[Press Release] – Our full suspension models use the dw-link suspension platform. This system delivers efficient pedaling performance though pivot placement instead of shock tune. That climbing efficiency means that unlike many other suspension layouts, our bikes don’t require loads of compression damping to control pedal bob. Our suspension kinematics do the hard work.
Because we don’t need a lot of compression damping, we’ve pushed our suspension partners to develop lighter compression tunes. These lighter tunes make it easy for the rear wheel to get out of the way, allowing your bike to better absorb a bump. As we went progressively lighter, we found the shocks couldn’t rebound as fast as they could compress.
So the bike could soak up a hit but the shock couldn’t push the wheel down fast enough to track the backside of the bump. When the suspension doesn’t move fast enough to absorb or track a bump, the wheel gets hung up and you lose speed, steering, and braking control.
Using an innovative new data acquisition system developed by Motion Instruments, we were able to quantify what the critical wheel speed in both directions (compression and rebound) should be. Over two years, we’ve recorded over one thousand downhill runs and tested multiple shock tunes from six different manufacturers.
As we tested rear shock suspension tunes, the data proved that we also needed to custom tune our forks. We needed to increase the rebound speeds of the fork to match the performance of the rear wheel. By balancing the front and rear suspension so that the front and rear wheels do the same thing over a bump, we keep the bike chassis flat relative to the ground. This keeps the bike geometry consistent and gives you more predictable handling.
The result of all this testing is something we call Traction Tune. This new tuning philosophy delivers traction and control unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Instead of bucking through rough sections, our custom fork and shock tune allow the wheels to flutter through terrain like a trophy truck storming through a set of whoops. You’ll also find it easier to lift the front over obstacles, sit back into a manual, and bunny hop. It makes any conditions feel like hero dirt and with all that extra speed, you’ll find yourself having to relearn your braking points on all your favorite trails.
We’ll be rolling out Traction Tuned Suspension across our product line:
- The HD5 is our first platform to feature Traction Tuned Suspension. It will begin shipping globally on Tuesday, September 24th.
- The Ripmo AF has custom light tuned DVO suspension.
- The Ripmo will ship with Traction Tuned suspension late Fall.
- The Ripley has been shipping with custom valved light tune shocks on the small and mediums for the past few weeks.
These shocks are identifiable by the “light tune” decal on the shock canister.
- The Mojo 3 will continue to have a Roxy Tune option, the O.G. Traction Tune offering.
