DW-Link Suspension

Summary

DW-Link is a patented dual-link rear suspension system developed by engineer Dave Weagle. It’s designed to improve pedaling efficiency, traction, and braking control by precisely shaping axle path, anti-squat, and anti-rise characteristics. The system is licensed to select bike manufacturers and is a benchmark in modern suspension kinematics.

Key Facts

  • Introduced: 2004
  • Category: Technology
  • Also known as: Dave Weagle Linkage
  • Used by / Found on: Trail, XC, enduro, and DH bikes
  • Official website: https://www.dw-link.com

Overview

DW-Link is a virtual pivot rear suspension design that uses two counter-rotating short links to control how the rear axle moves through its travel. Developed by suspension engineer Dave Weagle, the system was introduced in the early 2000s and quickly gained traction among performance-focused mountain bike brands. It was created to solve a fundamental challenge in suspension design: how to maintain pedaling efficiency and chassis stability without relying on platform damping, lockouts, or excessive shock tuning.

At the heart of DW-Link’s philosophy is the idea of “kinematic tuning.” By shaping the anti-squat curve and axle path through careful link placement, the system can provide efficient pedaling under load while remaining active for traction and control. Unlike single-pivot or faux-bar systems that often compromise between efficiency and plushness, DW-Link delivers a balanced suspension response throughout the travel.

The system’s widespread adoption by brands like Pivot Cycles and Ibis Cycles has made it one of the most recognizable and respected suspension platforms in the industry. Riders choose DW-Link-equipped bikes for their ability to climb like short-travel bikes while descending with the composure of much longer-travel platforms.

How It Works

DW-Link is a short dual-link suspension system. It connects the rear triangle to the front triangle using two links that rotate in opposite directions. These links define the instant center of rotation and allow engineers to precisely manipulate how the bike reacts to pedaling, braking, and terrain input.

Core Functional Principles:

  1. Anti-Squat Control
    During the early portion of travel, the linkage creates high anti-squat values. This resists rear suspension movement under pedaling forces—especially during climbs or accelerations. Unlike pedal-platform damping, this effect is achieved mechanically, not via shock valving. The result is a bike that feels “firm under power” without sacrificing sensitivity.
  2. Progressive Leverage Rate
    The system uses a rising-rate leverage curve. Early travel remains supportive for technical climbs and body movement, while mid- and end-stroke phases offer better absorption and ramp-up. This keeps the bike composed under both sprinting and hard landings.
  3. Axle Path Control
    The axle path is slightly rearward at the beginning of travel, helping the rear wheel move out of the way of obstacles. It then transitions to a more vertical path, maintaining predictable handling and chainstay length.
  4. Braking Neutrality (Anti-Rise)
    DW-Link moderates anti-rise to allow the suspension to remain active under braking. This helps prevent rear wheel “packing up” or skidding during descents. Riders retain more control and grip on steep terrain.
  5. Instant Center Migration
    As the bike moves through its travel, the virtual pivot point migrates in a controlled arc. This shifting geometry enables a dynamic balance between traction, support, and composure without external shock intervention.

DW-Link is compatible with coil or air shocks and can be tuned for bikes ranging from 100 mm to 170+ mm of travel.

Performance Characteristics

  • Climbing Efficiency: High anti-squat in early travel resists pedal-induced bob, reducing energy loss on climbs.
  • Traction and Grip: The suspension stays active mid-stroke, helping the rear wheel maintain contact with uneven surfaces.
  • Descending Control: Moderated anti-rise allows suspension movement during braking, improving confidence on steep descents.
  • Shock Compatibility: Performs well with both air and coil shocks due to its well-controlled leverage rate.
  • Terrain Versatility: Performs predictably across XC, trail, enduro, and all-mountain platforms.
  • Reduced Reliance on Platform Damping: Less need to activate climb switches or increase compression damping.

Variants & Licensing

DW-Link is not an open standard. It is licensed exclusively to selected bike brands that work with Weagle’s design studio to implement specific versions. Though every DW-Link bike follows the core layout, each version is tuned for the desired application (XC vs. enduro, for example).

Licensed Brands:

  • Pivot Cycles – Full lineup from XC to enduro (e.g., Mach 4 SL, Trail 429, Firebird)
  • Ibis Cycles – Trail and enduro platforms (e.g., Ripley, Ripmo, Mojo)
  • Iron Horse (historic) – The Iron Horse Sunday was the first high-profile DH bike to use DW-Link and won multiple World Cups

Notable Implementations

  • Pivot Trail 429: A 120 mm rear travel trail bike known for its sprightly climbing and versatile handling.
  • Ibis Ripmo AF: A long-travel 29er praised for its mix of efficiency and downhill confidence.
  • Ibis Ripley: Lightweight, poppy, and highly efficient—a benchmark short-travel trail bike.
  • Iron Horse Sunday: Sam Hill’s legendary downhill race bike that cemented DW-Link’s place in racing history.

Related Terms

References

  • https://www.dw-link.com
  • Pivot Cycles: Suspension Technology Documentation
  • Ibis Cycles: DW-Link Support and FAQs
  • BikeRadar: Suspension Platform Comparison
  • Pinkbike: Dave Weagle Interview & DW-Link Overview
  • Iron Horse Sunday Technical Archive
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