K2 / Proflex Riders Group

General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: DugB on July 30, 2009, 06:10:25 pm

Title: Vector from 1907
Post by: DugB on July 30, 2009, 06:10:25 pm

Check out this old bicycle patent:

http://bicyclepatents.com/early-front-bike-suspension/119/

Looks like out forks, and really like a lot of old motorcycle suspensions, like the one on my old '41 Zundapp (which sadly and happily isn't mine anymore):

http://www.zundappfool.com/images/visitors%20bikes%20I-X/visitors_bikes/IMGP3537%20-%20resized_a.jpg

Title: Re: Vector from 1907
Post by: shovelon on July 30, 2009, 07:18:27 pm

Well what a find. Looks like those are very workable linkage forks. :)

Title: Re: Vector from 1907
Post by: whisperdancer on August 02, 2009, 06:52:47 am

Looks like the Cannondale had some inspiration here:

http://bicyclepatents.com/the-first-front-suspension-bicycle/134/

Title: Re: Vector from 1907
Post by: DugB on August 07, 2009, 01:32:45 pm

Just thinking...that old 1907 design wouldn't have one thing that our bikes do: the J path. The Girvin behaves like that because the top linkage arms are actually shorter than the bottoms, right? I think that 1907 design is actually more similar to the Fournales than our forks.

Just wondering...

- Doug

Title: Re: Vector from 1907
Post by: shovelon on August 07, 2009, 03:05:56 pm

I think you are right. But I think the girvins take a direct hit better because the fork leg is allowed to rotate the upper link forward in a see-saw fashion. Sooo, when I brake the front wheel tucks under as well as compresses??????????

Terry