Technology

Ride In Joy

3 STAGES TECHNIQUE
2022-11-02 12:50:48 - 7431

   

3 STAGES technique is applying on Asama full suspension bikes. This technique is designed base on the 3 period of suspension travel operation in full suspension bikes. By that, we can optimize the effectiveness of full suspension frame, in order to support bikers to get high speed easily.

Unlike leisure and fashion bikes, the full suspension bikes often go on difficult terrains. Therefore, their frames must reach the highest technical standard requirements for bicycle. Especially, the suspension system, which built up from frame and suspension, have to be designed in the best structure for minimize the forces acting on frame.

Some people may think that the spring is suspension’s mission. In fact, suspension is just a support tool to compress the forces acting on frame. Spring function is in charged by frame. More precisely, the arrangement of rotation axis position on frame to make a lever system support the spring in some stages.

   

THE OPERATION OF BASIC LEVEL

For easier understanding about the level operation on bike, we will see how the basic level work.

To lift the box up, you have to press down the bar A. The shorter the bar A is, the more force you need to press it down; and vice versa.

The leverage is counted by:  

The bigger the number A is, the higher the result we get.

From the example, we see that: the longer the bar A is, the fewer force you need to press it down.

Therefore, the higher the leverage is, the fewer force you need to press; and vice versa.

   

THE OPERATION OF LEVEL ON BIKE

On full suspension bike, the structure of level system is more complicate. However, the operation still be based on the operation of basic level (leverage).

The black point is the rotation axis position on frame (level pivot)

When the terrain gives a force on the bike wheel, the wheel is lifted up and press the suspension down. The longer the blue bar is, the stronger force applies on the suspension, till the end of suspension travel; and vice versa.

This is the simulation of basic operation; the leverage is not change when moving. In fact, the operation of frame is much more complicated. There are some rotating joints on frame. When you cycle the bike, the leverage will be change to reduce the pressure on the suspension. It helps to limit the overloading suspension when receive too much force. Besides, each bike model is designed by its own engineers to reach highest effectiveness.

   

THE OPERATION OF LEVEL ON ASAMA BIKE

On Asama full suspension bike, the rotating joints is designed carefully with different leverage follow 3 stages of suspension. That frame design built up the most effective operation when cycling on-road, off-road or down-hill.

Stage 1: 0-20% stroke – Regressive leverage ratio to improve sensitivity.

The biker sits on bike. His weight gives the bike a pressure on this stage of stroke (this’s called SAG – the amount the shocks move under the weight of your body, bike shoes, helmet any other gear you carry when you’re just sitting on the bike). Base on the graph, at 20% point, the leverage is higher than at 0% point. The suspension system is lighter.

   

Stage 2: 20-30% stroke – The leverage is >120% to prevent anti-squat for good pedaling efficiency and mid stroke support.

At this range of stroke, the leverage maintains the lightest point. It helps to absorb the small shock when the bike hit small rock or mound on the trail. Biker is able to pedal without any pressure impact the pedals. It also prevents the shoes slip out of the pedals.

Besides, at this stage, the operation of crank, chain with the position of frame’s rotation axis is different from those at 0% point. It’s reduce the cycling spring, save biker’s energy on long travel. This stage is important when cycling up hill. The bike can pass the small obstacles easily without spring when cycling.

   

Stage 3: 30-100% - The more you dig in the travel the more it is progressive to prevent bottoming out.

This stage effects on down-hill. On the rest of travel, the leverage is fall down quickly from 30% point. When biker ride fast on difficult terrains with many big rock, this stage will support to reduce the high shock pressure. The suspension is stronger and stronger when it comes to the end of stage, preventing bottoming out.

Bottoming out is the situation happen when biker jumps high and land tough. This big pressure is very harmful for rear suspension, event the coil-sprung (with high stiffness). The operation of level on Asama bike is fall down quickly when strong spring; prevents the bottoming out happen. You don’t need to add more air to increase the compression.

   

In conclusion, the operation of level on Asama full suspension bike meets the necessary elements for this kind of bike, such as:

- Small shocks filtering

- Prevent anti-squat for good pedaling efficiency

- Safe, well controlled big shock damping

- Prevent bottoming out when the spring come to the end of travel

- Stable pedaling platform/mid stroke support