Cannondale will be launching a new freeride version of their Cannondale Gemini DH bike in the next few months, but we’re slightly confused.

According to Cannondale the Gemini Free Ride bikes “will incorporate technology developed by Cannondale for its innovative Gemini downhill bike”. Confusingly though it doesn’t use the twin shock, secondary drop out suspension linkage set up that gave the Gemini (that’s the celestial twins for those not in the Russell Grant Fan Club) its name. It uses a new (but very similar to the old “Killer V” layout, or indeed Marin’s old bikes) mainframe with a forward pivot location and conventional looking strut and beam swingarm. It might not be radical, but Cannondale say it’s even stiffer than their downhill bike thanks to the use of a straight through seat tube.

So does it have two shock positions? Err no it has three giving a not inconsiderable, but not ground breaking 140 mm, 150 mm or 170 mm (5.5″, 5.9″ and 6.7″) of travel from a 2″ stroke shock. It’ll have chain guide or front mech bosses depending on your transmission needs and two complete bikes should be ready some time next spring.

For those wondering why it’s got conventional forks on then, remember that the team DH riders have been using Manitou’s Dorado all year, as the Lefty might be Dual proof but it doesn’t have enough travel to keep up with full on DH.

For more information as it happens keep an eye on Cannondale.com.