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Introduce to VR-LINK suspension & the prototype
Video of introduction
General info of the prototype
Design number: BF02-V261
Property: Technology demonstrator
Intend of use: AM / ENDURO
Patent status: China
Patent holder: Mr. Bruce Woo
Main spec
Rear travel： 164mm - 208mm (adjustable range 44mm)
Rear shock： 216*63mm
Front travel： 180mm
Wheel size： 650B
Head angle： 65°
Set tube angle： 74.5°
Main feature
164mm-208mm rear travel quick adjustment
SAG 24%-32% change with travel adjustment synchronously
Only normal rear shock required.
Different leverage ratio curve for different travel setting, multiple use experience.
Introduction to VR-LINK suspension system
Upper, lower main linkage found a virtual pivot structure of rear wheel, together with front and rear triangle. (The RED parts)
Upper main linkage, front triangle, floating link and traction link found a virtual pivot structure of the rear shock. (The Yellow parts)
How it works:
The rear shock driven by the Floating link. The trajectory of the Floating link was defined by instant center which generated by the Yellow parts.
After changing the position of one hinge point of the Traction link, the trajectory of the Floating link was changed, and also the leverage ratio.
Benefited by having 2 individual virtual pivot structure, the leverage ratio has more flexibility to design with less restriction to other features. Many leverage ratio of different styles can be designed.
SAG for 208mm mode is 32%
While change to 164mm mode, SAG changed to 24% automatically.
164mm mode,，24%SAG，36T-16T chain line
Anti-squat value 95% , similar to DW-Link style
208mm mode，32% SAG
Anti-rise value 84.8%, similar to BANSHEE Legend around SAG range.
208mm mode, 36T-16T chain line
The kick-back peak value is 3.65 degree.
Much lower than some well known design.
Making of the prototype
(Hand make with carbon fiber with CNC parts)
Looking forward to any proposol of Investment/ coorperation.
Please contact:
Mr. Bruce Woo
ROK-CN@hotmail.com
+86 133 1873 1879
================FAQ================
Q: Is it safe with the quick-release？
A:The Traction link and adjusting mechanics are away from the main force direction. The Traction link only provides centripetal force for the Floating link.
So, the strength is more than enough.
Q: Will this structure reduce the lateral rigidity of rear triangle?
A: Not at all.
Front and Rear triangle were connected by 2 groups of main linkage, same as other short-link designs.
The lateral rigidity only relates to strength and length of the main linkages, and strength of the Rear triangle it self.
Actually, the lateral rigidity for this only prototype is not the best.
To save some CNC cost, I designed the main linkages as flat shape. I have to use very long bolt and spacers to connect the Upper link to the pivot point of the Front triangle.
Also the Lower link, I only use bolt and a piece of aluminum tube to reinforce them.
These factors will reduce lateral rigidity but I did not feel any problem during the test ride.
If the system come to mass production, the connection and linkages part would be much better and of course no problem of lateral rigidity.
Q: Some people might see a little waggle for the linkages in the video.
A: The frame was hand-made with carbon fiber, there are some waves on the surface. It will cause misconception when the linkages pass by. And there is also misconception caused by fisheye camera.
Q: There are some many pivots. Are they easy to be damaged?
A: Like the other designs, The Main linkages endure most of the forces.
We did force analysis on all the pivots, no any parts was taking abnormal high force.
So, the overall maintenance interval is no difference from other design.
Q: Is there any shortcoming found on the prototype?
A:
1, The geometry is not good, BB to high. The prototype is mainly to test the suspension design, so I did not focus on the geometry.
2, The leverage ratio curve on Max travel mode is AM style, the end stroke support is not enough.
3, Some other improvement should be made. The mass production model is whole new design.
Q: What usage is the prototype for? Why rear travel 164-208mm?
A: The prototype is AM/Enduro use. The whole idea of the adjustment is to climb easier and descent like a DH bike.
The maximum travel 208mm is a little overkill indeed, but it is for testing after all.
For the mass production model, the travel range is 140-180mm.
Q: IS it stepless adjustment?
A: Yes. You can set any travel within the range by setting the quick-release between both ends of the slot.
But I more love to set it to Max or Min.
Q: Is the geometry changed by travel adjusting?
A: Yes and No.
The initial geometry stays the same at any travel mode.
But the SAG will be changed by travel adjusting, so with the SAG, the geometry will be changed for 0.6°maximum.
Author Info:
Member since Apr 21, 2015
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I hope to get some opinion on the suspension, any question or doubt, and whether you think the function is useful for you
My only worry from the information given - rider weight and pivot forces.
I'm only 5'7" and weigh 80Kg's without gear on. If you upgrade the shock to compensate, would the forces on the pivots still be acceptable ?
Lots of riders are heavier than me ???
And thanks for your comments.
Hope you get some investment, cant wait to see a more production ready version.
Good luck and all the best to you :-)
The lack of pedal kickback is impressive, but it make me wonder at what the resultant axle path must be.
but it will not wear the shock greater.
you just need alittle bit high damper setting and stronger spring.
the problem of large LR is more force on the linkages and We need to build strong, which will cause the bike heavier.
I have more design but need investment~~