Kinematics

9/16/2025 9:06pm
jalopyj wrote:
I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links...

I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links and catering higher leverage links for lighter riders. I'm on a Kavenz and I feel like I'm on the cusp (73kgs) between their linkage options and am wondering if I'll find any benefit going to a higher leverage/more progressive set-up (30% progression vs. ~24% progression). For a high pivot bike, at times I was expecting it to be more plush/magic carpety, but instead, I find it quite supportive even if its at the cost of some feedback through my feet, and I am wondering if it's due to that lower starting leverage curve, etc. It is very consistent however throughout its travel, which I appreciate.

I wonder if you have correct spring rate and clicker settings. Those 2 options can dramatically change the feel of the bike.  Not saying that all...

I wonder if you have correct spring rate and clicker settings. Those 2 options can dramatically change the feel of the bike.  Not saying that all high pivot  have a magic carpet feel, but maybe there is a set up issue that is off. Everything plays together, leverage spring and damping setting.

jalopyj wrote:
I've tried running compression wide open and it definitely helps with the bike feel much more plush, but I lose out on quite a bit of...

I've tried running compression wide open and it definitely helps with the bike feel much more plush, but I lose out on quite a bit of support as well as control as the rear gets a bit busy. I usually don't mind running in a bit more compression at the expense of comfort for more support and consistency throughout the travel. 

Have you tried dropping a spring rate then adding compression back in?

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synBike
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9/18/2025 1:37pm Edited Date/Time 9/18/2025 1:41pm
jalopyj wrote:
I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links...

I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links and catering higher leverage links for lighter riders. I'm on a Kavenz and I feel like I'm on the cusp (73kgs) between their linkage options and am wondering if I'll find any benefit going to a higher leverage/more progressive set-up (30% progression vs. ~24% progression). For a high pivot bike, at times I was expecting it to be more plush/magic carpety, but instead, I find it quite supportive even if its at the cost of some feedback through my feet, and I am wondering if it's due to that lower starting leverage curve, etc. It is very consistent however throughout its travel, which I appreciate.

All other things the same (ex. same shock) a higher starting leverage offers less compression support; lower starting leverage more compression support. Without changing the shock tune you will notice this leverage offset far more than you will notice the progression difference. On the Kavenz its a BIG offset (~0.3 between the links) with no crossover point like many flip chips. IMO the 3.25 starting leverage is about as high as you would want to go but the progression amount is pretty proportional and the curve looks reasonable.

Somewhere in the 3-3.15 range is roughly what I would consider ideal for modern shocks with standard tunes. Anything over 3.3 generally gets into the too-soft too-progressive region and anything under ~2.9 gets into the area where people start wanting to move from medium to light tunes. 

At 73kgs you will have no issue with the softer link unless your shock tune is particularly soft. You will need to increase spring rate 50-75lbs/in to have the same level of spring support. 

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jalopyj
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9/18/2025 2:55pm
jalopyj wrote:
I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links...

I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links and catering higher leverage links for lighter riders. I'm on a Kavenz and I feel like I'm on the cusp (73kgs) between their linkage options and am wondering if I'll find any benefit going to a higher leverage/more progressive set-up (30% progression vs. ~24% progression). For a high pivot bike, at times I was expecting it to be more plush/magic carpety, but instead, I find it quite supportive even if its at the cost of some feedback through my feet, and I am wondering if it's due to that lower starting leverage curve, etc. It is very consistent however throughout its travel, which I appreciate.

synBike wrote:
All other things the same (ex. same shock) a higher starting leverage offers less compression support; lower starting leverage more compression support. Without changing the shock...

All other things the same (ex. same shock) a higher starting leverage offers less compression support; lower starting leverage more compression support. Without changing the shock tune you will notice this leverage offset far more than you will notice the progression difference. On the Kavenz its a BIG offset (~0.3 between the links) with no crossover point like many flip chips. IMO the 3.25 starting leverage is about as high as you would want to go but the progression amount is pretty proportional and the curve looks reasonable.

Somewhere in the 3-3.15 range is roughly what I would consider ideal for modern shocks with standard tunes. Anything over 3.3 generally gets into the too-soft too-progressive region and anything under ~2.9 gets into the area where people start wanting to move from medium to light tunes. 

