Faux-Bar Suspension
Summary Faux-bar suspension is a linkage-driven single-pivot design commonly identified by a pivot on the seatstay above the rear axle. The rear axle remains fixed to the main…
Velopedia Entries
An evolving encyclopedia of cycling brands, technologies, components, and history.
Horst Link Suspension
Summary Horst Link is a four-bar rear suspension layout identified by a pivot on the chainstay, forward and normally below the rear axle. The axle is carried by…
1x Drivetrains
Summary A 1× drivetrain uses one front chainring and a multi-sprocket rear cassette. Eliminating the front derailleur simplifies shifting and creates space for wider tires, suspension pivots, motors,…
Shimano STEPS
Summary Shimano STEPS—originally short for Shimano Total Electric Power System—is Shimano’s integrated e-bike component platform. The name has covered more than one generation of technology: the first STEPS…
Leverage Ratio
Summary Leverage ratio describes the relationship between rear-wheel movement and shock compression on a full-suspension bicycle. It is normally expressed as wheel travel divided by shock stroke. Because…
VPP Suspension
Summary VPP, or Virtual Pivot Point, is a dual-short-link rear suspension design associated primarily with Santa Cruz and Juliana bicycles. Two counter-rotating links connect a rigid rear triangle…
Anti-Squat
Summary Anti-squat describes how a bicycle’s rear suspension responds to acceleration. It compares the suspension-extending influence of drivetrain and tire forces with the compression caused by rearward load…
Suspension Kinematics
Summary Suspension kinematics describes the geometry-controlled movement of a bicycle’s rear axle, linkage, and shock as the suspension travels. It determines axle path, leverage ratio, chain-length change, anti-squat,…
Birth of the Mountain Bike
Summary The modern mountain bike took shape in Northern California during the 1970s, when riders modified prewar balloon-tire cruisers for the steep dirt roads around Mount Tamalpais. The…
Shimano
Summary Shimano is a Japanese manufacturer of bicycle drivetrains, brakes, pedals, wheels, and e-bike systems. Founded in Sakai in 1921, the company grew from producing freewheels into one…
SRAM
Summary SRAM is an American bicycle component manufacturer founded in Chicago in 1987. The company produces drivetrains, brakes, power meters, suspension components, wheels, pedals, and electronic control systems…
Thru-Axles
Summary A thru-axle is a removable wheel-retention component that passes through closed openings in a bicycle frame or fork, through the hub, and into a threaded fitting on…