Seven Cycles, Dave Weagle Teaming Up on Suspension Bikes

By Singletrack.com

Seven Cycles is partnering with suspension guru Dave Weagle to create a new series of full-suspension mountain bikes.

The models will use the Split Pivot, a concentric dropout pivot linkage suspension system designed by Weagle. The combination of the suspension design and Seven’s frame customization capabilities will allow each bike’s suspension to be optimized to the unique needs of the individual rider, their center of gravity, size, usage and riding style, according to a release from Seven. The level of customization is embedded into the overall design of the bike, much like the ride characteristics, handling and fit are customized as part of Seven’s non-suspended bike models.

Weagle, a mechanical engineer, designed and patented the DW-Link suspension system, which is or has been licensed to bike manufacturers such as Turner, Pivot, Independent Fabrications, Ibis and Iron Horse.

While the Split Pivot design bares resemblance to Trek’s Active Braking Pivot, Weagle’s patented design pre-dates ABP.

“To us, this is exciting because we’re designing the suspension feel for each rider as an integrated element of the entire bike and rider combination,” said Rob Vandermark, president of Watertown, Massachusetts-based Seven Cycles. “When we started this project, we looked at different suspension options. Dave’s experience and reputation for developing technologies such as DW-Link and Split Pivot made him the only choice.”

The series will feature a choice of wheel size and suspension travel, in addition to Seven’s other customization options.

“Working with Seven and their unique design and manufacturing resources has been a rewarding experience for me, one unlike any other project I’ve worked on before,” said Weagle. “To collaborate in a situation where the skills are so complementary is very satisfying, and I think riders will be amazed with the results.”