At 73kgs you will have no issue with the softer link unless your shock tune is particularly soft. You will need to increase spring rate 50-75lbs/in to have the same level of spring support. 

Interesting point, as Kavenz recommended a lighter tune with the older link. I've had my DHX2 tuned accordingly by Fluid Focus. I wonder if I should consider re-retuning it if I do go with the high leverage link.

All that said, I've been gelling really well with the bike my last few rides and don't know if the juice will be worth the squeeze. 

1
9/19/2025 6:10am
jalopyj wrote:
I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links...

I know starting leverage ratio has been touched on a bit here. I find it interesting companies like Raaw and Kavenz are marketing different rocker links and catering higher leverage links for lighter riders. I'm on a Kavenz and I feel like I'm on the cusp (73kgs) between their linkage options and am wondering if I'll find any benefit going to a higher leverage/more progressive set-up (30% progression vs. ~24% progression). For a high pivot bike, at times I was expecting it to be more plush/magic carpety, but instead, I find it quite supportive even if its at the cost of some feedback through my feet, and I am wondering if it's due to that lower starting leverage curve, etc. It is very consistent however throughout its travel, which I appreciate.

synBike wrote:
All other things the same (ex. same shock) a higher starting leverage offers less compression support; lower starting leverage more compression support. Without changing the shock...

All other things the same (ex. same shock) a higher starting leverage offers less compression support; lower starting leverage more compression support. Without changing the shock tune you will notice this leverage offset far more than you will notice the progression difference. On the Kavenz its a BIG offset (~0.3 between the links) with no crossover point like many flip chips. IMO the 3.25 starting leverage is about as high as you would want to go but the progression amount is pretty proportional and the curve looks reasonable.

Somewhere in the 3-3.15 range is roughly what I would consider ideal for modern shocks with standard tunes. Anything over 3.3 generally gets into the too-soft too-progressive region and anything under ~2.9 gets into the area where people start wanting to move from medium to light tunes. 

At 73kgs you will have no issue with the softer link unless your shock tune is particularly soft. You will need to increase spring rate 50-75lbs/in to have the same level of spring support. 

jalopyj wrote:
Interesting point, as Kavenz recommended a lighter tune with the older link. I've had my DHX2 tuned accordingly by Fluid Focus. I wonder if I should...

Interesting point, as Kavenz recommended a lighter tune with the older link. I've had my DHX2 tuned accordingly by Fluid Focus. I wonder if I should consider re-retuning it if I do go with the high leverage link.

All that said, I've been gelling really well with the bike my last few rides and don't know if the juice will be worth the squeeze. 

Ive been playing this game a bit, leverage / spring / retune. and also using fluid focus.  It's getting to be expensive, I'm considering trying Vorsprung shock where they give us the ability to change shim stack preload which widens our usable area for tunes.  New tunes do help, but i've been trying all possible adjustment combinations and using data before sending for a retune, then I can give them some information, like; here are my shaft speeds and my clickers are at  X, X, ect.  you could do the same,  say you try a link and then say this is too stiff and your wide open on clicks or this is too soft now and I'm fully closed.   But I've also been in many cases where leverage and spring didn't require new tune, hahah so it;s hard to say for sure.

3
9/21/2025 11:41am Edited Date/Time 9/21/2025 11:42am

Commencal Muc Off trying new rear end. 
IMG 8222
IMG 8223 0
Estimated kinematics from @Downamics on IG

IMG 8221
3
9/25/2025 6:11am

More conversions from seatstay to chainstay axle positions. Possible AR change from what they learned on brake arm or just the feel of linkage single pivot feel?

IMG 8269
1
9/25/2025 9:08am

Changing to a linkage driven single pivot similar to Kona from a Horst setup dramatically increases anti-rise at start of travel and it drops more over full travel. Comparatively, the changes Commencal has made barely change anything. I would hazard to guess that Commencal is more after changes in compliance than kinematics.

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joshmtb
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9/30/2025 2:55am
Resurrecting this to talk about the calculation of anti-squat. I've mentioned before that I don't like the method of tracing lines all over the place. This...

