Recently, a patent has been granted to Specialized, solidifying their claims. The patent details different ways of executing the design, along with the resulting anti-squat, anti-rise, and leverage ratio numbers. What’s interesting is that the patent description includes a frame with 172 millimeters of travel and images showing a water bottle attached to it. This raises the possibility of this suspension layout being used in the new Enduro, as it has been a while since its last update. While the current Enduro has stood the test of time and its geometry is comparable to bikes released this year, there are areas that could be revised.
The main claim of the patent is that the system allows for greater flexibility in tuning individual aspects of the bike’s suspension performance. The drawings in the patent show in detail how the system functions – a link runs under the bike’s bottom bracket, connecting the chainstay to another short link that pivots around a bearing and drives the shock.
A fascinating aspect of the patent is the mention of ‘field adjustable suspension.’ Some of Specialized’s mountain bikes already have adjustable geometry, but this feature would add another level of customization. The patent describes having multiple attachment points on the seat tube for the link connecting the seatstay to the seat tube. This would allow riders to tune certain performance characteristics, such as anti-rise, to specific terrains or courses without affecting other characteristics significantly.
Another interesting detail mentioned in the patent is the use of different brake mount designs to tune the bike’s anti-rise characteristics. This means adjustments to the brake mount and rear braking system can affect the positioning of the rear braking system in relation to the seat stay member, thus tuning the anti-rise characteristics of the suspension system.
Regarding the overall suspension characteristics of the bike, the goal seems to be predictability. There is no outrageous design, unlike recent trends from other companies. The patent showcases different configurations with 10% – 20% progression depending on the layout. It also mentions the ability to use either a coil or air shock.
The patent also describes frame construction details, stating that the main frame is preferably made of metal materials such as aluminum or steel, fabricated by welding. However, it does mention that alternative materials like composites could be used. A carbon version of this bike is highly anticipated, but it’s intriguing to imagine the reaction if the new Enduro was made of steel.
It remains to be seen if this suspension system will be featured in the next generation of the Enduro or if Specialized will take a different approach altogether.
