Electronic Suspension is coming to the masses!

[Iwan Kemp]

Noticed on Momsen's Twitter feed that some of their team bikes are sporting Fox's ICD battery packs. No official word, of course, but it's definitely nearing production and mainstream availability.

 

Battery pack on the Downtube and the unit on the shock is clearly visible. Less so the wiring that connects to the fork. Nice to see a local brand at the forefront of tech

 

 

 

For those who don't know what it is, here's a cool article.

http://www.pinkbike....in-Earnest.html

 

Lappiere has been running production "El" bikes with RockShox electronic suspension.

http://www.bikeradar...27-ei-14-47778/

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ost4.jpg

Edited December 23, 2013 by The Crow

[Iwan Kemp]

Cannondale has been testing their "Simon" electronic system for a couple of years

http://www.bikemag.com/gear/cannondale-unveils-simon-suspension-concept/

 

 

http://www.bikemag.com/files/2009/09/lefty_6-600x450.jpg

[GhostSixFour]

I like the Cannondale solution more. Actually using the electronics instead of just basically changing physical cables for electronic cables. Granted, it'll probably be a lot more expensive, but seems to be a bigger leap.

[Super Sywurm]

All it needs now is an petrol engin!

[jannosmit]

I've ridden a bike with iCD, works really well. One "button" for front and rear. Sounds like Di2, pretty cool!

[Iwan Kemp]

... Sounds like Di2, pretty cool!

 

Not far off. Close up image below of the battery pack shows Shimano and Fox logos...

 

[Wyatt Earp]

What do you mean it's coming, the Lapierre bikes have been running it already.

[Iwan Kemp]

What do you mean it's coming, the Lapierre bikes have been running it already.

 

...

 

Lappiere has been running production "El" bikes with RockShox electronic suspension.

http://www.bikeradar...27-ei-14-47778/

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ost4.jpg

 

Meant it's coming thick and fast and to the masses.

[rock]

excuse my ignorance, but what will it do exactly, lockout the shock and fork?

[rock]

if so whats the real point? a) over mechanical designs and b) isnt lockout on full sus bike like admitting to a design flaw in pedaling efficiency?

[_im_from_earth]

Old news.

[braailegend]

Almost got me excited, would love a magnetic suspension like they have in top end cars.

 

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/5752_18060670758.jpg

[Iwan Kemp]

excuse my ignorance, but what will it do exactly, lockout the shock and fork?

 

The Fox / Shimano system, yes. "Simon and the RS on the Lapierre in full on suspension "control". From the Lapierre review:

 

"This system, used by Lapierre, Ghost and Haibike, uses fork movement, wheel speed and crank axle sensors to automatically control the damping settings of the rear shock – and it's genuinely amazing."

[Iwan Kemp]

Also from the review, here's why I'm not a fan:

 

"Once you have the fork and shock pressure set up right and have chosen your preferred sensitivity setting, it's stiff under power on smooth stuff but super controlled as soon as you hit the rough. You'll occasionally feel it getting momentarily caught out but you can switch it to fully open or fully locked via a handlebar remote control."

 

Same issue with Specialized's "Brain".

[MrJacques]

Also from the review, here's why I'm not a fan:

 

"Once you have the fork and shock pressure set up right and have chosen your preferred sensitivity setting, it's stiff under power on smooth stuff but super controlled as soon as you hit the rough. You'll occasionally feel it getting momentarily caught out but you can switch it to fully open or fully locked via a handlebar remote control."

 

Same issue with Specialized's "Brain".

 

Agreed, keep it simple. A good suspension layout won't need fancy platform damping or electronics. My personal preference

[Wyatt Earp]

Agreed, keep it simple. A good suspension layout won't need fancy platform damping or electronics. My personal preference

 

Any, and by that I mean any suspension platform can benefit from something that gives it better pedalling efficiency.