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difference between these two types of rear suspension?

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  asin 
#1 ·
for an example Im looking at:

Transition bottlerocket, rear suspension sits right under, and attaches to, the top tube

Transition TR250, rear suspension comes through seat tube and attaches to the down tube

A lot of bike manufacturers have these two forms of rear suspension, or close variations of, and there doesnt seem to be any major difference in the amount of travel it allows.

Is there a specific difference in how these bikes perform?
 
#4 ·
You need to look at where the pivots are placed.

Both bikes are essentially a single pivot design with linkages that drive the shock. On both bikes the rear wheel pivots on a single frame member (the chainstay). By comparison, a Specialized Enduro has a pivot between the main pivot and the rear axle. Designs like the BR are often called 'faux bar' because they look like a 4-bar suspension (like and Enduro) but technically aren't.

Different linkage configurations allow the suspension to have different characteristics. In the case of the BR it enables a full-length seat tube, but I think that comes at the expense of rear end stiffness because of the long seatstays.

The TR's configuration allows for shorter links and a solid rear triangle which likely increases stiffness and puts all the frame/shock/suspension weight low and centered on the bike. I'd guess that this design has more pedal feedback (or something) because you rarely see this type of design on AM or XC bikes.

Neither design implies a limit to travel. The Blindside is similar to the BR but gets 7.5" of travel. In fact, a bike's travel isn't necessarily a great indicator of how it rides. That is more defined by suspension characteristics and frame geometry.
 
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