Bicycle with Shock Absorbers Front and Rear

Bicycle with Shock Absorbers Front and Rear

Bicycle with Dampers Front and Rear: the full suspension revolution

Bicycles with both front and rear suspension, commonly called "full suspension," represent the most advanced technological evolution in the world of mountain biking. The presence of dual suspension makes it possible to tackle the most challenging trails in a stable, comfortable and safe manner. Let's analyze the features, operation and advantages of full suspension bikes in detail.

What is full suspension

"Full suspension" means a system with both a front suspension fork and a swinging headstock with shock absorber at the rear. Both wheels then are suspended and able to absorb shocks and bumps.

The presence of dual suspension greatly increases comfort, traction and control over rough terrain, thanks to the increased grip provided by wheels that adapt to the terrain. In addition, the full suspension dampens vibration, reducing rider and vehicle fatigue.

Cushioning and damping

Suspension dampers mainly exploit air springs or elastomers to absorb shocks, combined with hydraulic plunger systems that have the damping function and allow adjustment of rebound and compression response.

Hydraulic systems allow fine control and high progressivity of compression response to effectively counteract suspension sinking. Rebound damping adjustment affects pedaling feel and serial shock absorption.

Variable geometry

A major advantage of full suspension is that it introduces the concept of variable geometry: shaping and angles of the bike change according to the suspension travel and the setup chosen.

For example, the bike "stretches" and lowers when the suspension is fully compressed, maintaining a balanced riding position even in the hardest impacts. The versatility of variable geometry contributes greatly to control and stability on all types of surfaces.

Superior traction and grip

With the always-optimal wheel contact with the ground provided by the dual suspension, full suspensions offer significantly better traction and grip in off-road driving.

Traction results in scorching starts and lightning-fast recoveries, as well as excellent uphill traction. Grip allows you to hold the ideal line in corners and brake at the right point without skidding. Driveability and control reach excellent levels.

Kinematics and linkages

Kinematics, or the modes of movement of the rear suspension, are a key element in full suspension performance. There are several types:

• Monopivot
• Four bars
• FSR
• VPP
• DW-Link
• Horst Link
• etc.

Each has specific characteristics in terms of stroke progressivity, anti-pumping, and linkage management. The design of the kinematics is critical to achieving the desired behavior of the rear suspension.

The proper management of linkages, that is, the ratios of force transmission along the swing arms and suspension elements, is also essential to ensure optimal ride feel and pedaling efficiency.

Mountain bike enduro

The best expressions of the full suspension concept are found today in the world of the enduro bike. These prefer suspensions with generous travel (up to 180 mm), perfect for handling gravitational descents and extreme terrain.

Thanks to long shock absorbers and purposeful suspension design, enduros provide excellent shock absorption capacity while remaining efficient in transmitting thrust. They represent the best of fully available technology today.

Downhill mountain biking

Along with enduros, downhill bikes also feature top-of-the-line full suspension, with travel up to 200 mm. These hyper bikes are designed to take on the most extreme downhill trails at full speed.

Downhill suspension emphasizes the ability to absorb any impacts and bumps against obstacles even at gravitive speeds. Concreteness, resistance to abuse and reliability are the key words.

Mountain bike cross country

Even in cross country and XCO competitions we are seeing the spread of full suspension models with 100-120 mm of travel. Compared to hardtails, full XCs provide more control and traction on singletrack, allowing even technical downhill sections to be tackled with ease without slowing down.

Gravel bike

Another booming field of use for full suspension is gravel bikes, dirt bikes. Models with travel between 50 and 80 mm definitely improve comfort and rideability on the rough surfaces typical of gravel.

E-mtb

On e-motbs, the presence of dual suspension is practically a must. The extra weight of the motor and battery would be difficult to manage on a hardtail. Suspension on ebikes allows you to take advantage of the motor's thrust without impacting excessively on uneven terrain.

Suspension maintenance

The presence of the double suspension introduces requires more thorough periodic maintenance. In addition to lubricating the moving parts, the seals must be cleaned and re-greased to prevent dirt infiltration.

Setup parameters should be checked and optimized according to the rider's weight and the type of trail. Careful tuning enhances suspension performance.

