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

Today, for outdoor enthusiasts, bicycle manufacturers offer their products in a huge assortment. Among them, two-hanging models, distinguished by their design features, occupy a separate niche.

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

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

The double-suspension bike stands out among the rest of the structures with the following characteristics:

• structural strength;
• small mass;
• ability to develop good speed even in unusual conditions.

An additional shock absorber is located at the rear, which makes the two-suspension different from a conventional bicycle. Now manufacturers divide the line of similar products into two categories.The first includes professional-type products intended for sports and movement on difficult sections of the race track. Sports models of the second group relate to the mass production of bicycles, which are more suitable for the city and use on walks, but taking into account the choice of mountain riding style.

The design of the double suspension, which is different from the usual bikes, has its positive and negative features, which should be studied before buying such a model. First of all, we describe the advantages.

• Double suspension models are ways to ensure good contact between the two wheels with the ground. Such an additional feature allows the cyclist to control and adjust traction and trajectory. In addition, where a single-suspension bike gets stuck, an improved version will be able to move on.
• 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 in complex areas, losses in speed will be minimal.
• Such designs stand out for their high operating comfort. It was established that in the process of movement such a bicycle is able to cushion impacts and vibrations that adversely affect the cyclist's spine. This moment will allow a person to get tired less, keep working longer and manage the device with great comfort.
• Moving on a double-suspension bike on a descent, a person has the opportunity to give his legs at least a minimum respite, relaxing muscles. This will be relevant for long and difficult distances. On such a bike, a 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 in comparison with the standard design.
• Male and female two-suspensions have a more attractive and effective appearance, which for many athletes and cycling enthusiasts will be one of the main advantages.

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

• Professional or walking two-hanging models stand out among the entire range of products at a higher cost. Therefore, such investments should be justified by the need for a similar design for driving.
• In addition to the fact that the double suspension itself is expensive, all spare parts and accessories for it will also have a high price.
• Bicycles of this class are often required MOT. Therefore, to buy such a bike is only if it is really needed.
• 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 bikes is not without its classification. Today, two-suspension options differ in the design features of the shock absorption of the rear wheel.

An expensive option that is now being issued by manufacturers less and less. The pendant in this category is noteworthy. the presence of a sprung posterior triangle. It will have a carriage and transmission, and the fixing of the structural element occurs with the help of hinges, due to which a massive pendulum will be present on the bicycle.

An improved type, which is notable for the presence of a fixed carriage on a separate hinge placed between the bicycle frame and the pendulum.

It is this type of shock absorber that manufacturers use most often. Each brand brings its individual characteristics to the design of this kind of bicycle device.But common to all is the presence of a suspension that combines wheels and a frame with the help of special levers and hinges, the number of which in one case or another can be different.

The first version of the two suspensions, notable for its simplified device, which is a pendulum, which below will be fastened to the frame through a hinge attached above the carriage.

Also, the classification of bicycles takes into account the options for using a two-wheeled device for riding.

Bicycles, which a lover of such walks can afford, which with similar designs will be possible to carry out with great comfort even on impassable roads, but with a simple relief.

A bicycle of the universal category, which is considered a hybrid of the mountain model. Such designs are suitable for various sports, the stroke of the rear suspension varies between 100-170 mm, while the weight of the bike is usually from 13 to 17 kilograms.

Another model for cycling downhill, 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 an additional reinforced rim, their diameter is 27.5 inches. Suspension travel can reach 200 mm.

Model created by manufacturers focusing on the previous variety professional double-suspension bike. These structures will have narrower tires, while the rear and front wheels will be at a greater distance from each other than the other two-suspension.

Bicycles of this category are suitable for high-speed riding on difficult tracks, as well as for performing various tricks. The diameter of the wheels of such samples will be 26 inches. Due to the specifics of operation, the double suspensions have an aluminum or carbon frame of high strength. The stroke of the rear shock absorber will be 100-150 mm.

A popular option for sports and high-speed movement on difficult tracks. The overall design of this category It stands out for its versatility, high operational resource and ease of management. The travel of the rear suspension varies between 80–120 mm.

Hybrid of the previous type and freeride. Bicycles of this type are distinguished by high strength indicators, the course of the second suspension of 100-150 mm.

A sporty look designed for extreme disciplines, in particular for racing on natural tracks far from the city limits. Such bicycles have a mass of about 15-18 kilograms with a rear suspension stroke within 250 mm. Double suspensions are produced only with disc brakes and hydraulic drive.

Among the two-suspension models of walking and sports directions on sale, only some of them differ in the best quality.

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

Models of this manufacturer are distinguished by their affordable cost, however, for the professional sports, double suspensions of this brand are not used. Among the top product lines, the following deserve special attention: Highlander 200 V, Discovery D, Magnum, etc.

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

Among the verified manufacturers, the samples offered by trademarks are in demand. GT, Stark, Trek.

The process of selecting a suitable double-suspension bike can be greatly facilitated, if you pay attention to important nuances when buying.

• The primary task when choosing folding or monolithic models will be to determine the main tasks that the two-suspension should handle. For driving around the city, you can consider simpler designs that will not be additionally equipped with reinforced tires and all kinds of devices for professional sports, which will significantly affect the cost of production.
• When choosing a bike for sporting achievements, it is worth considering models specifically from the discipline where two-gear will be used in the future. This will help to choose a really worthy model that will cope with the tasks.
• A folding frame will be needed only for those varieties that will not be used to the limit of their capabilities, since it is this part of the structure that will turn out to be the weakest in the overall chain.
• As for the choice of material from which the frame will be made, it is best to choose from an assortment of aluminum or composite options capable of long-term operation with increased load in comparison with the steel components of the bicycle.
• Also of particular note is the study of the reliability of fixing the rear suspension. All components must be tightly fixed, without unnecessary vibrations and gaps.
• It is also important to determine how much the available speed range will suit the chosen movement style.
• A variety of brakes is another nuance that needs to be dealt with in advance. For some disciplines, disc brakes can be used, but a hydraulic drive will still be more practical.

See how the next two-suspension bikes look in the next video.