Greg Minnaar’s Proto Components

August 19, 2025

As we were walking around Crankworx this year, we were tipped off about some exciting unreleased components fitted to Greg Minnaar’s Norco Downhill prototype. The more parts we looked at, the more we spotted that is not currently available to the public. Greg gets the special treatment, helping to develop these products with his vast experience at the top level of the sport.

We figured we’d grab some photos and comment on what we might be seeing. Leave us a comment below if you see something else!

First up, Greg’s Norco DH Prototype frame had these burly brake calipers fitted to it. Paired to the new Shimano XTR levers, we’re guessing them to be the next-generation Shimano Saint brakes. The pistons are very large – we’re guessing in the 19mm range – and the closed top of the caliper should provide an extremely stiff design to maximize the force those large pistons are able to generate.

To go with the new calipers is a new brake rotor design. These single-piece rotors are notably thicker and stiffer than the current Shimano disc offerings. Thicker rotors are more temperature-stable, remaining straight in high temperature scenarios and helping to avoid pad glazing due to their higher thermal mass. We’d guess this 200mm rotor to be in the 2.2-2.3mm thickness range.

Shimano’s recently released XT and XTR drivetrains feature some new design language, and utilise stiff springs to maintain chain tension opposed to a clutch. This is evidently a cable-operated, close-ratio compact design that we’d assume to be the next generation Saint derailleur. We’re interested to see if it can do the job better than the already very solid Saint derailleur that’s been on the market for so long.

On the left side of Greg’s bar, there’s a two-lever wireless remote that we assume to control the Fox Live Valve Neo-equipped DHX2 rear shock. With 3D-printed plastic paddles, it’s clear this is not a final production unit, so we’re interested to see if it ever hits the market and what its final form looks like.

Last but not least, we’ve got what appears to be the next generation of Minion tire, featuring a new DH casing and what looks to be a solid mixed-conditions tread pattern. We’re very interested to see how this tire develops and whether it’ll slot in as a new Minion offering or supercede one of their current offerings.

Check out the video below for more details on the prototype components on Greg Minnaar’s Norco DH bike.