In the mid-nineties, most frame builders were still using the practical method. Draw, weld, try out. Also known as "trial and error". Storck, on the other hand, used computer technology, just as the engineers in Formula 1 had been doing for a long time. Mathematics instead of self-experimentation. Normal today, revolutionary back then. The "Adrenalin" was the first full suspension developed on a computer. "I specified the spring characteristics, the progression, the acceptable range of possible pedal kickback and the position of the shock absorber. The rest was basically done by the computer," explains Storck. And it had a hard time swallowing the desired specifications. The columns of data rattled through the mainframe computer at the University of Hamburg-Harburg for a month. Then the design was ready: a multi-link with an aluminium rocker. The damper is vertical because the oil can foam up in horizontally operating dampers. Nothing was a coincidence. That was ten years ago and the "Adrenalin" is now a classic in the Storck range. The material, weight ratio and geometry have been refined with every year. But the kinematics have remained unchanged. We were able to test whether the character has remained the same in ten years with the original "Adrenalin" from 1996 in the ornate "Atlanta" Olympic paintwork and the current top version made of carbon. So we hopped on the saddle and hit the trail, starting with the flashy "Stars and Stripes" oldie. Back and shoulder muscles strain against the sitting position, the neck starts to ache. Ten years ago, bikers lay like triathletes over their long stems. The original "Adrenalin" also carries these genes, after all it was designed for the race track. The Sachs twist grips have to be forced into position, the Spinergy wheels rattle, the old Manitou rumbles unwillingly into the downtubes. The rear triangle, however, hardly shows its age. The steel spring/air element greedily smacks away roots and stones and only loses its rhythm a little when the bumps are heavy. "Adrenalin" in its purest form. Second lap, this time with the ten years younger carbon version. The core muscles remain relaxed. The "Adrenalin" has lost none of its sporty character. Nevertheless, the stretch is more moderate thanks to the Vario stem. Same trail, same roots. It seems as if the track has been levelled. The suspension filters out the bumps and can be adjusted to the trail using a lever. One model, two worlds. The adrenalin injection can stay in the medical kit. With this bike, the bees have to get you first.
Rocker area: Then as now, the road shocks are channelled vertically into the damper from above. The rocker itself has been subtly modified and refined with carbon fibre.
Location: The bearing technology has remained the same since the original model. Replacement bearings are available from any material dealer worldwide. This saves nerves in the event of an accident.
Bearing space: Despite the massive aluminium tubes, the front of the aluminium model looks dainty against the current carbon head tube. Huge bearings, elaborately sealed against dirt, rotate inside it.
