Suspension strut

What is a shock absorber on a bicycle?

A rear shock, also known as a damper or rear shock, is a suspension element fitted to the rear end of a bicycle. Its purpose is to absorb shocks and vibrations caused by uneven surfaces and terrain irregularities, and to improve the ride comfort and control of the bicycle. Rear shocks are widely used, especially on full suspension bikes , mountain bikes and off-road bikes , to reduce the impact of bumpy and technical trails.

Structure of a shock absorber

1. Spring: The heart of the shock absorber is the spring, which has the job of absorbing and absorbing shocks and bumps. Springs can be made of different materials such as steel or air and are available in different strengths and configurations to accommodate different rider weights and terrain.

2. Damper: The damper, also called a shock absorber, works in combination with the spring to control the movement and prevent the rear wheel from bobbing or bouncing too much. It absorbs the kinetic energy of the spring movement and converts it into heat.

3. Suspension travel: Suspension travel is the distance the shock can travel between its fully extended and fully retracted positions. More travel means more ability to absorb large bumps, but can also affect pedaling efficiency.

4. Adjustment options: High-quality shock absorbers often offer adjustment options for damping, spring preload and sometimes even rebound and compression. These settings allow the rider to adapt the suspension to their driving preferences and the terrain.

Advantages of a shock absorber

1. Improved comfort: A shock absorber reduces the effects of shocks and vibrations, increasing driving comfort on uneven roads.

2. Better traction: The suspension helps keep the rear wheel better on the ground, which improves traction on slippery or rough terrain.

3. Control and stability: A well-adjusted shock absorber contributes to the stability of the bike and prevents excessive bouncing or rocking of the rear wheel.

Disadvantages of a shock absorber

1. Weight: Shocks and their mechanisms can increase the weight of the bike, which can affect efficiency when climbing or accelerating.

2. Maintenance: Suspension struts require regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance, which can increase maintenance requirements compared to a traditional rigid frame.

3. Cost: High-quality shocks can be expensive, especially models with advanced damping settings.

Alternatives to suspension struts

The parallelogram spring seat post, also known as a "parallelogram seat post" or "spring seat post", is an alternative to the conventional spring strut, which is mainly used on bicycles for city and touring use or on everyday bikes. It is used to cushion vibrations and shocks on uneven roads or paths and to increase riding comfort.

The parallelogram spring seat post consists of a complex mechanism consisting of several interconnected joints that form a parallelogram-like pattern. It is inserted into the seat tube of the bicycle frame instead of the traditional rigid seat post. The saddle is attached to this mechanism.

When the bike rides over uneven surfaces, the parallelogram spring seat post moves due to the shock loads and vibrations. The joints allow the saddle to move backwards and upwards to absorb the shock. Once the load is removed, the spring seat post returns to its original position.