Mountain Bikes · Public discussion

Front Suspension Design

Started by Ideologue · · Last activity · 4 posts · 1,583 views

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Mountain Bikes
Published
25 November 2004
Last activity
29 November 2004
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Ideologue
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  1. I am designing a new bike from scratch. The front suspension will be a multi-link design allowing for a 'J' shaped axel path, similar to the Whyte PRST.

    The problem I have is my lack of mathematical know-how. To figure out this problem on my own from a starting point of almost zero knowledge, will more than likely take me a rather long time.

    I am sure that this is in all actuality a completely simple mathematical problem. Those who design suspension all say so, but unfortunately I do not have access to these experts and I am pessimistic over their agreeing to provide me with a little 'friendly' help. I do not have the budget to commission a consultant engineer.

    I expect my problem is just a bit of a mental block. Nevertheless, I would appreciate it immensely if anyone here could either provide a link to a site which can teach me the basics, or a link to an on-line CAD prog which could work it out for me. Or if anyone here indeed knows how to work out the math's of 'J' shaped axel path front suspension set-ups and is willing to help me directly (if I was to email my design details), then please let yourself be known. I would very much be in your debt.

    Muchas Gracias.

  2. in a documentary once i saw how chevy, ford and some other car co. engineers solved basic but insistent problems using small wooden test models with movable, slidable and fixaded parts. they used wood for its rigidity and cost effectiveness, adjust and test angles and obstacles. simple laws of physics in tangible form. try it (starting with a little design borrowing or plagerism form for starters would'nt hurt) 🙄 of course if the pieces are hydraformed for weight it will be hard to pull off. good luck with design patent and investors.🙂

  3. Its an interesting project but it has been done before - I cant see how you would improve it? John Whyte is a Suspension legend, working for the beneton F1 team and single handedly making Marin a fortune!

    Testing with models is a great idea or measuring Whyte's design or Girvins Vector to get a head start.

    Good luck

  4. Thank you both for the replies,

    What you say is valid, but I need to fully understand the mathematics before I commit to manufacture. So I need to have, ideally a forumla but at least a brief explanation of the pertinent factors and how they affect each other.

    This is not a commercial project. I am making this bike as what I desire is not available from any manufacturer. I have searched long and hard. Of course, if the bike turns out to be as I want it to turn out, ie. good, then I would of course consider selling a few to order. Better be careful though, I do not want to jinx my plans.

    The Whyte bike certainly has good reviews. But the Whyte bike itself is flawed, as are just about all bikes on the market today. The bike I intend to make incorporates many functions which all need to fit together perfectly for harmonious interaction, as is the case with many a machine.

    The girvins vector sounds interesting. Not sure if that is a model of bike, or a mathematical equation. I will head straight off to Google with expedition.

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