Resurrecting this to talk about the calculation of anti-squat. I've mentioned before that I don't like the method of tracing lines all over the place. This is because it loses track of what the actual interactions are. Below is an annotated image showing how I like to go about anti-squat.

Anti-squat

In this case, Fa is the acceleration force, Fc is the chain tension, and Fr is the total rear axle force which is the sum of Fr and Fc. Note that all of this is working with vectors, so all forces and radii have an x and y values. One assumption made is that Fa is horizontal so it happens to have a y component that is zero. Fa can be calculated from Fc or the other way around. Fc multiplied by the radius of the gear it's in is equal to Fa multiplied by the radius of the wheel. Now, while Fa and Fc are denoted in their respective locations, we aren't going to use those locations beyond finding one as a function of the other. For the next step, we consider the total rear axle force. As stated before, this is the sum of Fa and Fc, so it will have both an x and y component. I put an exaggerated version of it in the upper left. It's worth noting that, because the wheel radius is much larger than the gear radius, Fc will always be the largest component of the rear axle force. 

So now getting in to the final step of what acts to extend and compress the suspension... If you aren't familiar with taking the cross product of vectors, they are a really simple way to find the moment about a point and that's what I'll be using here. There are two moments to consider: M1 which is the moment created about the IC by the total axle force (Fr) and M2 which is the moment created about the IC by the acceleration of the CG. M1 is the cross product of r1 (orange line from IC to rear axle) and Fr. M2 is the cross product of r2 (orange line from IC to CG) and Fa at the CG. As it sits in the image above, M1 is acting to extend the suspension. There is a crossover point where Fr is parallel to r1 where M1 is zero. Once Fr flips to the opposing side of r1, the sign of M1 changes and it is then acting to compress the suspension. M2 is always acting to compress the suspension unless you happen to somehow have an IC above your CG. At the point where M1 is equal to M2, accelerating will neither compress nor extend the suspension. If M1 is less than M2, the suspension will compress. If M1 is greater than M2, the suspension will extend. You could create a percentage from this if you like by looking at M1/M2.

I often times mention chain growth rate. The reason I like to look at that is it summarizes M1 nicely by making a couple of assumptions without getting lost in where your CG is located. That's something that's wildly different person to person after all. The assumptions it makes are that Fc is sufficiently larger than Fa such that the vector Fr will be close to parallel to Fc and that you can use the small angle theorem to assume that the vector Fr is effectively parallel to the line connecting the rear axle to the chainring, or idler if the bike has one.

Brining this back from a while ago....

Is anti squat then the ratio of moments about the instantaneous center of the rear swing arm? I.e.sum of the moment from the wheel and chain tension divided by moment caused by accelerating the center of mass?

1
9/30/2025 9:18am
Changing to a linkage driven single pivot similar to Kona from a Horst setup dramatically increases anti-rise at start of travel and it drops more over...

Changing to a linkage driven single pivot similar to Kona from a Horst setup dramatically increases anti-rise at start of travel and it drops more over full travel. Comparatively, the changes Commencal has made barely change anything. I would hazard to guess that Commencal is more after changes in compliance than kinematics.

My guess is that they've fettled with the link to cater to Loris' riding style and size. Amaury seems to still be on the normal link, which by my estimations has a lower initial AR with a higher initial leverage rate. The new link seems to have a lower leverage rate, a bit like how Kavenz and some other brands offer different rockers for heavier or lighter riders?

9/30/2025 9:20am
joshmtb wrote:
Brining this back from a while ago....Is anti squat then the ratio of moments about the instantaneous center of the rear swing arm? I.e.sum of the...

Brining this back from a while ago....

Is anti squat then the ratio of moments about the instantaneous center of the rear swing arm? I.e.sum of the moment from the wheel and chain tension divided by moment caused by accelerating the center of mass?

Precisely. Theoretically at 100% anti-squat the sum of the moments about the IC is zero so the suspension neither squats nor rises. In reality, I think you want a little more than that to counter center of mass bobbing up and down. That's a hard one to quantify though. You could argue that for a bike that's geared towards fire road climbs where you're seated most or all of the time you could do minimal anti-squat and see no bob.

