First, a disclaimer: The scope of rear suspension is so vast to cover in one blog or even a series of blogs. I won't therefore, delve into all of it's topics and iterations. Instead, I'll try to touch on items that you may have heard about, like types of suspensions, pivot location and axle path, chain growth/ pedal feed back and brake jack.
The four main types of suspension platforms are: Single Pivot, Single Pivot with Linkages, Four Bar Horst Links and Virtual Pivot or Double Linkage .
Gary Fisher's single pivot technology has one key aspect, simple is better than complex. The more pivots in a design, the heavier the bike. There's no way around it. By comparison, the single pivot design is the lightest full suspension platform on the market. So for the best performance-to-weight ratio, Fisher keeps the pivots to a maximum of one. Uno. Ein. Ichi. Lighter is better than heavy. The single pivot platform is the easiest to maintain . Why? Since pivots are moving parts they are going to need maintenance, minimize pivots and you'll minimize downtime from riding. The single pivot design also provides an ideal platform for tuning today's advance shock components because it creates a direct connection between shock and the frame components. Fewer pivots means more precise handling, stronger lateral rigidity, as the rear end will track exactly in line with the front end. Pedaling force on a single pivot design or how the chain force affects the rear suspension. For Fisher bikes that varies on which chainring is being used. In the large ring, a rider is going pretty fast - usually downhill. And this is where you want a very active suspension to suck up all the bumps and roots you don't have time to avoid. In the middle ring, where most riders spend there time, you want a suspension that is not noticeably affected by the chain. And with the Fisher single pivot point which is essentially the same distance from the bottom bracket as the middle ring. Keeping the suspension in a neutral position. The chain on it's own will not pull the rear axle up nor will it compress it. Unlike suspension designs like the Specialized FSR single pivot bikes. In the small ring, a rider is normally going slow or climbing. With the Fisher single pivot design , the pivot is above the small ring and the force of the chain pulls the axle down, actually digging the rear wheel into the trail. Thus the advantage of traction gained. Fisher has been making full suspension bikes longer than anyone on the planet. They realize the nuances from one design to the next. They've studied chain creep, axle paths, brake jack and leverage ratio's for years. Nice when someone else does your homework. And my faovrite - made in the USA.
Ok, so the Soprano's is coming on TV shorty and it looks like I was wrong and this will be a series of blogs to cover topics I haven't mentioned. Also, shoot me an email with any questions. My profile has the contact info.
Single Pivot with linkages
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