Horst-Link Pivot Placement and Pedaling Efficiency (Specialized FSR)
Actual location of pivots on a 2015 Specialized Enduro 650b. Notice the anti-squat percentage of 110% in 32 front, 36 rear climbing gear. Main Pivot sits just below chainring outer edge. This design has a great compromise of climbing ability while still remaining active.
Moved main pivot above 32t chainring position. Drastic increase in anti-squat for such a minimal change. This looks like a similar result of moving the main pivot during my comparison of Norco ART designs.
Lowering the chainstay pivot away from and below the rear axle improves the anti-squat properties nicely. No wonder everyone in 2015 is building Horst-Link designs, there are so many options!
Lowered the rocker pivot on the main frame. Minimal changes to anti-squat.
Moved the seatstay pivot up, which lowered anti-squat. This look very similar to Horst-Link designs of the late 90's and early 2000's.
Lowered seatstay pivot to just below the shock mount on the rocker. This improves the anti-squat property, but I'm not sure I'd trust the structural integrity of this design.
In the end, both the Enduro 650b and the Norco Range both offer great platforms utilizing Horst-Link designs. The Range has considerably more anti-squat than the Enduro, but that may also be because the Enduro has long been known for its downhill prowess and ability to serve as both an trail and all-mountain bike as well as short-travel downhill rig.
The results of this comparison does illustrate the result of just a small change in the main pivot location in relation to the axle and bottom bracket. In both designs, moving the main pivot above the front chainring/chainline makes a significant improvement in the anti-squat properties of both frames. Something to pay attention to when ogling your next you frame or bike.
Member since Dec 16, 2007 42211 views
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Nimble9
(Oct 4, 2014 at 7:29)