If you’re just an average Sunday bicyclist, chances are good you never thought much about your bike’s suspension system. But if you’re a serious cyclist and performance is your gig, then bicycle shock absorbers are something you’re going to want to know something about. They play an important role in how your bike responds to different terrain and how comfortable it is to ride on rough surfaces.
Back in the day, 1869 to be more exact, one of the first true bicycles was called rather affectionately “the boneshaker”. It doesn’t take much reach of the imagination to figure out how it earned this moniker because it was extremely uncomfortable to ride. And that can be contributed to its construction. It was quite a cumbersome beast sporting wooden wheels and a wrought iron frame. While its creators did have the foresight to know suspension was important, it was nothing more than a long flat spring upon which a saddle-type seat was affixed. If you had to travel a very rough road, a-bouncing you would go.
That’s quite a throw-back when you consider the technology involved in the suspension systems of bicycles today, especially on high-performance mountain and hybrid bikes. And, even though you can find them on any type of bicycle, nothing is more important than the shock absorber. If you’re really venturing out for some rugged 2-wheeling the right shocks can mean the difference between a terrifying ride and soaring with the eagles.
What do bicycle shock absorbers do?
The most obvious is they allow the wheel to move up and down when it meets an obstacle without jarring the rider.
The shock also helps to control the speed of the axle when the wheels hits something and then returns to its original position. This motion is known as “dampening”.
No shock compensation can also desirable, especially during long climbs, and some shocks come with a lock-out feature. This enables the shock aborber to be frozen into place and give no motion compensation.
The 3 different types of shocks.
- The Air shock uses compressed air as the spring. It’s easily adjusted by adding or releasing air and also comes with the lock-out feature.
- Spring shocks utilize exactly what their name implies: a metal spring. In the middle of the spring there is free-flowing fluid which aids dampening. These are also adjustable but don’t come with the lock-out ability.
- Elastomer shocks use compressed rubber or rubber-type material which compresses and rebounds. The tension can also be adjusted.
Shock Maintenance
Much like a car, and depending on how heavily used your bicycle is, your shock absorbers will need to be serviced. This ensures they continue performing at their peak. You should from time to time check them thoroughly for any signs of leaking oil and test the damper performance. Clean the boot and wipe off the outside and apply a small amount of bearing grease if needed and lube the wiper. This will lessen the need for costly repairs.
We’ve definitely come a long way from the boneshaker. Riders can choose the perfect bike suspension to fit their comfort and performance needs. Bet you never thought there was so much that went into bicycle shock absorbers. The builders of that first bike must be rolling in their graves.
Recent Comments