Why is "Super Boost" so detested? by redfoxrun

The Pinkbike article by redfoxrun highlights the ongoing, widespread disdain for "Super Boost" rear axle spacing within the mountain biking community. While the piece itself is a discussion of *why* it's disliked, the core news is the persistent negativity surrounding the 157x12mm standard, particularly its perceived unnecessary introduction and limited adoption compared to the more common 148x12mm "Boost" standard. This sentiment underscores a clear division between certain industry innovations and rider preference.

This enduring animosity towards Super Boost is rooted in its perceived redundancy and the fragmentation it introduced into an already complex component landscape. Following the relatively smooth, if initially controversial, transition to Boost 148, Super Boost arrived offering marginal, often unnoticeable, performance gains for the average rider, primarily benefiting downhill and enduro bikes requiring maximum stiffness. Its primary impact was to further complicate wheel and frame compatibility, forcing consumers to navigate yet another proprietary standard and increasing manufacturing costs without a compelling user benefit for many.

Ultimately, Super Boost stands as a cautionary tale of industry-driven innovation outpacing genuine rider demand. Sometimes, "newer" isn't necessarily "better," especially when it means more headaches and less compatibility.