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joshmtb
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9/30/2025 11:21am
joshmtb wrote:
Brining this back from a while ago....Is anti squat then the ratio of moments about the instantaneous center of the rear swing arm? I.e.sum of the...

Brining this back from a while ago....

Is anti squat then the ratio of moments about the instantaneous center of the rear swing arm? I.e.sum of the moment from the wheel and chain tension divided by moment caused by accelerating the center of mass?

Precisely. Theoretically at 100% anti-squat the sum of the moments about the IC is zero so the suspension neither squats nor rises. In reality, I think...

Precisely. Theoretically at 100% anti-squat the sum of the moments about the IC is zero so the suspension neither squats nor rises. In reality, I think you want a little more than that to counter center of mass bobbing up and down. That's a hard one to quantify though. You could argue that for a bike that's geared towards fire road climbs where you're seated most or all of the time you could do minimal anti-squat and see no bob.

Thanks, that makes perfect sense. The diagrams with all the lines over the front wheel you see in other articles don't really articulate what is happening!

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kane
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9/30/2025 1:16pm
joshmtb wrote:

Thanks, that makes perfect sense. The diagrams with all the lines over the front wheel you see in other articles don't really articulate what is happening!

The lines don't easily relate to the physical reasoning behind anti-squat but they are fully consistent (can be derived from the force balance with a bit of trigonometry), and a really useful design tool. It's much easier to visualise the effect of moving pivot points on the graphical interpretation. 

Remember that all the graphical line diagrams become invalid when there's a moving idler, and if the idler has a different IC to the wheel then the ratio of moment's about the wheel IC is also not correct. Then, it's best to revert to basics; solve the linkage for forces at the shock and define the anti-squat using those terms so that the shock force is zero when the anti-squat is 100%.

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DMdh
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10/1/2025 1:49am

Hello! I have a question on how it would change de feel of the shock when using a more progressive linkage , Does it rebound faster? 

I have a sc v10.8 and when changing from the middle to the low position on the lower link I feel that the bike is more progressive. I dont have any numbers or info that confirms what im writing but what its supossed to be a geometry adjuster feels more like a dinamic adjustement, the bike feels like it starts softer riding lower in the travel. 

In theory, what damping adjustments would you need when using a more progressive linkage regarding compression and rebound.?

 

1
1llumA
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10/1/2025 3:30am

AFAIK the lower linkage flip chip on all Santa Cruz model also changes the leverage ratio curve. Rocky Ride4 also affect leverage ratio curve.

I would start with sag cause you might need a stiffer spring (assuming you are on the stock DHX2 or Vivid Coil) or slightly add more air pressure.

 

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Primoz
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10/1/2025 4:06am

Anything moving around linkage pivots will affect the leverage ratio. The question is to what degree though. 

@CascadeComponents seated fireroad climbs are where antisquat should shine the most (resisting the CoG weight transfer) as the rider is most fixed relative to the suspension while standing up there's a lot more movement overall and it's harder to cover all the situations. 

Years ago pedal bob was handled with climb switches (LSC closed off) then we moved to antisquat when the industry got more informed. Now with all the pedal feedback issues it might be a case of either going back or throwing yet more technology at the problem (pivot heights and idler and smart lockouts). 

1
10/1/2025 11:08am
Primoz wrote:
Anything moving around linkage pivots will affect the leverage ratio. The question is to what degree though. @CascadeComponents seated fireroad climbs are where antisquat should shine the...

Anything moving around linkage pivots will affect the leverage ratio. The question is to what degree though. 

@CascadeComponents seated fireroad climbs are where antisquat should shine the most (resisting the CoG weight transfer) as the rider is most fixed relative to the suspension while standing up there's a lot more movement overall and it's harder to cover all the situations. 

Years ago pedal bob was handled with climb switches (LSC closed off) then we moved to antisquat when the industry got more informed. Now with all the pedal feedback issues it might be a case of either going back or throwing yet more technology at the problem (pivot heights and idler and smart lockouts). 

You might be able to notice the affects of anti-squat more when seated, but standing and pedaling is where most people need more of it. Pedaling technique could be debated, but most move up and down quite a bit when pedaling while standing. That load adds to the squat that would be experienced from accelerations forces alone.

