Two-suspension bicycles: characteristics, varieties, brands, choice

Today, bicycle manufacturers offer their products in a huge assortment for outdoor enthusiasts. Among them, a separate niche is occupied by two-suspended models, which stand out for their design features.

The design of bicycles of this kind is quite in demand. Full suspension is a classification of bicycles based on the number of suspensions on it.

Among the notable features of bicycles with two shock absorbers, it is worth highlighting their high cost, since during the time of use, such structures have managed to establish themselves as professional and high-quality devices for riding and sports. However, among the available range of double suspensions today, you can also find more affordable models that are unlikely to be used in professional sports. but for skiing in special conditions, different from urban ones, they will come in handy.

The two-suspension bike stands out from the rest of the structures with the following characteristics:

• structural strength;
• small mass;
• the ability to develop good speed even in non-standard conditions.

The extra shock is placed at the back, which makes the full suspension different from a regular bike. Now manufacturers divide the line of such products into two categories.The first includes professional-type products designed for sports and movement on difficult sections of the race track. Sports models of the second group belong to the mass production of bicycles that are more suitable for the city and for use on walks, but taking into account the choice of a mountain riding style.

The double suspension design, which differs from the usual bicycles, has its positive and negative features, which should be studied before purchasing such a model. Let's first describe the benefits.

• Double suspension models provide good ground contact between the two wheels. This additional feature allows the cyclist to control and adjust traction and trajectory. In addition, where the single suspension bike gets stuck, the improved version will be able to move further.
• In the process of movement, speed is also important, the presence of an additional suspension reduces the resistance of the structure, in light of which, even on difficult sections, losses in terms of speed will be minimal.
• Such designs stand out for their high operating comfort. It has been established that in the process of movement such a bicycle is able to soften shocks and vibrations that negatively affect the cyclist's spine. This moment will allow the person to get tired less, stay productive longer and operate the device with greater comfort.
• Moving on a two-suspension bike on the descent, a person has the opportunity to give his legs at least a minimal respite by relaxing the muscles. This will be relevant for long and difficult races. On such a bike, the second suspension will be responsible for the shock absorption at the rear.
• Among the positive features, there is also a greater stability of the bike compared to the standard design.
• Male and female double suspenders have a more attractive and effective appearance, which will be one of the main advantages for many athletes and cycling enthusiasts.

However, with all the advantages of a sports model, it is not without some disadvantages.

• Professional or walking two-suspension models stand out among the entire range presented by their higher cost. Therefore, such an investment should be justified by the need for such a design for driving.
• In addition to the fact that the double suspension itself is expensive, all parts and components for it will also have a high price.
• Bicycles of this class will need MOT more often. Therefore, you should only buy such a bike if you really need it.
• Active use of the bike in extreme conditions leads to premature wear of the chain and sprockets.
• Compared to conventional models, products of this class will be heavier - on average by 1-3 kilograms.

This category of sports bicycles is not devoid of its own classification. Today, double suspension options differ in the design features of the rear wheel damping.

An expensive option, which is less and less produced by manufacturers today. The pendant from this category is notable the presence of a sprung rear triangle. It will have a carriage and a transmission, and the structural element is fixed by means of hinges, due to which a massive swingarm will be present on the bicycle.

An improved type, which is notable for the presence of a fixed carriage on a separate hinge located between the bike frame and the swingarm.

It is this type of shock absorbers that are most often used by manufacturers. Each brand brings its own individual characteristics to the design of this kind of bike.But common to all is the presence of a suspension that unites the wheels and the frame with the help of special levers and hinges, the number of which in one case or another may be different.

The first version of double-hangers, notable for its simplified device, which is a pendulum, which will be attached to the frame at the bottom through a hinge attached above the carriage.

Also, the classification of bicycles is based on the options for using a two-wheeled device for riding.

Bicycles that a lover of such walks can afford, which with similar structures will be possible to perform with great comfort even off-road, but with uncomplicated terrain.

A versatile bike that is considered a hybrid mountain bike. Such designs are suitable for various sports activities, The rear suspension travel ranges from 100-170mm, with a bike typically weighing between 13 and 17 kilograms.

Another model for mountain biking, which is capable of moving along tracks with various obstacles. The weight of such a double suspension does not exceed 18 kilograms, the wheels have additional reinforced rims, their diameter is 27.5 inches. The suspension travel can be up to 200 mm.

Model created by manufacturers with a focus on the previous variety professional two-suspension bike... With these designs, the tires will be narrower, with the rear and front wheels at a greater distance from each other than with other double suspensions.

Bicycles in this category are suitable for high-speed riding on difficult trails, as well as for performing various stunts. The diameter of the wheels of such samples will be 26 inches. Due to the peculiarities of operation, double-suspenders have a high-strength aluminum or carbon frame. The rear shock absorber travel is 100–150 mm.

A popular option for sports and high-speed movement on difficult tracks. In general, the construction of this category stands out for its versatility, high service life and ease of management. Rear suspension travel ranges from 80–120 mm.

A hybrid of the previous type and freeride. Bicycles of this type are distinguished by their high strength indicators, the travel of the second suspension is 100–150 mm.

A sporty look designed for extreme disciplines, especially for racing on natural tracks, remote from the city limits... These bicycles weigh about 15-18 kilograms with a rear suspension travel of 250 mm. Two-suspension systems are produced only with disc brakes and hydraulic drive.

Among the models of two-suspension systems for walking and sports presented on sale, only a few of them are of the best quality.

The products of this company are in well-deserved demand all over the world, so the designers offer the consumer budget and elite options for bicycles. Among the models of this brand, it is worth highlighting Crosswind, Focus MD, Challenger V range of bicycles, where you can choose from models with wheels of 27 and 29 inches.

The models of this manufacturer stand out for their affordable cost, however, the two-suspension of this brand are not used for professional sports. In the top among the available product lines, special attention should be paid to: Highlander 200 V, Discovery D, Magnum, etc.

The bicycles, which are produced by the domestic manufacturer, are designed for use on difficult tracks with an entry level. Among the offered assortment, it is worth highlighting teenage models with 16-inch wheels, as well as adult designs Benfica, Raptor.

Also, among trusted manufacturers, samples offered by brands are in demand. GT, Stark, Trek.

Finding the right dual suspension bike can be made much easier by if you focus on important nuances when buying.

• The primary task when choosing folding or monolithic models will be to determine the main tasks that a double suspension should cope with. For city riding, simpler designs can be considered, which will not be additionally equipped with reinforced tires and all kinds of accessories for professional sports, which will significantly affect the cost of production.
• When choosing a bicycle for sporting achievements, it is worth considering models specifically from the discipline where two-wheel weight will be used in the future. This will help you find a truly worthwhile model that will cope with the tasks.
• A folding frame will only be needed for those varieties that will not be used to the limit of their capabilities, since it is this part of the structure that will be the weakest in the overall chain.
• As for the choice of material from which the frame will be made, it is most correct to choose from an assortment of aluminum or composite options that are capable of long-term operation with increased load in comparison with the steel components of the bicycle.
• Also, the study of the reliability of fixing the rear suspension deserves special attention. All components must be tightly fixed, without unnecessary hesitation and gaps.
• It is also important to determine how the available speed range will suit the selected riding style.
• The type of brakes is another nuance that needs to be dealt with in advance. Disc brakes can be used for some disciplines, but hydraulic drive is more practical.

See the next video for how bicycles look like.