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Features
The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems

The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems

Explaining how the most popular designs work, plus their potential advantages or shortcomings

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October 2, 2018 at 4:25 pm

Advanced suspension setup explained — Advanced suspension setup explained
Immediate Media

Yeti's Switch Infinity design works a bit like a twin-link, except the lower link is replaced by a pair of vertical rails — Yeti’s Switch Infinity design works a bit like a twin-link, except the lower link is replaced by a pair of vertical rails
Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Trek's ABP system works like a linkage-driven single pivot, except the brakes sit on a floating seatstay to reduce anti-rise — Trek’s ABP system works like a linkage-driven single pivot, except the brakes sit on a floating seatstay to reduce anti-rise
Steve Behr

This graph shows how the percentage anti-squat varies with travel on the Santacruz Nomad (VPP), Pole Evolink (co-rotating links), and Kona Process (single pivot). — This graph shows how the percentage anti-squat varies with travel on the Santacruz Nomad (VPP), Pole Evolink (co-rotating links), and Kona Process (single pivot).
bikechecker.com

A look at how the highly rearward rear axle path of Commencal's Supreme V4 compares to the front. Note the X-axis is stretched out — A look at how the highly rearward rear axle path of Commencal’s Supreme V4 compares to the front. Note the X-axis is stretched out
bikechecker.com

Giant's Reign (pre-2018) used a relatively short 57mm stroke shock to deliver its 160mm travel, meaning it has a high average leverage ratio — Giant’s Reign (pre-2018) used a relatively short 57mm stroke shock to deliver its 160mm travel, meaning it has a high average leverage ratio
bikechecker.com

Mondraker's Dune uses a 'hanging' leverage curve. This shape increases initial sensitivity and firms up the mid-stroke compared to a linear bike — Mondraker’s Dune uses a ‘hanging’ leverage curve. This shape increases initial sensitivity and firms up the mid-stroke compared to a linear bike
bikechecker.com

The Santa Cruz Tallboy has a curve which does the opposite; softening the mid-stroke slightly compared to a linear bike — The Santa Cruz Tallboy has a curve which does the opposite; softening the mid-stroke slightly compared to a linear bike
bikechecker.com

Although progressive towards the end-stroke, I didn't like how the Nukeproof Mega 290 wallowed through the middle of its travel — Although progressive towards the end-stroke, I didn’t like how the Nukeproof Mega 290 wallowed through the middle of its travel
Russell Burton / Immediate Media

The Scott Gambler's high main pivot results in very high levels of anti-squat… and pedal kickback — The Scott Gambler’s high main pivot results in very high levels of anti-squat… and pedal kickback
Tom Marvin / Immediate Media

The percentage anti-squat can be calculated by finding the intersection of the chain line with the line connecting the axle to the IC — The percentage anti-squat can be calculated by finding the intersection of the chain line with the line connecting the axle to the IC
Mick Kirkman

A linkage driven single pivot with the rear pivot located on the seatstay — A linkage driven single pivot with the rear pivot located on the seatstay
Mick Kirkman

A Horst-link design is marked out by a chainstay pivot — the rear axle is not directly connected to the mainframe — A Horst-link design is marked out by a chainstay pivot — the rear axle is not directly connected to the mainframe
Mick Kirkman

Twin-link bikes use a pair of short links to connect the rear triangle to the front — Twin-link bikes use a pair of short links to connect the rear triangle to the front
Courtesy

The Orange 5 is a classic example of the simple single-pivot — The Orange 5 is a classic example of the simple single-pivot
Mick Kirkman

A high pivot bike with an idler offers minimal pedal kickback and a significantly rearward axle path — A high pivot bike with an idler offers minimal pedal kickback and a significantly rearward axle path
Tom Marvin / Immediate Media

A look at how the highly rearward rear axle path of Commencal's Supreme V4 compares to the front. Note the X-axis is stretched out — A look at how the highly rearward rear axle path of Commencal’s Supreme V4 compares to the front. Note the X-axis is stretched out
bikechecker.com

Brake arms reduced anti-rise by 'floating' the caliper between the chainstay and a secondary link, such that its IC was further forward — Brake arms reduced anti-rise by ‘floating’ the caliper between the chainstay and a secondary link, such that its IC was further forward
Oli Woodman / Immediate Media

The Santa Cruz Tallboy has a curve which does the opposite; softening the mid-stroke slightly compared to a linear bike — The Santa Cruz Tallboy has a curve which does the opposite; softening the mid-stroke slightly compared to a linear bike
bikechecker.com

Mondraker's Dune uses a 'hanging' leverage curve. This shape increases initial sensitivity and firms up the mid-stroke compared to a linear bike — Mondraker’s Dune uses a ‘hanging’ leverage curve. This shape increases initial sensitivity and firms up the mid-stroke compared to a linear bike
bikechecker.com

This graph shows how the percentage anti-squat varies with travel on the Yeti SB5, peaking near the sag point — This graph shows how the percentage anti-squat varies with travel on the Yeti SB5, peaking near the sag point
bikechecker.com

Roughly parallel links result in an instant centre which sits very far forward. This means anti-rise levels are low — Roughly parallel links result in an instant centre which sits very far forward. This means anti-rise levels are low
Steve Behr

A high pivot point increases the anti-squat coming from the driving force, while an idler pulley minimises pedal kickback — A high pivot point increases the anti-squat coming from the driving force, while an idler pulley minimises pedal kickback
Steve Behr

Giant's Reign (pre-2018) used a relatively short 57mm stroke shock to deliver its 160mm travel, meaning it has a high average leverage ratio — Giant’s Reign (pre-2018) used a relatively short 57mm stroke shock to deliver its 160mm travel, meaning it has a high average leverage ratio
Steve Behr