikes change chainline and chain wear considerations — bring your mechanic or ask the builder about compatible cranksets and chainring offsets before you buy.

3D printing is no longer just for prototyping. Expect to see Ti-6Al-4V printed lugs, aluminum printed cockpit parts, and bespoke clevis or dropout components that blend classic tubing with printed joints. This lets builders create complex shapes, internal channels and weight-optimized parts without the tooling costs of brazing jigs.

Product examples and specs: printed Ti dropouts and yokes that consolidate mounting points, printed aluminum stem caps that integrate cable routing, and bespoke lower-link gussets that save grams. Action: ask about inspection records, post-process heat treatment (critical for printed titanium), fatigue testing and whether printed parts are replaceable or require full-frame replacement if damaged.

If you’re at Zidell Yards this weekend, prioritize conversations over selfies. Builders are often testing packaging, sizing and material choices — ask direct questions about bearings, service parts, shock clearances and paint/finish options. Collect business cards, take detailed photos of pivot layouts and note any serial numbers for future follow-ups.

For those not attending: tune your feeds. Scenders will be running follow-ups over the next 72 hours — expect deep dives on the most promising concepts, interviews with builders and recommendations for parts to watch. Sign up for email alerts or follow our social channels so you don’t miss the pieces that are likely to influence production bikes next season.

Is MADE open to the public and what are the dates?

Yes. MADE Handmade Bike Show runs Aug. 21–23 at Portland's Zidell Yards. The show is open to the public, but schedules for builder demos, panels and ticketed events can vary — check the official MADE schedule for session times and ticket types.

Can I buy frames and components directly from builders at MADE?

Often you can buy frames, components and demo rides onsite, but many builders display prototypes or limited-run builds that are available by order only. Bring measurement details and expect lead times for custom or titanium frames; some components may be prototype-only and not yet in production.

What kind of suspension experiments should I actually care about?

Care about kinematics that improve traction and predictable mid-stroke support. Look for clear leverage curves, shock fitment specs and serviceability (bearing sizes, replaceable pivot kits). If a design requires proprietary shocks or pulleys, that increases long-term maintenance costs.

Are gearbox bikes a practical choice for mountain riding?

Yes for specific use cases. Gearboxes offer low-maintenance and cleaner setups, excellent for bikepackers or riders who value long-term durability. Consider weight, service access, compatibility with your preferred cranksets, and whether your local shop can service the gearbox (Pinion and similar systems have certified service networks).

What should I ask about 3D-printed titanium parts?

Ask whether parts are post-processed and heat-treated, what alloy is used (Ti-6Al-4V is common), and whether the builder has fatigue testing data for the printed geometry. Also confirm replacement policies and whether printed parts can be supplied separately if damaged.

How do I evaluate adjustable geometry claims?

Demand published ranges: head angle change, reach change, and BB drop adjustments. Small changes (less than 10mm reach or <0.5° head angle) often won’t be noticeable; look for meaningful ranges and clear instructions on how to switch configurations safely.

Will any of the MADE trends show up on major brands soon?

Often yes, but timelines vary. Small builders prove concepts; larger OEMs may adopt elements — a new suspension concept, adjustable geometry mechanism or additive-produced part — once it proves durable and cost-effective. Expect a 12–36 month cycle from booth concept to mainstream adoption.