Only several years ago the full suspension bicycles were a relatively big rarity and many looked on this concept at least sceptically. However, the times pushed forward to see the ever growing popularity of the full suspension bicycles. This is supported by the more favourable prices and decreasing weight of FSX bicycles as well as by the justification of the entire concept.
As compared to the rigid bike, the full suspension bicycles offers a series of advantages embodied mainly by:
- Higher riding comfort
- Reduced fatigue of rider
- Improved safety of riding
- Better riding properties in a terrain
- Reduction of the hazards for health caused by vibrations
Springing lowers the transmission of oscillatory motions (vibrations) induced by the ride over the terrain irregularities which are transmitted to the frame or rider’s body in the hard tail bicycle. Springing thus protects the rider against undesirable shocks and the frame from excessive mechanical stress. Reduced vibration levels generally increase the riding comfort which is positively reflected in a reduced rider fatigue and, as a result, in the improved riding safety.
The next aim of springing is to establish the best possible and preferably permanent contact of wheels and terrain in order to limit the wheels from rebounding off the terrain in the ride over irregularities. Permanent contact of wheels and terrain is conditional for the transmission of forces which enable turning, braking of bicycle and its drive.
The aforementioned advantages of the full suspension bicycles as compared to the hard tail bicycle thus lend it precondition for better riding properties, overall higher degree of riding safety, comfort, and pleasure from the ride.
AUTHOR FSX FRAME DESIGN for the model year 2011
From the reasons above we believe in purposefulness and future development as well as larger sales of the full suspension (FSX) bicycles so we launch into the market two completely new carbon frame platforms of full suspension frames though having the same model designations as in 2010: 1. A-RAY and 2. ERA. Both frames utilize four-pivot construction. Of course, each frame is designed separately having its own specific goal. Even so they have several elements in common:
- The carbon frame of classical triangular style with lightly arched top frame tube which is followed up optically by a deflected seat stay
- A low front triangle with great sloping to secure a rigid and strong front part of the frame
- Narrowed top frame tube to enhance comfort with a radius transition into the seat tube
- The profile of the frame tubes shaped into irregular octagon which additionally emphasize this shaping with its design is original and attractive
- Cable guide for both derailleurs through the top frame tube is elegant, practical, and it does not disturb frame’s appearance and design
- The BB shell of 73 mm in width (forthcoming standard) increases the rigidity of the frame’s central area
- The straight continuous seat tube of 34.9 mm in diameter (31.6 mm seat post) interconnected with the down frame tube via the shock-absorber’s bottom eyelet guarantees maximum strength and rigidity of the frame. It also allows for the full insertion of seat post during bicycle’s relocation and in the ride
- The robust attachment of linkage secures the transmission of forces from the rear wheel into the frame
- Massive junction around the conical head tube with enlarged bottom bearing is a guarantee of strength and rigidity of this frame part
- The chain stay of a maximum length is straight on the brake side and eccentrically bent on the chain side so that it can keep off the gear shifters. Together with a well-dimensioned seat stay and linkage they form a four-pivot mechanism with highly precise and rigid rear wheel guide.
- The front left-hand part of the chain stay is narrowed so it is capable of containing 30, alternatively 20 speeds (the space for a double or triple chainwheel)
- It is just the classical four-pivot mechanism which guarantee a maximum functionality of springing.
- Both frames will be offered in 3 sizes: 17, 19 and 21“
