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missing link suspension

What is the Missing Link?

How does a Tantrum climb?

Technology Explained

Tech Talk #1

 

Tech Talk #2

 

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The missing link connects the chainstay, (which pivots on this link), to the top eye of the spring/damper, thus linking the functions of spring/damper performance to the demand placed on it by the horizontal on the on the chainstay, such as pedaling/chain forces as well as bump and braking forces, in addition to the normal vertical bump inputs from the wheel, through the seatstay and rocker.

 

What is the greatest advantage?

The advantages are many, but the greatest is the ability for the suspension to stiffen and the geometry to steepen on demand for climbing. The increased effort needed by the rider to climb causes the link to rotate in the opposite direction of shock compression, thus increasing stiffness when needed. In any serious climb, the link’s rotational force is enough to extend the shock, raising the rear and causing the head and seat tube angles to steepen by up to 3 degrees. Thus the static angles (and DH friendly) of 66 degree HT and 73 degree ST become a climb friendly 69 and 76 degrees.

                                                               

No other suspension design can do this 

Almost all current popular suspension systems on the market today use amount of anti-squat, in order to prevent a mushy pedaling response. But too much anti-squat can cause unwanted bobbing in the form of the suspension extending and then releasing at each downward

stroke of the crank. And they all use a shock pedaling platform lockout

for use on serious climbs.

Tantrum Features:

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  • Virtual hardtail on steep, smooth terrain

  • Very steep climbing geometry with seat tube and head tube angles up to 3-4 degrees steeper

  • Higher BB when climbing

  • Instant reaction to bumps, even while climbing

  • Stiff, short travel suspension with moderate geometry while sprinting on level ground

  • Instant reaction to bumps, even while sprinting

  • Slacker geometry at higher speed and/or downhill

  • Very plush suspension reaction to bumps as spring rate falls during initial bump travel

  • Suspension does not wallow in travel due to Missing Link effects

  • Bottomless feel due to rising rate in last part of travel

  • Initial rearward axle path to further aid square edge bump absorption

  • Immediately slacker geometry upon application of rear brake

  • Slower “topout” reaction of suspension when encountering a jump lip or other bump that would have a tendency to kick the back up. This is due to the increase in rebound force from sag to full extension, a result of the rapidly changing motion ratio in this range of travel. This helps prevent the rider from going over the bars in steep, bumpy terrain

  • Packaged in a compact design that can be optimized for any specialty and travel range, from full on 220 mm travel downhill bike to short travel (100-120 mm) 29” cross country race bike and everything in between. Offering advantages to each category that until now have been unattainable.

  • This design utilizes very short, stiff and light links. The ST, BB and main pivot are tied in with the shock mount resulting in high frame stiffness. This avoids the long, curved links and separation of ST an BB that compromise stiffness of many designs

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