All articles tagged with #suspension design
Norco has launched the new 2026 Revolver, a lightweight, carbon XC bike with updated geometry, flex stay suspension, and multiple build options, aimed at both racing and trail riding, with prices ranging from $3,899 to $11,499 USD.
Yeti Cycles has launched the all-new ASR XC race bike, marking their return to the cross-country race bike segment after several years. The ASR features a lightweight frame with custom ply shapes and intelligent draping methods, a single-pivot suspension design with 115mm of rear wheel travel, contemporary XC geometry, and a range of frame options and builds. The top-of-the-line T5 Ultimate XX SL Transmission build, priced at $13,900, comes equipped with the brand-new RockShox Flight Attendant XC suspension package and DT Swiss XRC 1200 carbon wheels, making it a competitive option in the market. The ASR has received positive feedback for its impressive speed, stability, and efficiency, making it a potential game-changer in the cross-country racing scene.
Specialized has launched the 2024 Epic EVO 8, a trail-ready XC bike with 29" wheels, carbon frame, 120mm frame travel, and 130mm fork. The bike shares the same frame as the Epic 8 but with different build kits and geometry changes. The EVO features a longer stroke fork, giving it full-on trail bike geometry, and comes in 5 sizes with reach numbers ranging from 385mm to 495mm. The frame includes SWAT storage, co-molded upper shock mount, and a rear wheel travel of 120mm. The suspension design has moved away from the Brain system and now features a single pivot flex stay with a linkage driving the shock. The ride impressions suggest that the EVO is biased towards descents and offers a great build kit with well-tuned suspension.
Tesla engineers faced financial constraints during the development of the Model S and had to get creative to save costs, including flipping parts upside down. They borrowed a Land Rover steering rack, flipped it upside down, and made minor modifications to fit it into the Model S, saving millions. They also used common parts on the left and right sides of the suspension to reduce tooling costs, demonstrating clever engineering and smart manufacturing to achieve high functionality while saving costs.
Ferrari has rejected the Red Bull-style push-rod rear suspension in favor of its own pull-rod layout, citing good aero results and no significant advantage in switching. The team's technical director, Enrico Cardile, emphasized the innovative nature of Ferrari's rear suspension for the 2024 car, which includes a clever reorientation to produce a shorter gearbox and improve compliance. Ferrari is committed to its suspension layout for the year and is not considering any other option.
Arkansas-based bike brand Allied Cycle Works has released its first mountain bike, the BC40, which combines the pedaling efficiency of an XC-oriented machine with the geometry of a longer-travel trail bike. The BC40 features a carbon fiber frame, short suspension travel, and a progressive long-low-and-slack geometry. It offers excellent pedaling efficiency, balanced handling, and a gorgeous design. However, it has so-so small-bump compliance and limited bottle clearance. The BC40 is available as a frame or complete build, with prices starting at $4,350.
Specialized has been granted a patent for their Under Bottom Bracket (UBB) suspension system, which allows for independent fine-tuning of key ride dynamics components. The patent describes a frame with 172mm of travel and the ability to adjust suspension characteristics for different terrains. The system also allows for field-adjustable suspension and the use of different brake mount designs to tune anti-rise characteristics. The suspension layout may potentially be used in the new Enduro model, which has not been updated in over four years. The patent mentions the possibility of using metal or composite materials for the frame construction.
The Pole Onni is a unique enduro/DH bike with a distinctive aluminum frame cut from blocks instead of tubing. It features a dual-link suspension design and can transform into three modes: downhill, "down-duro," and a 160mm travel enduro model. The bike offers good climbing performance with a steep seat tube angle and even weight distribution. However, the stiff frame and high bottom bracket make it challenging to find grip and stay planted during descents. The Onni lacks small bump compliance and bottom-out resistance, requiring an attentive and strong rider. Despite its drawbacks, the bike offers versatility and can be configured as a downhill race machine.
Trek has released the 2024 Slash, a long-travel all-mountain bike with a high main pivot and various frame and specification changes. The geometry can be adjusted with a press-in headset cup and features a progressive design with reaches ranging from 430mm to 513mm. The bike includes clever features such as the in-frame storage system called BITS, shock mounts for a 29" rear wheel, and a suspension progression flip chip. The Slash uses Trek's Active Braking Pivot with a high-pivot twist for a smoother feel and added balance. With seven different build kits ranging from $4,400 to $11,500 USD, there are options for various budgets. Initial ride impressions have been positive, with the Slash performing well on descents and technical climbs.