[oldeskuel]

Hey, I'm just sort of curious on what the benefits of frame designs are compared to others when considered for freeriding and light downhill.

When is a four-bar or FSR or single pivot preferred. What are the benefits/downfalls to these three designs.

Comparing the designs of a bullit, a big hit, and a stinky d for example. Not the bikes, the designs.

os

 

[fasterTHANyou]

if i was doing downhill and FR, i'd want something 4bar... single pivot is gonna lock itself out and not be half as active.

 

[thaflyinfatman]

Originally posted by fasterTHANyou
if i was doing downhill and FR, i'd want something 4bar... single pivot is gonna lock itself out and not be half as active.

That's a huge generalisation, and it's not particularly accurate anyway.

Single pivot:
Pros - simple, light, not much to go wrong, usually relatively cheap, normally pedal fairly well
Cons - often suffer from brake squat (however floaters are usually available which remedy this), linear shock rate at best

4-bar (linkage activated singlepivot):
Pros - linkage can provide a plusher ride, pedal fairly well
Cons - still often suffer from brake squat

FSR:
Pros - usually fairly plush due to the nature of the linkage, fairly neutral braking, neutral (but IMO mushy) pedalling)
Cons - often more expensive than comparable alternatives.