As smooth and efficient as a hardtail uphill, as smooth as a sedan downhill. Roughly speaking, the requirements for a fully suspension system are quickly outlined. But what sounds like a simple task has given rise to countless solutions since the first rear suspension was developed. Single-link, four-link with Horst link, VPP rear suspension or even curiosities such as the drive swingarm. Many a stroke of genius has characterised the history of the mountain bike, others have disappeared into oblivion without a sound. But the existing diversity on the market proves it: There is no such thing as the perfect rear triangle. Rather, compromises must always be made, which can be achieved in different ways. But which key factors actually need to be reconciled?
You can find the complete kinematics guide with these topics as a PDF in the download area below:
- Rear suspension systems
- Wheel lift curve
- Propulsion through anti-squat
- Braking behaviour
- What the Enduro suspensions can do
You can find this article in BIKE 12/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