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Primoz
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10/1/2025 11:16am

Agreed, but outside DH bikes, are there any other bikes where it makes sense to optimize AS for out of saddle pedalling?

1
10/1/2025 11:17am
DMdh wrote:
Hello! I have a question on how it would change de feel of the shock when using a more progressive linkage , Does it rebound faster? I...

Hello! I have a question on how it would change de feel of the shock when using a more progressive linkage , Does it rebound faster? 

I have a sc v10.8 and when changing from the middle to the low position on the lower link I feel that the bike is more progressive. I dont have any numbers or info that confirms what im writing but what its supossed to be a geometry adjuster feels more like a dinamic adjustement, the bike feels like it starts softer riding lower in the travel. 

In theory, what damping adjustments would you need when using a more progressive linkage regarding compression and rebound.?

 

I haven't looked at the V10 in depth enough to compare the flip chip settings, but with most Santa Cruz frames the flip chip makes the bike ever so slightly more progressive in the low setting. Usually it's a small enough amount where I'd say most people wouldn't really notice it. But again, haven't looked at the V10 flip chips.

As far as adjustments for a leverage curve that starts higher and ends lower, getting the right spring rate for sag is the best spot to start. Beyond that, adding a little compression damping is often times useful. Rebound would more depend on the spring you run. If you run a stiffer spring then slowing rebound a little is good, but if you don't run a stiffer spring you wouldn't need to slow it.

Another thing that happens when making a bike slacker is the amount of fork pressure required to handle vertical impacts decreases. I don't think Santa Cruz flip chips are dramatic enough for this to be noticeable, but sometimes if the fork becomes stiffer it can make the rear feel softer than before.

4
10/1/2025 11:18am
Primoz wrote:

Agreed, but outside DH bikes, are there any other bikes where it makes sense to optimize AS for out of saddle pedalling?

I would depend on the trails. There are plenty of more XC oriented places around here where climbing out of the saddle is frequent. 

4
10/15/2025 2:36pm

Sorry if I'm now spamming this, but anyone reading this thread should be interested to know Tony Foales book MOTORCYCLE HANDLING AND CHASSIS DESIGN: the art and science is back in print after 20 years, and in that time I don't think I've found a better reference book on the topic!

Get it now so you don't need to wait decades like I have to buy a copy! I've got a physical copy of the original 80's book but the second edition added a TON of excellent information that is still highly relevant

 https://a.co/d/bmfsZFI

5
4/7/2026 4:18pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2026 4:21pm

Can any kinematicians give me some advice?


I’m running a 32t with o-chain on my arrival (which varies from 140mm to 170mm).


I’m going to pop a new derailleur and shifter on, and wondering if moving to a 30 x 9-45 is a good idea to reduce mass in the wheel and get some ground clearance. 

Will the o-chain be sufficient to offset the downsides on 30 v 32t or are there factors I’m missing?


Thank you!


Edit: I’ve just realised that the o-chain may not accept a 30t… but still, value informed perspectives.

1
4/7/2026 6:02pm
Can any kinematicians give me some advice?I’m running a 32t with o-chain on my arrival (which varies from 140mm to 170mm).I’m going to pop a new...

Can any kinematicians give me some advice?


I’m running a 32t with o-chain on my arrival (which varies from 140mm to 170mm).


I’m going to pop a new derailleur and shifter on, and wondering if moving to a 30 x 9-45 is a good idea to reduce mass in the wheel and get some ground clearance. 

Will the o-chain be sufficient to offset the downsides on 30 v 32t or are there factors I’m missing?


Thank you!


Edit: I’ve just realised that the o-chain may not accept a 30t… but still, value informed perspectives.

this is just from the 170mm model in the linkage web library - so assuming its accurate enough - but dropping both the front ring and cassette would make a negligible change in pedal kickback (like half a degree in the hardest gears, zero difference in the easiest). If you only changed the front ring to 30t and left the cassette, there would be a couple more degrees PK in the easy gears which the o-chain should be able to account for.

So in theory, if you were able to change both - no difference to PK but the easiest gear would be harder (if that matters) 

And if you did just do the chainring, the o-chain should offset it enough too. 

I'm not sure there would be much noticeable change in ground clearance or unsprung mass, the biggest difference would be gearing IMO

1

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