2026/27 full-suspension XC

[Gbodorr]

I’ve noticed that most OEM manufacturers, including brands like LC, seem to be focusing mainly on road and gravel bikes at the moment. I’m not seeing many new full-suspension XC MTB models appearing in their catalogues. Just older models. I have their LCF918.

Do you think this is simply because the MTB market is relatively small, or could it be related to the complexity of developing and manufacturing full-suspension frames?
There seem to be a lot more potential tolerance and alignment issues with an FS frame - pivot, bearing seats, shock mounts, linkage alignment, chainstay clearance, etc.. I had an issue with my linkage but solved it with a new rear triangle and shims...

I’m curious whether OEM manufacturers are intentionally avoiding new XC platforms for this reason, or if there’s not enough demand to justify developing a completely new mould and suspension platform.
Are there any new full-suspension XC frames currently in development for 2026/2027?

[oxidizer]

mutliple factors: complexity, small market, low demand, xc not popular in china, etc...

[jefflinde]

There is also nothing new in the XC full suspension market.  Even the big brands have basically coalesced around very similar designs. You are seeing very small tweaks to bikes like the epic and what ever trek is calling it now because their customer base will just buy a new one to keep up with pro racers.  The customers buying Chinese frames really only move when something new comes out.  Add that to the small market size and there is no real reason to make new frames.  In the road bike market, it is huge and lots of customers buy new frames to get the latest and greatest frames even if they are just getting small tweak and changed to the geometry.

[gribs]

The next major change will probably be to 32" wheels unless they're banned and they are unlikely to work well for shorter riders.

I've been considering building up a xc full sus but buying a frame from China makes no sense when I could pick up a BMC fourstroke 3 complete bike brand new for £2k. The market in the UK for non powered mountain bikes is basically dead.

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

I don’t know how “new” the design really is since it’s a variation of nearly every light flex stay XC bike ever, but Quick’s XC bike doesn’t look half bad if you can live with headset routing.

[federic000]

it's sad to see XC on the falling side of bike market.
I would at least like to have some models back to external cable routing as the main players are doing.
e.g. the LCFS980 or 918, the FM358 of hongfu, please make those with external routing.
make external-routing great again! MEGA!