YT Tues vs. Specialized Demo - Linkage Analysis 17

Great comparative analysis and I loved the video format! However, In my experience the demo has the lowest braking traction/grip of all the DH bikes I have ridden. In my opinion the closer you are to 100% anti-rise the better the grip and control under braking. This is one of the reasons why I sold my demo, that and the pedal strikes from the low BB and pedal bob

This is why Vital is the best. I might take issue with these bikes being "completely different", especially compared to a high single pivot or VPP. They both still have a negative sloped AS, super low anti-rise, and a consistently progressive leverage ratio (although I agree that the demo is pretty linear for a 200mm bike, it's still an evenly negative slope, which is very different than some bikes with top-swing links driving the shock)

This is a cool piece, but I hope everyone read the disclaimer on the last slide and paid particular attention to the statement "The models are an approximation to the real bikes..." The truth is you can't get a very accurate model without measuring these bikes extremely accurately. Example: I was discussing something about our suspension with our design team, and asked if changing something by a millimeter or two would have a noticeable effect on the bike. Their reply was, "Millimeter?! We were laboring over thousandths of a inch!!"

well, I guess Gwin has its own way for getting a chainless feeling with any bike

Someone tested and found the demo rode better chainless.

I love how vital gets nerdy on stuff like this, but I was hoping it would be chaz on the demo vs session next level nerdy

Needz Moar Shimz!

That was great need more!

This is sweet! Love to see more of them!

Do this more often! This is the kind of info we need when shopping for new bikes, not highly subjective reviews that say the same thing about every bike!

The Linkage Design blog that LuisCR links to below is a great resource for some hard and fast numbers. We have our own copy of the Linkage software and reference designs often to help us explain what we feel on trail during reviews. Sometimes bikes can look great when analyzed on paper, but perform like poo in the real world, which is where those "subjective" opinions really come into play. One thing this software analysis doesn't show is the impact a shock tune has on the ride, which is chosen by each brand. Turns out it's not always white and black! (which surprised us too)

In addition, the software isn't perfectly accurate as most of these models are based on photos, not precise dimensions. It's wild how much difference a few millimeters in pivot placement can make sometimes. That said, it's a great starting point when evaluating potential new rides.

Very interesting. I'm tempted to buy the software and compare everything out there haha.

If you get a chance I'd be interested in seeing how the Capra and Enduro compare

http://linkagedesign.blogspot.com.es/2014/02/young-talent-capra-2015.html

http://linkagedesign.blogspot.com.es/2014/08/specialized-enduro-650b-2015.html

It ain't the arrow it's the Indian.

Didn't Aaron explain that the modified link and the air shock on the Demo was to make it more progressive?

Yes, but it seems that YT is still much more progressive than the Demo with modified link

Gwin would add shims to rigid bike. Must stiffen it up.