VPP vs. 4-Bar Link

[Dusty Bottoms]

I've owned several vpp bikes, several single pivot bikes, and now own a horst & faux bar bike. I've also tested a dw link design for about 100 miles. Each has their +'s & -'s. One important point about horst 4 bar, faux bar, vpp, & dw link is that they ALL have the same number of pivots, just in different locations. I hear too many people say that one is more "complicated" than the next, when it simply isn't true. Here are a couple of my thoughts about each design...

single pivot - simplest design, lowest maintenance, benefits most from a platform shock. This design will skip around on trail features the most since it's only rotating around one pivot.

horst 4 bar - very active design which is great for descending, but can absorb energy when climbing so a platform shock is a good idea.

vpp - relies on chain torque to provide it's platform so a band-aid shock is not necessary. This concept is great for smooth fire road climbs, but on techy climbs the stiff rear end will tend to hang up on square edge bumps. Thee vpp design has a drop link behind the bottom bracket which requires the most maintenance than any other design, due to it's low position and exposure to the elements.

dw link - anti-squat suspension design provides pedalling platform without a band aid shock. The traction on this design is amazing, very confidence inspiring. Unfortunately, on a couple companies license this design, and each has legitimate drawbacks. Look for more companies to get into the dw game, therefore more choices in the future.

But forget all that, many people on this thread have said some important things. Namely, that fit and geometry should take precedence over suspension design. You will likely not truly feel much difference from one design to the next. And what you DO feel, is probably a fit or geo bi-product anwyay. And don't forget to factor maintenance into your equation. Some of these designs require WAY more maintenance. Even different brands using the same design will require different levels of maintenance.

PM me if you want an opinion on a specific brand or design.

[OldDogDan]

It's the sum of the parts that matters, not one particular part.

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by OldDogDan

It's the sum of the parts that matters, not one particular part.

Very true!!

[BrewMaster]

While we are on the subject, would Niner's CVA suspension design fall into one of these major suspension categories, or is it a class unto itself?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

While we are on the subject, would Niner's CVA suspension design fall into one of these major suspension categories, or is it a class unto itself?

like to demo one of these bikes for kicks. The low BB kinda turned me off so it dropped off my list when shopping for a FS bike