yamcha
01-12-08, 01:40 PM
Do all types of rear suspension take away power fron the pedaling?
Folding Bikes - Rear suspension
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energyandair
01-12-08, 05:14 PM
In principle both front and rear suspension probably do take away some power as do a lot of other things such as non-slick tires, puncture resistant tires, sprung seat or suspension seatpost. In practice it varies a lot depending upon suspension travel, geometry and pedaling technique.
It seems very noticeable with my Cannondale full suspension mountain bike, it seems noticeable but less so with my KHS Westwood folder (Front suspension + soft tail) and I don't notice it at all with my full suspension Birdy. I think that my Rocky Mountain hardtail mountain bike was about the same as the KHS. This is however all subjective and none of them had the same tires.
I think that with suspension that is well designed for road use (eg the Birdy), any loss of power is probably insignificant except for racing.
David
It seems very noticeable with my Cannondale full suspension mountain bike, it seems noticeable but less so with my KHS Westwood folder (Front suspension + soft tail) and I don't notice it at all with my full suspension Birdy. I think that my Rocky Mountain hardtail mountain bike was about the same as the KHS. This is however all subjective and none of them had the same tires.
I think that with suspension that is well designed for road use (eg the Birdy), any loss of power is probably insignificant except for racing.
David
Dahon.Steve
01-12-08, 06:06 PM
Do all types of rear suspension take away power fron the pedaling?
The answer is yes.
However, a folder with 16' or 20' inch wheels need suspension because it's a much harder ride than a bike on 27 inch wheels.
The answer is yes.
However, a folder with 16' or 20' inch wheels need suspension because it's a much harder ride than a bike on 27 inch wheels.
jur
01-12-08, 08:30 PM
However, a folder with 16' or 20' inch wheels need suspension because it's a much harder ride than a bike on 27 inch wheels.
If you stay on hardpacked smooth gravel paths or tarmac roads, then this statement does not apply. In fact I wonder if the statement ever applies except in theoretical discussions.
If you stay on hardpacked smooth gravel paths or tarmac roads, then this statement does not apply. In fact I wonder if the statement ever applies except in theoretical discussions.