VPP Suspension

Summary

VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) is a dual-link rear suspension design that uses two counter-rotating links to create a moving or “virtual” pivot location. Unlike fixed single pivots or simpler four-bar systems, VPP gives designers fine-tuned control over critical suspension behaviors — including axle path, leverage rate, anti-squat, and braking dynamics — all of which evolve smoothly throughout the bike’s travel. The result is a balanced platform that delivers efficient pedaling, sensitive bump absorption, and confident descending across a broad range of mountain biking disciplines.

Key Facts

  • Introduced: 1999
  • Category: Technology
  • Also Known As: Virtual Pivot, Counter-Rotating Dual-Link
  • Used By: Santa Cruz, Juliana, (formerly) Intense
  • Typical Use: XC, trail, enduro, downhill
  • Key Design Feature: Two counter-rotating links create a dynamic pivot point
  • Official Website: Santa Cruz Bicycles

Overview

The Virtual Pivot Point system was designed to solve long-standing issues in full-suspension mountain bikes — namely the trade-off between pedaling efficiency and active suspension. Traditionally, bikes that climbed well tended to sacrifice compliance, while plush bikes often felt sluggish under power. VPP aimed to break that compromise.

Using two small, opposingly rotating links to connect the front triangle to the rear triangle, VPP creates a virtual pivot that shifts location as the suspension compresses. This gives the suspension unique and continuously changing leverage and axle path characteristics that designers can use to shape a specific ride experience.

Initially co-developed by Outland and Intense in the late 1990s, VPP found a long-term home with Santa Cruz Bicycles, where it has evolved over multiple generations. The system is now a defining trait of Santa Cruz and Juliana bikes and has proven itself at the highest levels of competition — including World Cup downhill, enduro racing, and XC.

How It Works

At a glance, VPP bikes feature two compact suspension links — one mounted high on the frame and one low, each rotating in opposite directions. This dual-link setup connects the front triangle to the swingarm (rear triangle), replacing a fixed pivot with a moving, “virtual” pivot point that changes position as the suspension cycles.

1. Axle Path

One of VPP’s most important traits is its S-shaped axle path:

  • Early Travel: Slight rearward motion allows the wheel to move with impacts rather than against them — improving square-edge bump absorption and maintaining momentum.
  • Mid to Late Travel: The axle path shifts forward slightly, helping preserve geometry and pedal clearance deep in the stroke.

This blend of rearward and forward movement offers terrain sensitivity without excessive slackening or wheelbase extension.

2. Anti-Squat Characteristics

VPP systems are known for high anti-squat in the early part of the travel. This means the suspension resists movement under pedaling — helping keep the bike firm and efficient while climbing or sprinting.

As the bike moves deeper into its travel, anti-squat drops off, allowing the suspension to stay open and responsive when traction is most needed — such as during rough climbs or technical descents. Unlike platform shocks or lockouts, this is baked into the frame’s kinematics.

3. Leverage Rate

VPP allows a customizable leverage ratio curve, which dictates how the shock compresses through the suspension stroke:

  • Initial Stroke: Often slightly progressive to maintain support under light impacts and rider movement.
  • Mid-Stroke: Can be tuned for stability or plushness depending on intended use.
  • End Stroke: Becomes more progressive, helping resist harsh bottom-outs on big landings or compressions.

Santa Cruz fine-tunes leverage curves per model — from race-focused bikes like the Blur, to big-hit machines like the Nomad or V10.

4. Braking Performance

The chainstay and rear axle are not rigidly tied to the front triangle or the shock, which gives VPP bikes relatively low anti-rise. This means braking doesn’t lock or extend the rear suspension as aggressively as in many single-pivot or faux-bar layouts. The result is better traction and control while braking hard — especially on loose or steep terrain.

5. Link Orientation

VPP has evolved through several iterations:

  • VPP1 (early 2000s): Used steeply angled links and more abrupt kinematics.
  • VPP2 (mid–late 2000s): Smoothed out the axle path and improved stiffness.
  • Modern VPP (2015+): Optimized around a lower-link driven shock, with the lower link rotating backward and the upper link rotating forward — offering more refined control, better packaging, and improved small-bump performance.

Ride Feel & Performance Traits

VPP bikes are known for their balanced ride quality, with performance characteristics that adapt well to a wide range of conditions:

  • Efficient when pedaling — even with shocks fully open
  • Confident and planted on rough trails
  • Supportive mid-stroke for pumping and pushing through terrain
  • Controlled ramp-up for big hits
  • Active under braking, maintaining rear wheel traction
  • Neutral geometry changes through travel

These traits make VPP bikes popular for everything from all-day trail rides to World Cup downhill racing.

Notable Implementations

  • Santa Cruz Tallboy – Short-travel 29er trail bike with efficient, fast-rolling VPP kinematics
  • Santa Cruz Hightower – Mid-travel 29er all-rounder with a balance of agility and composure
  • Santa Cruz Nomad – Long-travel enduro bike for aggressive terrain and bike park laps
  • Juliana Roubion – Female-focused trail/enduro platform built on the Bronson’s VPP chassis
  • Santa Cruz V10 – Legendary DH race bike; lower-link driven VPP design tuned for maximum control at high speed
  • Intense Tracer (early models) – One of the first enduro bikes to showcase VPP’s pedal efficiency and descending prowess

Related Terms

References

  • Santa Cruz Bicycles: VPP Technology Overview
  • “Suspension Explained: VPP vs DW-Link” – Pinkbike Tech
  • BikeRadar Deep Dive: Suspension Systems Compared
  • Historical Archive: VPP Patent Documentation
  • Santa Cruz V10 Engineering Case Study
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