loses power im sure....like having reverse mount on forks increases power because its more weight...even mods are going to bashring now ( well, alot of them ) Definitely, so much better than anything else; and a 4 finger 04 lever blade Ashton aren't with orange, they're with diamondback now.... Hydroformings a great idea.....nearly all £500+ xc / mountain bikes have hydroforming on them now, so why not the majorit of £1000 trials bikes? Splined is a great idea...although ill bet tensile are working on it..