Disadvantages

Compared with hardtails, full suspension has some disadvantages:

• Generally greater weight
• Higher price
• Less efficient energy transfer when pedaling
• More complex maintenance

However, the drivability and control offered more than compensate for these compromises.

Conclusions

Ultimately, dual suspension mountain bikes represent the most advanced frontier in the world of off-road performance, allowing you to tackle the most technical trails with confidence and fun.

Full suspension bikes more than make up for the weight and price disadvantage with unparalleled rideability and level of control. The ideal choice for maximum off-road fun.

 

Bicycles with Front and Rear Suspension" (Bicycles with Front and Rear Suspension) in Italian:

1. What is a bicycle with shock absorbers front and rear? A bicycle with shock absorbers front and rear is a type of bicycle designed to provide a more comfortable ride over rough terrain. It has suspension in both the front fork and rear frame to absorb shocks and improve stability.
2. What are the main advantages of bicycles with front and rear suspension? The main benefits include a more comfortable ride on uneven terrain, improved grip of the wheels on the ground, increased stability and control, and reduced stress on the cyclist's body.
3. Who should consider buying a bicycle with front and rear suspension? Bikes with shock absorbers are ideal for those who like to ride rough trails, go downhill, or want more comfort during off-road excursions.
4. What is the difference between front and rear suspension on a bicycle? The front suspension (in the fork) absorbs shocks on the front wheel, while the rear suspension (in the frame) does the same for the rear wheel. Both improve comfort and traction.
5. How much do bicycles with shocks in the front and rear usually cost? Price varies widely by brand and specification. Trail bikes generally start at a few hundred euros, while more advanced downhill mountain bikes can cost thousands.
6. Are bicycles with suspension suitable for city streets? Yes, but they are optimal on rough terrain. If you mainly drive on smooth roads, you might consider other options for a more efficient driving experience.
7. Can I use a bicycle with suspension for bicycle touring? Yes, many people use bicycles with suspension for bicycle touring, but make sure they are suitable for the type of terrain you will encounter on your trip.
8. How should I maintain the suspension on my bicycle? Suspension maintenance requires regular cleaning, lubrication, and checking air or oil pressure, if any. Consult the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions.
9. Are bicycles with shock absorbers suitable for competition? Yes, there are specific competitions such as downhill races that require bikes with suspension. Suspension increases control over challenging terrain.
10. What is the difference between a downhill bike and a trail bike with suspension? Downhill bikes have longer and stronger suspensions to cope with extreme descents, while trail bikes are more versatile and suitable for various terrains.
11. What are the common materials used to build bicycles with suspension? Common materials include aluminum, carbon fiber and steel. The choice of material will affect the weight, stiffness and price of the bicycle.
12. How can I adjust the suspension on my bicycle to suit my riding style? Suspension can be adjusted according to the rider's weight, terrain, and desired comfort level. Consult your bicycle manual or see an experienced mechanic for specific adjustments.
13. Can I use a bicycle with shock absorbers for daily transportation? Yes, you can use it for daily transportation, but consider that it may be less efficient on smooth roads than a traditional city bike.
14. What is the typical durability of suspension on a bicycle? Suspension life depends on use, maintenance, and product quality. On average, you should expect them to last several years with proper maintenance.
15. What should I look for when choosing a bicycle with front and rear shocks? Look for a bike with suspension that fits your riding style, a size that fits your body, good build quality, and geometry that meets your needs.
16. Can I use a bicycle with shock absorbers for hiking in the mountains? Yes, bicycles with shock absorbers are ideal for hiking in the mountains, as they offer greater traction and comfort over uneven terrain.
17. How to deal with rough trails with a bicycle equipped with suspension? Maintain a stable posture, balance your weight on the bike, and use brakes and speed changes carefully to negotiate downhill slopes and obstacles safely.
18. What are the most reputable brands in suspension bicycles? Some well-known brands include Trek, Specialized, Canyon, Giant, and Santa Cruz, but there are many other quality options on the market.
19. Are there any disadvantages to using a bicycle with shocks in the front and rear? Disadvantages include greater weight than bicycles without suspension and the need for more careful maintenance of the suspension itself.
20. Can I make custom suspension modifications on my bicycle? Yes, many bicycles allow custom suspension modifications, but it is advisable to do so with the assistance of an experienced mechanic to ensure optimal performance and safety.