Marin Introduces New Suspension Design
Marin Bikes just announced the launch of its patented Quad technology which will be featured on the company's XC full suspension bikes. The Quad was developed with chief designer John Whyte, an ex-Formula One engineer and cycling enthusiast. The Quad, named for its four-bar linkage system, four inches of rear wheel travel and quadratic wheel path equation will be available in four models including the East Peak, Rift Zone, Mount Vision and Mount Vision Pro. According to Marin, the Quad suspension design is a four-bar linkage system with a patented Intelligent Pivot (i.e. similar to VPP
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Four-bar Meets VPP
By Andrew Juskaitis
Marin Bikes just announced the launch of its patented Quad technology which will be featured on the company’s XC full suspension bikes. The Quad was developed with chief designer John Whyte, an ex-Formula One engineer and cycling enthusiast. The Quad, named for its four-bar linkage system, four inches of rear wheel travel and quadratic wheel path equation will be available in four models including the East Peak, Rift Zone, Mount Vision and Mount Vision Pro.
According to Marin, the Quad suspension design is a four-bar linkage system with a patented Intelligent Pivot (i.e. similar to VPP designs). The Intelligent pivot center is designed to mechanically adjust itself relative to vertical forces applied to the rear wheel, and is claimed to offer riders better control and traction in all conditions.
Furthermore, Marin states that the Quad uses a patented Intelligent Axle Path, outlined by the quadratic equation. The Intelligent Axle Path determines the movement of the rear wheel and the amount of chain growth. Early in its travel the wheel moves back as well as up allowing the wheel to roll over obstacles while improving its small bump responsiveness. The intelligent Quad design versus a single pivot positively effects the shock performance by mechanically enhancing the rate of the air shock for better compliance and shock absorption, resulting in what Marin states is, “Power transfer closer to a hardtail than any previous Marin XC full suspension bike.”
The Quad’s Intelligent Pivot enables more chain growth early on in the travel. Chain growth has the effect of pulling the rear wheel into the ground increasing traction over small to medium bumps and through cornering. Chain growth starts to reduce as the rider gets closer to full travel. At full travel the chain growth is zero, minimizing pedal feedback and lessening the shock transfer of big bumps to the rider. Marin’s design provides optimum chain growth throughout the suspension travel, reducing bob and eliminating pedal feedback.
Marin’s entire line of XC full suspension bikes will incorporate the Quad technology including the East Peak, ($1299.99), Rift Zone, ($1699.99), Mount Vision, ($2299.99) and Mount Vision Pro, ($3999.99 complete bike, $1199.99 frame & rear shock only). All models will include disc brakes and high-end rear shocks.