Suspension for Mountain Bicycles

摘要

Unique suspension apparatuses, systems and methods useful for mountain bicycles among other applications are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the suspension is self adjusting to meet different performance objectives. The suspension may utilize pedaling force to substantially stiffen or lock out movement of the suspension, for example, during climbing. The suspension may change its performance under reduced pedaling force to provide performance characteristics desired when a rider is descending. Certain exemplary embodiments include a rocker arm connected to a first frame portion at a first rocker arm pivot, connected to a seatstay at a second rocker arm pivot, and connected to a second link at a third rocker arm pivot. The first link is connected to the first frame portion at a first link pivot, connected to the chainstay at a second link pivot, and connected to the shock and the second link at a third link pivot.

主权项

1. A rear suspension for a bicycle, said bicycle comprising a frame and a rear wheel mounted for rotation on an axle, said axle mounted on a chainstay, said chainstay connected to said frame, said rear suspension comprising:
a linking element pivotally connected to said frame at a first pivot axis wherein the forward end of said chainstay is pivotally connected to said linking element at a second pivot axis on said linking element; and a spring/damper unit having a lower end and upper end, said spring/damper unit being pivotally connected at a third pivot axis on the upper end of said linking element; wherein said second pivot axis is thereby movable forwardly and rearwardly in relation to said frame in response to forward acceleration and rearward deceleration or braking forces respectively, thereby rotating said linking element about said first pivot axis and rotating said third pivot axis rearwardly and forwardly respectively, thereby moving said third pivot axis rearwardly and forwardly in relation to said frame.